Not Just a Pretty Face...

Following our first week of classes (and the first twinges of study-related stress) a few of us decided to continue our gradual exploration of England today. We had a stunning autumn day on our hands, and where better to go than the distinguished capital city of York?

York is a mere 25 minutes from Leeds by train. It’s a remarkable place for many reasons: an occupied area since Roman times, it also possesses an 800-year-old cathedral and vintage shops and pubs with names like The Old Fizzywig and The Teddybear Tea Shoppe. It’s romantic England, as read in Jane Austen or the Bronte sisters; it’s the England that, upon arriving at Heathrow or Manchester, you begin to believe may be a myth. But whether it’s maintained for the tourists (and I don’t think it completely is) or for the county’s own passion for its history, York feels like you’ve stepped into another century.

York Minster, the city’s cathedral, is a grand old Gothic building that dates from 1220 and took 252 years to construct. It reminded me of a lighter, brighter Notre Dame; the huge (massive!) stained glass windows let in tons of sunshine and the stone walls are a yellowy-gray. We arrived this morning in the middle of choral matins, which made for a positive, albeit solemn, atmosphere. We returned later on to take the 275 winding steps up to the church’s main tower and see an amazing view of the city.

We also saw some of the old Roman walls and the Clifford Tower (see above!); wandering around the city centre, we discovered a Food & Drink festival happening, thankfully with free samples! There was also no end to the cozy shops tucked into narrow streets. If you walk the Shambles (see below!), the famous tiny street where the houses lean in over top of you, it feels like you’re walking in Diagon Alley. Most people would probably say that they’ve strolled into an 19th century romance novel; we felt it to be much more Harry Potter-like. You almost expect the shops to be selling broomsticks and Butterbeer instead of ceramic cats and clotted cream fudge. Although both of these are quaint enough in their own right ;)...

We also managed to fit in the York Castle Museum, a fitting treasure trove of and homage to the beloved city, and afternoon tea in Newgate Market. At that point, we felt British enough to head home for a quiet Sunday night :), but not before stopping in at the Bodington Hall international student welcome party, where we met some more students and had free pizza and wine! Thus, our good day got even better.

And, if you click right here, I posted the rest of my York pictures on Facebook again!

I keep hearing about the sunny temperatures back home, and I must say I’m quite jealous! We’ve had nothing but misty rain for a week. I think that’s what aggravating my cold, which has never really gone away; even the heartiest dose of Robitussin can't beat it. Time to test the English health system, I guess.

Up next this week: more Shakespeare, more American poetry, more Renaissance tragedy, and...a ticket to see Stars (a Montreal band) in concert. All for Tuesday. So... I’m off! Have a great beginning to the week!

Gennelle

p.s. Does anyone know a fool-proof way to cook a turkey? We’re going to attempt it on either Sunday or Monday night to help celebrate the Canadian Thanksgiving...and quit ‘cher chuckling. I believe with the right amount of determination, we can manage it ... ;)