Hearst Castle is one of our favourite stops. Jim and I have now been here three times. This is Yvonne's second visit. We did a new tour today (there are 4 different ones!). We toured the top floors of the Casa Grande, which included William Randolf Hearst's personal suites (the bed with cream satin bed cover is his bed). It is hard to believe that one person could command such a huge project - let alone pay for it. We would all like to experience being a guest in the day. While you are touring, the quite is somewhat like touring a mausoleaum. We would love to be there to hear the echo of laughter, the tinkle of shoes running from spot to spot. It must have been a most incredible experience to be one of his guests in this magnificent home. We also got to tour the kitchen, which was as large as a typical 5-star hotel in its day. I was very interested in the separate bathrooms, people to care for my clothes, and a kitchen to cater to my needs. Can you imagine???? The things that I could get done!