Day 12

Today we met with Professor Wolfe in Regents Refectory at 8:30, ate our delicious-as-always breakfast, and headed to the Tube Station to catch the train to Paddington where we met up with Professor Parkhouse. From the Paddington Station we boarded the 15 minute train to the station in Slough, where we switched to the 10 minute train that brought us to Windsor. We were all ecstatic as the top of the castle came into view as we climbed up a steep street and saw the flag raised and waving high in the air, signifying the fact that the queen was in residence!
Before entering the castle, we headed down the street to the award winning West Cornwall Pasty Company where we pre-ordered our lunches to be picked up later. Then, after extensive security precautions, we entered the castle and raced pass other groups to make the next scheduled Changing of the Guard. The ceremony was elaborate and extensive and included two types of guards, a marching band and a series of systematic steps, orders, and movements before the guard was officially changed.

After the ceremony, we walked through the different castle buildings and saw Queen Mary's Dolls' House, the State Apartments, and St George's Chapel. After the castle, we picked up our lunches and ate outside, fighting off hungry pigeons the whole time. After lunch, Professor Parkhouse led us through town to Eton College which is a prestigious all-boys school.
Professor Parkhouse told us that they have very unique attire with pin stripe pants, coat tail jackets, black vests, and collar shirts. We didn't take him seriously until we saw it for ourselves! Eton students and their families pay 30,000 pounds ($50,000 USD) annually for tuition. After visiting Eton College, some people explored the town of Windsor, some returned to the castle for a last sweep, and some went back to Regents with Professors Wolfe and Parkhouse. Eventually, we all made it back to Regents College for dinner, and tonight Cheryl, Kay, Kate, and Nicole will be attending a theatre event at the Adelphi Theatre featuring Love Never Dies which is the sequel to Phantom of the Opera.