I know, I know, I haven't written in a while so I decided it was about time. Just has been a busy weekend and now week. Anyways though, Friday after work, was the work Christmas party that I organized. It was a complete success, as 100% of the company attended and everyone very much enjoyed it. Instead of a pub like the company normally does, I had it at a Snooker/Pool Hall around the corner from work. It was just fin, that everyone came and was so relaxed. Following the party, I went with Margaret to Jaime's school end of term service in Lincoln Cathedral. This was something that was neat to see, although they sang some Christmas carols that I did not recognize. I went home, relaxed and got a good nights sleep, because on Saturday...Erin and her mom came!!!
Bryan and I went to the train station Saturday afternoon to pick them up. I knew they would be exhausted from traveling so we took the afternoon easy, had dinner, and then went into town for a ghost walk. I had done this before a few year ago and it was quite enjoyable...the problem this particular night, it was well below freezing, the wind was blowing, and the snow was still falling. All of these combined made for a pretty miserably cold ghost walk, so we ended up not really paying attention. Afterwards, we walked to a house of one of Jaime's friends, and had hot chocolate to warm us up. On the way home, Margaret dropped Erin and I off in the village to go to the local pub. It is a short walk home and allowed us to catch up and hang out. After enjoying the quietness of the 1st pub, we started walking home, until we noticed another pub with lots of people outside. We ended up going to this one, and boy was it was. It was also quite entertaining as it was filled with about 40 guys and 4 girls. Our accents definitely were noticed and we often got made fun of, but in a joking manner. We finally wandered home in the early morning hours.
Sunday we all slept in before heading down to the Cathedral area. We just shopped and had a pub lunch, all while snow was down pouring outside! Once home, we enjoyed sitting by the fire, a warm dinner, and a wonderful conversation with the Carr's while drinking wine.
Monday was a full day. Bryan and Margaret were so kind, and actually gave me the entire day off to spend with the girls. After stopping by Castlet to show them where I have been working the last 3 months, we headed to the castle. It was gorgeous to see with all the snow on the walls and ground. Unfortunately, they did not get to see the original Magna Carta as it is on traveling display in the states. It was still a nice time though. After this, we enjoyed a very delicious Thai lunch before heading to the Cathedral. This place was gorgeous as always, and after wandering around for a bit, we joined the Roof Tour. I had never done this before either, and it was incredible. We saw some magnificent views of the inside from the roof, as well as the outside. Plus, we were able to see the rafters and how all the wood is put together to make the cathedral ceilings. Once the tour was complete, we finished seeing the rest of the Cathedral, including the exact spot where Da Vinci Code was filmed...it was not filmed at Westminster but Lincoln Cathedral instead. A few more stores and shops completed a very busy day.
Erin and her mom left Tuesday morning for London, and I headed back to work, for a quick week. It was a mini Christmas here yesterday, as I gave out my presents (Texas picture frames) to people at work, I gave the Carr's their gifts, and then they gave me mine. Tonight I am home to pack for the cruise! Merry Christmas everyone, don't know if I will be writing before then!
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
A Musical Filled Weekend in London
Well it has been a little bit since I last posted so here is the latest update on me. Last week was another typical work week. I was pretty busy catching up on stuff from when I was gone. And then, my trip for the weekend was to London!!
Friday afternoon I boarded the train to head to the city where I was planning on participating in what has come to be my Friday ritual when I am in London. I made my way to Trafalgar Square which had a huge Christmas tree, carolers, and lights. It was absolutely gorgeous. I then had my Mexican dinner at the Texas Embassy. It was a nice dinner, as there was a woman from the states sitting next to me by herself, so we ended up talking the entire dinner. Following the delicious food, I made my way to the Dominion Theatre for the show...We Will Rock You. It is a musical based on the music of Queen. I absolutely loved it and found the music wonderful and the story a very neat one to follow. I really want to see it in the US though, because here they had thrown in British humor, and so there would be some differences seeing it back in the states. But I left the theatre singing Bohemian Rhapsody, so it really was a great show. After this, I then went and met up with my Canadian friends. These were the girls that I met on the Wales trip. I was going to be staying with them the entire weekend and was so excited. It had been a while and was definitely great to see them.
Saturday morning the girls and I made our way to Angel Center to do a little Christmas shopping. We also just wandered around the area which was nice, as I hadn't really seen that specific part of London. Following this we hopped on a double decker bus to Hyde Park where the Christmas season really set in! It was here that Winter Wonderland was taking place. The entire park was filled with Christmas rides, German and Bavarian shops and food, ice skating and music. Although it was packed with people, the atmosphere definitely put me in the Christmas mood. We stayed here for all of the afternoon and early evening, just enjoying the sights and sounds of Christmas. Once we were pretty frozen, we headed back to the house to thaw off. I decided that since it was 15 minutes before a lot of theatre shows began that I would try and get cheap seats. The closest theatre was Wicked...so as I walked in two minutes before show time, I got cheap, front row balcony seats. Yes, it was the 5th time I had seen it...but I hadn't seen it in London and the music is just amazing. It is also such a feel good story, which is why I love going. I wandered back to my friends flat, for a good nights sleep.
After sleeping in a little Sunday morning, we got up and did some typical London sightseeing. I got to see Westminster Abbey, Big Bend, The Eye and Parliament...to me, there is no greater sight in the world then standing in the grass square looking at all the of these amazing sights...truly one of my favorite places to be. Then came, the sights of Buckingham Palace which is astonishing as usual. The queen had even put a Christmas tree outside the front doors. :-) We wandered through The Green Park and then enjoyed a hot drink at Starbucks before taking the bus back to Angel Center. It was in the district of Angel, where we met up with some more friend at a pub and enjoyed watching a big soccer match on tv. Unfortunately I had to leave at half time to make my train back to Lincoln, but I can't say enough how great it was to see the Canadian girls, enjoy the Christmas festivities of London, and see the wonderful musicals I saw.
Friday afternoon I boarded the train to head to the city where I was planning on participating in what has come to be my Friday ritual when I am in London. I made my way to Trafalgar Square which had a huge Christmas tree, carolers, and lights. It was absolutely gorgeous. I then had my Mexican dinner at the Texas Embassy. It was a nice dinner, as there was a woman from the states sitting next to me by herself, so we ended up talking the entire dinner. Following the delicious food, I made my way to the Dominion Theatre for the show...We Will Rock You. It is a musical based on the music of Queen. I absolutely loved it and found the music wonderful and the story a very neat one to follow. I really want to see it in the US though, because here they had thrown in British humor, and so there would be some differences seeing it back in the states. But I left the theatre singing Bohemian Rhapsody, so it really was a great show. After this, I then went and met up with my Canadian friends. These were the girls that I met on the Wales trip. I was going to be staying with them the entire weekend and was so excited. It had been a while and was definitely great to see them.
Saturday morning the girls and I made our way to Angel Center to do a little Christmas shopping. We also just wandered around the area which was nice, as I hadn't really seen that specific part of London. Following this we hopped on a double decker bus to Hyde Park where the Christmas season really set in! It was here that Winter Wonderland was taking place. The entire park was filled with Christmas rides, German and Bavarian shops and food, ice skating and music. Although it was packed with people, the atmosphere definitely put me in the Christmas mood. We stayed here for all of the afternoon and early evening, just enjoying the sights and sounds of Christmas. Once we were pretty frozen, we headed back to the house to thaw off. I decided that since it was 15 minutes before a lot of theatre shows began that I would try and get cheap seats. The closest theatre was Wicked...so as I walked in two minutes before show time, I got cheap, front row balcony seats. Yes, it was the 5th time I had seen it...but I hadn't seen it in London and the music is just amazing. It is also such a feel good story, which is why I love going. I wandered back to my friends flat, for a good nights sleep.
After sleeping in a little Sunday morning, we got up and did some typical London sightseeing. I got to see Westminster Abbey, Big Bend, The Eye and Parliament...to me, there is no greater sight in the world then standing in the grass square looking at all the of these amazing sights...truly one of my favorite places to be. Then came, the sights of Buckingham Palace which is astonishing as usual. The queen had even put a Christmas tree outside the front doors. :-) We wandered through The Green Park and then enjoyed a hot drink at Starbucks before taking the bus back to Angel Center. It was in the district of Angel, where we met up with some more friend at a pub and enjoyed watching a big soccer match on tv. Unfortunately I had to leave at half time to make my train back to Lincoln, but I can't say enough how great it was to see the Canadian girls, enjoy the Christmas festivities of London, and see the wonderful musicals I saw.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
A Surpise Trip...Home!!!!!!!
For those of you that haven't heard...my big surprise weekend trip was to good ol' New Braunfels, TX! Thanks to my dad for the airline miles, I was able to fly home to celebrate my grandmothers 80th birthday. The trip however was a surprise to all my family members, except my dad and sister. I flew into San Antonio and was picked up by a couple of my high school friends and then headed home to surprise my first victim...my mom. My friend Kaelin had the camera and my sister had my dad on the phone as I walked into my mom's room. She was fast asleep, even after I turned on the light, so I yelled "SURPRISE"!! She sat up, and literally stared at the group in the doorway for 20 seconds before letting out the most horrific scream ever, which also made the dog start barking and the baby start crying. That's when she realized it was just me, and the laughing and hugging began. Surprise victim number 2 was my grandmother. Friday afternoon we headed over to her house, and my mom, sister and the baby went inside. I waited back and then went up to the door and rang the doorbell. My grandmothers face was absolute shock when she opened the door. Victim number 3 was my uncle. We drove to his school and I went inside to his principals office. She called him down immediately and told him he had a package waiting. As he walked around the corner, wondering what package arrived, I jumped out. He couldn't believe it either. Surprise victims kept appearing though, as people visiting my house just didn't expect me to be there.
The weekend was absolutely amazing though. I was able to see my family and some of my best friends, which I had missed so much. I was also able to get a lot of things done, whether it be packing for the cruise at Christmas or some Christmas shopping. I got my yummy Mexican food (two nights in a row), I got to eat my favorite coffee cake, I got to watch the best college football games, I got to sleep in my own house, I took amazing showers (the water here in England is really hard), and I got to see my puppy dog!!
It really was a weekend I needed and now I am back in rainy, cold old England and back to work today. Surprisingly I am not tired. A have a trip planned to London this weekend for some Christmas sightseeing with some friends, shopping and maybe a play. Hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season!
The weekend was absolutely amazing though. I was able to see my family and some of my best friends, which I had missed so much. I was also able to get a lot of things done, whether it be packing for the cruise at Christmas or some Christmas shopping. I got my yummy Mexican food (two nights in a row), I got to eat my favorite coffee cake, I got to watch the best college football games, I got to sleep in my own house, I took amazing showers (the water here in England is really hard), and I got to see my puppy dog!!
It really was a weekend I needed and now I am back in rainy, cold old England and back to work today. Surprisingly I am not tired. A have a trip planned to London this weekend for some Christmas sightseeing with some friends, shopping and maybe a play. Hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Mid-Week
Not to much has happened this week. Just giving everyone a heads up that an exciting post will be on here following the weekend! No clues or hints.
But anyways here are a few bits from whats happening...
I am officially in the holiday mood now. I went ice skating last night with two of the ladies from work, and their families. It was so much fun. It definately got me more in the holiday mood, as there was music being played, and there were Christmas lights all around us.
1 day until my grandmothers 80th birthday...Happy Birthday Grandma! Wish I could be there tomorrow to help celebrate! Love you!
10 days until my Christmas trip to London for my weekend with the Canadian girls
17 days until Erin and her mom come visit me!!
23 days until Christmas and until I get to meet up with the family in Puerto Rico.
And oh so much more! Missing everyone back that way! Enjoy the holidays!
But anyways here are a few bits from whats happening...
I am officially in the holiday mood now. I went ice skating last night with two of the ladies from work, and their families. It was so much fun. It definately got me more in the holiday mood, as there was music being played, and there were Christmas lights all around us.
1 day until my grandmothers 80th birthday...Happy Birthday Grandma! Wish I could be there tomorrow to help celebrate! Love you!
10 days until my Christmas trip to London for my weekend with the Canadian girls
17 days until Erin and her mom come visit me!!
23 days until Christmas and until I get to meet up with the family in Puerto Rico.
And oh so much more! Missing everyone back that way! Enjoy the holidays!
Monday, November 30, 2009
An English Thanksgiving
Well, even though they do not celebrate Thanksgiving over here, I really was able to celebrate in a neat way the entire weekend. Thursday night I attended the second awards banquet with 9 of my fellow male co-workers. It was a very fun evening, as the banquet took place at a Marriott Hotel in Leicester, about an hour and a half away. The food was delicious as I was served, fried goat cheese and a Chinese veggie dumpling to start, a beef medallion, veggies, and mashed potatoes for the main course, and a walnut chocolate cake for dessert. This was all followed by chocolate covered strawberries, cheeses, grapes and tea. The food was not the only enjoyable part to the evening. There was a dance and singing act from Russia, followed by a speaker who was a famous rugby player, and then the awards ceremony itself. The best part about all of this....WE WON!! Castlet won the award for World Wide Exporter 2009. Everyone was very excited, and to be a part of the winning company makes it an even better feeling. After a celebratory drink we headed home...finally getting there at 2AM!!
Sunday afternoon was a party at Margaret and Bryan's called An American Thanksgiving. They normally have a Christmas party but because I am here, they decided to do a Thanksgiving party in my honor. It really was an amazing party and day. There was a piano player, playing some American favorites, a wonderful buffet including pumpkin pie, and an endless amount of wine. Jaime and I had decorated the house on Saturday with American flags, red/white/blue streamers, pilgrims, leaves, pumpkins, and other things. It was really fun decorating, since I missed out on doing this at home. Everyone who came to the party loved the decorations. It was fun getting to explain to everyone what Thanksgiving was as well. So many people didn't know and it was nice getting to explain my family traditions and the history. One couple even brought me a little present for Thanksgiving, a tea cup with the Lincoln Cathedral on it. A very nice gesture from people I had never met before. Everyone was so generous and having everyone wish me Happy Thanksgiving, really made the day a special one. While I may not have been able to watch the Macy's parade, or play games with the family or eat a turkey feast, I was able to celebrate Thanksgiving in a special way that I very much enjoyed.
Sunday afternoon was a party at Margaret and Bryan's called An American Thanksgiving. They normally have a Christmas party but because I am here, they decided to do a Thanksgiving party in my honor. It really was an amazing party and day. There was a piano player, playing some American favorites, a wonderful buffet including pumpkin pie, and an endless amount of wine. Jaime and I had decorated the house on Saturday with American flags, red/white/blue streamers, pilgrims, leaves, pumpkins, and other things. It was really fun decorating, since I missed out on doing this at home. Everyone who came to the party loved the decorations. It was fun getting to explain to everyone what Thanksgiving was as well. So many people didn't know and it was nice getting to explain my family traditions and the history. One couple even brought me a little present for Thanksgiving, a tea cup with the Lincoln Cathedral on it. A very nice gesture from people I had never met before. Everyone was so generous and having everyone wish me Happy Thanksgiving, really made the day a special one. While I may not have been able to watch the Macy's parade, or play games with the family or eat a turkey feast, I was able to celebrate Thanksgiving in a special way that I very much enjoyed.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Happy Thanksgiving!
I wanted to tell everyone Happy Thanksgiving, from abroad. Obviously it is not something celebrated here, so I will be missing all the usually festivities, but know that I am thinking of everyone and wishing y'all a happy one! Since I am not there, I decided to do a little list of things that I am thankful for. They are in no particular order.
1) My parents - I am so thankful that I have such an amazing set of parents. They are my world and have done so much for me. From the time I was born until now, they have always been there to help guide me down the right path, with instruction, with actions, with love. They have taken me on trips, and opened my eyes to other cultures of the world. They have instilled a faith in me that has helped me in life. They have continuously been there for me through the ups and the downs, no matter what I say or do. After 22 years, they have helped me become the person that I am, and have enabled me to do the things that I am capable of doing. Without them, I would not be the person I am, and I am so thankful for them. I love you mom and dad.
2) My family - I am thankful for this support system that has always been there. From my sister, to grandparents, to aunts and uncles, to cousins...these people have always been behind me no matter what I do. They are always "cheering" me on, to do all that I can do. They instill adventure in me and encourage me to be the outgoing person that I am and encourage me to "live life to the fullest." I can't say thanks enough for the wonderful family that I have. I love y'all.
3) The Fab Four & Branson - I am so thankful for this group of girls and the wonderful times that I have had with each of them. These girls have become part of my family. They are the people I can turn to when I feel I can't turn anywhere else. For some reason, they always have the right thing to say. Each and everyone one of them has helped me be the person I am today, whether it be by making me a more open person, making me a more stronger person, by teaching me to laugh through life. I am thankful for the many experiences we have shared together, the good times and the bad. All that we have been through has solidified the bond that we will forever have, and I can't say thanks enough for this. From the nights out, to the trips taken, memories have been made that I will always care with me. I am thankful for those memories, I am thankful for what I have learned through yall and I am thankful for each of you. Love you each very much!
4) My puppy dog, Abby - What would I do without this ever lasting bundle of joy? I am so thankful for my dog and for all she has brought to our family. She is that one person that is always happy to see you and always greets you with the wagging tail and licking of the tongue. She is the one person that you can talk to, and she will always listen. No matter how you treat her, she always treats you with so much love and respect. I love my Abby and am thankful for my little puppy dog.
5) My travel experiences - I can't be thankful enough for all the travel experiences I have had both those taking place now, and those in the past. I have been able to see the world and learn so much about different cultures and different people, while also learning about myself. I have also been able to meet so many people, who have become friends with and who have helped me. These experiences will be with me through life and I am so thankful for the opportunity to take part in them all.
6) My faith - I am so thankful for my strong faith that has grown over the years. Knowing that God is always there to guide me and to help me in the path to success is a great feeling. I am thankful for the many experiences I have had that have made my faith grow, and for the many people who have helped as well. My faith will always be there and I know I can always rely on it to get me through any situation.
Obviously I have a lot to be thankful for. I might not have written them all down but I am still thankful for all that life has to offer. I do want to take this chance to say thank you to all of you reading the blog, and for your continued support, while I am abroad. While it can be tough at times to be away from a place that I know so well, I know I have so many people behind me pushing me towards success. I miss each of you dearly, but enjoy the day, and be thankful for all you have to be thankful for.
1) My parents - I am so thankful that I have such an amazing set of parents. They are my world and have done so much for me. From the time I was born until now, they have always been there to help guide me down the right path, with instruction, with actions, with love. They have taken me on trips, and opened my eyes to other cultures of the world. They have instilled a faith in me that has helped me in life. They have continuously been there for me through the ups and the downs, no matter what I say or do. After 22 years, they have helped me become the person that I am, and have enabled me to do the things that I am capable of doing. Without them, I would not be the person I am, and I am so thankful for them. I love you mom and dad.
2) My family - I am thankful for this support system that has always been there. From my sister, to grandparents, to aunts and uncles, to cousins...these people have always been behind me no matter what I do. They are always "cheering" me on, to do all that I can do. They instill adventure in me and encourage me to be the outgoing person that I am and encourage me to "live life to the fullest." I can't say thanks enough for the wonderful family that I have. I love y'all.
3) The Fab Four & Branson - I am so thankful for this group of girls and the wonderful times that I have had with each of them. These girls have become part of my family. They are the people I can turn to when I feel I can't turn anywhere else. For some reason, they always have the right thing to say. Each and everyone one of them has helped me be the person I am today, whether it be by making me a more open person, making me a more stronger person, by teaching me to laugh through life. I am thankful for the many experiences we have shared together, the good times and the bad. All that we have been through has solidified the bond that we will forever have, and I can't say thanks enough for this. From the nights out, to the trips taken, memories have been made that I will always care with me. I am thankful for those memories, I am thankful for what I have learned through yall and I am thankful for each of you. Love you each very much!
4) My puppy dog, Abby - What would I do without this ever lasting bundle of joy? I am so thankful for my dog and for all she has brought to our family. She is that one person that is always happy to see you and always greets you with the wagging tail and licking of the tongue. She is the one person that you can talk to, and she will always listen. No matter how you treat her, she always treats you with so much love and respect. I love my Abby and am thankful for my little puppy dog.
5) My travel experiences - I can't be thankful enough for all the travel experiences I have had both those taking place now, and those in the past. I have been able to see the world and learn so much about different cultures and different people, while also learning about myself. I have also been able to meet so many people, who have become friends with and who have helped me. These experiences will be with me through life and I am so thankful for the opportunity to take part in them all.
6) My faith - I am so thankful for my strong faith that has grown over the years. Knowing that God is always there to guide me and to help me in the path to success is a great feeling. I am thankful for the many experiences I have had that have made my faith grow, and for the many people who have helped as well. My faith will always be there and I know I can always rely on it to get me through any situation.
Obviously I have a lot to be thankful for. I might not have written them all down but I am still thankful for all that life has to offer. I do want to take this chance to say thank you to all of you reading the blog, and for your continued support, while I am abroad. While it can be tough at times to be away from a place that I know so well, I know I have so many people behind me pushing me towards success. I miss each of you dearly, but enjoy the day, and be thankful for all you have to be thankful for.
Monday, November 23, 2009
A Musical Weekend and York
Well, I decided to head off to York on Friday, even though looking back I probably shouldn't have, as I am still sick with something. I am going to the doctor today so lets hope I get better SOON!!
Friday after I arrived in the city of York I headed to the Jorvik center which is an entire center based on the history of Vikings. York had the biggest population of Vikings outside of the Scandinavian countries which I found quite surprising. The entire center was built upon a site that was once occupied by these Vikings. There were artifacts to observe and then there was a ride that took you through what the Viking town of York would have looked like. Unfortunately I did not get to see the part of the site that is still being excavated as part of the center was closed due to a yearlong renovation. I still found what I saw interesting. After a bite to eat in a pub, along with a cup of hot tea (yes, I ordered tea in a bar...because of my cold) I went on a ghost walk. The ghost tour is supposedly the first in the world. I found the tour very neat as it was a city tour, history tour and ghost tour all in one.
Saturday morning I headed straight to York Minster, the cathedral in York, and once again, another breathtaking place. It just amazes me as to how they could have built these places with the equipment and tools they had. After wandering around the interior of the place, I took the tower tour to the top. It was a struggle to climb (partially because I was out of breath and couldn't breathe from being sick) but everything was worth getting to the top. It is just a whole different view of the minster from there and there are some great views of the city, even on an overcast day like it was. After making my way back down, I then took the tour of the underground crypts and ruins. This took me through Roman ruins and what was left of the Roman basilica which was once on the same grounds, and then through another era of ruins in which the second cathedral was built on the grounds. It was very fascinating to see the different stages of the life of the church, and I absolutely loved seeing the Roman ruins, as there were painted murals, columns, and artifacts all from these Roman times. This concluded my time at the minster, for now. Next up was the York Dungeon. This was a 'scary' tour which combined short plays, with costumes and history. I learned about diseases which struck York, the harshest Vikings, criminals who were hung, and ghost which supposedly still haunt the city. It was a fun way to learn some history. Following this tour, I went to the York Castle Museum. This museum is built on the grounds of what was once the York castle. I enjoyed this place as it included decorated rooms from the many time periods, appliances through the ages (washers, dryers, fridges, freezers, irons, etc.), clothing wear (swimsuits and formal attire), and my favorite...toys and games through the ages. I found it really neat to see toys that I played with when I was little and how 'old' they are considered. I saw toys that my grandparents had at their houses as well. It was also incredible to see how things have progressed and changed. The museum also included a place called Kirkgate. This was a Victorian street that you could walk down, lined with businesses from the time period. Another favorite area of mine was the exhibition called 'The Sixties'. This took me through the fashion (Twiggy), music (The Beatles), and history (the Space Race), and politics (JFK assassination, Cuban Missile Crisis) of this particular era. Much of it was related to the United States which I found quite interesting. The last stage of the museum was walking through what was left of the castle...the prison. This was really creepy and eerie as it was dark and damp. I left the museum and walked past Clifford's Tower...one final part of the castle remains. This tower overlooked the entire city. After viewing the tower, I made my way to Barley Hall, an entire house from the Medieval time period. This was a very neat place to see and very hard to believe it was from the Middle Ages. The Great Hall, with the long tables for food, tiled floors and wooden beamed roof, is just what I thought the great halls of the middle ages should look like. I attempted a nap after this, but failed, so I got dressed and headed back to York Minster. It was here that I was going to enjoy a concert, Handel's Messiah. This was very enjoyable and extremely pretty to listen to with the acoustics of the minster. Just unbelievable.
Sunday morning, I enjoyed a tour of the National Railway Museum. They had so many train cars to look at, including the Royal Trains from kings and queens of the past. Also, they had the Flying Scotsman...or well, they had it in pieces. This world famous steam train is being refurbished and put back into action in the exact building that I was in. This concluded my time in York but not the weekend activities. Once arriving back in Lincoln, I attended an organ concert at Lincoln Cathedral. Once again, the organ mixed with the acoustics was incredible.
York was a wonderful place and very pretty city. The Christmas lights and trees which were up made it even more extravagant to see. However the Christmas atmosphere does mean more people, and I was not a fan of the hundreds of people surrounding me as I walked up and down the streets. Overall it was an enjoyable trip, although probably would have been even more enjoyable had I been feeling 100%. Now it is time to recover!!
Friday after I arrived in the city of York I headed to the Jorvik center which is an entire center based on the history of Vikings. York had the biggest population of Vikings outside of the Scandinavian countries which I found quite surprising. The entire center was built upon a site that was once occupied by these Vikings. There were artifacts to observe and then there was a ride that took you through what the Viking town of York would have looked like. Unfortunately I did not get to see the part of the site that is still being excavated as part of the center was closed due to a yearlong renovation. I still found what I saw interesting. After a bite to eat in a pub, along with a cup of hot tea (yes, I ordered tea in a bar...because of my cold) I went on a ghost walk. The ghost tour is supposedly the first in the world. I found the tour very neat as it was a city tour, history tour and ghost tour all in one.
Saturday morning I headed straight to York Minster, the cathedral in York, and once again, another breathtaking place. It just amazes me as to how they could have built these places with the equipment and tools they had. After wandering around the interior of the place, I took the tower tour to the top. It was a struggle to climb (partially because I was out of breath and couldn't breathe from being sick) but everything was worth getting to the top. It is just a whole different view of the minster from there and there are some great views of the city, even on an overcast day like it was. After making my way back down, I then took the tour of the underground crypts and ruins. This took me through Roman ruins and what was left of the Roman basilica which was once on the same grounds, and then through another era of ruins in which the second cathedral was built on the grounds. It was very fascinating to see the different stages of the life of the church, and I absolutely loved seeing the Roman ruins, as there were painted murals, columns, and artifacts all from these Roman times. This concluded my time at the minster, for now. Next up was the York Dungeon. This was a 'scary' tour which combined short plays, with costumes and history. I learned about diseases which struck York, the harshest Vikings, criminals who were hung, and ghost which supposedly still haunt the city. It was a fun way to learn some history. Following this tour, I went to the York Castle Museum. This museum is built on the grounds of what was once the York castle. I enjoyed this place as it included decorated rooms from the many time periods, appliances through the ages (washers, dryers, fridges, freezers, irons, etc.), clothing wear (swimsuits and formal attire), and my favorite...toys and games through the ages. I found it really neat to see toys that I played with when I was little and how 'old' they are considered. I saw toys that my grandparents had at their houses as well. It was also incredible to see how things have progressed and changed. The museum also included a place called Kirkgate. This was a Victorian street that you could walk down, lined with businesses from the time period. Another favorite area of mine was the exhibition called 'The Sixties'. This took me through the fashion (Twiggy), music (The Beatles), and history (the Space Race), and politics (JFK assassination, Cuban Missile Crisis) of this particular era. Much of it was related to the United States which I found quite interesting. The last stage of the museum was walking through what was left of the castle...the prison. This was really creepy and eerie as it was dark and damp. I left the museum and walked past Clifford's Tower...one final part of the castle remains. This tower overlooked the entire city. After viewing the tower, I made my way to Barley Hall, an entire house from the Medieval time period. This was a very neat place to see and very hard to believe it was from the Middle Ages. The Great Hall, with the long tables for food, tiled floors and wooden beamed roof, is just what I thought the great halls of the middle ages should look like. I attempted a nap after this, but failed, so I got dressed and headed back to York Minster. It was here that I was going to enjoy a concert, Handel's Messiah. This was very enjoyable and extremely pretty to listen to with the acoustics of the minster. Just unbelievable.
Sunday morning, I enjoyed a tour of the National Railway Museum. They had so many train cars to look at, including the Royal Trains from kings and queens of the past. Also, they had the Flying Scotsman...or well, they had it in pieces. This world famous steam train is being refurbished and put back into action in the exact building that I was in. This concluded my time in York but not the weekend activities. Once arriving back in Lincoln, I attended an organ concert at Lincoln Cathedral. Once again, the organ mixed with the acoustics was incredible.
York was a wonderful place and very pretty city. The Christmas lights and trees which were up made it even more extravagant to see. However the Christmas atmosphere does mean more people, and I was not a fan of the hundreds of people surrounding me as I walked up and down the streets. Overall it was an enjoyable trip, although probably would have been even more enjoyable had I been feeling 100%. Now it is time to recover!!
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