Our landlady graciously gave us a pair of tickets to the Henley Regatta for Thursday. We went and had a great time.
We just got the tickets on Wednesday evening - and they were for the Steward’s enclosure, the most traditional place to view the races. It is typically very difficult to get tickets to the enclosure, and thus very exclusive. We went to the Regatta last year [last year's writeup] but actually being in the enclosure is a very different experience.
First thing, we had to figure out what to wear. The enclosure has a strict dress code – for the ladies AND the men. Luckily, my best sundress covered my knees (just). Hats are ‘encouraged’ but not required – good thing as that would have been tricky. We had a bit more of a challenge with Steve. Jackets are a MUST, and for some reason Steve’s navy blue, pin-striped wool suit did not seem like a good idea for one of the hottest days of the year. His co-worker Tim came to the rescue and offered to bring in a few jackets to work for him to try and borrow.
It was very hot today. We arrived about 3:30 and a distinct seating pattern could be seen.
Lucky for Steve, for the first time in 33 years, the men were allowed to take off their jackets in the enclosure. (ties had to stay on) I got to cool my feet in the river.
So, this post is already pretty long and we haven’t even talked about the rowing. That’s because that the rowing is not the main point of the Regatta. The Regatta is more about seeing and being seen, and for most people drinking lots and lots of alcohol. The boats only come about every 7 minutes or so, and most of the races are not actually that close. But, if the day is fine it is wonderful to sit and just watch everything pass by.
I do have to admit Steve looked pretty good:-)
