Orlando Bloom?

A lovely sunny morning, perfect for a wander through Canterbury before it fully woke up. On our way for coffee, we passed the Chaucer statue again and I had to stop and examine the plinth this time. I had been finding out about the statue and discovered it was only a recent addition, although many years in its creation. I read that the figures around the plinth were the pilgrims in Chaucer’s Tales, but were also based on well-known Canterbury figures. We found a list of them, but they meant nothing to us except . . . Orlando Bloom.  As we walked round trying to find him, a guy sitting outside a café nearby said: You looking for Orlando Bloom? We of course agreed and he indicated where he was (in the hat, in the centre). When we engaged him in conversation, he told us who several of the other characters were, but they meant little to us, as they were owners of local businesses etc. Then he revealed that these people had paid £5000 to have their images put onto the plinth in this way. Apparently Orlando Bloom was born in Canterbury and it was his mother who had put up the money and provided the photo for her son to be part of the work. Sadly she didn’t like the finished product and said it looked nothing like her son . . . oh dear. We learnt a lot more about Canterbury from this guy – whether it was all true or not, who is to know.

A short drive to Dover and a ferry across to Calais. We were even offered an earlier ferry, as we had arrived before our time (imagine that happening at an airport!).  A perfect crossing, very few people. So we are now in Calais. Not very exciting, but it suits us fine. Our favourite hotel, a wander along the sands by the sea, a late afternoon beer sitting in the sun and out for dinner a short walk round the corner from the hotel. How do they do it? A wonderful meal, perfectly cooked and presented, gracious, but not pretentious, service, and a very reasonable bill. Well, this is France.

Extra: you know you are in France when the dog is tiny, wears a dress and is carried to the café in a handbag.