European Grand Tour continues..2016: May 2016

Today marks our last day in Europe. This chapter is coming to an end. Every trip has an ending and this one is no different. Our journey down the road to Downton Abbey ends at Highclere Castle, the ancestral home of Lord Grantham and his family.

But before we take this journey I must tell you about the trials and tribulations that Amanda faced when dealing with flushing her bathroom facilities. As you know most of this stuff over here is very old. Well, the en suite facilities were no different. If you are going to flush the cammode, you must do it with a purpose. I am hesitant to say that it is a man's job to flush it, but it was rather difficult. Amanda tried repeatedly to flush the one in hers and Harry's bathroom with little success. We were there four days and with each passing day she became more determined. On the last day she became very aggressive in her endeavors, but did not succeed. Harry rescued her once more. On her last attempt her hand slipped off the handle and she suffered a minor injury. Lucky for her, a nurse was nearby. So we left the Cotswolds and drove to Highclere Castle. Amanda swore that the next time she came over here it would be different...she would prevail.

The weather was great. Sunshine and warm (58 degrees). We left our B&B and drove to Highclere, and arrived about 0930. Highclere to a Downton Abbey fan is like Mecca to Pilgrims. People come from all over the world to reach this destination. I must say we were all excited to get here. A fitting end to a great trip. We toured the house, inside and out. There is not much I can say except that we enjoyed it in all respects. I will just show you the pictures we took. We are back in London now. We turned in our rental car, checked into the Marriott, and are having a glass of wine and reflecting on the trip. Ireland, England, Harry driving, a great trip. We are flying home tomorrow with a lot of pictures and new memories. Where will we go next?