Nott What You'd Expected...

Longest Post Ever (3 of 5)

DAY THREE: DURHAM/DURHAM CATHEDRAL/ ALNWICK CASTLE
Day three was a transitional day- we drove from York (after a 'traditional english breakfast' of eggs, tea, a ham-like bacon, blood sausage for the brave, and muslie. Wattery scrambled eggs are better than they sound.

Durham was where our two directors (Mark and Carol) spent their sabbatical two years previous, so they were very comfortable with the city. Durham is strange in that it is situated on a peninsula, surrounded on both sides by the same, meandering river. It is best known for the Durham Cathedral and a collection of colleges in the area which are regarded as some of the best in England.



We arrived to the city to find fauxhawks, messengerbags, religious zealots (crazy begger-guy), games of mini-football, and an indoor market that rivaled that of any bustling city.

INTERMISSION- before i continue, i've reached the portion of my notes where i have written my favorite pub names of the first three days traveling. they are as follows:
THE EVIL EYE
THE THREE LEGGED MULE
THE EXHIBITION
THE PIT AND THE PENDULUM
THE COCK FIGHT
SWAN AND THREE CYGNETS
THE SHAKESPEAERE
HOG'S HEAD
THE COACH AND EIGHT
THE QUEEN'S HEAD
THE HAIRY LEMON
DIRTY BOTTLES

It was also strange to see some younger kids throwing trash into the river from the bridge, furthering my confusion as to the littering habits of all English people...

We were given a short walking tour of Durham from Mark and Carol, and given assingments as to what food to buy from the market for our communal picnic. Aaron and I were assigned the bread, and needless to say, we kicked ass. Ciabatta. Fresh. and cheap. Something that I hope i will bring back to the states with me is my newfound appreciation for cheese. For lunch, we enjoyed a mild red cheddar, strong white cheddar, smoked applewood, cranberry wensleydale, white stilton with mango and ginger, along with fresh baked goods and fresh fruit, all on the Palace lawn, nestled between the Castle and Cathedral. Picturesque does not beging to describe our lunch setting.

Durham was very homly... cobbled streets, trendy shopping, awesome market, and amazing views of the river.... very quaint, yet connected in part because of the college and tourist-friendly cathedral.

The Cathedral was amazing. While York was flashy, Durham was awe-inspiring. No photos could be taken, so the following are pics from online... Durham was the site of Oliver Cromwell's inprisonment of 6000 Scots during the civil war, as well as the site of filming for Harry Potter. Scenes filmed included the FORBIDDEN CORRIDOR and any scene of MADAME MCGARNIGLE'S classroom.... our tourguide Lilian was even asked to tutor Daniel Radcliffe and Emma while they were filming. Pics might be added later (we took some while she wasn't looking)




Lilian's quotes:
"If this doesn't bowl you over, there's something wrong with your soul"
"That just drives me crackers"

Durham has claims as the birthplace of the Vaulted Arch, Birthplace of Gothic Architechture, First Building Vaulted totally in Stone, and the First Pointed Arch in the World.

Harry Potter was also filmed in the hallway/cloister of the building, if you remember the scene where the elder Weasley brothers first confront him about playing Quiddich.

John Washington was a member of the church, from 1416-1444, and is a direct line to our George Washington. The family crest is a set of three stars and four alternating red and white stripes. Interesting fact.

Finally, before eating at Bela Italia, Kate, Aaron, Brandon and I were able to row on the river. Easy as it may sound, starting up was a bit difficult against the current, but Brandon straightened us up, and Aaron cut through the water like a knife when it was his turn to row.

All in all, Durham was a pretty nice place.

We left at 6pm (excuse me, 18:00) and drove to Alnwick, home of Alnwick Castle, the Duke of Alnwick, and the site of many Harry Potter movies.

posted by Kevin @ 12:00 AM