A Very Posh Hen Do!

I was so fortunate to be able to attend my fabulous colleague and friend Rohanna's hen do yesterday. A hen do is the British term for a bachelorette party. But Ro's hen do was nothing like any other bachelorette party I'd been to! Instead of short dresses and obscene props, we all donned party dresses and fancy hats because we spent the day at the Royal Ascot, England's royal horse races! This was really a dream come true for me because I've wanted to visit Ascot ever since I saw Eliza Doolittle scream, "Move yer bloomin' arse!" at that horse in "My Fair Lady."

The day really was magical and such a fun glimpse into a quintessentially English tradition! I loved seeing everyone so dressed up--women in fancy party dresses with crazy matching hats, and men in snazzy suits (some with top hats!). The weather was a bit hit or miss, with scattered rain throughout the day. I found it pretty hysterical that when it poured down rain, instead of running for cover, everyone just calmly pulled out their brollys (umbrellas) and hunkered down until it passed. It was such a British thing to do, to just get on with it.

I think the best way to tell the story of this day is through some photos. Enjoy your own sneak peak into this British tradition:

We all met up at the train station to head out to Ascot. Here I am with Lauren. 

The La Retraite ladies! Rohanna (the bride), Cristina, Lauren and I. 

Walking up to Ascot. Look at the top hat!

I love the Union Jack bunting!

A little fizz

Our picnic feast! It's tradition to bring a lovely picnic lunch with you to
Ascot. Rohanna's sister did a fabulous job putting ours together. 

Brolly's up-it's starting to sprinkle.

The TV announcer guy interviewed Rohanna! 

Then he ate some of our dip! 

More rain--it's brolly time again!

Fashionable Brits

Introducing the jockeys just before the races start

The Queen is here!!! I was SOOO excited when I saw this! 

The Royal Procession! 

Everyone was trying to see her Majesty as the procession came by.

Her Majesty the Queen! 

I couldn't really see her when she came by, but as you can see from above, the video screen was excellent. Here are a couple videos, too:

Ro and her friends hiding from the rain under a picnic blanket

Ro's mom and sister looked like little campers under their blanket

Cristina, always keeping it classy!

Some of the outfits and hats I enjoyed seeing:

The first race I bet on...

Run, Sir John Hankwood, Run!!!

I didn't win  :(

Very classy picnic basket

Joanne Froggatt, who plays Anna on "Downton Abbey"!!! 

Celebrating a fun day!

Fancy party dresses and quirky hats, tasty picnic lunches, a visit from the Queen, persevering through bad weather and drinking champaign in the rain. It doesn't get much more British than this fantastic day at the races!