Above: The impressive Dover Castle that Henry II began building in the 1180s.
July 4th (Day Three): DOVER CASTLE AND THE WHITE CLIFFS
Today we drove to Dover Castle and arrived just as it was opening. Mark gave us an orientation tour of the castle complex and the surrounding buildings and grounds. He also explained how the castle was built with defense in mind. Many of us walked down to the Secret Wartime Tunnels. It was very interesting seeing and hearing the story of how Operation Dynamo led to the rescue of troops from Dunkirk during WWII. We also went through the Underground Hospital. On the way back to Canterbury we stopped at a lookout on the White Cliffs. The end of the afternoon ended with a beer tasting at a local brewery.
MUSINGS ABOUT DAY THREE
- Layers of history: I sometimes forget how young the United States is until I visit other countries. Seeing how Dover Castle and the surrounding area have been used to protect England since the 11th Century really was remarkable. Being able to see France across the English Channel (when it is a clear day) makes you think about just how difficult it is to defend an island. I also learned a fun chant about Henry VIII and his wives that is taught to school children in England. To remember the fate of his six wives chant, "Divorced, beheaded, died. Divorced, beheaded, survived." As a social studies teacher myself, I appreciate a good history chant.
LAST NIGHT IN CANTERBURY
I searched for old and unusual buildings on my way to dinner.
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In the evening the crowds are gone. I loved the peacefulness of exploring the various streets.
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This building is from 1573. I found the peachy-pink color and white designs at the top unusual.
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A Sketchable Moment
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I was intrigued to learn about this Roman Lighthouse (Pharos) that was originally built in the 1st Century A.D. The top stage was reconstructed in the 1400s. Only two other Roman lighthouses exist in the world today.
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Roman Lighthouse: watercolor and ink
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Solo Travel Tips |
Slowing Down |
Stepping Up |
Are you an introvert or extrovert? Know yourself. I found that this tour allowed me to interact as little or as much with others as I wanted. I ate lunch at the castle with a few other tour members on this day, but then took time to be by myself to sketch and paint on the castle grounds. I chose to pay the single supplement for this tour to have my own hotel room for some alone time each day too. But other solo tour members told me they had had success with being roommates with other solo travelers. |
After lunch I picked a spot to sketch and paint the Roman lighthouse. It was beautiful outdoors and very few tourists were around. I felt like I had an entire area to myself. Just this quick 45 minutes helped rejuvenate my tired feet. Find a place, each day, to just sit and enjoy the view. |
Walking + Running: 6.2 miles Steps: 14,593 Flights Climbed: 20 floors |
