York–UK Adventure Part One

It’s quintessentially English–the very picture of what you imagine a Dicken’s town would look like, minus the modern updates. I found York to be full of bustling crowds and busy shops, which just added to its charm. But I’m getting ahead of myself. You’re still wondering how I found myself to be in York.

We left Pittsburgh on Sunday June 21st, connecting in Newark and landing in Edinburgh, Scotland. It was an overnight flight, so needless to say we were a bit bleary eyed on our Monday morning bus ride from the Edinburgh airport to the train station in the center of town. I’m sure we stood out like a sore thumb with our large “American” sized suitcases (apparently Americans just can’t leave home without half their closet). Anyway, after arriving at Waverly Station we boarded a train for Durham, England, where Martha, Ben, and Liam live. Needless to say, Jay and I were quite exhausted by they time we arrived, so we did very little site-seeing on Monday.

The next day, however, we all five climbed into a car and drove to York, where we spent the day exploring the town.

First up, though, is the little village where Martha lives–this park near their townhouse makes you feel like you’re living in the country.

I hadn’t seem Liam in about a year. He was a bit shy at first.

Now there’s a smile.

Liam studies the stuffed animal I brought him.

Blue-eyed boy.

Is he dancing?

Ok, ok–pictures of York.

Yorkminster. No, it doesn’t really slope up like that–it’s just my lens and the fact that it’s so very tall. Quite impressive.

Inside ceiling.

Lost?

Please, really, no busking.

We had tea at Betty’s–a cute tea room that’s been around since the 1920’s.

Your eyes aren’t deceiving you–it’s really that slanted.

You can actually walk around on the city walls–but not your dog.

Old and new.

I don’t recall the name of this park.

Liam was more interested in chasing birds.

We visited the national train museum.

Royal carriage. Yeah, I could travel like that.

Old castle. Don’t worry–there’s lots more of these to come.

The end of the day–still smiling.

Stay tuned for Wales…coming next.