York and Edinburgh

Monday, we took the train from Liverpool to York. I can at least say I passed through Manchester and Leeds on the way to York.

York itself is an ancient city with Roman walls still circling it. The walls are accessible for walking and offer a tremendous vantage point.

We also toured York Minster, which was incredible. Not that I am any expert on the grand cathedrals of Europe, but York Minster ranks right up there with ones I have seen like Westminster and Notre Dame. 

We also walked down the Shambles, a winding street the resembles Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter books. It plays up the similarity, with a few Harry Potter/magic-themed shops. It's just a tad touristy. (Like we somehow aren't tourists, too? I really should quit with this elitist attitude).

We retired to our hotel, where there was an open mic music event taking place downstairs. The music was, shall we say, of varying quality. (But I respect anyone willing to put themselves out there). We had a few cocktails that didn't taste like they had any alcohol in them, and shared nachos that must have been a northern England take on Mexican cuisine, that is to say, not that Mexican. Still, we were hungry, and it was edible.

We sort of crashed in the room in preparation for our train trip to Edinburgh the next morning.

The next morning, the main question was, "do we take a cab or walk to the train station?" Cab usually wins out, and that's what we did. I think it was only about £5 or so. We grabbed coffees at the train station Starbuck's and were on our way. The trip was relaxing and mostly exquisite. We passed through Newcastle on the way and it was fascinating to get a view of the Tyne as well as the city centre. 

By the time we arrived in Edinburgh, I was having so much fun on the train that I almost didn't want to get off.

Edinburgh deserves its own post, so more about this grand city later.