travelnap Posted May 10, 2019 #801 Share Posted May 10, 2019 Jacqui, Great pictures as usual. Thanks again for taking us all along on your voyage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeeniEncinitas Posted May 10, 2019 #802 Share Posted May 10, 2019 Jacqui! As you can tell I was able to finally catch up again! When I think it’s over “But wait there’s more!” I’m teady👍 Denise😊 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sansterre Posted May 10, 2019 #803 Share Posted May 10, 2019 Simply awesome photos and interesting information too. FYI, since you asked, My brother posted on the Roll Call once in April as Robintally. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare kazu Posted May 10, 2019 Author #804 Share Posted May 10, 2019 4 hours ago, sansterre said: Simply awesome photos and interesting information too. FYI, since you asked, My brother posted on the Roll Call once in April as Robintally. Thanks. Pretty sure he didn’t come to the Meet and Greet, sadly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare kazu Posted May 10, 2019 Author #805 Share Posted May 10, 2019 King Henry was concerned about losing power to the Catholics and worked on Dover and then appointed his “fixer” who was in his back pocket to get control back. The “fixer” was Thomas Beckett. Unfortunately like many politicians that appoint “fixers” they don’t always do what you what. Thomas felt his calling to God and the church and put his loyalty there first. And actually fleet England for 6 years in fear of his life. He returned back to Canterbury and still made changes that Henry didn’t like. Henry became frustrated and I’m sure we all remember his famous statement “who will rid me of this wretched man” (might be off on the quote - but you get it). So, 4 knights came to take Thomas from the Cathedral but since he resisted they ended up killing him This is the upper church area of where the crypt was. At one time Thomas Beckett was buried there. He was later moved. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Himself Posted May 10, 2019 #806 Share Posted May 10, 2019 A sad legacy of Henry !! indeed. Where is Thomas Beckett entombed today? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare kazu Posted May 10, 2019 Author #807 Share Posted May 10, 2019 We walked down the steps into the crypt. Unfortunately no pictures are permitted here but it is incredible. How they did the stone work and pillars is beyond comprehension. The crypt is one of the oldest parts of the cathedral. The Puritans never found the frescoes here to destroy thankfully as the priests wisely had part of this area walled off. There was little entrance way hidden by a desk that was never found. They used it to hide treasure and people when the King’s men or the wrong people came calling. It’s an amazing room. Next we were headed for the Trinity Chapel Stained glass porn alert 😉 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare kazu Posted May 10, 2019 Author #808 Share Posted May 10, 2019 13 minutes ago, Himself said: A sad legacy of Henry !! indeed. Where is Thomas Beckett entombed today? You have jumped a bit ahead, but that’s ok. Henry VIII desecrated Thomas’ body and his shrine at Canterbury Cathedral. He scattered his bones. There was talk of some of his bones found in Hungary that were supposed to be returned to Westminister Abbey and then to Canterbury Cathedral last year but we saw no such display and our guide did not elaborate and I neglected to ask. Sorry. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare kazu Posted May 10, 2019 Author #809 Share Posted May 10, 2019 Archbishops of Canterbury, Henry II & the Black Prince are buried here. Look at the ornate work - carved by hand! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare kazu Posted May 10, 2019 Author #810 Share Posted May 10, 2019 The crypt of the Black Prince - Richard Platanaget - named the Black Prince by the French as he was so successful in battle at the age of 16. The Black Prince in a close up: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare kazu Posted May 10, 2019 Author #811 Share Posted May 10, 2019 The stained glass in the Cathedral spans centuries. Some done in the last 300 years and some much older as far back as the original construction of the Cathedral in the 11th century. Any blank spaces are due to the destruction of stained glass by the Puritans. During the war, all of the stained glass windows were removed and stored in the crypt (where valuables, important people and Thomas Beckett’s body were originally hidden) to protect them. These first few told the story of some of the miracles that Thomas Beckett performed. The Pope made him a Saint very shortly after his murder. The Black Prince’s crypt - you can see the symbols of his regency above - they are actually copies though - his armour, etc. A chapel which is now used to remember those who had fallen in service. A service is held at 11 am regularly. Originally Stephen Langton was buried here but they chose to move his body. (Stephen Langton was a key person in the formation of the Magna Carta). After moving Stephen’s body, they discovered that his feet were actually going to be outside of the church. Do you see the funny box at the bottom of the building in the centre? That is to contain Stephen Langton’s feet.! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare kazu Posted May 10, 2019 Author #812 Share Posted May 10, 2019 A note to Andrea if you are still following along: Sorry that streaming didn’t work well on the ship and we couldn’t watch the Game of Thrones on board together, but I did catch up at home 🙂. Couldn’t help but think of you when I did. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare kazu Posted May 10, 2019 Author #813 Share Posted May 10, 2019 Back to the story on Henry & Thomas Beckett: After Thomas Beckett was murdered, the people went in revolt and Henry had to do penance down the streets to try to win the people back. He was whipped by monks. He had to do a public penance to win the people and prove he was serious. We walked down the street. I love walking down history. The street stretches down further - back to where I showed you the crooked house. After our long walk through Canterbury Cathedral, it was time for bite to eat. Our guide knew just the place. It’s a VERY old pub and was used for the love scene in the movie the Battle of Britain. It’s not really a tourist spot though - a lot of locals were there. Our guide was on good terms with the owner and we ended up in a the only private room (very nice). Our guide and the owner: And now for a bit of food porn 😉 This was a real English pub. Most (except DH) settled on the fish and chips or the stupendous hamburger they offered. Unfortunately some people had already taken bites but I did the best I could under the circumstances: The fish and chips. The chips were called triple (not sure why). The fish was the best I have ever had. The outside was crispy, light and not heavily battered and the fish inside was tender as can be. Really good 🙂 The hamburger - too different shots but as you can see people were working on them fast and, as you can see - they were finger looking good. 😄 (apologies to Col Sanders) DH was different - getting a consommé. Other areas of the tavern/pub: It was a lovely spot - in a little village and the food was great. Considering it’s England, I thought the prices were reasonable. England is an expensive place to eat so just don’t do the conversion in your head 😉 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare kazu Posted May 10, 2019 Author #814 Share Posted May 10, 2019 Originally we had planned to go to Chartwell House but it was a good 1 hour and 10 minutes away and it was already 3 pm. Between our lovely walk on the Cliffs of Dover and our tour in Canterbury Cathedral we had eaten up a lot of time. Our wonderful guide was more than willing to take it but some of our group had early flights and didn’t want to arrive at their hotels too late. After discussion, Gary suggested that if we preferred, he would take us through some villages and countryside for some nice views of England. It was very pretty and probably a smart move and DH and I didn’t get to our hotel until after 6 pm. Here are a few pics I was able to snap as we went through the lovely countryside. Gary has blacked out window so it does affect the pics a bit. You can see just fine out but it prevents people from seeing in to see our luggage. 😉 Our roll call friends were staying at the Doubletree near the airport. We had opted for the Hilton Wembley. ( I was using up some of DH’s Hilton points) as it was close to Wembley Stadium and also designer factory outlets (before I knew it was a Bank/National holiday). Despite it being a holiday, the stores were open but we didn’t go shopping!!!! I just don’t like being imprisoned near the airport where there can often not be many options. The Wembley is in a good location for access to the airport and flexibility for restaurants, etc. It’s also highly rated on Tripadvisor with the Certificate of Excellence deservedly. Taxi to the airport was 35 pounds. We had the one bedroom (might as well just burn those points up 😉 ) and it was very comfortable. A couple of pics without the bedroom. (I had our suitcases out and one opened so it was a mess). Nice hotel, helpful staff - kazu recommends 🙂 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare kazu Posted May 10, 2019 Author #815 Share Posted May 10, 2019 So this ends our Swan Song on the Prinsendam. I will share my impressions on the ship, cruise etc in a bit. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rotary Posted May 10, 2019 #816 Share Posted May 10, 2019 I am so sorry to see your posts come to an end. You made me feel like I was with you every step of the way. Fantastic pictures and wonderful history lessons along the way. Can't wait for your cruise next year. 😄 and😤 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare kazu Posted May 10, 2019 Author #817 Share Posted May 10, 2019 52 minutes ago, Rotary said: I am so sorry to see your posts come to an end. You made me feel like I was with you every step of the way. Fantastic pictures and wonderful history lessons along the way. Can't wait for your cruise next year. 😄 and😤 I’m glad you enjoyed it. Thanks so much for following along 🙂 There will be a bit more but I can’t say “Wait there’s more” 😉 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rkacruiser Posted May 10, 2019 #818 Share Posted May 10, 2019 I surely appreciate your efforts in both commentary and pictures. Thank you so very much! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeeniEncinitas Posted May 10, 2019 #819 Share Posted May 10, 2019 Well Jacqui nothing comes to an end!! Look forward to your South American cruise and I will follow along while I’m on my cruises Rotterdam and Oceania!! Best to you and Jose! Thank you again Denise😊 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare kazu Posted May 11, 2019 Author #820 Share Posted May 11, 2019 11 hours ago, rkacruiser said: I surely appreciate your efforts in both commentary and pictures. Thank you so very much! Thanks for the kind words and following along 🙂 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare kazu Posted May 11, 2019 Author #821 Share Posted May 11, 2019 10 hours ago, DeeniEncinitas said: Well Jacqui nothing comes to an end!! Look forward to your South American cruise and I will follow along while I’m on my cruises Rotterdam and Oceania!! Best to you and Jose! Thank you again Denise😊 Thanks Denise 🙂 Not sure about South America partially due to our winter weather, partially because we’ve done it before and mostly because my sights are on something else if DH agrees. We’ve reserved a spot and waiting for the finalized itinerary to see if I can talk DH into it 🙂 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare ski ww Posted May 11, 2019 #822 Share Posted May 11, 2019 Excellent write up, loved all those pictures. Now back to reality. Allan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare kazu Posted May 11, 2019 Author #823 Share Posted May 11, 2019 While we were having lunch our guide told us the origin of more of our expressions. Some more trivia while we had lunch. Heard the term hungover? Well, in medieval times, those that were poor could either go to our equivalent of a flop house and sleep in a coffin or if you were really poor you slept standing up. They drew a long rope to lean over and people slept standing up, hung over on the rope. The next day they felt awful, so they were “hung over”. And then of course there is the pot to p in. When the Flemish were brought in they brought weaving to this country. Before Britain sent their woollens out. Now they could be done here. But dyes don’t set easily in wool unless they are set and the best thing back in the time was urine. So to make money, people would put a pot out with their p in it. Those that didn’t have a pot didn’t have a pot to pee in. It’s amazing how many of our expressions come from medieval times and from England/United Kingdom. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare puppycanducruise Posted May 11, 2019 #824 Share Posted May 11, 2019 Thanks again for taking us along on your wonderful adventure. A great time was had by all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare kazu Posted May 11, 2019 Author #825 Share Posted May 11, 2019 38 minutes ago, ski ww said: Excellent write up, loved all those pictures. Now back to reality. Allan Thanks Allan and thanks for following along 🙂 Oh yes, reality has hit home, sadly 😉 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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