Churchill War Rooms

While at Windsor Castle asked the security staff about the Churchill War Rooms. This site ranks highly as things to see in London. They assured me I had adequate time to get there, gave directions, and I was on my way. Grateful I made this visit as it was astounding. These are the actual rooms where Churchill worked during World War II. Besides seeing the rooms there were also fascinating displays depicting the various eras of Churchill’s life. For those war buffs plan a whole day visit, for others at least 3 hours.

A must see.

The War Room
His Cabinet
Another extremely important Room in the underground.

Sad World War II Facts…

  • 30,000 killed in London
  • 60,000 killed in Britain
  • Half million homes destroyed in London
  • Four million homes destroyed in Britain
  • Approximately 20,000 tons of bombs fell on London
  • Approximately 70,000 tons of bombs fell on Britain

The War Room in the underground is totally intact. Both Churchill and his wife, Clemmie, maintained a room at the underground, however, it was stated Churchill only napped there and slept only 3 nights during the War.

Clemmie’s Room left and Winston’s Room above

Churchill hated noise and staff in the underground worked 18 hour days and entire weekends. Both men and women worked tirelessly devoted to the cause.

Eleven typists worked in this small area.

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Caveat: After the visit, stop by the Park across from the War Rooms. It is devoted to Diana, another warrior.

Windsor Castle

Took the train from London to Windsor which was a delightful hour and 15 minute journey. From the train station the walk is brief but climb steep. Upon entry you are welcomed by Prince Charles via headset. The tour is informative with historians giving information on the Castle interiors.

On the day of my visit the weather was stellar and the gardens pristine. Can understand why the Queen loves to be here. Almost heaven..

Make reservations as the Queen still resides here every weekend. Arrive early to see all, and attend the Changing of the Guard. This is a fun and interesting event which occurred at 11 on the day of my visit.

Was unable to see the interior of St. George’s Chapel due to the Queen’s Centennial, however an outside picture. The Changing of the Guard occurs next to St. George’s.

The beauty and majesty of this Castle from 1377 where 39 monarchs have lived, and 10 buried is breathtaking. The Queen’s art collection is beyond robust with over 1 million items in the Royal Collection. All are on the web at http://www.RCT.UK.

Found the Queen Anne Dollhouse a fascinating exhibit. Take time to view all the intricacies. There also is a restaurant where tea is served and is a good rest from the visit. Plan on at least 2 to 3 hours. Much to see.

After visiting Windsor take time to visit the town. It is a trip back in history with its many fish and chip shops, souvenir shops, and the like. Much to see and enjoy. It is a memory you will never forget.

Covid Testing in the UK

I lied, actually I forgot… Prior to Windsor Castle had to get Covid tested as testing was mandatory for ship entry within a 72 hour time frame, so had to hussle. From London was headed on a cruise, stay tuned. Finding a place near the hostel in the early morning hours was a data mining nightmare doing this from the US, but I prevailed locating a pharmacy inside a grocery store 3 miles from the hostel. Bus transport was convenient so was on my way…

Read the Metro from the bus kiosk for entertainment while waiting for store opening. For a laugh..

  • Babies given rubber bottles are likely to have a rubber fetish
  • The Queen’s 1947 wedding cake slice in its original box is up for auction
  • Japanese scientists have developed a way to cover a robotic finger with skin
  • And my favorite – unions urging increase in nursing pay for their “miserly wages” – like that is going to happen..

Upon completing the Metro the Sainsbury grocery opened. Since the pharmacy was not ready for me I explored the store finding clothing, liquor/wine, and other amenities available besides the traditional food stuffs. Just like US!

Once the pharmacy opened a friendly pharmacist swabbed the nose then waiting on pins and needles for 10 minutes received welcome news. The pharmacist steered me to the appropriate bus and train station and I was on my way to Windsor.

WHEW…. Never have I known negative to be such a positive..

Arrival at London Destination

Was unsure of the hostel location upon arrival at the train stop, however, once again friendly Londoners came through with directions. Locating the hostel entry was also problematic as it was a small door next to a rock music venue. While this location was a bit daunting I went with the flow and ventured forth.

With hostels one never knows what to expect, however, staff are always knowledgeable about transportation, friendly, patient, and guests insightful. The Expedia flight included three free nights at the hostel so who can argue with free room in London for 3 nights? As predicted the hostel manager was amazing with his assist, and even carried my bag to the 4th floor. What more could a girl ask for?

Upon entry to the room I introduced myself to three other women from New Zealand and South Korea. They gave me the lay of the land, some cell phone assist, and foretold the nightly rock music till 3 am. Instructions received I quickly unpacked and arranged the items needed for the next day as each of the 3 days included a 6 am departure to my destinations. Once out and about found the area safe with grocery stores and restaurants. Since I had been diagnosed with lactose intolerance within the month, (another blog), purchased orange juice, and relied on the hostel offering of bananas for my daily breakfast.

The welcomed ATM – unsure why anyone uses the airport cash transaction windows? Enlighten me.

Upon hostel return I showered in a clean bathroom, and made my way to the upper level bunk bed. While the music probably did last till 3 am exhaustion prevailed and surprisingly I slept.

Tomorrow: Windsor Palace

Departure Time

It’s 2:15, and I am awake ready for the 3:15 pick up. What a challenging trip this has been. Yesterday was the covid test, and I was NEGATIVE, I PASSED! One of the men on the trip failed twice so he will be quarantined. That was my greatest nightmare. Unsure if his covid negative wife will stay. Funny, never saw him wear a mask, but she was meticulous.

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Have much to do upon my return.. Pick up mail, do gi testing, buy a cell phone, and visit Carespot as I think I have bronchitis to add to the frey. Hell to get old.

I must compliment Verizon service as the chat folks explained how to suspend service, and make the lost cellphone a rock. In reading the internet sites when this is done no one can steal your information, only sell off the cellphone components. Reassuring, however, not looking for the extra thousand dollar bill for a cell phone.

Last night was the good bye dinner. As a solo traveler few connected with me, and while I could say covid, it wasn’t that. People stay in their herds, and that is fine. I do not come for the socialization, only the visit. Weird or craziness when 2 sets of folks wanted me to join them at dinner. I demurred, and even crazier when they offered their emails. Never once have I received a reply when these were given so told the folks that, and then said what a wonderful trip it was, and I enjoyed their company. Liar… HA! HA! as my daughter would say.

Even though I am a psych nurse I’ll never understand human behavior or even attempt to.

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Think it’s time for a dog!

Things Forgotten

Must admit am a little rusty in traveling abroad. The following four items bear mentioning..

  • Hotel floors begin at level 0. If your room is on the 4th floor it actually is the 5th. For skeptics who wish to avoid the 13th floor don’t take a room on the 12th floor in the EU.
  • To obtain electricity in the hotel room there is a small plastic sleeve next to the door. Slip the plastic key card in it and Viola – you have lights! And don’t forget that is where your room key is stored…
  • Potty charge – challenging to find a loo without paying a fee of .50 euros. How I miss the US on this one….
  • The EU has different plugs. Have used this Amazon one for years, but also bring a bag of adapters as more than one is needed. As things have progressed am finding more and more hotels have USB ports for adapters sometimes even hidden in the base of lamps. This lessens the need for adaptors.
Haozi $16.99 Amazon, and I receive no financial gain from this recommendation, only grateful to pass it on. Have had “challenges” with others.. This blue baby has even survived water damage, though don’t recommend you test it. Ha! Ha! as my daughter would say. The picture is the size of the device.

Despite these minor hiccups am surviving my second EU trip post pandemic. Even did a subway in Vienna today, but that is for later.

I remain a Europhil, and once a Europhil, always a Europhil.

Jinxed Myself..

Today I suffered the entire day with gi concerns. Dinner last night was supposedly dairy free but think the small potatoes in the lettuce salad had butter coating, or the chicken was baked in butter??. Made a quick potty trip prior to morning bus departure, and when I returned from the loo found the bus traveling out of the parking lot. Guess the tour guide counted wrong. Once on the bus got a round of applause. Just what one wants after suffering in the potty, however, I smiled.

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As the day progressed the suffering did as well, and smiles were too challenging. Someone took my sanctuary in the back of the bus, and when I returned to my assigned seat the passengers behind me complained I had moved the seat back too far.. Don’t you just love group events???

At dinner while attempting to get a non-dairy meal the waitress messed up. When I attempted to correct her a fellow traveler came to the waitresses rescue, and lambasted me. That was all I needed after being ill all day. Said this to the fellow traveler as she continued her tirade. Then she began to placate with — are you feeling better??? Add insult to injury.. I moved to a table in the other room away from the group.

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The tour guide intervened, and the restaurant manager handled my needs. As my fellow travelers sang, and danced I sat alone happily with my non-dairy meal then took a short walk.

Later one of the men from the tour sought me out and presented me with a yellow rose. Nice touch.

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Moral of the story: Will stick with Expedia, and travel solo. The November group tour is officially cancelled. No more groups………………

Day 8 of 14…

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Trip going well. Funny, I see little mention of Ukraine in the EU. The only person I’ve seen wearing the Ukrainian flag colors is me. Today in one of the churches there was a banner stating, “Pray for Ukraine,” which was a first.

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Maybe the Europeans are turning a blind eye to the situation???

Don’t get it.

Am enjoying the trip immensely. Touring Hitler’s Eagles Nest tomorrow. It was his hideaway.

Group is pleasant. Will write about the daily journey once able to download pictures.

Four of the folks in the group still have not received their bags. Since it’s difficult to find reasonable stores and clothing sizes one man paid $170. for a pair of jeans!!!!! It has become the tour joke. Hopefully, Delta will pay.

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Closing on that note. Early departure for Eagles Nest in the am…