Today was to be a day where we were to walk the small city of York. Our accommodation was very central to the old part of this rather old city. Just down the road from the major gated entrance into which many a rival army attempted to march. We had a sense of what was where and so had planned ourselves well.

Breakfast as normal and then out onto the street to have a closer look at this remarkable place. Obviously the major features of this medieval are focussed upon history. Many cultural groups have been responsible for this cities “development” with a major fluency coming from the Scandinavian “tribes” from across the North Sea having a big influence. The Vikings as I will refer to them as, came and had a major influence: rampaging their way around with a destructive intent. Indeed, our research suggests that these “wonderful’ people are indeed the Parnaby forebears.

Now I can hear You all saying, how can such a meek, mild, wonderful lad like Parno, come from such violent stock ? Well, let me tell you, that it doesn’t come easy. I have to work at this constantly: my paying off the debt to society. Some people are just like this: humanity being the overall winner don’t you think ? 

Back to our thoughts and observations about York. You will recall that in a previous chapter,  “Phew ....York”, a short history and overview was given. Our foray started with a walk through town; town started about 100 metres down the road. Initially, we went looking for where Fred and Jill stayed when they were here a few years ago. This was nearby to where we stayed. In fact you can’t be far from anywhere in York. Fred had a little difficulty remembering which B&B it was. But eventually she settled on one of them. From here into the Museum gardens where her day was “made”. A fellow had a few tethered owls and being an avid owl collector (yes, they have to be dusted; by whom you say ? Well, guess), Fred was beside herself. A kid in a lolly shop would be the appropriate metaphor to use in this instance. Different sizes of birds and very impressive. One in particular was a magnificent animal: a European Master Owl. It appeared to be interested in the many pigeons nearby: eyeing off breakfast I would say. 

From here into the city into Helen’s Square where an Opera Singer was busking. He’s obviously had lots of showers, as he could sing. We sat and listened. I attempted to join in, but stopped when asked by a bystander .....sorry it was Fred. Apparently she preferred to listen to the more professional person. Or was it because I haven’t undertaken my quota of showers ?

Deeper into the city, another young lad was doing a similar thing. He too had a good voice. We stood and listened, as many others were. He was quite impressive indeed. Just down the road was the Jorvik (Viking Museum). There was an hour wait to get in: the English love their museums and galleries and given that it was school holidays and a “fine” day, everyone was out and about. We were hoping to see if there would have been some relevance to my GGGG Grandfathers etc. However, we were told that this museum had more of an entertainment focus than a factual one. Also, given that the Parnabys shy away from “attention”, we made the decision not to wait and there probably wouldn’t be any direct reference to our heritage anyway. We were the good guys amongst the rogues. 

Our next move was to walk to another part of the city wall via the Clifton Tower (built by Oliver Cromwell). This sits high on top of a mound and was used as part of the city’s defence system. From here down to the rather swollen Ouse River to have a hot chocolate in a small riverside cafe. We sat and chatted with a couple from nearby Manchester. Both were English, but had very a negative view of their home city. They often come to York, “to get out of town” as it is a “cold industrial bleak place”. Our hot Mocca chocolate went down well and prepared for the wall walk just across the river.

The wall, is typical of medieval cities. Built to act as a defence  from warning enemies. For those that have been to Dubrovnik Croatia, this wall is rather small by comparison, but massive in that it encircles the city, although in some parts, it has been knocked down over time. Walking along this provides a somewhat elevated view of the old city. Quite a popular pastime for those either visiting or living in York. The wall itself is quite narrow and so you have to give way to on coming traffic. It presents some quite interesting views however. We enjoyed this jaunt and when completed, in 2 stages, we had walked the complete pathway. 

Given that the day was still young, we decided to use the car and drive and see if surrounding moors. We discuss this in the next chapter. 

However, prior to chatting and highlighting the surrounding areas, a few comments.

I am sure that the people of York understand that they live in an area that is special and unique. The Minster dominating the city. A most impressive building as was noted in a previous chapter. Everywhere you walk in the old town, the Minster monitors your progress. Staring down at you: can't hide from it, run from it. Not only does it somewhat intimidate you, it attracts you: glancing at it every alternate step. 

A Celtic place that was subsequently overrun by the Romans, York is a very impressive place indeed. I reckon I could live here but the weather may be an issue. However if we were to make application to do so, our newly acquired friend Gerry (more about him in the next chapter), now that he knows a little about Fred, may indeed intervene and block this application. I don’t think that I would be a problem however.

In closing, I found it “terribly British” that there was a number of people walking their (pet) greyhounds. A former aristocratic behaviour but one you would not see in Australia. It was rather common to see these. The dog friendly Yorkshire people, even have water and feed bins outside their shops for the convenience of the dogs. One particular greyhound was noticed turning its nose up at the offer of free dog biscuits. Obviously not the Royal endorsed dog food that it had been used to.

Still there is too much back home presently, so we will eventually return to Sydney. My emotional attachment to this area remains however.