From Cathedrals to Seashells
We tried to outsmart Paris traffic with a very early start—rewarded by a gorgeous sunrise over the city. Had to try and capture a bit of that magic on the way out!
With a bit of extra time on our hands, we popped into the lovely town of Amiens for an early morning visit to its stunning cathedral. Notre-Dame d’Amiens is the largest Gothic cathedral in France—truly awe-inspiring in the quiet morning light.
That guy just would not move—so he’s now part of the photo whether he likes it or not!
More moments of sunlight weaving through stained glass—pure magic in every colourful beam.
A quick reflection shot of the Gnu before its big train ride under the English Channel—Eurotunnel adventure mode: activated!
The Gnu took the Chunnel! It’s such a slick and easy process—just drive onto the train, sit tight, and 35 minutes later you’re under the English Channel and into the UK. Imagine how quick a tunnel from Vancouver Island to the mainland would be… though, to be fair, you’d miss out on all those incredible ferry wildlife sightings. Once we rolled off the train, it was all about looking right and keeping left! As the Gnu adventures begin on yet another new landmass.
Our first stop in the U.K. was the Margate Shell Grotto—an utterly bizarre and fascinating place. Photos just can’t capture how strange it feels to walk through these winding underground passageways, entirely decorated with millions of seashells. Discovered in 1835, its origins remain a complete mystery… which somehow makes it even more odd.
An early morning cuppa in charming Rochester to meet up with a friend and take a stroll down to the docks to check out the boats—such a peaceful start to the day!
The Gnu enjoying a breezy beachside stop in Whitstable—charming seaside vibes and a perfect pause along the way.
After a fun night catching up with friends in Canterbury, we headed off to explore Leeds Castle—often called ‘the loveliest castle in the world.’ Set on its own island, it’s full of surprises, including (to our delight) another shell grotto! This one’s tucked away in the castle’s maze and adds a whimsical, slightly eerie twist to the visit.
As we rolled into Brighton, we were greeted by an impressive viaduct—easily mistaken for one of the many aqueducts we’ve spotted on this adventure. But this beauty is all about trains, not water!
Brighton Beach’s walkway was a total feast for the senses. We passed an upside-down house, spotted the Brighton i360 gently lifting visitors skyward, and admired the haunting remains of the old West Pier rising from the waves. Such a cool blend of quirky, modern fun and faded seaside grandeur.