Past and Present: England Part Two

 

Day 2 of our trip began with a bus ride north to Cambridge, England.  The country side was pristine and picturesque.  Yellow fields of rapeseed dotted the landscape.  The oil is used for various purposes including pharmaceuticals.  We turned off of the major highway and were driving along a country road to Cambridge.  We departed the bus and walked into town.  Our first stop was the River Cam.

We were delighted to see the open market in the city square.  

I learned that Cambridge University is made up of "colleges", but they are not like our universities.  Each college is more like a "home" for the student while they attend the university.  Trinity College as noted in the sign below is one such college as is The King's College in the pictures below. 

                       

A typical village street in Cambridge.  We had great fun walking through the village.    

We left Cambridge and continued our journey north through Sherwood Forest and on to York, England.  When approaching the walled city one of the first gates is pictured below.  As we crossed the river, we were greeted by rowing teams on the River Ouse.

York dates back to 71 A.D.  It was filled with so many buildings dating back to to the 600's including the first minster.  York Minster is a medieval building where remains of the Roman Basilica have been discovered. We used the York Minster as a meeting spot and heard the beautiful chimes.  The pictures do not begin to depict the size of this cathedral.

Below is one of the oldest buildings in York.  When being refurbished, the carpenter who worked on the project carved mice into the door frame.  It was believed that touching the ear or tail of a mouse brought good luck.  

We strolled the "Shambles" and ate a traditional steak and ale pie at The Black Swan Inn.

After our meal and a quick look around this 15th century home turned pub, we were on our way to the quaint village of Harrogate for the night.  I was astounded by the number of green spaces reserved for community residents, and it seemed that many had dogs who played in the fields of these preserves.  Harrogate was no exception.  Driving into the village and seeing people out walking and playing with the children and pets was relaxing, and after such a busy day, we were both ready for bed.

Enjoy!

Lana