A Field of Blessings: Dover, England

Our trip to the temple and to London was just great. We got to the coast of France to the Boutoille's home about 7:10 a.m after an over 2 hour drive. We all headed out to Boulogne sur Mer where we put all of our luggage into the Neville's car and we got into the Boutoille's car. We parked our car at a huge parking area there where they have a lovely beach, hotels, an aquarium, water sports etc. We drove to the ferry there and took it across the ocean to Dover, England. The ride over took 1 hour and 45 minutes. It was very, very pleasant. Everyone parks their cars in the hull and then go upstairs where they ride over sitting in the lounges or wandering around the ferry. There is a restaurant, cafe, and shops. It was a very pleasant ride over and we enjoyed a little snack while we watched the ocean and had pleasant conversation. The Boutoilles and the Nevilles are very wonderful. They are soooooo nice and so great to be with.

Here is Patrick Boutoille with 2 of his children, Louise and Charles.
The two ladies are Nathalie Neville with Benedicte Boutoille. They have been best of friends for over 30 years.

Our ride over was very smooth with clear skies. We could see the White Cliffs of Dover so well. At first it seemed like they wouldn't be very tall and big, but the closer we got, the bigger they were. (Of course). The cliffs are actually 351 ft high. The striking facade is composed of chalk (pure, white calcium carbonate. These cliffs are symbolically very important to Britain because they face towards Continental Europe across the narrowest part of the English Channel. They are a symbolic guard against invaders.

Whenever I think of the White Cliffs of Dover, I am reminded of an old and very beautiful film and love story by the same name starring Irene Dunn.

After getting off the ferry, we drove into the city of Dover in the county of Kent and walked around. It was very nice there and very definitely a very different feel than either Belgium or France.