After arriving in London the end of July, we quarantined for the 14-days and starting venturing out. Stores are open and masks are required inside and on all public transport.The government is paying people to go out to eat. Yes. Paying people to go out and stimulate the economy. Social distancing is practiced. Gel is required at the door, as are reservations. And then there is the QR code to register your presence so they can notify you if someone at the restaurant contracts COVID in the next two weeks. And several tourist sites are open for business. But not all.
We went to The Tower of London and saw the Crown Jewels without anyone else in the room with us. That NEVER happens. We went to Westminster Abbey, and were disappointed to not see several of the smaller memorials because the space is too tight to maintain social distancing. But, no crowds.
I decided to start with Hampton Court Palace for the beginning of our next 3 months of adventures. I’m trying out various different apps to edit together the photos and videos. And typing on the WordPress app to update my blog. We will see how easy this turns out to be. I’m also trying to keep my videos short so that they are quick and easy to watch.
So, Hampton Court Palace. Henry VIII’s Tudor Palace with the original tapestries still hanging and a great big fire pit (although not really a pit) in the middle of the great room. Originally, Hampton Court Palace was home to Cardinal Wolsey who was kicked out when he failed to secure a divorce for Henry VIII. You can find all the history here at Historical Royal Palaces. OR watch The Tudors on Netflix.
Notes: The kitchens are the largest in Tudor England. They produced over 800 meals twice a day. Over 200 staff to chop, cook, and serve. The dining rooms were quite a ways away, as well. Amazing to imagine.
There is a fountain in the courtyard that was originally intended to spew out wine. They say they can still make it happen on special occasions.
The gardens are spectacular. And there is the oldest vine in the world. It produced the grapes for the King/Queen’s table. Only for the Royal Table. It was forbidden to eat any of those grapes. However, now, in September when it is being harvested, one can purchase a bunch of grapes from this vine. There is a whole area outside the green house where they roots are tended.
Next up: Bath and Stonehenge.
Al hits the road is awesome!!!