Yesterday firmly behind us, we set out to visit Canterbury. A pleasing second visit, where the pressure of “seeing all the sights” has been dealt with first time round.
Having been held captive by a wide range of deadlines in the southern hemisphere for over 15 years of travel, I’ve long dreamt of being in the UK/Europe in Spring. I envisaged blue skies and mild temperatures, punctuated by carpets of flowers. Now that I’m actually here, it comes as quite a surprise how cool and mercurial Spring weather can be. It rains as often as not and nights are outright cold. Just goes to prove the old adage about the grass always being greener…
Today is one of those changable days – blue skies and warm one moment, grey, rainy and cold the next. Seeing Canterbury becomes a game of cat and mouse with the weather.
Still though, there’s a great deal to see – the cathedral of course, undergoing a £25M restoration, the mediaeval towers
and city gates,
and my favourite, the crystal clear waters of the chalk streams.
We tour the Cathedral first.
With a very impressive entrance gate (above) and 1,400 years history behind it, there’s a great deal to see. Particularly lovely are the Cloisters,
the Quire with its wooden carvings
and St Gabriel’s Chapel where England’s oldest Christian paintings adorn the walls. Sadly, photos are not allowed in the latter. Also lovely is the ancient chapel dedicated to the Navy.
Outside, the weather drives us inside for a drink, but not before we’re treated to a chorus of church bells. And this rather fabulous horse – sculpture from the local art college.
From there we meander through town to the chalk streams (little duckies!!)
and while away a happy afternoon, occasionally warm, occasionally wet, but quite content.
Later, back home, arrangements are made for our ferry to Calais. Europe is calling.
Miss Baci Travels 