Onto Henley then. My friend Dawn and I headed to the regatta, a grand tradition of all things English, in July. Though Henley-upon-Thames is only a few miles outside of London, the trip took us roughly two hours. The Henley Regatta is part of the poshness quartet, along with the Epsom Derby, Royal Ascot and Wimbledon. Thus, we decked the banks of the Thames in our flip flops and shorts with beach chairs, a BBQ and lots of Pimm's after sleeping in a tent in a field disguised as a campsite.
It was definitely an interesting cultural experience...where i got to see the 'finer' points of poshness. Unfortunately I encountered some really yobby yobs whose money didn't buy manners. But it was funny to see very rich girls stumble out of tents and over the mud in their finest finery including big, bold hats, flappy fascinators and high, high heels. I also greatly enjoyed catching intemittent english sun with Dawn's lovely friends on the river, having a wander through the makeshift tents and bars and watching boys, men and old men strut around in their funny private school rowing jackets.
In the end I don't think words can quite explain our weekend, but we might have round two next year.
the river in the morning before the races
possibly eton's team?
entry into our campsite and the race venue
riverside bar
Pimm's! the grand English summer alcoholic tradition mixed with fruit and lemonade
celebrating the 4th of July with some Pimms, my very american shorts and simon's rowing jacket
Aim for next year: get tickets to the enclosure where you are only allowed if your shoulders are covered and dresses go past your knee. Rumour has it there is copious amounts of champagne and delightful views of the rowers at the finish line.
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