Returning to the Kent coast

Canterbury, and more specifically the coast running from Tankerton to Whitstable is my happy place. Whilst we were studying at university we took many trips to Tankerton and Whitstable. We would sit on the beach, play frisbee and listen to the waves - absolute bliss! I haven't been able to find another place makes me feel so relaxed so quickly. I don't tend to think twice when I get an invitation to get back to the Kent Coast so when Vicki mentioned meeting her at the beach we packed up Rob's car and headed back to our little place of calm.

We wrapped up warm as it was so windy on the beach front. Nelli certainly needed her lined coat. 

We had originally planned to meet Vicki, James and Ted but only Vicki was available in the end as James had to work and little Teddy the Border Collie puppy was sick. 

After a walk next to the beach huts and then along the beach, we headed to Tankerton High Street. As it was a Sunday it was very quiet. We used to do a lot of charity shop shopping along the high street. It was a shamed that they were closed. We noticed that there were a few new shops that looked lovely including a wine shop. There were also a few new cafes that we will definitely try on our return. However, we knew exactly what we fancied for lunch to warm us  up - proper English Seaside fish and chips! 

We headed to Ossie's Fish Bar - which is at the top end of the High Street. They have a restuarant and a takeaway. The resturant was very busy so we knew that the chips would be good. We sat outside with Nelli. I had sausage in batter, chips and curry sauce. Rob had Cod. It was all amazing! The food was lovely and fresh and it was some of the best fish and chips we had for a while. Nelli certainly approved. 

After our chips Vicki had to head back to look after her sick puppy. We gave her a big hug and then we took a short drive to Whitsable. Whitstable is another beautiful little High Street. There were lots of lovely independent cafes but as we were with Nelli we couldn't go in. In the end we opted for Costa coffee - they do the best decaf Americanos!

Before we left we popped into Sugar Boy Sweet Shop. We used to live round the corner to one in Canterbury. Rob chose Black Jacks and I chose strawberry Bon Bons. The Bon Bons were scale but the Black Jacks were good. 

We jumped back in the car and headed home after not too long as our girl was so sleepy. She certainly got comfy in the back of the car. 

Canterbury Countryside

We don't get to see Vicki all that often but when we do it's always wonderful. A couple of weekends ago we spent a lazy Sunday visiting Vicki and her boyfriend James on the outskirts of the countryside of Canterbury. 

Canterbury has a very special place in our hearts but we haven't spent much time in the countryside. Vicki proposed a dog/horse walk and it couldn't have been more perfect. 

First of all we introduced Nell to a horse. I am not sure if she met many horses in her racing days but she showed some interest... For about 15 seconds before being completely unbothered! First we introduced her to a smaller horse. This one was Percy. He is a little Shetland and a little babe!

We were then joined by Vicki's horse Evie and headed out on our walk. The countryside was very relaxing. The weather was also lovely. Fresh but not too cold. 

After walking for a bit we stopped for lunch at a pub. We all had sandwiches with chips and onion rings. Evie even got her own portion of chips. Nelli was very well behaved, although she was very alert and didn't really settle. Part or that was to do with the fact that Evie was sometimes a bit restless and almost walked into Nell whilst we were eating our sandwiches! 

After Evie decided to wee and poo right next to us, we thought it was best we left. When we got back to the farm we gave Nell a big cuddle for being so good. And of course we took a family selfie!

We headed home after a quick tea stop at Vicki's. Nell slept for almost the entire journey home. She normally sleeps for about 20 hours a day so she was exhausted.

We had such a lovely day with Vicki and James. They have just got a puppy! We can't wait to go back to see them and little Ted. We both felt so relaxed inthe countryside and are now planning a little getaway. 

Pulled pork in Canterbury

Last weekend we headed to Canterbury for a little day trip. This September will mark the 5 year anniversary of our move to Canterbury to start university. We lived there for 4 wonderful years. Whilst we were certainly ready to leave Canterbury when we did last year, a big part us still misses Canterbury.

The traffic on the way down was awful. So of course we took a car selfie. 

Once we arrived we were absolutely starving! I knew just the place to satisfy our rumbling tummys Pork and Co. Pork and Co only really serves one thing - pulled pork. We chose the pulled pork rolls. It was served on a fresh, perfect, brioche bun. The meat was so succulent and tasty. You can also chose any sauce. They had apple sauce, chilli and BBQ. We both opted for BBQ. You can also have coleslaw too. Rob had the regular coleslaw and I had a chilli slaw. It was also served with a big piece of crackling. It was heaven!

Whilst on the topic of food, later we also had some churros. They were very very average and we wouldn't recommend them. 

We had a wonder around the shops. Rob picked up some jeans, a belt and T-shirt in the Topshop sale. I picked up a jumper from Zara. We are got a big Yankee candle for half price.

We finished the day with a pint in our favourite pub The Dolphin. 

Then we headed back home to our Nelli! It was a lovely day.