Saturday found Kristy (my housemate) and I up VERY early to catch a train to Canterbury, which is 1.5hrs SE of London in the picturesque countryside. It was such a gorgeous day and the train was very comfy and modern. Very relaxing watching the countryside roll by.
Canterbury is a gorgeous old medieval town, well know for it’s famous cathedral, ‘The Canterbury Tales’ written by Geoffrey Chaucer and Thomas Beckett who ended up taking over from fat Henry VIII and running the place, until Henry became jealous and well…whacked him!
As we got off the train, we headed to the Shed Markets, which are of course, are beside the railway line. These markets were awesome! Reminded me very much like the Old Bus Depot markets in Canberra. They sold the most freshest and organic produce!! I was drooling just walking past all the cakes and colourful food!! And guess what I spotted?? OMG!! A Portuguese Custard Tart!! These things are so brilliantly yummy!! I lost count of how many I ate when mum and I were in Macau!! So of course I had to have one! YUM!! I am so catching the train back just to eat the tarts ;) We wandered around ooohing and ahhhing over everything. Tried some fresh home made apple & ginger juice and headed off into the sunshine.
After meandering down the busy cobblestone medieval high street, with all the modern-day shops (a bit depressing!), we headed to Canterbury Cathedral which is apparently one of the best Gothic cathedrals in all of Europe. It’s an amazing structure, and once inside, quite overwhelming. Very powerful. You can understand the history behind the place and why it has been a pilgrimage for so many over so many centuries.
After wandering around in the hot sunshine, past the old town walls, past an old Abbey that was just ruins it was time for lunch! Found an old pub with seating in the sun and of course, order a large jug of Pimms! There is nothing more Summery than sitting in the sun, relaxing and drinking Pimms – it is sooo English! Enjoyed my fish and chips AND mushy peas!! And felt utterly relaxed. After lunch, we strolled down to the canal and slowly took our time, before returning to the markets where I bought fresh farm eggs and strawberries!!
What a beautiful day!
Sunday was spent sleeping in (that’s what Sundays are for!) and then picking up some food and heading down to Greenwich Park to meet up for a picnic with some new friends – most, to my surprise were teachers! So was a fantastic afternoon spent playing cricket and sitting in the sunshine, chatting to peeps, drinking red wine and getting to know the teaching scene in London. Thanks Dom!!
Monday saw Spides, Kristy and I head into Notting Hill for the biggest carnival in all of Europe: The aptly named Notting Hill Carnival!! It was madness!! So many African-Caribbeans all dressed in amazing costumes, colours of the rainbow! Reminded me of Priscilla/Mardi Gras, but less drag queen!! The day started well, as we wandered around the circuit following the parade, until the afternoon where it got a little out of hand. The streets were packed with people, and it became a bit like a mosh pit! Still it was fun, even with the deafening music blaring from the massive speakers on the trucks that went past! MAN! At one point the music was so loud, that the air was vibrating and I could feel the legs of my pants moving around! Definitely was an amazing carnival!!
And now back to work, packing my suitcase AND getting excited about Stesha arriving on Friday….and getting slightly anxious about moving house on Saturday – should be all good thou.
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Hope this finds you all well!! Lots hugs XXX
Thoughtless!