Monday 19th August 2013
Having taken our two dogs to their respective “holiday” homes, we spent Monday morning completing our preparations for our cruise to Russia and Scandinavia.

This was our first cruise and was a fabulous birthday present from my husband for my 50th: I had told him that I wanted something that would leave lasting memories as opposed to a one night mega party and I certainly got my wish … and then some!
The taxi came and picked us up at 12.00 and took us to Crewe station where we caught the 12.29 train to London Euston. On the way down to London, we travelled First Class. David drank a cider and I had a glass of dry white wine and a smoked salmon and cream cheese bagel. David just ate a banana – a very frugal lunch but that would quickly change on the cruise!

At Euston, we took a cab to London St Pancras and, for a while, it looked as though we would miss our connection to Broadstairs at 14.42. We didn’t however and soon, we were on our way to John and Ashleigh’s house in Broadstairs where we were to spend the night.

The train arrived on time and we were greeted at the station by John and three-year-old Sebastian who very much wanted to help with our suitcases all the way to their house close to the beach.
We all got there safely and we were soon on our way to sample the beer available in Broadstairs at two very unusual “pubs”, “The 39 Steps” and “The Chapel” where we partook of two very different ales.

“The Chapel”, as its name indicates, actually used to be a real chapel before it became a second-hand bookshop until, very recently, it also started selling different types of real ales on the lower level as well as providing tables and chairs strategically placed so that people can drink and browse the books should they wish to do so.

Wooden staircases and tables, old armchairs and filled with atmosphere as well as with books, “The Chapel” really is a place after my own heart.

We couldn’t stay there very long though unfortunately but, as we left, John announced that he had to go to the shops on his way back to the house and David suggested we stop at “The 39 Steps” for another beer which we did.

After a lovely dinner and evening with John, Ashleigh and Seb, we went to bed tired but excited at the prospect of our impending journey 🙂