traveltales: A FABULOUS CASTLE

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

A FABULOUS CASTLE

WARWICK CASTLE

Warwick Castle, dominates the city of Warwick, England giving one a unique window into the past. It is generally believed to be the finest medieval castle in England. Built on a cliff, its 60 acres of meticulously manicured grounds contain several lovely gardens.

Built in the 12^th century by William the Conqueror, this castle has two uneven towers. The Caesar Tower, built in 1356, is 147-feet tall, while Guy’s tower, 1380, is only 128-feet tall. The intentional irregular design allowed defenders numerous points of defense. There are 537 steps to the top of the Caesar Tower, and once you start up there is no turning back.

Proud, colorful peacocks are permanent residents on the grounds. Huge various colored rhododendrons were in full bloom forming a lovely backdrop to the gray stone of the castle. The roses in the rose garden were covered with buds about ready to burst open.

In the great hall of the castle is a fine collection of medieval armor and weaponry. Historic furniture and old master paintings are housed throughout. The living quarters were occupied as late as the 1970s. A few years ago Madam Tussuad purchased the castle. Her magnificent life-size wax figures in twelve of the rooms in the living quarters are exquisite, and add personality to the rooms and a great deal of reality to the exhibit. My favorite was the maid in the bathroom drawing water for her lady. She was bending over the tub of running water, so life-like that nearly everyone did a double take, even though we knew the figures were not real.

Many of the woodcarvings left me gasping at the fine workmanship and intricacy. There were many medieval demonstrations taking place on the grounds.

Children delighted in the ghost tower where the queues (lines) were long.

There was the most magnificent bald eagle I’ve ever seen just inside the grounds. I just stood and watched him a long time. He was gorgeous!

Of all the castles I’ve visited Warwick is one of my top three. It is superb!

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Travel Tips

Wet feet, who has rubbers these day? To dry wet shoes put crumpled newspaper inside the shoe and it will wick out all the moisture. If you expect your travels to take you where your feet are likely to be walking in puddles or streams, pack a section of newspaper in the bottom of your suitcase.
In many places in the world the tip is included in the restaurant bill---good to know!
In Europe bathrooms are referred to as WC or toilet. Any other term is not understood.
When hiking, stop to tighten shoe/boot laces before starting down hill.
When traveling by plane be sure to wear all cotton clothing, which today is no problem. In case of fire, man-made fibers melt, cotton burns instead, leaving a clean burn vs one with all kinds of junk melted into it.
Didn't expect a sunburn and have no Rx for it? Dab the area with a cool wet tea bag. the tannin in the tea will reduce inflamation.
I bet you travel with a small bottle of hand sanitizer either in your purse or pocket. Did you know that when you spill something in your lap or wear part of your lunch that a few dabs of hand sanitizer on the spot will make it disappear like magic!
Speaking of shoes, I do not recommend removing them on a long flight. Untie and loosen them. I have actually seen people not be able to get their shoes back on because their feet have swollen during a long flight. Oach!
As painful as it may be limit yourself to two pairs of shoes. You are not traveling to make a fashion statement. Wear your heavest pair which should be a good pair of walking shoes. Pack a lighter pair or sandals.
Make a copy of all your documents and credit cards before leaving home and carry seperately. Also before leaving home leave a copy of your itinerary including hotels and their phone numbers and dates of stay with a family member.
It's always tempting to take a sleeping pill on a long overseas flight, BUT I never do because in the unlikely event of problems I want to have all my senses about me!
Afraid of bedbugs these days? Carry a small squirt bottle of lavender along with your other liquids. Spray your pillow and around your bed and mattress. This will give you a good visual and also repel the little devils.
I carry a couple of aspirin in my pocket and once the plane is in the air I swallow one. I feel this is especially important on long overseas flights to avoid leg problems.
If you do need to do laundry when traveling wring it as dry as possible by hand, then lay the article flat on a bath towel and roll tightly. Unroll and hang. It should be dry by morning.
I carry a small empty water bottle when traveling. I place it in the tray along with my plastic bag of liquids. Once through security I fill it from the water fountain. I always have water to take a pill or a drink when I'm thirsty.
Beware that European bath tubs are very deep and water is often scalding hot. Be careful especially if you have hip or knee problems.
If you're going to be gone more than a few days water your indoor plants well then cover with a large plastic bag tucking the edges well under the pot. If you use a laundry bag simply knot the area where the hanger protrudes. When you return your plants will be healthy and well.
In the largest print possible print your last name and hotel on a sheet of paper and place it on the top of your clothes before closing your suitcase. If your bag gets way laid hopefully it will make it to your hotel.
If you are the owner of the common black bag personalize it by adding various cut outs from colored duct tape. It will be easier to identify than if it carries a bit of ribbon.