York, England

York - marketed as "Europe's favorite city" by the tourist board was indeed a beautiful city. Not sure I'd classify it as a European favorite, however.

City map (hey, why not?)

Despite all advance planning and communications efforts, we had a bit of a rough start at the campground. Somehow the wardens didn't know we were coming in a 35' motorhome (despite the fact it was clearly marked on the online booking form) and somehow, it was my fault. Mass transit at the site is extremely limited (4x a day). There is an ingenious park and ride system only about 1.5 miles away - but there's not easy access for bicycles (the bike lane ends quite suddenly on the very busy road leading to the park and ride with no side streets or side paths). Taxi fare to the park and ride was £6; taxi to town center was £10.

We finally made our way to the city, where it promptly started drizzling (not in the forecast...who's in charge of the weather??). Cool city - lots of interesting buildings to look at and enjoy. The shops have some fantastic fashions on display for summer and the streets were busy with tons of pedestrians.

Side street in the "Shambles" district

No heavy goods vehicles down this street!

Sophia, ever on the lookout for pennies, spotted glass jewels embedded in some of the paving blocks.

We took the kids through the Jorvik Viking Centre, enjoying the 2:1 price break from the Caravan Club book. It's an "interactive" exhibit about early viking settlers in York. It reminded me a bit of the Pirates of the Caribbean ride at Disneyland - you meander through a recreated Viking village - sights, smells and sounds similar to that which one would have encountered in the day. After the little ride, visitors are left to explore the exhibits - some with staff in uniform who tell stories, answer questions, etc. Megan heard all about how coins were made and even purchased a souvenair coin, stamped by hand in front of her.

Sophia - trying a Viking helmet on for size

Waiting for Sherry to finish taking pictures...

Reproduction prints can be found all over the city - this one was on one of the entrances to the city wall. (The Ambassadors, Hans Holbein The Younger, circa 1533)

Entrance to the market area

We're probably missing out on the best food...but just couldn't bring ourselves to sample from this booth. He was happily selling "real pork fat" - maybe Emeril should visit!

We declined touring York Minster and the tower. The cost is pretty prohibitive, even if it is a "once in a lifetime" experience and a "fine example of gothic architecture." We saw tons of gothic churches on the European continent and they didn't cost £30 (~$60USD) for the family to tour.

York Minster peeking out through a side street.

We opted instead for the city wall tour - free and a fun find. Our path was from Bootham Bar to Monk Bar. It rained the whole time, but was fun to walk and see views of the outer section of York Minster.

York Minster, viewed from top of city wall

Stairs at Monk Bar, leading up to city wall

If I could have one wish granted for the city, it would be that their transportation system be consolidated. I counted no less than 6 bus companies driving around the compact city. I don't think there's a single day-pass (like most other regions offer) that works on all bus lines. Their park-n-ride plan is great - users get free parking and a £2 fare (RT) to the city center - buses at the park-n-ride leave every 10-15 minutes from about 8am to 7pm Mon-Sat. There was a little bit of room for motorhome parking, but we couldn't see how to get around the height barriers (there were others who did).

On a parting note, how exactly do these buildings pass inspections? Maybe they are exempt due to age?

One set of many leaning buildings...not the worst, by far, but the one that I managed to snap a picture of.

On to Peterborough next, enroute to London.

Ciao!