Day 27 - York.

Yesterday we were told that Liverpool and Manchester are only about 30 miles apart, but their separate accents are so strong and different that we can hardly understand what either is saying.  Even speaking to each other poses some difficulty.

York is a busy city with a population of about 200,000.

Our hotel has very low ceilings, such that Brian must be careful not to hit his head.  Our room had a chocolate cigar and lollies in a very old tin for us.

We walked into town today to catch a double-decker "red bus" which takes tourists on a one-hour trip around the town.  A commentary points out the important buildings and ancient walls and provides a running summary of York.  This was very helpful and saved our legs from walking any great distance.

The footpaths were choked with pedestrians making their way to either the race track or the football - both are on today.  Whether they win or lose, it is likely that there will be much revellery tonight in the pubs and on the streets.

There is much to see and do in York.  Our choice was the Railway Museum which proved to be a very good choice.  The historical engines and carriages were restored and maintained in very good order, with a great deal of information in the form of signs and labels.

Our accommodation for the stay in York was at the Churchill Hotel.  When we asked about Churchill staying here the answer was that the owner of the hotel was a fan of Churchill and called the hotel by his name.  Winston Churchill never actually stayed here!

The main gate into the city.  The walls are intact for about 50% of the original length.  

Another gate into the city.  Usually there were four gates which were well reinforced with soldiers.

This was one of the first Japanese Bullet Trains to be exhibited outside of Japan.

George Stephenson's famous steam powered Rocket train.

Horse drawn carriage at the railway museum.

Two policeman with their bobby hats waiting for the arrival of the first wave of drunken fans from the football match.  The races are on as well today so there could be fireworks later this evening.

The river Ouse flowing through the centre of York.