life in England

The shopping was abysmal, but my Tuesday in Canterbury still gave me plenty of walking, some work in a coffee shop and a film I loved. I shared this day out in May 2022, when one of my goals was to leave the house a bit more. That didn’t mean I could leave all my work behind.

I had essentially two full-time jobs, so working from a coffee shop seemed a simple way to get out while still getting something done. My partner wanted to see The Northman, and I’d booked tickets in Canterbury. I decided to go into the city early and make more of the day.

Breakfast before the train

The morning started in my pajamas with coffee and a fairly loose plan. I wanted summer clothes and hadn’t properly shopped for clothing in person in probably three years. I’d messaged a friend who lived in Canterbury to see whether she wanted to join me, and thought I might take my laptop, find lunch and do some work before the film.

First, though, there were overnight oats. I’d eaten them so constantly before that eventually the thought of them made me feel sick, but I was back on them again. This batch had strawberries added when I was ready to eat, because I didn’t want soggy fruit, plus coconut I’d forgotten was in the cupboard. Absolutely divine. I thought I might not manage the whole bowl, then ate all of it and felt as though my stomach might explode.

A backpack that held what I needed

Taking the laptop had been a nuisance. I had a sleeve for it, but then I had to carry it around, which wasn’t much fun if I also wanted to do something else or film. Holding all that stuff was annoying, so I’d bought a small laptop backpack online. I wanted enough space for the laptop and a few other things, without something huge.

This was its first test. The laptop went in, followed by my umbrella and the little things I wanted with me. I tucked my wallet into a pouch, packed lip balm and a glasses-cleaning cloth, and had an extra hair elastic and ear pods to add. There was even a compartment at the back for my phone. It fitted the stuff I needed and wasn’t too big, which made me pretty happy.

Shopping, then a laptop at Starbucks

I’d booked my train tickets, aiming to get into Canterbury around 11:30. I still found train travel exciting. In Canada, the trains I’d taken were trips into Toronto, and I had to drive to the station first. Here, I’d sold my car and relied on buses and trains. Buses weren’t my favourite, but trains were pretty cool.

The shopping didn’t go well, but I got lots of walking in and ended up doing some work at Starbucks. It wasn’t my first choice for a coffee shop, although I didn’t mind taking up space to work there rather than in a small cafe. That part of the plan, at least, happened.

A break at Westgate Gardens

I also went to Westgate Gardens, where it felt really peaceful along the water. The surprising bit was how central it was, right off Canterbury’s high street. I wouldn’t have guessed that from being there. It felt like a lovely place for a little break, some reading or a picnic.

Water beside brick houses and a lawn at Westgate Gardens
A waterside view during my visit to Westgate Gardens in Canterbury.

I felt grateful and lucky that I could do this on a Tuesday afternoon. Being able to explore somewhere like that as part of a regular day was very special to me, and I didn’t want to take it for granted.

A good film and plans for the couch

The cinema booking was for Curzon, where I liked the big, comfortable leather seats. Afterward, back at home, my verdict on The Northman was that it was weird, beautiful, gross and really well done. I loved it. My popcorn choice was mixed sweet and salty.

I’d figured I wouldn’t want to cook much after walking around all day, so I’d bought a steak and ale pie. My evening plan was to cook that, perhaps add some garden peas, put my sweatpants on and sit on the couch. Garden peas, please. Not mushy peas.

Watch my Canterbury day out, from breakfast to the film.