walked thru Rochester in January and wished i had known about the almshouses as otherwise didn't see much there of interest except the superb cathedral preceints. not a bad town but not exciting to me - but way nicer than Chatham

From what I've read of Dickens, I'm not sure I'd want to see or experience any part of his world. I wonder if anyone is planning a BaudelaireWorld or SadeCity in France, or a PoeKingdom in the U.S.

Or KafkaLand: no Mickey Mouses to be photographed with. Instead, you get to wear the beetle suit. And then you discover you can't take it off. That's after they've tried you for something they won't tell you about.

apart from the cathedral, the best bit about Rochester [I used to live about 45 minutes drive away] was the very good china shop in the middle of the town. Can't remember what it was called, but it was near the car park and a real treasure chest.

regards, ann

I dunno...
It could be the best of times. Or it could be the worst of times.

Or it could fall on Hard Times.