escape(s)

so, before and between getting too nervous and stressed out due to essays, assignments, and exam, I took the time to visit some historical buildings in England. *sigh - again?

first one is Windsor Castle. A medieval building - built some time in 11th century to defend England from Norman attack. It is still used for royal family until today. Even some say, the Queen prefers to stay here, than in Buckingham Palace. It's located in the south east of England, in Berkshire county. We took a train from Paddington Station to Windsor *took about 20 minute or so though the train timetable said an hour (there was a funny story behind this train journey, but I might save some space for more pictures here).

the wall of windsor castle. this does look like a cover album of a new band, right? :D
[photo: Angga]

and this is the castle

that's a princess just coming out of the castle.. haha
[photo: Angga]

in front of the cathedral?
[photo: Angga] 

yep, faces of amazement
[photo: Angga]

if you don't bother to see the castle, walk around the city itself is so much pleasure.
especially if you like small town with not-so-tall buildings, narrow streets, small shops, etc. :D

inside the castle (they still need this!)

walking around Eton, only to find Eton's college closed

yep, you read right! it's a restaurant called KERA, hope they don't sell KERA though! ;p

yep, here, in Eton, you'll find a porno school, ups, wrong!  It's The Porny School!

Thai meal for lunch! (it was seafood fried rice for me)

and ...
today, after a week of contemplation (readings!), me and four friends went to Bath and Stonehenge. They're another historical sites in England. Bath as a city is considered as world heritage. Jane Austen stayed here for several years in her life, it even appeared in her books. But, she detested living there. At first, I can't see why coz I pictured Bath in my mind like other beautiful small towns (just like Windsor) or even better.


but after several hours going around the city, I can see why. All you see there is actually BROWN/creme buildings with the same height (more or less). Well, it's beautiful, relaxing, making you gasp in awe. But, to live there for your life, even for only several years? Umm, I don't know. it MIGHT be a lil bit dull.

at one point in the city, there is this building called circus something (can't remember).
it's actually a semi circle building, cut in three for streets. in the centre is a round park.
too bad I don't have the panoramic picture.

what makes Bath special is this. As it is a Roman city, they still have and maintain its historical bath
(think of Taman Sari in Jogja!).
I nearly didn't go inside, as it costs 10 quids, but as my friend who initially hesitated to go inside changed his mind, I eventually went inside. But, I guess, it's worth the money (err not exactly as I left my tripod in Bath, damn it)

In Bath, you see the name of the (original) streets were printed on the buildings

and this is Stonehenge, people. Basically, it's prehistoric stones. theorized to be the oldest graveyard in England.
(forgive my expression, it was cold, and I wasn't prepared as I didn't check forecast today)

so, time to get back to work? hopefully! hwaiting!!!!


ps: finally I got my hair cut yesterday as I can't stand my long hair any longer. hahaha. and I actually am not that chubby like you see here - it's probably a special effect my friend had with his camera. LOL.