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.

Home Sweet Home

The suitcases are unpacked and the laundry is done. Astin has been reunited with his spot on the couch, and the pantry has been restocked. Now I'm just willing myself to stay awake as I fight the jet lag.

What an adventure! I can't hardly wait to go through all the photos and share them with you! Where do I even begin? Well, actually, I have a lot of other photos I need to process, too, so I will have to share the UK with you bit by bit.

We flew in last night--after a seven hour delay in Newark (blar). And you would have thought they could have gotten our luggage on the flight, but alas, that was delayed, too. But minus the last leg of the trip we didn't really encounter any difficulties. I can't complain (too much).

However, as I mentioned, I'm desperately fighting jet lag and losing. So, I will just have to share one photo for now. It's from Glencoe, arguably one of the most beautiful spots in Scotland. If this photo doesn't knock your socks off, then the others will I'm sure. And, it just so happens that this little pond was also the background in Harry Potter for Hagrid's hut (all you Harry Potter fans know just what I'm talking about--and if you don't--well sorry). We stayed at a little B&B right next to it. Don't worry, I didn't see any strange critters running about.