Thursday, April 2, 2015

March: Dover, UK

One Saturday in mid-March, some friends & I went on a whirlwind trip to England with the travel group here.   I got up well before it was light out and was on a bus by 5:30am.  We traveled about 2-1/2 hours to Calais, France, where our bus boarded a ferry to cross the English Channel.   About 1 hour and a half later, the ferry arrived in Dover, England.  
 
 
Port in Calais, France

 
The ferry in Calais, France
 
 
Once on the ferry, we were allowed to get out of the bus and enjoy a lovely English breakfast on the upper deck.   The English breakfast consisted of a fried egg, ham, sausage, beans, hashbrowns, and a cooked tomato.  On the plate everything melded together, but it was delicious!   Good thing we fortified ourselves with a big breakfast because later we would be touring the Dover castle. 
 
As we approached the UK side, we enjoyed viewing the beautiful white cliffs of Dover. 
 

 
Cliffs of Dover











 
On top of the cliff sits the Dover Castle
 
 
Dover Castle
 
 



 
 
 
Entering the tunnels underneath the castle
 
The interactive tunnel tour was definitely a highlight of the trip, and it is a must-see if going to the castle!!  There are miles & miles of tunnels below the castle.  The tour takes you into just part of them.   Unfortunately, no photos were allowed.
 
In 1940, Dunkirk, France, just across the channel from England, was under invasion by the Germans.  At that time, Operation Dynamo was mastermined from the secret war tunnels of Dover, to rescue the Allied troops in France.  It was a success.  330,000 troops were brought safely into Dover. 
 

 
Walkway & tower leading to castle


 
castle



 
colorful shields
 
 
This is where the saying "Sleep Tight" comes from.  (People slept better when the ropes below their mattress were tightened!) 


 
just love these doors

 
Could you imagine a banquet in here?
 
 
Can I get one of these in my house? 




 
Stunning door




 
 
 
Elegant


Looking down at the Port of Dover from on top of the cliffs




Next up:   Afternoon in Canterbury, UK






 
 

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