My Canterbury Tales

White Cliffs of Dover

The cruise aboard Crystal Serenity ended in Dover, England. Following the contractual agreement with my husband (I will get off the ship quietly and without a fuss if you have already booked the next cruise) I disembarked without making a scene. Before leaving however, I grabbed a few shots of the white cliffs of Dover. The last time we ended a cruise in Dover, it was a bit hazy and I never got a good picture. The cliffs truly are white. Amazing.

Punting on the River Stour

We caught a taxi to the bus station in town and waited a couple of hours for our bus. When we booked the passage, we allowed plenty of time in case there was a delay in leaving the ship (caused by someone other than me). While I sat with the suitcases, Bob went off to mail a card and find us some Americano coffees. I was happy to sit and enjoy the people around me as they came and went.

Canterbury City Wall

While we could have taken a train, we preferred the bus. It went a little slower and we could see more of the countryside that way. The other plus was that the luggage got stowed in the compartment in the bottom of the bus rather than us having to lug it up/down stairs and onto a train where there really is little room if any to stow cruise-sized suitcases. And we have always found the National Express bus people to be very accommodating. As a matter of fact, when Bob inquired of one bus drivers if we might leave on his earlier bus, he said he had plenty of room and would be happy to take us. We hopped on!

Canterbury Park

Arriving about an hour later in Canterbury's main bus terminal, we collected the suitcases and took a taxi to Harriet House, our B&B for our stay. Luckily our room was ready and we could leave our things in it and take off to begin to explore Canterbury. We had been here on a one day trip but wanted to see more. Our host at the B&B explained where the river walk into town was and we found it easily. We also found an information booth where all the tour buses park that sold audio tours. We picked them up later for use the next day.

Chimney Pots

As the Aussies would say we spent the afternoon doing a walkabout, taking pictures and soaking up the quaint English scenery the town offers. The weather was again gorgeous. I think we set a record for how many days straight on vacation we could have perfect weather. As we walked on top of the historic city wall, we could look below to the park area and see the Brits out enjoying the weather. As they say in Seattle, they were taking a sun break.

Canterbury Castle

One of my favorite things to see in England is all the chimney pots on top of the homes. Each time I look at them I expect Mary Poppins and Bert to pop out and start dancing.

Canterbury Castle Interior

We stumbled upon the Canterbury Castle and decided to have a closer look even though we were sure the tour would take us by there again. The castle is the ruin of a Norman Castle built shortly after the Battle of Hastings dating back to around 1070. It was one of three castles built along the Roman Road from Dover to London and was probably used to guard it. Later it became a jail.

Flint

A look inside shows where there must have been beams for the second floor. Most of the stone we could see that was used in building the castle was flint. It gave a neat texture to the walls.

While we were loving the weather, it was getting very warm and a bit humid. Was this really England? We headed back to our B&B to relax, cool off a bit with our room fan (no A/C, this was England) and catch up on our internet activities.

For dinner it was, what else? Fish and chips!!

Canterbury on Dwellable

Through My Lens - Norway

Sunday Morning Worship Thoughts -The Power of Words

This video was shown during one of the lectures on our recent cruise. It made quite an impact on me. Made me think as a writer, as a friend, as a wife, mother, grandmother. Do my words reflect the One who has the power to change lives? (skip the ad in the beginning)

Port of Call - Bergen, Norway

Bergen, our last port of call before ending our cruise in Dover, England, is a sprawling city. I didn't realize that on our first visit. This time, we decided to take in the view from the top of Mt. Floien. From the pier, we walked past the Bergenhus Fortress we had explored before and along the harbor area past the Bryggen historic area, promising to return and look around on our way back.

We passed a beautiful tall ship called the Statsraad Lehmkuhl. Apparently it is a ship where one can learn to sail. It also competes in the tall ship races and has quite a history that I believe dates back to 1914.

It was a bit early for the fish market. We started through it but most of the vendors were still setting up shop. While we rested a bit on a bench, we studied our map and thought we knew which direction to go to find the funicular that would take us up Mt. Floien. After several wrong turns that took us down some very quaint streets, we finally found our way to the entrance to the funicular.

Now the last time I was on a funicular, there was a woman who was absolutely petrified of the experience and I thought she was going to lose it on the way. Wouldn't you know, a woman sat down next to me and as soon as the funicular started up she began to act strangely and her behavior escalated the higher we got to the point that I was sure she was going to pass out. To her credit when we stopped at the top, she seemed extremely proud of herself that she'd made it.

Exiting the funicular, we were immediately rewarded with a glorious view of the city. The sun was shining. The air was fresh with a cool breeze and the day promised to be perfect. We sat for a few minutes and just took it all in then we walked around the outside of the restaurant that is at the top and looked in several other directions to see Bergen sprawling out between the mountains and waterways of the area.

Bob noticed that on the roof of the structure that housed the funicular station and a gift shop, was a miniature cable car track complete with two cable cars that moved at the same time the real funicular did. We watched as they crossed in the middle and as soon as they reached the ends, our ride down had arrived. Thankfully our compartment mates on the ride down were seasoned riders.

Back at the bottom of the mountain, we walked a short distance to the quaint McDonald's where we ordered coffee and took advantage of the free WiFi. It was much appreciated since our internet aboard the ship had been a bit slow and uncertain due our position so far north where we didn't pick up the satellites quite as well. And since it was free, we could even catch up on our Facebook friends.

Our coffee cups empty and our internet interests filled, we moved on to the historic wharf area called Bryggen. As a shipping harbor, the Bryggen was an important place for warehousing and selling merchandise. The historic area has interesting twists and turns and is full of old wooden structures most of which are lopsided. There is a lot of restoration going on. The area, being wooden, has had many fires throughout its history but it has always been rebuilt in the old way and style. It is a UNESCO World Heritage spot.

Somewhat reluctantly we returned to the ship. This was our last port before the end of our cruise. Our last touch with beautiful Norway--the last until we return again. Something I'm sure we will plan to do.

Port of Call - Geiranger, Norway

Our cruise into the Geiranger Fjord was a lot more dramatic than the last visit we made. On our first trip to the Norwegian fjord, our cruise ship had already arrived at the town of Geiranger at the end of the fjord when we awoke. The Crystal Serenity timed its arrival so we could enjoy the breathtaking scenery as we journeyed to our destination port.

From Alesund we had traveled all night inland along the long fingers of several fjords that lead to Gerianger. By the time we were ready for breakfast, we were close to the position where the ship would stop before turning into the Geiranger Fjord. It was there that a group of people on a special excursion would be tendered into another little town called Hellesylt to explore the countryside. We would be venturing into Hellesylt by way of a ferry later. That was our plan for the day. We had done it before and enjoyed the leisure trip back and forth along the fjord.

Had we known that the Serenity would give us such a grand view of the fjord in the early morning we might have made plans to do something a little different (like ride the hop on/hop off bus that was advertised and traveled between a couple of towns). The cruise to the end of the fjord was slow and allowed for more pictures than we ever needed. As a matter of fact, I heard someone make the comment, "How many pictures can you take of this?" The wonderful problem was that at every little bend and as the sun rose, the landscape changed into something else even more interesting.

All of the Seven Sisters weren't awake

Unfortunately one of the famous areas the Seven Sisters waterfall only had three or four sisters awake. Many people were disappointed but there were actually many more spectacular waterfalls along the way than that. The Seven Sisters just has a neat legend that goes along with the name. It says that the Seven Sisters were all unmarried and the waterfall on the other side of the fjord is called the Suitor after several unsuccessful attempts to court the sisters.

Once we were settled in the basin in front of the little town of Geiranger, the tenders began to carry people ashore. We grabbed the first one we could and scurried over to the ferry dock a couple of hundred feet from where our tenders were landing. For a reasonable ticket price, we bought a round trip and boarded the ferry. The ferry carries lots of cars, trucks and huge tour buses, and of course lots of passengers. Passengers are accommodated in an inside lounge or up on the very top in plastic chairs where you can get a 360 view as the ferry makes its way up/down the fjord.

Hellesylt

We sat back and enjoyed the sun, the fresh air, and the views all over again as the ferry made its way back and forth. It's always fun to listen to all the commentary in a half dozen languages--gives me a chance to brush up on my German and realize how little I know of Japanese.

Hellesylt

At Hellesylt, we stayed on board the ferry and wandered into the snack area. There were some sandwiches that looked too good to pass up and it was going to be well past lunch by the time we would get back to the ship. Being good cruisers, we didn't want to miss a meal so as the ferry started up again to return to Geiranger, we indulged.

Back at Geiranger, we wandered the little shops and then returned to the ship. One of us went off to play tennis. The other to. . .well, someone had to edit all those pictures.

That evening, we ate on the Lido deck at the buffet so we could again enjoy the scenery as we exited the fjord. The weather was still holding, unbelievably sunny and cool with not even a hint of rain. Could this possibly continue?

Wordless Wednesday

Port of Call - Alesund, Norway

Much to our delight when we entered Alesund's harbor, the sun was shining brightly, a contrast to the misty rain we experienced on our first visit a few years ago. But did this mean we would brave the 418 steps up Askla to Fjellstua where we could enjoy the panoramic view of the city and surrounding countryside?  

Luckily the city train was waiting on the pier as we left the ship to begin our exploration. The choice was easy. Ride up to the top and walk down. At least this time the steps would be dry. The train looked newer that the one we rode on the last visit and we'd had to walk into town to find it. We appreciated it being there for us this time. Once it was full, it began its trek up Askla with the commentary running in several languages depending upon which one you dialed in with you earphones.

At Fjellstua, where there is a cafe and lots of lookout points, we were entranced by the gathering of wedding guests who were congratulating the couple dressed in traditional costume for the nuptials.  Once around the building, taking pictures from several vantage points and we were ready for the 418 steps--down. There is a handrail all the way but some of the steps are a bit uneven and some were being repaired. The steps ended in the town park, a nice quiet area prettily landscaped and inviting one to sit and relax a bit.

We wandered around the streets of Alesund the rest of the afternoon enjoying the sun, the cool breeze and the beauty of the architecture. In 1904, a fire destroyed many of the buildings in the city. The German Emperor Wilhelm II sent immediate help to the city and in a short time the city rose from the ashes again. There are lots of tributes to Kaiser Wilhelm all over the town center. The architecture is called Jugend style which, if I understand correctly, is a German name for Art Nouveau and obviously a result of the rebuilding assistance given by Germany.

Sunset was very late because we were so far north and after dinner, while Bob went off to find free WiFi at McDonald's, I wandered the Promenade Deck and watched it begin to turn the sky into lovely evening colors over the city. On the other side of the ship, in the distance were the Norwegian alps. The sun's rays played across the snow capped mountains. Once again Norway was proving to be a favorite destination--rain or sun.


There is much more to Alesund and the surrounding area and just a few hours stop does not do it justice--even when you've stopped there twice. Ah, another place to add to the return list.

Port of Call - Torshavn, Faroe Islands

The Faroe Islands? What are the Faroe Islands? A part of Denmark? But Denmark's way over there and the islands are between Iceland and Norway and north of Scotland. These were the thoughts that ran through my head as I investigated this destination when I saw it on our New World to Norway itinerary on the Crystal Serenity. Just as Iceland was a new experience, I was excited to add another new place to our been-there list.

There was quite a lot of history in this area with the Vikings who explored it on their way west from Norway. Originally the islands were a part of Norway but then when Norway found itself ruled by Denmark in 1380, they became Danish. When the union of Norway and Denmark was dissolved, Denmark retained possession of the islands. During WWII, the Faroes were occupied by the British when Denmark was invaded by Nazi Germany. In 1948, "Home Rule" was put into place which gave the islands extensive control over their own affairs although they are still represented in the Danish Parliament. They have their own language and their own money since they refused to join the European union when Denmark did.

As we pulled into port, we enjoyed the vistas of snow capped mountains, deep blue waters, and brightly painted homes and buildings in the town of Torshavn, "Thor's Harbor."

We would only be here for an afternoon. Our excursion was to leave shortly after noon so we ate an early lunch on the Lido deck and scurried down to our meeting point. It was another glorious weather day. We were thankful but wondered when the "other shoe would drop." It couldn't possibly hold out.

Our tour bus took us out of the city and along the fjord, Kollafjordur, that just about cuts in half the island of Streymoy, the largest of the eighteen inhabited islands. While the views were breathtaking it was impossible to get pictures through the windows of the bus. About a half hour into our ride, we stopped at the town of Hvalvik to visit a very old but very well preserved church.

Most of the islands' religion is Lutheran. This church dates back to 1837. The wood was so well preserved it made me skeptical that the date could possibly be right or that it was the original construction. As I ran my hand over the smooth polished wood of the pew, I came to a joint and examined it closer. Sure enough, while there were a couple of modern looking nails that had reinforced the joint, there was also embedded in the wood the old type of large flat headed nail that would have been used almost 200 years ago.

The rood screen, a screen in a church that separates the clergy from the parishioners, was intricately carved with all sorts of symbols I assume had to do with life in the Faroe Islands. The church is still used today although our guide told us that it is not well attended except for special occasions.

More picturesque views passed by my window as we made our way to Saksun and the little historic farm of Dúvu­garðar. The farm is still a working farm but many of the out buildings have been turned into a museum showing farming ways of the past--how far past I could not quite grasp and cannot find anything online to tell me. I would estimate at least the 1800s, possibly earlier. It was a picture perfect place with the stone facades and grass roofs and the bay area and cliffs as a backdrop. The sheep that were roaming were unusual. Not the short haired type we see back home. Their fleece hung almost as though they had dreadlocks.

Below the farm buildings was an old church. We weren't able to get inside but it looked like it was all wood inside. It had a small graveyard in back. What a beautiful resting place!

Rain chased us back to the bus in a hurry but by the time we were on our way again, the skies cleared and the sun shone again. Along the way back to Torshavn, we stopped on top of a mountainside to view the fjord below us. We were even high enough to find patches of snow although the temperature was not cold. The Faroe Islands sit in the Gulf Stream and temperatures are moderate most of the time.

As we neared Torshavn, we stopped one more time for a view of the city from above. Colors of the buildings and houses contrasted with the overall green of the land and the blue of the sea. Clouds painted the sky but they were the good kind. The kind that promises to let the sun shine through. It couldn't have been a more perfect day. As we snapped our last photos, sheep wandered past us again. In the Islands, if you hit a sheep, you have to pay the farmer. They are all tagged (as opposed to painted like in Ireland) but wander freely everywhere.

Back on the ship as we pulled out and headed for Norway, I wondered if the Faroe Islands would make our return list? Perhaps, when we want to take the time to just relax and soak up the beauty of God's earth.

Through My Lens - Heimaey, Iceland

Heimaey's Volcano Eruption of 1973

It was difficult to imagine as we strolled the streets of the quiet fishing town on Heimaey what it must have been like to suddenly be awakened  that January 23 morning of 1973 at 2 a.m. with a violent shaking of the earth and realize that hot lava was beginning to flow. A lot of good happened along with the bad in the days to follow.

The earthquake that startled the town awake caused a mile long fissure in the earth. With lava spewing into the air, the townspeople gathered in the harbor. Luckily all the fishing boats were there because of a storm that had them heading for the harbor the previous day. Evacuation began. Some planes were used as well to take out the elderly and infirm throughout the night. Even many of the sheep on the island were evacuated. In all about 5,000 islanders were safely removed and a small contingent of brave souls left behind to observe and address the situation that threatened to destroy their town and harbor.

Within a week, the town was buried under 12-15 feet of ash. When we think of ash, we think of soft bits of charred material that float in the air. Not so with volcanic ash. It is made of small cinders that rain down like hail as you can see in the pictures of the area we visited that is now being made into an outdoor museum. But the ash was only half the problem. Hot lava buried 70 homes and another 41 were set on fire by the lava.

It was apparent that as the volcano continued to flow the harbor would be eventually be destroyed unless there was something they could do to stop the lava. Having observed the new little mouse island, Surtsey, that was formed in the 1960's, geologists considered the effect of the cool salt water on the hot lava and concluded that there might be a chance of stopping the lava flow if they could pour enough water on it. Eventually 19 miles of pipes and 43 pumps sprayed over eight million cubic yards of cooling sea water onto the lava flow for over five months saving the harbor and much of the town.

Still, 360 homes were destroyed. Many homes were literally dug out of the tons of ash covering them. As I said, there was some good news. The best was that no one was killed. And while there was a great deal of work to dig out many of the homes that were buried, the ash was a great base upon which they rebuilt the airport's runways and paved many new streets. The island had increased in size a little over a square mile adding new vistas to an already spectacular view.

Most everyone returned to the island helping one another to dig out and rebuild. The process was long and hard but I had the sense that this was truly an example of community. People helping people. You find that often when disasters take place especially in communities that have learned the importance of dependence on each other.

For a greater look into this amazing event, click on the link to the USGS report  on the Heimaey eruption. Even if you don't read through it all, there are some amazing pictures to see.

Wordless Wednesday