The weather is stupendous! Mid- to high 60's and not a cloud in the sky. It is perfect sightseeing weather - well - just perfect weather period. Roger and Natalie arrive at the appointed time and we are off to Blenheim, the birthplace of Winston Churchill, and one of England's largest houses. The 11th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough still reside here, which is amazing in and of itself that a private entity - family - actually owns this enormous place.
We park easily (actually in shade) and approach the gates for photos. Purchasing our tickets, we then can convert them into an annual pass at no extra charge - which we do and have very cool passes with our pictures on them now. With passes in hand, we walk through the entrance gate into the massive courtyard.
This is quite a site - you have to continually remind yourself that this is not a Royal Palace - but owned by individuals. Wild.
Inside, we opt to take the interactive tour before going through the state rooms. This tour is a wonderful "untold" story history of the palace, how it was conceived, built and the families who made the Palace their home. The visuals are wonderful - using mannequins facing a mirror - with a video playing in the "mirror" to seem like we are watching a real person. The story is great - how the first Duchess watched over the construction like a hawk, what happened, went wrong, successive Dukes and their proclivities (such as the mad scientist Duke) and a wonderful overview of past through present day life in the Palace.
Next we tour the state rooms which are enormous and beautifully appointed. Huge dining halls, tapestries on the walls and the most fabulous library - definitely my most favorite room.
Then of course there is also the too big to be believed organ at the end of the library - its bigger than most Cathedral organs. Wow!
Finally we walk through the chapel - where you can have weddings and ceremonies…
….then out through the formal gardens.
It's a lovely day, and we are thoroughly enjoying our tour.
Done with the Palace, we head out in search of a little snack and beverage. A bit down the road in Begbroke, we find the Royal Sun - a lovely old pub dating back from the 17th Century. It's a wonderful respite with excellent wine, of course beer, and a wide selection of cider for Natalie. We're bad and share some packages of crisps (potato chips) along with our drinks, while we enjoy the timbered beam atmosphere of the traditional pub.
On the way back to Reading, we take the scenic route through Henley on the Thames, where they have the annual regatta, past George Harrison's mansion (well, his widow's now), along the river and through little lanes and roads with trees that form tunnels above us. It's a lovely drive - and a beautiful day to be sharing with our friends.
After a longer than usual ride back - because everyone else is also enjoying the beautiful day - we are running about 1/2 an hour behind. Roger drops us at the hotel to freshen up, then will come back to pick us up in an hour for dinner.
Dinner is a 4 course fabulous event that Natalie whips up seemingly effortlessly. Garlic butter shrimp with side salad to start, followed by a mushroom soup that is light and smooth all at once, then roasted Duck a l'orange with fresh vegetables and a delectable gravy scented with orange for the main.
Superb. Dessert is a spread of fabulous fruits and local cheeses that finish off the meal in high style. It is a thoroughly enjoyable day topped off with a wonderful evening and superb meal!
No comments:
Post a Comment