Recently, Kathleen and I attended ThrillerFest-a conference for well-known, new, and aspiring thriller writers. While there, we had the exciting opportunity to meet many of Steve and Elizabeth Berry's friends, including Michael Palmer, John Lescroart, David Morrell, and Brad Meltzer (who just happens to be Jewish!)!  We will be featuring these authors and more on our Facebook page throughout the coming week!

In addition to meeting these wonderful authors, we were able to see Steve receive the Silver Bullet Award, give advice to new authors, and attend a personal interview with the Berrys, conducted by M.J. Rose, on History Matters. History Matters is an amazing organization, created by Steve and Elizabeth Berry to help preserve rare and unique books, buildings, paintings, sculptures, and decorative art housed in museums and archives around the world.  The Berrys use their own money and time, conducting workshops to raise money to protect these precious artifacts.   It is nice to know that there are people like Steve and Elizabeth making a difference in the world.  

There is one more reason that we attended ThrillerFest: Steve wanted to discuss the particulars of the Cruise for this fall and the London Tour.  As a participant in these meetings, I can honestly tell you that the cruise and tours that Shalom European Travel presents involving Steve Berry, really DO involve him.  Kathleen makes all of the arrangements but Steve has final say on the places we visit and what we will see at each location.  The majority of the tours are led by Steve himself.  He is a natural guide.  He is so interesting and makes everything exciting.  You'll see what I mean next July (2014) when you join us for the London Tour!

If you have any questions or comments regarding the tours, feel free to contact Kathleen at any time: 
801-809-2434.  She loves hearing from you!

'Til next time!

BC

PS Steve and Elizabeth have to be two of the most fun, not to mention sharpest people I have ever met.  For example: I asked Steve to film a spot inviting you to join our tour of London next year.  He did it in one take!  Now I know that may not be a big deal to him, but I was way impressed!  You can see the spot on our Facebook  page!

Well, here we are, finally, at Hampton Court Palace!  The Palace is such an amazing place!  There is so much information that I could share with you regarding the Palace, but for the sake of time, I have chosen the stories and places that are of interest to visitors: The Haunted Gallery, the Gardens, and, of course, the Maze!

Hampton Court Palace is a short jaunt from London; just under 12 miles or 20 kilometers.  The quickest and easiest way to get to the Palace is by train.  As you exit the train there are signs to guide you to the palace gate.  When you arrive at the gate, you get your first view of this incredible palace:

And now for the stories!  We begin with...

There have been numerous stories of ghosts within the Palace.  The most famous account involves the ghost of Catherine Howard, Henry's fifth wife.  

Catherine was in her teens when she married the King.  He, being considerably older, found renewed vigor in his relationship with Catherine.  Unfortunately, rumors began to circulate concerning the queen's relationships with younger men, both friendly and sexual.  Catherine was accused of adultery, a treasonable offense, and was sentenced to death by beheading.  While passing through the Gallery, she saw Henry at the opposite end, heading toward the palace chapel.  Catherine ran to him to plead for her life, but to no avail.  In modern times, her ghost has been seen by many guests and palace workers repeating the run.  I have yet to see anything of the like while there, but I have noted  a cold and eerie feeling to the room that made me feel as though I was being watched!

We turn now to the gardens.  They are breathtaking!  Here, see what I mean:

According to the HRP website, "The park covers 750 acres (304 hectares), the formal gardens 60 acres (26 hectares) and the palace buildings 6 acres (2.5 hectares), all set within a loop of the River Thames."  Note that the majority of the gardens were created after Henry's time during the reign of William III.  You must see them to believe them!

The palace maze was planted in the late 17th century, long after Henry's death, so, unlike many palace visitors, he never had the opportunity to get lost in it.  There are two different ways to get through the maze quickly without getting lost.  One is shown on the Wikipedia diagram.  The other is to keep to the right.  There is a funny story that goes with "keeping to the right" that can be found on the official HRP website.  It goes as follows:

Regardless of the bad luck of Harris' group; "keeping to the right" WILL get you quickly through the maze.  It will take you a bit longer as there are more twists and turns than the route shown on the map, but you will get out before your friends and they will be wondering how you did it!

Hampton Court Palace plays an exciting role in "The King's Deception".  Steve will share his inspirations with us, at the palace!  Ghosts, Gardens, The Maze, and 
Steve Berry!  What could be better?!  Don't miss out.  Call now!

'Til next time!

BC