02.DecDickensian Christmas Fayre 2007
We spent Saturday in Rochester, Kent for the start of the famous Dickensian Christmas Fayre. It’s a 2-day celebration of the Season where townsfolk dress up in Victorian costumes based on Dicken’s most well-known characters from “Nicholas Nickleby” to “Oliver Twist”.
Unfortunately for hubby he’s got work so Kelvin and I had Ate Nimfa’s family for company instead. We went by coach and was surrounded by octogenarians. It’s my first time to travel in England by road and honestly I didn’t realise they also have toll-fees.
Prepare yourselves for some amateur pictures but I did my best to take as many as I can & I have posted some of them here.
Kelvin said “we’re here” as soon as he saw this banner… He’s really into “travelling” thank goodness he’s not prone to motion sickness
Our first stop was the Rochester Castle
The remainder of the castle is just part of the battlements
Not recommended for those with weak knees
That’s how big it should be
All the stairs were steep and narrow! I wonder how knights in full-armour are able to climb up these things?
This is why I like Europe. So much history packed in one place. My imagination was running wild with thoughts about how this place would have looked before, lit by candlewax and buzzing with activity. Do you think some lovers would have hidden in some of these alcoves?
Kelvin was a happy tourist for most of the day. He didn’t fuss too much and he was happy to walk everywhere (I didn’t bring the pram). He only threw one massive tantrum when he wouldn’t eat lunch.
Ate Nimfa and Kuya Arsie couldn’t stand the height anymore and went downstairs to wait for us “young ones”
The view at the top was amazing. The town is really beautiful. No wonder Dickens loved it so much.
Outside the Castle was the Rochester Cathedral where Dickens wanted to be buried. His wish was not granted and he was interned in the Westminster Abbey.
Within the Castle grounds were vendors of all sorts. I loved acting like a tourist and took pictures of everything. To be honest those are common sights in any craft show anyway. But notice those “dolls” with their back to Kelvin? Cute ‘no?
Here’s my good knight in front of the “playground” (he says). Isn’t it a sight to see the modern fair shielded by centuries old walls?
We saw this roasting pig & Ate Nimfa was so dismayed to learn it’s for “sarnies” only. You know, not real lechon with rice!
We missed the noon street parade but they finished at the Castle grounds anyway.
Are you familiar with this dog from “Oliver Twist”? Kelvin says it’s from “Toy Story”!
who are you?
1) I’d hate to sit on the bus next to this woman
2) What secret lies beneath that skirt?
3) How does she wee or do number 2?
This girl in blue is so pretty I actually stalked her until we managed to ask her to pose with us
The main street for the parade (or for the tourists)
1-2 Dec are big days to this town. They’ve got all sorts of publicity stunts going.
All day long they’ve got bands, performers, carols, etc etc
We missed te actual lamp-lighting scheduled for that hour, but he’s the Lamplighter and he was explaining to the kids why he has to go up and down the stairs behind him.
A Candlelit parade was scheduled at 1645HRS. The sidewalks were packed by 1630.
The Ghosts of Christmas Yet to Come
The Ghosts of Christmas Past
The Ghosts of Christmas Present
I have no idea who she’s supposed to be… but I think that’s Mrs Avesham in the background
Well… That’s it. I’m sure we will come back here some time in the future. But hubby says perhaps we should brush up on our Dickens first… I dunno it’s not essential but it does help so that the characters’ antics while parading in front of you are not totally lost.
We got home late & Kelvin tried to fight his bedtime but his eyes were closed even before I tucked him in. I hope you enjoyed your glimpse of a very British tradition.
This entry was posted on Sunday, December 2nd, 2007 at 3:39 pm and is filed under british nga, travel. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
This is the first time I’ve heard of this fayre. Very interesting. I’d dress up as Oliver Twist!
Wonderful photos, Auee
Very detailed pa ang description mo.
ang galing naman! I don’t know much about Dickens but I would love to see those people wearing those costumes…cool!
Ang galing talaga ng blogsphere. You get to learn a lot of stuff you otherwise would miss.
I love Dickens and I am delighted to know about the Dickensian Christmas Fayre. His Christmas Story is really a christmas classic, although my fave is his Tale of Two Cities.
Thanks lots and to you a good cheer!
Hi Auee,
I love your photos, suwerte niyo at ang ganda din ng weather. Ba’t hindi ka rin nagcostume
.
hi auee. oh my gosh, alam mo ba,i love the victorian era, the clothes, their manners, marami na akong nabasa, (pero di ko pa nababasa yung dickens
) thanks for the pictures, had a nice time looking at them. yup, ang ganda nga nung girl in blue (and i love her clothes too). did anyone bring lacey umbrellas and hats?
is that you in the black jacket? ang ganda ng jacket mo ha?
hindi naman mukhang kuha ng isang amateur ah. As a matter of fact, I see some as well-balanced, composition wise and interesting.
Bakit kayo hindi naka costume ata?
legends say that these women do their ‘thing’ standing up.. totoo kaya yun? lol..
No wonder the British have such great literature. Castles like these are straight out of fairy tales.
This is perfect for a pre-Christmas outing.
Hi Auee… I’m ba- ack
wow, great photos Auee! we’re scheduled to go there on the 27th too, can’t wait
hi auee, would love to have some of these interesting bits in the PMN: Travel section. oh yes, i am temporarily taking over
merry christmas and a happy new year too!
Dearest Auee,
In the glow of every Christmas tree may there be wamrth and happiness for you.
May the magic of Christmas leave behind sweet memories to cherish forever.
Merry Christmas And A Happy New Year!
Love,
Beng
Merry Christmas to you and your family Auee!
Lovely photos! Kelvin is growing so fast!
here’s wishing you the merriest of the Christmas season and a very prosperous New Year!
Hi Auee. Hope you had a memorable Christmas and wishing you and your family a promising New Year.
The Dickensian Christmas Fayre is very interesting. I’m sure everyone had a fantastic time. Thanks for sharing these wonderful photos.
Hi Auee,
long time no hear… hope you and your family’s keeping alright :-)
and hope you had a good Christmas and a very good start to the year!
Hello, was directed from Pinay’s article in interexpat. I just move to Scotland from Indonesia and I’m still finding my way of understanding everything now. Must say your blog is funny. Some people my blog is full of complaints about Scottish weather Cheers!
Hi auee! happy new year!
Ang ganda nga ng fair. I too love historic places… Pero siguro hindi mo ko mahihila paakyat nung wherever that photo is na nasa taas kayo… I’m scared of long, narrow stairs.
Good for Kelvin that he is a good traveler. No motion sickness! My Vgood throws up kahit on the ride to school lang.
Miss you!
Hello, Auee, how are you? Hope everything is well. I miss you and your posts.