UK - Day 24...Touring a Castle

This morning, we pour out of the train into a rainstorm, but it doesn't seem to be the kind that will last. As it calms, we hike up the hill to Windsor Castle, one of the Queen's official residences.
We arrive right in time for the changing of the guard, which isn't as much of a show as I imagined. The now off-duty guards just march out of the gate...
...and down the street until they are out of sight.
Then, the crowd moves onto the grounds of the castle, passing by "The Moat Education Room". What do you suppose that is all about?
In the courtyard, we see the fresh guards at work, pacing their routes with precise movements.
Only accessible to view, the castle gardens are beautiful to look down into!
The cathedral is stunning, although rules only allow for outdoor photos.
Another regrettable photography restriction...
Of course protection from flash photography, or any bright light for that matter, is more than justified for this incredible masterpiece. The most famous in the world, this doll house is built at an exact 12:1 scale and crafted to actually function like a mini house. It is wired and plumbed so there is running water and lights, and the elevators work! It is furnished with perfection, from real artist's paintings on the wall down to the eating utensils, hand towels, readable library books, and a grandfather clock that still chimes on the hour. I could stare into the rooms for hours and still not pick up on all the detail!
We walk through the Da Vinci art gallery, and on to the State Apartments. They don't sound like much, but you should interpret that to read "Lavishly furnished, period-correct sleeping/eating/dressing/waiting/dancing/greeting/dining quarters", or a mansion of sorts inside a castle. I am quite sure I'm the only tourist in the group counting the chairs at the massive dining table to make sure my whole family (i.e. immediate with spouses and kiddos) can fit. Yes indeed, 58 chairs - invite some friends!

For lunch, Satara and I hop across the street for pasties and juice. Just in case you don't know what to do with the juice bottle, they tell you!
The pasty shop also sells ice cream, so I walk away happily licking a Nutella Bear waffle cone. Yummm....
We wander through the shopping district in Windsor before catching the last train of this journey, back to Passfield Hall and the awaiting school project on the agenda for tomorrow.
On the second stop, we are joined by four lads who sit right next to us on the train. It is obvious they are coworkers in the computer department of wherever they work, and they have just gotten off for the day. They talk very animated about their bosses, pregnant wives, and hilarious ideas for baby names. Although we are touching shoulders with them and cannot help but smile and even laugh at their conversation, they do not acknowledge our presence with so much as eye contact. It's bizarre to feel invisible...