Friday, June 24, 2005

Greetings from York!

Another just fantastic day, although not such a hectic one! Started promptly in the morning as we all met at the drop off/pick up location for homestay families and headed down the “highway” – certainly NOT the motorway – from Edinburgh to York, a 5 hour drive. We had a quick rest stop where we saw our first SCOTTIE dog! Back on the coach where the next stop was at the border of Scotland and England. Jumped out for a photo op with a bagpiper. That was certainly a flavor of Scotland for our way out of the country! A final stop on the way at rest stop for our picnic lunches and then into York.

The motorcoach can only get so far on these small English streets, so we were dropped at a car park/bus/motorcoach stop area and we hoofed it up the road to the beautiful and majestic York Minster Abby where after a WC stop, the kids lined up and waited for the precise moment of prayer and introduction and that was their cue. Chamber started with two pieces and I have never heard them sound so magnificent. As Aaron explained, this venue is the place where the selections were created to be sung and appreciated. Following the complete 15 minute performance, the choir quickly exited the altar. It was stunning. Tourists in the audience who were privy to the performance just by chance were thrilled and would stop the kids and asked if they were part of that fine choir. Just a wonderful experience to be so appreciated and to hear the echo of their sounds.

Following the performance, our York city guide, Wendy, led us through York Minster with tales of Tom and Jerry (ask the kids), gossip and lots of good tidbits normally not found in a guidebook. Then off for a hike through the old town, down some great shopping alleys full of European scenes, and onto part of the old town wall which still stands for up to 3 miles around the old city. Back onto the bus and off to the York Holiday Inn where the kids got to their rooms, unwound, had a buffet dinner and are now rehearsing with Margaret and Aaron. Need to sign off now to enforce that curfew!

Til next time,
SUE