Trip to York

Just back from a trip to York and thought maybe a blog about it would make a change from such subjects as "emptiness" and other such ramblings. 

For those far and wide unacquainted with York, it is a very historical English city which still retains a very unique flavour. It still has most of its old city wall and the Minster is one of the largest cathedrals in Northern Europe, a cathedral what was begun to be built in 1220 and not completed until 1472.

We travelled to York by train, from London Kings Cross. At this station we snatched coffee at Starbucks, a "mere" £6.50 for two. In a recent interview with the Starbuck's boss, Howard Schultz, revolving around their rather low tax payments in the UK, he said:- "It's very hard to make money in the UK". One wonders just how much Starbucks would need to charge to make profits easier to come by! (While in York we had two breakfasts of scrambled egg on toast - each with three eggs and two slices of bread - one side of bacon, and two "bottomless" coffees, all for £6.49. It seems that Wetherspoons DO have the knack of making money, as they pay good levels of tax)

Anyway, enough of that; we normally use Costa's anyway. 

The first picture shows Mr and Mrs Dookie catching the Virgin East Coast Express to York, close scrutiny of which might suggest why Virgin are having their franchise removed for this line - apparently they too find it difficult to make a profit. 

After a good nights sleep at the Premier Inn, we headed into the city centre, passing through one of the main gates into York. 

One of the Main Gates into York

We were heading for the Jorvik Viking Centre, where recent excavations have revealed old Viking ruins. The centre has a mono rail tour where below ground you can experience the reality of Viking life way back in time. As well as the sights, you are treated to the sounds and smells. A few photos below:-

It was here that our trip took an unexpected turn. Mrs Dookie took a tumble, broke her glasses and cut her face. A first aider was soon on hand, an ambulance called and we were very soon on our way to A & E. Our UK papers are full of the "crisis in the NHS" with even dear Donald Trump putting forth his "wisdom" on the issue. Well, all I can say is, "crisis, what crisis?" An ambulance there in twenty minutes, a quick trip to the hospital, seen within minutes, three nurses in attendance at various times. Friendly chats about our home county and finally one of the senior nurses escorted us out of the hospital and showed us the way to get back into the City - just a short walk away. Well, there you are, and not a penny to pay.

Mrs Dookie, neatly stitched around the eye, was still able to tour the Minster and enjoy its magnificence, stained glass and all, after which we retired to the hotel. 

An example of the stained glass at the Minster

The following day we paid a visit to the National Railway Museum which houses what must be the largest collection of old steam locos in the world. Entry is free. Enjoy the following photos if you are a steam enthusiast:-

Dookie looks cool in his shades

Mrs Dookie avoids the side with the awful shiner

The Mallard, still holder of the steam speed record - 126 miles per hour. 

Locos much like this thundered past our home in days gone by, steam belching from the chimney. 

After this Mrs Dookie retired to the hotel, feeling the effects of her tumble the day before. Dookie headed for the shops, taking a look at the Shambles, a well known street full of souvenir shops and what not.

The Shambles, where Dookie avoided spending money

I kept my money in my pockets, but did lash out later, treating Mrs Dookie to a new pair of sunglasses at Primark, a classy designer pair costing £1. As a friend of the family said upon hearing of this, "you always did know how to treat a lady."

That was about it. A good trip with some unexpected twists.