Windsor Castle

“You know, Nazy,” I said. “I think I’ll just take a day for myself during this trip.”

“You won’t spend all your time working?” Nazy was flabbergasted.

“No, I’ll go and see Stonehenge.”

In spite of many trips to the UK, I almost always stay in London to work. If I go out, I usually focus on West End shows, but I have visited the British Museum to see all the non-British stuff like the Rosetta Stone [Egypt] and parts of the Parthenon [Greece]. A misguided sense of ‘duty’ prevented me from venturing farther afield. Recent company behaviour is effectively eroding that sense.

I decided to give myself ½ day ‘off-duty’. However, as the concierge explained, the standard tours include Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Bath. In short, there are no half-day excursions. I considered (and rejected) an idea to drive to Stonehenge.

“The company can spare me for the day,” I thought as I booked the trip. My iPhone responded with the distinctive ring (the theme from Jaws) indicating a call from THE CUSTOMER. I had just completed the (non-refundable) transaction.

“We need to update you on our analysis of your response to our RFP.”

“No problem,” I replied. “I’m all ears.”

“We have to do it tomorrow.”

“I will be in Stonehenge tomorrow,” I thought. “Hmm,” I replied.

“Shall we make the call at noon?”

“Can you update me now?” I replied.

“No, my colleague is not available. Is noon okay?”

I anxiously reviewed the tour itinerary. “I’ll be at Windsor Castle,” I thought. “That will be fine,” I replied.

“So much for a whole day away from work,” I thought.

With the con-call programmed into the iPhone, I left early the next morning.

The first stop was Windsor Castle where Elizabeth II still spends her weekends. I saw Queen Ann’s Doll’s House (which is roughly the size of our apartment) and a variety of tastelessly ostentatious, but nevertheless interesting, formal rooms.

At noon (CET), I slipped out of the tour group for my con-call. Gobsmacked to see a huge group of people gathered around the courtyard, I dialled in. I announced my attendance just as the changing of the guard ceremony began. A loud marching band with bugles, drums and other noisemakers appeared whilst I was trying to find the mute button. I slipped into the nearby Abbey.

“You!”

“Shssh..” I said, phone on mute. “This is a religious building.” I wanted this guy to shut up.

“No mobile phones,” the busybody complained.

“It is very loud outside,” I replied – trying to concentrate on the messages being delivered by my customer.

“You can’t use your mobile phone in the Abbey,” a church official, alerted by the commotion, told me: “You! Must! Leave!”

Note: Although Windsor Castle is spacious, it is located very close to Heathrow. I wonder how the Queen copes with the noise. (See Photo).