traveltales: BALMORAL CASTLE

Sunday, April 14, 2013

BALMORAL CASTLE

The Queen's Favorite Home

Balmoral Castle is one of two properties that the crown actually owns, and is the favorite retreat of Queen Elizabeth. Albert actually designed the castle for Queen Victoria in 1852. It took about 50 years to complete. In the area are heather covered moorland, peaty lochs, wood glens, salmon filled rivers, granite stone villages, ancient castles, fishing harbors, and north shore beach resorts.

A very good film in the beginning was most informative. Only 50 miles from Aberdeen, Balmoral covers 18,000 hectares, includes 10 miles along the River Dee, has 80 miles of road, and sits 1000 feet above sea level. Forests cover 3000 hectares. Red deer live on the property and are managed to control the population at about 2500.

The property employs 50 full time people, 20 part time people and several contractors. The services of a plumber, painter, mason, joiner, gardener, and seamstress are always needed. On the property there is a nine-hole golf course, stables and fire station. A 3000-foot high mountain can be seen in the distance. Everyone was wearing the Balmoral tartan.

It was disappointing that the ballroom was the only room in the castle open to the public. And that is open only three months a year. The docent there said, “At the end of July everything will be removed from the ballroom and returned to its home in the castle. The room actually will be returned to a ballroom.”

The castle is impressive and looks like the image most of us have of a castle. The grounds were lovely and would be wonderful to just sit and enjoy the scenery.

There was a nice gift shop on the grounds and a small cafeteria where we grabbed a sandwich and drink for lunch. The ride to and from Balmoral was through scenic peaceful countryside. Several of us got off the van and walked over the single-lane 250-year-old picturesque arched bridge spanning the River Dee. It’s the little things that make a trip memorable leaving lasting memories

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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.