Christmas in the UK Solo Style. Murphy's "Who needs him?!" Trip Report
Jan 31st, 2007, 01:05 PM
#41
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,339
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I don't visit the Europe board often but did come across your planning thread and am so pleased to have come across your trip report. Seems as though you absolutely made the best of unexpected circumstances and turned the trip into an interesting series of new experiences! Good on you and looking forward to the next chapter!
Jan 31st, 2007, 03:27 PM
#43
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 903
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
murphy, you have a way with words and photos but most of all I admire your unsinkable spirit. It was such a treat to come across your report and I look forward to reading every segment!
I was especially intrigued by the photo of the Covenanters Prison since I've discovered that one branch of my ancestors were Covenanters who left Scotland to settle in Ireland and eventually North America because of religious persecution. When I googled it I realized that this was the site of your first ghost tour!
I was especially intrigued by the photo of the Covenanters Prison since I've discovered that one branch of my ancestors were Covenanters who left Scotland to settle in Ireland and eventually North America because of religious persecution. When I googled it I realized that this was the site of your first ghost tour!
Feb 4th, 2007, 04:43 PM
#47
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 644
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi guys - sorry I’m taking so long (again), it’s been crazy busy in my neck of the woods. Thank you all for you kind support. So many thoughtful words of encouragement – very much appreciated many thanks. Hope you continue to enjoy my travel tale and pictures.
<font color="green">York</font>
http://murphypictures.myphotoalbum.c...umName=album15
This pictures are a bit frustrating. I lost all of my digital York minister and Castle museum photos somehow when I made a backup CD half way through the trip. I did take some “just in case film shots” though so I will post them later on. That will also be an interesting compare and contrast – film/digital album I think.
It was up’in adam bright and early to do some final wandering in Edinburgh prior to catching my train to York the next morning. I tried unsuccessfully to depart from my dorm quietly – though it’s great for space and cleanliness to pack your things in large plastic bags, it also renders it almost impossible to make a sneak entrance or exit from your hostel. I’ll take a moment here to explain my luggage…
<font color="green">Suitcase vs. Backpack – The Great Debate</font>
Some of you may recall my sharing a degree of angst regarding my backpack in my last trip report….something about my backpack burning in hell and all that. I swore I would never backpack with a backpack again. Well….that might have been a bit premature. I followed through on this trip at any rate and bought myself a 26inch rolling suitcase. Hm. I sure did like the rolling bits….stairs however did not bode too well. If I had taken that suitcase with me to Greece and its millions of stairs I would have expired a quarter a way through the trip. As it was I only had to dread hauling it around the subway/train station stairs, so it wasn’t too bad. I brought more stuff with me on this 2 week trip than I did in three months of travel this summer. Did it make me happier? The jury is still out. I liked that I had more variety in clothing, was able to bring both a dressy and hiking style coat, more toiletries and my purchases certainly fit better. On the flip side, it was a short trip so I probably could have done with less of everything. For my big 2008 Slovenia/Croatia trip? I am hoping to blend the two – maybe wheels and a pulley on a larger backpack? Let the debate rage on.
The train to York was very pleasant. The fog had more or less cleared allowing for glimpses of spectacular coastline and I stored a mental note to self: return to this island again for further exploration. It was a short journey from the York station to York Backpackers hostel where I stashed my stuff before heading out to explore. York Backpackers is a converted old mansion boasting lovely architecture and big bright rooms. A well organized, clean facility and I highly recommend it. It is a hostel though not a Holiday Inn, so it isn’t without imperfections. Regrettably, the showers were a cruel, unloving trickle of cold water and considering the weather, I would have gladly traded architecture for warmth. Still, it served as a reminder that showers are supposed to be for cleaning not entertainment and it is fair to say I am wasteful and unappreciative of such things when I am at home.
I set off to explore York as dusk befell the city. I love this part of travel. The moment when you are free of luggage, arrangements are all settled and you can step out the door, free to wander without restraint. The feeling wasn’t destined to last too long this evening I’m afraid. It was a chilly, damp night and a thick unwelcoming fog was beginning to gather and curl down the streets. Weary and disheveled, I took refuge in a great little East Indian restaurant just down the street from my hostel and set about eating myself into a stupor. I was the only customer and nobody seemed too thrilled to serve me, but the food was warm and aromatic and I was determined to dismiss the sideways glances. Much to my own embarrassment, I was back at the hostel by 8:00pm and fast asleep by 8:30pm. I couldn’t help myself. All in all not a very productive day – still, it is wise to give in and listen to your body now and again. I hoped the excessive rest would help me enjoy the next two days in York all the more.
<font color="green">York Day II</font>
I headed out bright and early intent on accomplishing as much as possible before nightfall. First stop – the Jorvik Viking museum. A pricey little exhibition where the York of days gone by (Jorvik) is recreated for deep pocketed tourists. I was not particularly impressed. I found attempts to recreate the smells of Jorvik far more nauseating than clever and though some of the info was interesting the whole thing seemed rather overrated.
I felt a bit restless today - a bit sniffly and yucky. It was cold and rainy and I didn’t feel particularly motivated in the museum arena. I ended up wandering over to Cliffords tower, but for some reason I didn’t go in the tower itself. Instead, I forced myself to tour the castle museum. I’m so glad I did! A wonderful, entertaining museum of excellent quality, I truly enjoyed my visit snotty nose and all.
By the time I got out of the castle museum it was already getting dark – such is the nature of winter travel. Luckily enough, I had the presence of mind earlier in the day to buy myself a theater ticket. This time, it was for a “Pantomime” – unfamiliar with this type of production, I’d no idea what to expect. I was told it was a silly, comedy type show with dancing and some kind of unattractive man dressed as a woman. All I really needed to know was that it was inside and there was sitting involved. After yet another delectable East Indian meal at a restaurant near York Minster I headed back to the hostel to tidy up for the show. Bye-the-bye, I found several helpful restaurant coupons in the free “York Guide” that was available at the tourist office, so if your in town you may want to look for it.
The “Aladdin” Pantomime was family fun and even sans-family I enjoyed it too. I would liken it to an expensive school play. A silly, campy comedy complete with the advertised unattractive man dressed as a woman. There were kids in the production and young amateur dancers – there was even a sing-along at the end. All in all, it beat wandering around aimlessly outside so I was pleased.
I hurried back to my fancy hostel in a downpour, having already been doused in cold water, I passed on showering (in an attempt to avoid pneumonia), curled up gratefully under my comforter and slept soundly though the night.
<font color="green">Up next....Murphy Rounds out York!</font>
<font color="green">York</font>
http://murphypictures.myphotoalbum.c...umName=album15
This pictures are a bit frustrating. I lost all of my digital York minister and Castle museum photos somehow when I made a backup CD half way through the trip. I did take some “just in case film shots” though so I will post them later on. That will also be an interesting compare and contrast – film/digital album I think.
It was up’in adam bright and early to do some final wandering in Edinburgh prior to catching my train to York the next morning. I tried unsuccessfully to depart from my dorm quietly – though it’s great for space and cleanliness to pack your things in large plastic bags, it also renders it almost impossible to make a sneak entrance or exit from your hostel. I’ll take a moment here to explain my luggage…
<font color="green">Suitcase vs. Backpack – The Great Debate</font>
Some of you may recall my sharing a degree of angst regarding my backpack in my last trip report….something about my backpack burning in hell and all that. I swore I would never backpack with a backpack again. Well….that might have been a bit premature. I followed through on this trip at any rate and bought myself a 26inch rolling suitcase. Hm. I sure did like the rolling bits….stairs however did not bode too well. If I had taken that suitcase with me to Greece and its millions of stairs I would have expired a quarter a way through the trip. As it was I only had to dread hauling it around the subway/train station stairs, so it wasn’t too bad. I brought more stuff with me on this 2 week trip than I did in three months of travel this summer. Did it make me happier? The jury is still out. I liked that I had more variety in clothing, was able to bring both a dressy and hiking style coat, more toiletries and my purchases certainly fit better. On the flip side, it was a short trip so I probably could have done with less of everything. For my big 2008 Slovenia/Croatia trip? I am hoping to blend the two – maybe wheels and a pulley on a larger backpack? Let the debate rage on.
The train to York was very pleasant. The fog had more or less cleared allowing for glimpses of spectacular coastline and I stored a mental note to self: return to this island again for further exploration. It was a short journey from the York station to York Backpackers hostel where I stashed my stuff before heading out to explore. York Backpackers is a converted old mansion boasting lovely architecture and big bright rooms. A well organized, clean facility and I highly recommend it. It is a hostel though not a Holiday Inn, so it isn’t without imperfections. Regrettably, the showers were a cruel, unloving trickle of cold water and considering the weather, I would have gladly traded architecture for warmth. Still, it served as a reminder that showers are supposed to be for cleaning not entertainment and it is fair to say I am wasteful and unappreciative of such things when I am at home.
I set off to explore York as dusk befell the city. I love this part of travel. The moment when you are free of luggage, arrangements are all settled and you can step out the door, free to wander without restraint. The feeling wasn’t destined to last too long this evening I’m afraid. It was a chilly, damp night and a thick unwelcoming fog was beginning to gather and curl down the streets. Weary and disheveled, I took refuge in a great little East Indian restaurant just down the street from my hostel and set about eating myself into a stupor. I was the only customer and nobody seemed too thrilled to serve me, but the food was warm and aromatic and I was determined to dismiss the sideways glances. Much to my own embarrassment, I was back at the hostel by 8:00pm and fast asleep by 8:30pm. I couldn’t help myself. All in all not a very productive day – still, it is wise to give in and listen to your body now and again. I hoped the excessive rest would help me enjoy the next two days in York all the more.
<font color="green">York Day II</font>
I headed out bright and early intent on accomplishing as much as possible before nightfall. First stop – the Jorvik Viking museum. A pricey little exhibition where the York of days gone by (Jorvik) is recreated for deep pocketed tourists. I was not particularly impressed. I found attempts to recreate the smells of Jorvik far more nauseating than clever and though some of the info was interesting the whole thing seemed rather overrated.
I felt a bit restless today - a bit sniffly and yucky. It was cold and rainy and I didn’t feel particularly motivated in the museum arena. I ended up wandering over to Cliffords tower, but for some reason I didn’t go in the tower itself. Instead, I forced myself to tour the castle museum. I’m so glad I did! A wonderful, entertaining museum of excellent quality, I truly enjoyed my visit snotty nose and all.
By the time I got out of the castle museum it was already getting dark – such is the nature of winter travel. Luckily enough, I had the presence of mind earlier in the day to buy myself a theater ticket. This time, it was for a “Pantomime” – unfamiliar with this type of production, I’d no idea what to expect. I was told it was a silly, comedy type show with dancing and some kind of unattractive man dressed as a woman. All I really needed to know was that it was inside and there was sitting involved. After yet another delectable East Indian meal at a restaurant near York Minster I headed back to the hostel to tidy up for the show. Bye-the-bye, I found several helpful restaurant coupons in the free “York Guide” that was available at the tourist office, so if your in town you may want to look for it.
The “Aladdin” Pantomime was family fun and even sans-family I enjoyed it too. I would liken it to an expensive school play. A silly, campy comedy complete with the advertised unattractive man dressed as a woman. There were kids in the production and young amateur dancers – there was even a sing-along at the end. All in all, it beat wandering around aimlessly outside so I was pleased.
I hurried back to my fancy hostel in a downpour, having already been doused in cold water, I passed on showering (in an attempt to avoid pneumonia), curled up gratefully under my comforter and slept soundly though the night.
<font color="green">Up next....Murphy Rounds out York!</font>
Feb 5th, 2007, 04:54 AM
#48
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 371
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm loving your trip report Murphy. I really admire your travel style. I'm particularly looking forward to your report on London, since I'm heading there in April, with no real plans on what to do there at this moment. I expect to glean lots of ideas from your report.
Feb 5th, 2007, 06:54 AM
#49
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,254
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hello murphy! Did you catch Samantha Brown's Travel Channel show yesterday in Edinburgh? It was interesting to follow her through "your" eyes, especially the Ghost Tour. (something about dolls and a little girl's spirit - is that the one you took?)
Feb 5th, 2007, 10:42 AM
#50
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,860
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
<< showers are supposed to be for cleaning not entertainment >>
That's what I was always trying to tell my daughters when they took hour-long showers and used all the hot water!
I love how you share your highs and lows so well, murphy. Even in your lows, there is no sense of regretting the trip, just the reality that the sun doesn't shine everyday even on vacation.
Good job!
Linda
That's what I was always trying to tell my daughters when they took hour-long showers and used all the hot water!
I love how you share your highs and lows so well, murphy. Even in your lows, there is no sense of regretting the trip, just the reality that the sun doesn't shine everyday even on vacation.
Good job!
Linda
Feb 5th, 2007, 06:57 PM
#51
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 644
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks guys!
baladeuse - I promise to devluge everything I can about London! I do have a few suggestions up my sleeve....
Hi kopp, I'll have to look for that show - I would love to hear about the city through someone elses experience. No, that isn't the city of the dead tour. But that little girl's ghost is on the Real Mary King's Close tour. There is a 300 year old house from the plague days down there and the tour takes you inside. In one room reportedly the ghost of a child name "Annie" who died in the epedemic roams around. People bring her toys to play with!
LCBoniti - I always love your comments thank you. Happy to share with such a gracious audience The parts of travel that fascinate me are the human bits more than the technical details, so I try to sprinkle in a bit of my own personal story...glad you enjoy these bits too.
Will finish up York soon - have sent the film in to be developed and put on disk.
Cheers,
Murphy
baladeuse - I promise to devluge everything I can about London! I do have a few suggestions up my sleeve....
Hi kopp, I'll have to look for that show - I would love to hear about the city through someone elses experience. No, that isn't the city of the dead tour. But that little girl's ghost is on the Real Mary King's Close tour. There is a 300 year old house from the plague days down there and the tour takes you inside. In one room reportedly the ghost of a child name "Annie" who died in the epedemic roams around. People bring her toys to play with!
LCBoniti - I always love your comments thank you. Happy to share with such a gracious audience
The parts of travel that fascinate me are the human bits more than the technical details, so I try to sprinkle in a bit of my own personal story...glad you enjoy these bits too.Will finish up York soon - have sent the film in to be developed and put on disk.
Cheers,
Murphy
Apr 14th, 2007, 10:35 AM
#57
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,336
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'd forgotten the 'smells' at the Yorvik, uggh! I went when it first opened and was seriously underwhelmed by the whole thing especially the going backwards in time (and literally) bit at the start. I just expect travelling through time to be more exciting I guess!
Aug 14th, 2007, 07:43 AM
#59
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,500
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi murphy,
I was away from Fodors (closing year-end books, issuing the annual report... not much fun!) when you posted this trip and only now came across it. Love it, just as I enjoyed your Greece trip report! Your 2008 trip sounds fabulous too. Croatia is rapidly climbing on my travel priority list!
I was away from Fodors (closing year-end books, issuing the annual report... not much fun!) when you posted this trip and only now came across it. Love it, just as I enjoyed your Greece trip report! Your 2008 trip sounds fabulous too. Croatia is rapidly climbing on my travel priority list!
