York

Hello All!
It has been a crazy week here as I have tried to get all registered for school over here! Still in the middle of trying to figure out class schedules which can take a while when no one understands what a Gen. Ed. is or why as a computer science major I would need to take a class from the Geography school.  But it will all work out and there is nothing I can do until Monday so I might as well catch up and tell you all about how amazing York was and is!

We started our York adventure by train and although it took three trains and only one dead sprint through the station I definitely enjoyed it more than the bus and English traffic.

Once we arrived we were off to see the York Minster which was an incredible introduction to the city.  I didn't take many pictures of the inside of the Minster because they just didn't do it justice.

After touring through the Minster our professor (of Music) insisted we stay for evening song.  I think that was the moment I fell most in love with the Minster. During Evening song you are allowed to sit in with the choir near the high altar which allows your eyes to explore the most beautiful part of the church while your ears are filled with the songs of the choir and preachings of the pastors.  It put in perspective the true purpose of the Minster.

Heading into the Choir

The Five Sisters Window

The Choir and Organ

The next day we had to ourselves to explore York, however we did start the day all taking a walk on the City Wall which gave some lovely views of the city and of the Minster

After our walk we were free to wander the city and explore its many sights.  We started in the museum gardens which are the site of an old abbey's ruins and are filled with beautiful flowers and sculptures. 

The Abbeys Ruins

Another big part of york that we spent lots of time wandering was the shambles a neighborhood that used to be a meat market the roads are narrow and some believe it to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley in Harry Potter.

We also spent time learning about York's history as a Roman fort and a Viking town. Which was really interesting as we built on Britain's History and ancestry. We ended our trip with visiting Fountains Abbey about an hour outside of York and possible one of the most beautiful places I've ever been.

Not only are the Abbey's ruins stunning they are surrounded by world renowned gardens which stretch for miles!

If York and Fountains Abbey aren't on your traveling Bucket list I would definitely suggest adding them! 

Cheers!

Meghan 

“Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.” – Gustave Flaubert