Chichester





We went to Chichester during the weekend. It took about 4 hours journey (one way) from our house, but we enjoyed the view from the train:) The view is different from Essex, because there are hills. Also we saw a huge castle. It made me excited.

Do you know our jinx that the big mouse always brings bad weather...? Soon after we got off the train at Chichester station, it started heavy rain and it was windy... We were supposed to walk around the town before go to the hotel, but we changed the plan. Because usually station is slightly separated from town centre in the UK, we didn't want to be soaked. We got on a taxi and went to the hotel straight away. It was about 10 minutes drive from the station. The Goodwood Hotel is one of the luxury hotels in England and set in the heart of the Goodwood Estate, which includes golf courses, health club, farm etc... http://www.goodwood.co.uk/estatemap.aspx#

The main entrance of the hotel looked pretty and compact, but inside it was huge like labyrinth.

 

 

Our room was modern and stylish, it was so comfortable.

 

We strolled the hotel because it was rain outside. 

 

After the rain, there was a rainbow.

The hotel seemed busy. One of the restaurants was full booked up at that night. But we luckily could book a table at a nice restaurant in spa facility, so we didn't need to go to the town. We had a nice dinner with relaxed atmosphere. I ordered a pork steak, it was really delicious. We ate up everything and dessert as well:) During the night, we did nothing with a full belly, but relaxed with watching TV, reading a book/magazine, having a bath etc... in the comfortable room.          
               
Next morning, we had a nice English breakfast and walked around Chichester town after we checked out of the hotel. There were some wall art, nice local shops, which get into the small mouse's psyche!

Chichester is a cathedral city and has a long history. The North, South, East and West shopping streets radiate from the central market cross dating from medieval times.

Chichester Market Cross

Chichester Cathedral is founded in the 11th century. The building was magnificent. It was Sunday morning, and Sunday service was held in the Cathedral. Usually we avoid to enter the cathedral when the service is held, because it's sacred rite. When we had looked in the cathedral from a glass door, a lady and man came and asked us to come in and welcomed us even it was a few minutes visiting... I scanned inside the building and experienced a tiny bit part of the Sunday service:) The website of Chichester Cathedral says; "For 900 years Chichester Cathedral has welcomed visitors through its doors - worshippers, seekers, tourists, people of all faiths and none. People visit cathedrals for all sorts of reasons.  Whatever has brought you to Chichester, I welcome you to this place, where people have brought their joys and their sorrows for 900 years."  It was exactly what they say.

We didn't have enough time to explore the town everywhere unfortunately, but we enjoyed walking in the town centre, browsing shops and visiting the famous cathedral. After that, we walked to the station and found that there was no train service from Chichester on that day due to engineering work... We had to get on an alternative bus to the next station Barnham. We could get on a bus, but it came late. When the bus arrived at the Barnham Station, the train to London Victoria had already been there. We run the passage and platform, and caught the train. The train passed through under the dark clouds and we saw double or triple rainbows!

All in all, it was a nice weekend trip:) Another week has started.