Chester

Where in the world is pep?

After one long plane ride, two rides on the Underground, and two British Rail trains: Chester, England. Somehow, the whole journey went smoothly—thanks to the station agents who helped me make sense of my tickets along the way. [I have a hunch that using their phone app would have been simpler. Next time ...]

I'd chosen a hotel for its proximity to the train station, and it was unexpectedly lovely.

I'm here because an interesting tour opportunity caught my attention last year and a proper holiday was long past due. By pure happenstance, some family members were also in the UK and shuffled their plans to join me here for a day or two.

I convinced them that Chester was worth exploring, and we spent some time meandering through the city. A walk along the ancient city walls afforded views near and far, with trees and buildings tucked up close.

We had the good fortune to be the only people on a tour of Chester Cathedral led by a guide with an encyclopedic knowledge of the building's history and detailed features, such as this ceiling boss depicting the murder of Thomas Becket.

Eager to answer questions, he overran the allotted time. [No problem.]

Tomorrow, the principal adventure begins ...