Mysteries & Margate

Shell-Covered Caves

Some days, it still feels surreal that I’m actually here, exploring England between classes and lectures. This week was a whirlwind of history, seaside charm, and a little bit of puzzle-solving excitement that made it one of my favorite weeks so far.

First up was a day trip to Margate, a quaint coastal town with so much character. As soon as we arrived, I was struck by the way the sea seemed to stretch endlessly into the horizon, the salty breeze instantly making me feel at home. Margate has this relaxed vibe, with its colorful beach huts, charming shops, and a mix of vintage and modern touches. We spent the day wandering through the Old Town, poking around in little boutiques, and enjoying some classic fish and chips by the water. The town has such a unique energy, blending its historic roots with a vibrant artsy culture.

On clear days, there are some coastal parts of England where you can look out across the water and see France. When you look out over the water, you can also see a sculpture hidden in the waves. The sculpture is visible about three hours before low tide. ANOTHER TIME is a series of one hundred solid cast-iron figures by Antony Gormley, who is known for his sculptures and installations that explore the experience of being human and inhabiting a human body.

One of the highlights of Margate was visiting the Shell Grotto, and let me just say—it was unlike anything I’ve ever seen. Hidden beneath the town, this underground passageway is completely covered in millions of shells arranged in intricate patterns. No one really knows who built it or why, which only adds to the mystery and magic of the place. Walking through it felt like stepping into another world, and it was such a fun surprise to stumble across something so unique.

Canterbury Cathedral

The next day, after lectures, we visited Canterbury Cathedral, and I don’t think any amount of reading about it could’ve prepared me for how massive and stunning it truly is. The sheer scale of the place took my breath away. From the intricately carved stonework to the soaring stained-glass windows, every inch of the cathedral is a masterpiece. Walking through its halls, I couldn’t help but think about all the people who had stood in that same spot over the centuries. The history of the cathedral is fascinating, but it was the quiet, reverent atmosphere that stuck with me the most. It felt like stepping into a different time, and I couldn’t help but pause to take it all in, imagining the stories these walls could tell.

Escaping Canterbury

To cap off the week, I convinced my study abroad group to try an escape room in Canterbury—and if you know me, you know how much I LOVE escape rooms. There’s nothing like the rush of solving puzzles and piecing together clues, all while the clock is ticking. There were moments when I was convinced we’d never figure it out, but somehow, we pulled it off with just minutes to spare. The best part was seeing everyone’s different strengths—some of us were great at decoding riddles, others spotted hidden objects no one else noticed, and it all came together perfectly with a few random Dolly Parton references.