The October weekend of 11th and 12th least to say was 'Victorian'* and 'Star Studded'**.
To understand the opening statement you have to read this post :)
The 11th!
I don't know whats it with me and the Tudor dynasty. First I got a chance to watch the movie 'The Other Boleyn Girl' about four months back. This movie details the life of Anne Boleyn who became the ill fated second wife of Henry VIII of England. About a month later I visited Hever Castle where Anne Boleyn grew up. And then on the 11th I got an opportunity to visit Warwick Castle which came into the possession of Henry VIII through inheritance.
On the 11th I with my family was invited to an event organised by my company. It was an all day event being held at Warwick Castle* which is in the county Warwickshire, overlooking the river Avon. It became a popular tourist attraction after being purchased by the The Tussauds Group and many corporate events are held there now.
I was awake at five in the morning looking at the clock and trembling with excitement thinking about the day ahead! By seven we all were seated in the coach. Thus the long drive of two and half hours commenced. Initially I was unable to take in the beauty of the countryside because of the foggy morning, but later on as the day progressed and as the rays of the sun pierced through the fog dispensing it, I was able to admire the shires of England.
We reached the castle around ten. After having a sumptuous breakfast we proceeded to explore the castle. We explored many parts of the castle...
The State Rooms
Wonderfully decorated in silk curtains, with coffered ceiling. The rooms have a royal look with upright sofas, paintings of the Earls who inherited the castle. It displays the family's most prestigious possessions.
Guys Tower & Caesar's Tower
We got wonderful views of the surrounding areas from the top of these towers. Yes, of course it was built so that the archers would get a good view of any approaching enemy troops.
The Curtain Walls
I would call them the 'iron walls' surrounding the castle constructed with fortified bricks for its protection. It also has walkways on it.
The Dungeon
This was creepy. It had a very narrow passageway with a very small window, with very less light in the room. After all this was the place where the prisoners were held.
The Chapel
The Mill and Engine house
One can get a demonstration of how the power of River Avon was used in early days for electricity.
Victorian Rose Garden & The Peacock Garden
The Ghost Tower
Here it is said that this tower is haunted by the ghost of Fulke Greville who was stabbed to death by his manservant. This is now home to the attraction "Warwick Ghosts Alive" which tells the story of how he was murdered using live actors and scary props.
The castle also features one of the world's largest siege engines 'The Trebuchet'.
The lunch included a variety of items for vegetarians and non vegetarians alike. Thanks to 'Chennai Dosa' who were the caterers of the event.
After the lunch we were so stuffed that we spent some time beside the lake watching the swans and peacocks and the birds of prey.
There were various activities being held around the castle like archery, sword fighting..
By five thirty we were back in the coach travelling back to the hustle and bustle of the city, leaving behind the Victorian era.
By the time I reached home it was nine, my legs were so tired of walking all day long that I fell asleep the moment I hit bed.
The 12th!
The next day dawned and with it the feeling to be with the stars!! No guesses?? Ahem, the stars** Mohanlal, Mukesh, Jagadeesh, Vineeth, Swaraj Venjaramoodu, Jyothirmayi and Lakshmi Gopalswami had arrived here in Croydon with the sole purpose of entertaining us! ;)
Mohanlal is a two time national award winning actor,and producer, who was awarded the Padma Shri in 2001. This was Mohanlal's first Europe Stage Show.
The show was organised by the Parayil Group. The show was more music and comedy-oriented with some amazing performances from Swaraj, Mukesh and Jagadeesh which left many of us twitching in our seats with laughter.
Mohanlal sung beautifully, solo and a few duet.
Jyothirmayi and Vineeth gave some wonderful dance performances traditional and modern. The finale of the show was a foot tapping number sung by Mohanlal and Afzal.
Thus came to an end the weekend which was full of nostalgia, action, fun and lots of laughter.
To understand the opening statement you have to read this post :)
The 11th!
I don't know whats it with me and the Tudor dynasty. First I got a chance to watch the movie 'The Other Boleyn Girl' about four months back. This movie details the life of Anne Boleyn who became the ill fated second wife of Henry VIII of England. About a month later I visited Hever Castle where Anne Boleyn grew up. And then on the 11th I got an opportunity to visit Warwick Castle which came into the possession of Henry VIII through inheritance.
On the 11th I with my family was invited to an event organised by my company. It was an all day event being held at Warwick Castle* which is in the county Warwickshire, overlooking the river Avon. It became a popular tourist attraction after being purchased by the The Tussauds Group and many corporate events are held there now.
I was awake at five in the morning looking at the clock and trembling with excitement thinking about the day ahead! By seven we all were seated in the coach. Thus the long drive of two and half hours commenced. Initially I was unable to take in the beauty of the countryside because of the foggy morning, but later on as the day progressed and as the rays of the sun pierced through the fog dispensing it, I was able to admire the shires of England.
We reached the castle around ten. After having a sumptuous breakfast we proceeded to explore the castle. We explored many parts of the castle...
The State Rooms
Wonderfully decorated in silk curtains, with coffered ceiling. The rooms have a royal look with upright sofas, paintings of the Earls who inherited the castle. It displays the family's most prestigious possessions.
Guys Tower & Caesar's Tower
We got wonderful views of the surrounding areas from the top of these towers. Yes, of course it was built so that the archers would get a good view of any approaching enemy troops.
The Curtain Walls
I would call them the 'iron walls' surrounding the castle constructed with fortified bricks for its protection. It also has walkways on it.
The Dungeon
This was creepy. It had a very narrow passageway with a very small window, with very less light in the room. After all this was the place where the prisoners were held.
The Chapel
The Mill and Engine house
One can get a demonstration of how the power of River Avon was used in early days for electricity.
Victorian Rose Garden & The Peacock Garden
The Ghost Tower
Here it is said that this tower is haunted by the ghost of Fulke Greville who was stabbed to death by his manservant. This is now home to the attraction "Warwick Ghosts Alive" which tells the story of how he was murdered using live actors and scary props.
The castle also features one of the world's largest siege engines 'The Trebuchet'.
The lunch included a variety of items for vegetarians and non vegetarians alike. Thanks to 'Chennai Dosa' who were the caterers of the event.
After the lunch we were so stuffed that we spent some time beside the lake watching the swans and peacocks and the birds of prey.
There were various activities being held around the castle like archery, sword fighting..
By five thirty we were back in the coach travelling back to the hustle and bustle of the city, leaving behind the Victorian era.
By the time I reached home it was nine, my legs were so tired of walking all day long that I fell asleep the moment I hit bed.
The 12th!
The next day dawned and with it the feeling to be with the stars!! No guesses?? Ahem, the stars** Mohanlal, Mukesh, Jagadeesh, Vineeth, Swaraj Venjaramoodu, Jyothirmayi and Lakshmi Gopalswami had arrived here in Croydon with the sole purpose of entertaining us! ;)
Mohanlal is a two time national award winning actor,and producer, who was awarded the Padma Shri in 2001. This was Mohanlal's first Europe Stage Show.
The show was organised by the Parayil Group. The show was more music and comedy-oriented with some amazing performances from Swaraj, Mukesh and Jagadeesh which left many of us twitching in our seats with laughter.
Mohanlal sung beautifully, solo and a few duet.
Jyothirmayi and Vineeth gave some wonderful dance performances traditional and modern. The finale of the show was a foot tapping number sung by Mohanlal and Afzal.
Thus came to an end the weekend which was full of nostalgia, action, fun and lots of laughter.
If you happen to be looking for accommodation in the Warwick area I found this site to be v useful
ReplyDelete