MDATS Day 6 York and New Castle
My Journey: York the Privileged School Kids With Sticks themed English City
11/10/2024 York England
I woke up early, dropped my bags of at the desk, and went out exploring. My first mission was breakfast at Cooplands.
I explored the city as I walked to York Minster. One of the things I saw early in my walk was the Merchant Adventurers' Hall. As a merchant, I had to step and take a picture.
There was not much going on as everything was closed. It was quiet and I could enjoy the architecture without distractions. Ultimately I ended up at York Minster.
York Oratory and York Minster
As I arrived at York Minster, the bells were ringing. Besides the architecture, I wanted to see the windows. Of course it was Sunday so I would have to see them from the outside.
Me at York Minster
The church is just amazing, but what is better is the whole environment and vibe. Just a quiet and peaceful morning.
As I finished up my self guided tour I headed to the Gardens of Remembrance on this Remembrance Day. While I was taking in the place, I saw a man visiting the markers. He then saw me and approached me and asked if I would share a drink with him in honor of his men, which I gladly did. We talked for a few before parting ways. I was almost brought to tears by him. I do not think I have ever had an emotional response to Memorial Day in the states. Meanwhile, here in England the thing I did not see was sales in all the stores.
York Minster Window
On the way back to the Shambles I stopped at Sherlock Holmes’ Imaginarium. I was hoping to go in, but the were not open today. So I could just look in the windows. I did get to visit a Queer book store, Portal Bookshop.
There were some other stores I visited and window shopped at, including getting souvenirs at Pride of York and window shopping at OG Games.
Traveling alone makes getting pictures of ones self difficult. This one was taken in exchange for helping some one else take a picture with their whole large family.
Lykania
The Shambles is were all the Prep School Children with Sticks Themed stuff is located. The Potions Cauldron is one such place. They had their little progress flag out, so that made me feel good about getting some spells and a potion from them.
With the potion in hand, I walked about window shopping before finishing the drink and paying the stores a visit. I did not buy from these places though, because I feel weird about the fandom now and have left it to go back to LOTR. While in one of the shops, an announcement was made that Remembrance Day was going to be honored with a moment of silence and every thing stopped.
I also enjoyed visiting some of these Viking themed attractions. I also noticed this long line so I asked what it was for. I learned that there is a whole thing about this store that sells Ghost Dolls. These people were in line for four hours for one of the Ghost Dolls from the York Ghost Merchants.
I was more interested in visiting Shambles Jewelers who gave me a tool from their studio. I also enjoyed Celtic Design shop and window shapes at a glass boutique.
I was hungry and it was getting close to time to go, so time for a scone and coffee.
After enjoying my scone and coffee, I headed back to the hotel to get my bags via a walk through Shambles Market and Spark Market. Among the things I saw was a booth with nothing but pins, so of course I bought some.
It was time to say goodby to York and head back to the hotel to get my bags, then a walk back to the train station.
St Denys's Church, York
At first I was going to take the bus, but I decided to walk as I was in a race against the Remembrance Day Parade and crowds.
I did it with time to spare. Back at the train station with ticket in hand.
NewCastle
One train ride later I was at Newcastle train station.
Just a short walk to the bus station.
The bus took me from Newcastle to the Port.
Bus Stop
Tips and Lessons Learned:
The walk from the train station to the city center is doable, but only marginally worth it.
Thank You
Editing and Preparation: Trish, Heather, and Becky.
Patrons: Laura Terhune, Brian Bottoms, Leslie Hodgin, Ellen Rawson, DeAnna Gilbert, Alison Petrisek, Christine Seelye-King, Brianna Ariane Sykes, Laura Gosnell, and Janice Gaulke.
