London, Day 14: Dover

After leaving Canterbury (see entry below), we headed to Dover, famous for its white cliffs. Dover is the point nearest France, which was actually just visible across the channel. Dover Castle has been an important defense point for England over the years. Historically, it has held off French invasions. It was also the site of a World War II underground command center, which was recently declassified after officials noted that chalk cliffs would no longer provide adequate protection given modern weaponry.

The grounds of Dover Castle are also home to a first century Roman lighthouse and an Anglo-Saxon church. The lighthouse is little more than a stone cylinder and is not exactly in the best condition after 2,000 years. It certainly is no longer functional as a lighthouse. I narrowly escaped serious injury at the hands of Dr. Facinelli for my (according to her) "terrible" pun: It can't be a Roman lighthouse! It's standing still!

The view from the roof of the castle is exquisite, and well worth the climb. The city of Dover is visible. I saw a theme park with several rides in motion. I could even hear the screams. Dover Harbor and the channel could also be seen. And, far off on the horizon, a little dark smudge that was probably France. The water of the channel was suprisingly blue. I guess I'm not used to the water looking so clear outside of Hawaii. It was nice that we got a fair amount of sun that day. Dr. Facinelli mentioned that of the many years she's been to Dover, this is only the second time she's seen France across the English Channel.

There was a trebuchet near the castle. Unfortunately, it was not in use. It also wasn't terribly large. It seems questionable that a trebuchet of that size would be able to hurl stones large enough to bring down a castle. In addition to the trebuchet, an audio-visual show inside the castle simulated a bombardment. The castle has survived several sieges.

Sam, Dr. Bruhn's young son, bought a sword and spent most of the afternoon gleefully stabbing Dr. Facinelli with it. At least Dr. Bruhn did not permit him to buy a wooden sword. Foam rubber doesn't hurt too much.