Canterbury Fails

This morning, we woke up to some rather dreary skies before boarding the bus. Apparently I was worn out enough (or hadn't yet woken up enough) that I fell asleep for the majority of the way to the Cliffs of Dover... We arrived across the way from a castle and were sent off. There must have been some sort of miscommunication because we thought we had been sent to see the Cliffs of Dover, when we were simply supposed to look around the castle area. So, although we did get back a little bit late, about five of us walked part way around and booked it up a hill before finally arriving at a spot where we could view the cliffs. 

where we started out

the castle looked like quite a bit of fun

but, unless you hopped the fence

and essentially crawled up a muddy hill,

like a few of our men did,

there was not a way to get close to it

this is where we hiked up to

not sure if y'all can tell,

but we're quite high up.

and living on the fourth floor

only moderately prepared me for the hill.

but the view was nice.

Well, that was a bit of a failed adventure. Why, you ask? Because we ended up a little late getting back and directly afterward they took us by a beach area for an actual view of the cliffs. (So we didn't have to hike the way we did. But I must say, I have no regrets.) We all had a delightful ten minutes of taking pictures and chasing the waves. 

there's the cliffs

not the best weather

but the view was superb

look how fun these rocks are

me and my dear Caitlyn!

Next on the agenda came the drive and arrival to Canterbury. We enjoyed a delicious lunch at a pub, where I had my first English pie. It was fabulous, and I have no idea why I hadn't tried it sooner! Then we explored the streets, checking out the shops in the area. One highlight was going to some store that One Direction shops at [shout out to Miranda and Trebeck] and (this was just me) trying to find the sale section. Cute store, one I'd definitely hit up if it was affordable.

guys it was seriously fantastically delicious

all of Canterbury essentially looked like this

to describe it in one word:

precious

The group reconvened at Christ's Church Cathedral and proceeded to tour and learn the history of the cathedral. Nan, our tour guide was old, a bit sassy, British, and totally adorable. 

 it was just beautiful

 it's crazy how blue the sky became

after all that rain

 that goes up to half-way of the tower thingie

super cool

 Nan described the stained glass windows

as the poor man's Bible

 the pictures really do tell some cool stories

plus

it's pretty  

 another especially awesome ceiling

 apparently that cat just lives at the cathedral

(for, you know, rat control and whatnot)

he was either sleeping or playing dead

it was just so gorgeous

pictures can't even capture the essence 

Afterward we went to Evensong at the cathedral before heading back home! Overall a wonderfully fun day and I'm looking forward to the adventures we're sure to have tomorrow!