Going to York

A quick breakfast, said our goodbyes to Bill, almost left without paying. Thought I had done that online in the States. Oops! He caught us right before we left. Made so many reservations for this trip not sure who was paid and who wasn't.

It wasn't exactly raining yet so we forgoed the bus for a brisk walk to the train station. Just a little over a mile but uphill all the way. By the time we got to the last hill, I was rethinking the bus idea. Geoff looked down to the left and there was the road (downhill) that led to the South entrance to the station. We knew this because yesterday, in our hunt for the Lincoln Memorial, this is where the big conversation took place. We would never have known otherwise - no signs. Trekked down the hill and we were faced with a staircase going up. A very nice young woman suggested we go to the next entrance and take the lift. Brilliant!! Took the lift up to the platforms and there was our train waiting for us.

For the past four days we have hiked up and down the hills of Edinburgh - not to mention the stairways that go every which way but mainly up! Would like to come back to Scotland some day (when it is warmer) and see more of the countryside. We are now on our way to York, and the weather report says rain for the next 3 days. Ce la vie!

Arrived somewhat on time and eventually made our way to our new B&B. This is in a very quiet part of town just ourside the Old City. Pretty much the same set up as the last place we were in. A tall Victorian building with lots of rooms and one large breakfast room downstairs. Darren greeted us and gavae us the lay of the land.

Since it was past lunch time, we ventured out into the gloomy day. Short walk to the city center. York is surrounded by old city walls which are supposed to be great to walk on. Not sure if the weather will allow us the chance. Our walk took us through the beautiful gardens that also house the York Museum. It was scenic and quiet, so peaceful. We thought that this was a great change from being in Edinburgh. Little did we know that once we got into the city it was packed! It is all quite charming, however, it is hard to appreciate the history when it is all covered up with tons and tons of shops and people. It also happens to be school vacation so we have that going against us as well. We walked around in a stupor for a while - it is very small but the streets are tiny and go every which way. Finally we found the veggie restaurant that Darren suggested.

This place was nice and calm and the food was excellent. Walked out into the rain and headed for tourist info. Chatted there for a bit and then decided to hit the York Museum on the way back. Next to the museum are the ruins of St. Mary's Abbey. King Henry VIII had confiscated the buildings for his own use but eventually they went into ruins. We moved ahead to the museum for our tickets. A ticket is good for one year, so we knew we could return if we didn't finish. Bought a 2for ticket which also included the York Castle Museum. We are gonig to be doing a lot of indoor activities, I'm afraid. Saw a short film on the history of York . Learned about the vikinings - going to another museum for that.- took a few looks around and decided it was time to get back and rest up.

On the walk home, we found a place closer to us for a dinner option tonight. Don't want to walk too far afield in this weather.  Resting comfortably now. Nice quiet warm room. 

Back again, thought I was done for the day but tonight was too good not to share. We gathered ourselves up again to go out for some dinner at around 7 - made sure to grab an umbrella this time. Went to the pub close to the b&b - nothing too exciting. After dinner we started walking. The rain was very light and much more comfortable with the umbrella. All the day tourists were gone and we had the old city to ourselves. The church bells were ringing and with the lights and the soft mist it was just wonderful walking around. 


Went through the gate to the city and tried to walk on the wall but it was closed. Definitely going to do this rain or shine. Passed by York Minster - a great big huge structure. Not sure if we'll go in or not. The squares were all quite. But best of all was walking down the Shambles with nobody there. You couldn't see anything this afternoon for all the people and the busy shops. The Shambles street has overhanging

timber-framed buildings, some dating back as far as the fourteenth century. It was once known as The Great Flesh Shambles, probably from the Anglo-Saxon Fleshammels (literally 'flesh-shelves'), the word for the shelves that butchers used to display their meat. As recently as 1872 there were twenty-five butchers' shops in the street but now there are none.

The gardens were closed so we made our way to the river to walk home.

All in all a very good evening. 


Next time...The Museums of York