The trip was well supported - all 57 seats were taken and there was a waiting list!! Thankfully by the day of the trip all those who were able to join in were offered seats. We set off in sunshine and arrived at the Anglican Cathedral where we were each given our own ticket, allowing us to sample the video, audio tour and the tower at our own pace in the morning. The video was great, with the history of the building told from the perspective of one person as old as the cathedral and showed the various craftsmen involved. Sadly I didn't do well with the swooping tour of the spaces in the Cathedral - I felt a little car sick! but the theme for the Cathedral at this time, regarding the spaces is very apt and made me look more carefully at the overall impressions of the building.
The audio tour was good, and again kept the theme of the spaces. It was possible to do some listening, pause for lunch and then continue which was great as we missed many of the queues seen in a popular venue on a lovely Saturday.
I wasn't able to climb the 108 steps to the top of the tower but was quite happy with the lifts and saw the bells - all stored upside down to a lay person! It was an amazing experience and although it was a lovely day still with wind whistled around the area - it's easy to forget just how high up you are. The embroidery was excellent, and the viewing platforms on the same level gave a new view of the Nave of the Cathedral.
We stayed for lunch, we had a picnic, not many seats presented some problems, and then on to the Metropolitan Cathedral.
The Metropolitan Cathedral was awe inspiring, just so very different from the gothic impressiveness of the one just a mile along the street. The light was almost all natural and was one of the main differences I noticed. The spaces were similar and were put to similar uses and both buildings had that same 'feel' to them. I liked the way this Cathedral was big, with the central altar and space around but was also intimate with the smaller side chapels, each designed to be individual representing the purpose of the chapel. My favourite was the children's chapel with its stone sculpture and the chapel of St Joseph where the walls are panelled in wood and engraved.
By 4pm we were tired but happy to board the bus to take us home.