DOVER & CALAIS DAY 1/2

Now, I L-O-V-E a good deal. Who doesn't?

To find the top travel deals (which also seem to miraculously cheer me up) I often look to deal sites such as Travelzoo and WOWCHER. On this occasion, I had hit the jackpot on Wowcher. An over night stay at the 4* Ramada Hotel Dover, including a three course dinner and buffet breakfast, plus inclusive return ferry tickets to Calais for two at just £89. Say whaaaaat?! No no no, not per person, for two!
Booked.

DAY 1/2

We were off again, this time for a petite weekend break. We left on Friday 4th March as after doing some research, I found that Calais was best to visit on a Saturday rather than a Sunday, this being many of the shops and restaurants would be closed. I, as usual, missed my bus ( I promise I try to be on time, the damn buses are always running early when I need to be somewhere important!!!). I ended up pulling over a local taxi that charged me the standard (overpriced) rate to the underground station. 
We made our way to Victoria, the station where our mainline train would depart to Dover Priory. The journey from Stratford through to Dover totalled to around 2 hours 45 mins, this was due to the fact that we had got tickets for the slow train. Unlike the quick zippy London underground rides I'm used to, the mainline services that take a couple hours really show England off for what it is all about... beauty!

We arrived in Dover at 2pm. The station was located around 5 minutes walk to the town centre, so we decided to have a wander. I had contemplated going back to the hotel to check in and drop off our bags, but as it was located a while away it seemed logical to build up our appetite while enjoying the outdoors and then retire to the hotel later on.

Once in town, there were plenty of signs directing us to Dover Castle and The White Cliffs. I was hoping to see them at some point, and tomorrow we would be in Calais, so why not! We continued on. First we walked up one hill, then another and then along a tiny roadside path that we mistook to being the final leg. We turned a corner to then see an enormous roadside hill that lead directly to the castle. The problem was, it was SO steep. The two of us had been walking around 25 minutes and already we were feeling it. There was no way I was allowing us to stop because there was actually nowhere safe to stop.
After about 10 minutes of steep incline, we had made it... and the castle was closed. It was a Friday afternoon and the castle was closed to the public. Humph... we sat, surrounded by sheep, catching our breath. At least The White Cliffs will be open. I opened google maps and typed in 'White Cliffs'... walking time: 1 hour. You've got to be kidding me. That was the last straw, we were calling a taxi!

From the Castle to The White Cliffs the taxi cost £5 and took around 5 minutes to reach. As we hopped out it was fair to say we were blown away (quite literally) with the incredible views before us. It was very windy, but being 350 feet above sea level during early March, it was to be expected.
We took a stroll along the cliff edge, taking in the views before us. The English Channel seemed so serine... rocking back and fourth, and every so often colliding with the rocks that lay below. In the near distance we could see the ferry port, unfortunately, this vital trading hub for the UK somewhat disturbed the serenity.
When you're on a cliff edge the extraordinary realisation that you, ultimately are in control tends to home in. Cynical it may be, but it is the truth. One brave (?) move and you could be done for... finito. You could become one with the sea...How many times a day do you face death... and walk away?

After a living on the edge for a while and now freeeezing cold, we decided to make our way to the warmth of the hotel. On arrival at the Ramada the staff were very friendly and made check in quick and easy. We booked a table in the Olive Tree restaurant for 8:00pm and went to relax!
8pm came around quickly and we went to feast on our 3 course meal. The food was great, all three courses. As I approached the final mouthfuls of the Creme Brulee I ordered for dessert I realised I couldn't go on. It is very rare that I go to a restaurant, have 3 courses and fail to finish the dessert. 
We left the restaurant looking 4 months pregnant, and ready to K.O.

Peace&Love
Willow