This was a UCEAP trip to Windsor Castle and Eton. I remember this trip as being very exciting, because I was able to hang out with other study abroad students and take a relaxing break from thinking about school. I had already been to Windsor over Winter Break with my family, but I was glad to be able to return and really pay attention to what I missed the first time around. I was also really happy to get the chance to visit Eton because although I had heard about it, I did not know much about it.
My trip to Windsor began at the train station. I can’t remember clearly, but I think it was Paddington Station. I remember what it looked like, but I am not exactly sure if that was the right one. Anyhow, I was elated to be able to take the train. Taking the train was always so fun for me because it isn’t something that I get to do very much here in the states. I don’t think I had been on a train since I was in elementary school prior to going to Europe. I really enjoy trains because they are so simple and easy. I always feel so calm on them. They are going where they need to go and there isn’t any crazy jerking or stopping and you can just look out the window and see everything pass you by. This is especially true in England because the countryside is so beautiful and green. There is something about it that makes me feel so happy and at ease (I want to go back! I am feeling so nostalgic just thinking about it).
But anyway, trains are AWESOME and I enjoyed the ride with my fellow UCEAP-ers and when we arrived in Windsor we all had lunch together at a local pub. It was such an “English” experience (what else for a study abroad fieldtrip) and of course I ate a steak pie and peas and mash. (Which I just do not understand. I don’t like peas, so I cannot handle this combination. lol) But overall everything was tasty and after we were done we made our way over to the castle.
Because this was my second time visiting I didn’t pay as much attention as I probably should of. I noticed things that I hadn’t before, but my friend’s audio guide broke and so I gave her mine. In hindsight I feel like it would have been cool to listen to the whole thing, especially since I am so interested in the history of it all, but it was her first time there. I did have a lot of fun talking to her about everything I knew about the monarchs though. I was able to use my knowledge of English history for something. As a history major I sometimes feel like there is all this info bouncing around in my head (well, let’s be honest not that much ;) heheh) but I don’t really get to share it with people. It was fun to be able to share what I am interested in with someone else.
After leaving the castle I bought a couple scarves for my mom and myself. There was this cute little shop across the street that was having a sale on the perfect tourist-lover scarves and I just had to buy them.
Our second half, or rather final third of the day, was spent walking over to Eton. On the way there we had a tour guide telling us all about the school and it was really interesting to learn more about it. We even saw some Eton uniform shops and it was cool to see how particular the system is and how important appearance is at the school.
On the way it randomly started raining and we all had to run and huddle under an awning. It was a pretty amazing moment, because it happened as we were crossing this bridge and it created the most beautiful view. And when it randomly stopped the most beautiful double rainbow appeared and everyone gathered for a group picture. And then everyone was taking out their own cameras even as the rain returned. It was a pretty precious moment and I felt special just to have experienced it.
After all the picture taking was through we continued to Eton where many of the students were just coming from class. It was a great time to be there because we were actually able to see the students rather than simply one or two of the outer buildings. All of the students were so cute in their suits with tailcoats. I couldn’t image being such a young child and having to be so dressed up. But they looked so proper and put together and if you didn’t know any better you would assume they must be so well-mannered. But of course they are still young boys after all (lol). It must be strange to be at such a prestigious school. They must feel so much pressure to do well. These are the types of people who go on to Cambridge and Oxford. These are the children of the wealthy and well-known people in the UK. And those who are not will most-likely be important themselves one day. It is all so crazy to imagine! I felt so excited to be able to see a small part of the school and get a better understanding of what it means to go there.
Overall my day in Windsor was really refreshing and fun. It was nice to get out of the city and just enjoy learning new things. I only wish I could have had more days like this. There are so many more places in England that I want to see. The countryside and these smaller towns have so much history and so many stories and they are so beautiful. I know I always sound so dramatic, but these places just make me so happy to be alive. These places put a smile on my face and always promise to make my day special.
