A Trip to Windsor

Windsor, Berkshire 

In January Sam and I took a little trip to Windsor. It was the first of what we thought was going to be part of our one trip per month resolution we made. But as Sam and I know all too well, life sometimes just has a different plan. But any who, our trip to Windsor was spontaneous and we had the best time. Windsor is a small town that is about an hour and a half drive away from where we live in East London. I had bought the trip for Sam and I as part of his Christmas present. We stayed in a hotel/spa called The Harte & Garter. It was the perfect spot for our two night stay because it was directly across the street from Windsor Castle (the biggest tourist spot of well duh Windsor). It was also conveniently located in the middle of the town, so we were able to walk to bars, restaurants, and shops. 

Windsor is really known for its historic architecture, streets, and castle. More recently it was famously shown around the world during the wedding of Harry & Meghan. On the first night in town Sam and I walked all over Windsor and through Eaton (neighbouring town) getting to know the area a bit better. In the town centre there is loads of shopping you can do, with a plethora of tourist souvenirs (like masks of the royals). Since it was a Thursday night when we arrived, we thought it would be a good time to do a pub dinner. We ended up grabbing food at The Windsor Castle (Samuel Smith bar). This pub looked like a great place to get some traditional pub food (aka I was really in the mood for fish and chips). It was also one of the more popular bars in the area (more than 5 people inside). It turns out Windsor in the winter and during half term is not their busy time of year. The food situation was a bit of a disaster because they did not have much left because we also didn’t realise that places were closing early. The mulled wine there saved the dinner. While we were venturing around after, we stumbled upon a beer tasting room called A Hoppy Place. They had loads of beer from all over and it is always nice when the owners are extremely friendly and happy to let you sample whatever beer you’re thinking of getting. On the way home we stopped at the Horse and Groom pub for one last drink. This pub is perfectly situated across the street from the Castle entrance and in diagonal view of our hotel. Again the staff was so friendly and it seemed like the locals were just as nice. Walking around at night was great because since it was early January all the Christmas lights were still up. 

On the second day of being in Windsor, Sam and I decided to go to Windsor Castle and go on the full tour of the grounds. Before that we had breakfast at Côte Brasserie, a gorgeous cafe/ restaurant right on the riverside. We made a reservation because we thought it might be packed on a Friday morning, but again we were surprised to be one of the only people there (plus it was about 8 am). We had seen from the day before that the line can get ridiculously long for the castle so we wanted to get there as soon as it opened to avoid being online all day. It turned out we accidentally timed it perfectly. By the time we finished breakfast we walked right up to the front of the line and got our tickets in minutes. **Disclaimer** if you do visit during the spring or summer I recommend buying tickets online to save you time. 

 

The castle is really worth every penny (or pence) to get in. It is stunning and the views from the top of the grounds that overlooks the whole town is breathtaking. We were able to see where past royals were buried, the church where Meghan and Harry got married, and the dining hall of the Queen. From the outside the castle really doesn’t look that big, but after walking more than 8 miles that day I was very mistaken. We opted for the audio tour (very attractive headphones come with it) to help us learn more about the castle because there is just way too much to read as you go through. I should also mention that this was free so it was really worth having. At the end of the tour we were able to get our tickets stamped so that if we came back to Windsor within a year (which we definitely will do) we won’t have to pay again. 

We finished the tour around midday and decided it was the perfect time to get afternoon tea. We were able to get a Groupon voucher for it at Cafè Rogue. Apparently everyone had the same idea because this place was packed out. This place was located in the shopping centre/ train station so it is an easy place to stop for a quick bite before leaving town. What really surprised me while we were  there was all the Americans walking around! It almost felt like I was back home being surrounded by my own accent. 

Since the day was young and we were on vacation after all, we decided our next stop would be to the local brewery Windsor & Eaton. This was by far the best local stop of our trip. The beer was delicious, the tap room was very laid back, and there were DOGS!! Fun fact I learned while I was there was that their beer was served at the royal wedding of Meghan & Harry and Kate & William. They even had a cute mural on the wall outside for Meghan & Harry. We could have easily spent the rest of the day there but since we had dinner reservations to a nicer restaurant that night we thought it was best we quit while we were still able to walk back to the hotel.That night we ate at a really nice seafood restaurant on the water called The Boatman. This place had great servers and incredible food. They even gave us a coupon for the next time we go back to Windsor. Since we were beyond stuffed after dinner we decided to walk it off and take a stroll by the water. This led us to the winter fair that was going on in the local park. They had ice skating, outdoor movies, and a food market. On the morning that we left Windsor we were lucky enough to catch the changing of the guards. It looked like a mini parade as people lined the entire street for about a half mile. It was the perfect end to our mini trip. 

I highly recommend a mini trip to Windsor if you are in/ visiting London. It is such an easy trip to take on the final day you are staying in London, since it is only a 20 minute cab journey to Heathrow airport. From central London it is about an hour by train to get to. It is a perfect day trip for couples or families since there is plenty to see and do. I was very much looking forward to going there again this month with my parents and in-laws but obviously that plan had to change. But even though we had to cancel we are definitely planning on going back to this magical place this year. We have found so many great places to stay on Airbnb that will save us a lot next time we go. 

                                              

The one where the visa didn’t come in time…

Mostly Long Island, New York

Dyker Heights, Brooklyn

2 places in New Jersey (but who can actually pronounce them?)

     So here is a quick update to the madness that has been this immigration process. I went in for my screening before I left for California on the 7^th of December but my paperwork wasn’t actually submitted until Monday the 10^th. That had left me just 7 days to hopefully have my paperwork processed and my passport mailed back to me before my flight on the 17^th. Well that was wishful thinking and here I am on the 27^th of December still in New York 1 month later, and its now been 1 month since I have seen Sam. With some luck I was able to change my flight… again.. to the 23^rd of December thinking that had to be it. I tried hard to stay optimistic but when that Thursday rolled around and I still had not heard a word about my visa I knew it is unlikely that I was going to have my visa by that Sunday. So unfortunately I missed Christmas and will now be missing New Years as my new flight is scheduled for January 2^nd. I am not happy about it because I would have obviously loved to be with Sam in our first year in our new home.

     I’m not going to lie though my frustration level is at an all-time high and I’m having a hard time believing how long this has all taken to get done. I know it could be worse and at least I know there is an end to all of this coming but this is the type of human that I am. I need to know dates, I hate not being in control, and I really really hate the lack of empathy from the professionals we are paying to help us make this situation easier.

     But and here is the big BUT, the revelation that I have has after spending the holidays seeing my family on Christmas Eve and all of Christmas day with my parents I know now that I was meant to be here. I've been to some fun Christmas parties where I dressed as the Grinch and was being all sorts of mischievous.... mostly just by drinking all the wine at the party. If being with Sam and our entire relationship has taught me anything it's that EVERYTHING happens for a reason. I could not have planned a better Christmas day with the two most important people in my world. This entire situation has brought the three of us closer than ever. And FINALLY my mother took the time on Christmas day to teach me all of her special recipes. My Italian-American family is cheering for joy reading that I’m sure. I now know how to make baked ziti, spinach pie, broccoli pie, and sweet potato pie! Which I know that Sam will find that more of a Christmas gift/ miracle than anything else I bring back to him.

                         

     I really have had an amazing month in New York so far! I’ve been spending loads of time with my parents and creating some wonderful memories, seeing friends, visiting family, stopping by my school in the Bronx and Queens, took a mini vay cay to Cali, and was asked to be a bridesmaid to my bestie getting married next year! I've been able to spend to major holidays with Thanksgiving and that's made me appreciate the struggle that a lot of people are also going through with immigration. Most of all I have had an out pour of people messaging me asking how it’s all going and sharing their stories with me. I feel so very loved and supported so thank you all so very much! I also have to give a shout out to a few of my cousins who talked me into posting again sooner than I thought. Knowing that you're reading and enjoying it means the world to me!

     So now that it is all a waiting game I will have fingers crossed for a swift return to London but also enjoy the time I have by making the most of it. If you or someone that you know is going through something similar please feel free to share it with me and my story with them. There has been so much comfort in having people reach out to me and even to Sam and helping out in any way that we can.