York

The medieval city of York was the last Roman capital on the Western Front. The city displays the old Roman signs in its daily life and culture. When the Romans left in 400 AD, it lost its charm. Later, in 866 AD, the Vikings captured the city. They brought in their unique culture, trade, and technology practices, changing the city further. York became the trading hub for goods and people from the west and north to be moved to London down south. The city witnesses the change in times, governance, and culture closely.

York offers everything to everyone based on one's interest. Be it sports, trade, arts, food, history, technology, and lifestyle. I was surprised to know that a small city can cater to the diverse needs of individuals. I loved the way history blends in the air of the York. Walking through the old streets reminded me of the bygone era. The York Minister, a cathedral built in 1230, is known for the largest expanse of medieval stained glass windows. I saw a rare bronze statue of Constantine in the cathedral campus erected in memory of his proclamation to the Roman throne while in York.

Wandering in the nearby allies takes you to the Shambles, an old meat market. It's an impressive area with numerous old shops and boutique stores. I walked down from the riverside, which had flooded from the recent rains, towards the Clifford Tower. I loved the sunset view among the daffodils on the mount. The tower was part of the York Castle, built in the 10th century and later renovated in the 12th century. In the front, there are Castle museums and other buildings of importance.

York has a lot of museums to offer to everyone's interest. I found the Railway Museum the most remarkable one. It is undergoing restoration work, so I could only glance at a few railway engines from centuries ago. These engines made history and helped the technology advance to where we are today. It was amazing to see the complex iron and steel work and appreciate the sheer hard work it took to build and operate the railways a couple of centuries ago. The museum has numerous small and large items from the entire railway world, from drawings of engines, old models, signals, number plate seats, and even cutlery used back then in luxury trains.

More than the engines, I appreciate the thought process of the museum operators to obtain these heavy(very) machines and repair & maintain them so we and the generations to come can see the engineering marvels first hand. They were notable engines like the Mallard - the fasted steam engine in 1938. The 'Atlantic Coast engine is cut into cross-sections for students to learn complex engineering. The famous oldcoppernob, a steam engine built in the 18th century, was bombed during the Second World War and later restored. It was my first time to see the famous Japanese bullet train(Shinkansen) carriage. Although old, built in the 1970s, it looks brand new, very true to the durability that Japan is known for. It is the only carriage outside of Japan on display. The impressive speed and comfort with a clean & minimalist look leave you spellbound.

I saw the 'Flying Scotsman' built in 1862 is the oldest and the last running famous train in the UK up and close. It is hard to believe how the train managed to work well to date. It travels from Edinburgh to London, although only during summer. The hall was stacked with thousands of items from centuries awaiting to move into their new home. I was fascinated by a large model of railway signals in operations for the visitors and students to learn. Donated by the Railway Signal School, the veterans demonstrate different scenarios, techniques, and tools of signal operations. They explained the innovations and technological enhancements over the years and the role played by the city of York in the growth of railways.

On my way from the museum, through the old city walls, I could see the gardens and the river shining in the afternoon sun. I saw Owls and eagles stationed in the park by a conservatory to help children learn and befriend them. Their razor-sharp gaze was frightening yet clamming. When I completed the walk, I was content with the diverse sites and experiences gathered in a short time in a beautiful city up in the north.