Cheshire

…. he heard our Australian accents - at which time he pulled a sword on us, muttering darkly ‘didn’t we send you people all off somewhere in boats years ago? - they obviously didn’t finish the job properly’😳

We arrived in Chester this morning after about 1.15 hr very scenic drive up the coastline and then inland to cross the border back into England, then shortly after arriving in Chester - the oldest Roman base in the UK. It was essentially built as a fortified city as a defence against the wild Welsh to the southwest.

Having been so frugal yesterday, I felt justified in lashing out and late last night purchased online a ‘hop on / off’ bus tour, combined with a short boat cruise on the river Dee - all at a discounted, combined online price, of course.

Our accommodation was situated right at the racecourse which is the oldest racecourse in both England (and indeed the world). Having arrived at about 10am, we were way too early to check in, so had a coffee while we waited for the open top bus which came right past the front door.

The bus commentary was very informative as we made the circuitous route around the city. We spotted the Chester Christadelphian hall along the way and decided we would go there for Bible Class tonight. However, we discovered on checking their website that it is held Tuesday evenings 😔.
We exited the bus at the Riverboat stop. The half hour trip up the river Dee on the boat was relaxing and similarly informative and by this stage we felt we were getting a feel for the layout of the city.
On return to the dock, it was now time to start exploring the city by foot. Highlights included:
*A circumnavigation on foot of the ancient walls,
* Admiring the ‘second most photographed clock’ in the UK
*The unique 13thC timber houses called ‘The Rows’.
* Shopping for some gloves for Loss (which will possibly be needed in Scotland but almost definitely in Iceland) to replace one which had been inadvertently lost along the way.
* Loss finding £5 on the Roman walls pavement! (our first cash since Windsor Castle)
* Checking out the Roman amphitheatre - the largest and most complete found in the UK.
* Finding the ruins of a ‘Hypocaust’ directly underneath a cafe (as advised by one of my patients who had grown up here and told me about it recently)
* Seeing the purpose built aircraft (Airbus Beluga) in the sky that flies Airbus wings manufactured here at Chester to the Airbus factory in Toulouse, France for final assembly.
* Having an excellent dinner on a warm English evening, overlooking the Racecourse and enjoying a pint that was ‘on the house’ because the waitress said I would earn it if I could find the picture hung upside down on the walls of the bar / restaurant. (This I did while waiting for Loss to come back from the WC).
* Avoiding being ‘terminated’ by our Roman army soldier friend.

All in all, a successful day.Read more