Jun 6th - Jun 7th - End of the cruise... UK

Jun 6th - Jun 7th - End of the cruise... UK Dover

White Cliffs of Dover

We had a leisurely breakfast on board and left the ship at 9.00 am. We waited at the dock and after some confusing texts...long story not for here...John and Sue arrived, well and smiling. We dropped by the rental car agency and added Derek as a second driver and set off to see Dover castle. It was an intriguing visit comparing the various additions since 1100 a.d. and in the knowledge that Hitler had the castle off limits in the blitz as he wanted to use it as an HQ. The medieval tunnels were interesting but a highlight was the World War II tunnels and exhibit for Operation Dynamo... Dunkirk.
We moved on to Canterbury to find that the Four Seasons B & B was better than expected and enjoyed a cuppa before walking into town. Had a brilliant early dinner at the Parrot pub (oldest in Canterbury) and then wandered about including a stroll around the  external grounds of the Cathedral and the cloisters, which was enhanced by the strains of operatic music emanating from the main hall of the cathedral... a private concert of some sort.  We had a pleasant walk back to the B and B. A great day and so good to see Sue and John.

VERY ancient staircase

View from castle.. Our ship on far right

Sis Sue, John and Janice

Our Favourite Sisters

View from castle

Taken from cliff opening of WW2 tunnels

Ship in Danger?? Brits are serious about defense

The Parrot.. oldest pub in Canterbury

Great pub meal!!

History of The Parrot pub

UHHH..Leaning? or Have I had a pint too many?

This really is leaning from age!!

Canterbury Cathedral

Cloisters

Fascinating bosses on the ceilings throughout

MANY years since I 'pulled a chain'

Inside Canterbury Cathedral

 Saturday Jun 7 - Canterbury Cathedral to Clapham
Well our first full day in England required a full English breakfast, heartily enjoyed by John and Derek, Janice had Eggs Benny and Sue had a smaller vegetarian fry up...exercising admirable constraint.
We tottered off to walk around the town center (picked up a UK SIM for the phone) and view the inside of the Cathedral. We  spent a few hours there, learning the heritage and soaking up the early English history. From Thomas Beckett's murder, (right there in the cathedral) the tomb of the Black Prince, and several other kings ans queens, the oldest stained glass window in UK, to the numerous tombs, exhibits and stories, this is certainly heritage England.
In the late afternoon we traveled on to Sue and Johns place in Clapham, (near Bedford) enjoying the lovely English countryside on the way.  We relishd the home-prepared JFH signature chicken curry.. delicious!! Another great day with family.

Main Pulpit!!

SO decadent.. yet beautiful

Tomb of King Henry 1V and Joan of Navarre

Gloves, hat, vest, shield  of Edward