The White Cliffs of Dover, July 26, 2023

Well, we’re half way through our trip. Time has moved at a swift pace. We spent the day in Dover, England. Dover is on the southern coast. Cross twelve miles of the English Channel and you will be in Calais, France.

I am truly amazed that Hitler did not move across the channel and try and take England. Roscoe keeps reminding me that the RAF and the British Navy were the real heroes.

So, if you’re like me, you can’t say the words, The White Cliffs of Dover” without thinking about the song. Well here’s what I learned this week. The song was recorded by Vera Lynn, who was the “Forces Sweetheart”. She also recorded, “We’ll Meet Again” during WWII. She entertained British troops in Burma, became a “dame” ( equivalent to a knighthood) and lived to be 103 years old. Read Wikipedia, she led a very interesting life. Here’s a YouTube link to the song…..not sure if it will work.

https://youtu.be/dyDebDtsshA

Also here’s an interesting fact about her:

On their 1979 album The Wall, Pink Floyd released a song titled "Vera", referencing Vera Lynn and the song "We'll Meet Again" with the lyrics "Does anybody here remember Vera Lynn? / Remember how she said that / We would meet again / Some sunny day?". "We'll Meet Again" was also used as an intro to the live performances of The Wall in 1980 and 1981 (as can be heard on Is There Anybody Out There? The Wall Live 1980–81). The 1982 film Pink Floyd – The Wall opens with "The Little Boy that Santa Claus Forgot" performed by Lynn

Ok, enough of the history lesson. I am just fascinated by the behaviors of the British during the War, it was truly, “….their finest hour.”

We took this picture coming into port at 5:30 am. We just happened, yes really, to awaken at that time. The white is actually made from sea shells. There are tunnels through the cliffs, and the British had a hospital inside them during the war.

This is a boat, made during the Bronze Age. It is the oldest boat known to exist. I think it was made 350 years BC. We saw it at a little free museum in Dover.

This is an example of a V1 Rocket. These are the rockets sent over to bomb London.

Great apple 🍎 cider £6.50. We each had a glass. Cold, crisp, Lin it reminded me of the cider we had in California.

I’m showing you this picture so you can see the ceiling. The walls and ceiling are signed by all of the swimmers who swim the English Channel. They swim both ways. From Calais to Dover is considered the easiest way because of the tides.

We were so hungry, but the kind bartender told me the kitchen was closed due to the table of 14 that had just ordered. He then told me to go drink my cider and if the guy in the kitchen was able to feed that crowd, he’d let me know…he did and Roscoe and I shared fish and chips. There were only 3 people working at the pub and because the ship was in, it was very busy.

On our way up to Dover Castle. 200 steps, but we had already climbed….a lot! Most people take the bus up and walk down. Not us! We walked up….had to stop and rest 3 times; then we took the shuttle bus back down to the ship.

Dover Castle. It was a nice day, we saw a great skit, with young people playing the parts and telling a story. Roscoe and I were gazelles. We had a good walk and lots of exercise. Tomorrow ( really today as I write this) we are at sea and it’s a formal night. More pictures to come.