Last night we booked a tour to all three attractions, Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Oxford with a tour company called Evan Evans. For my friend Evan back home this is a real endorsement of a fine name so we had high expectations.
Well they did what they said on the can and we did get to all three places albeit fairly briefly as we had no idea how far apart these attractions were. Windsor Castle was OK except I found the grandeur of the State Apartments (like Versailles) to be offensive. Excesses of State on this scale are fortunately no longer tolerated by civilized society. Such opulence could only be achieved at the expense of the commoners. Power must no longer be reinforced in this manner.
At Windsor we were once again fortunate to see the Changing of the Guard, two such ceremonies in two days! At Windsor you can get closer more easily so long as you have paid to enter the Castle. (At Buckingham Palace the ceremony is viewed from public space outside the Palace perimeter)
Then onto Stonehenge. Uluru is way better!
Then to Oxford. Ever since Claire had been so enthusiastic about her visit I have been keen to see this place. The photos speak for themselves. What did surprise was the fact that for an institution so highly revered worldwide that entry is so egalitarian. Entry opportunity is the same for all British residents. In face there is a 1/11 chance of getting in AND the fees are very low by world standards due to strong public funding. Result is massive retention rate well in excess of 90% because students are the best of the vest and they feel a considerable obligation for the public funding. Seems the Brits got this one right.
Back to London and off to our favorite little Pub, The Prince Edward for another delicious meal.