When you grow up in a beautiful city, you completely take for granted all the sights and wonder what on earth all the mad tourists are doing coming there (apart from coming to annoy you, that is.)
Yes, I was one of those locals who would be walking my way through the city centre of York every day on the way to work, muttering at ‘all those bloody tourists’ who would stop slap bang in front of you to gawp up at The Minster, making you go nose first into them.
So today, as we have now moved away from York, we decided to go visit it and do the whole tourist thing.
We even got on one of those open topped bus things that drive round the centre, giving a running commentary on all the sights as you pass.
It was kind of strange seeing it through the eyes of a visitor, and I was the annoying one on the bus who was pointing out things and saying what they were before the recording got a chance to tell you what it was.
Cliffords Tower
Boats going down the River Ouse
The ‘York Eye.’
(Not for those who don’t like heights!)
Yes, I went on it. Then tried not to get the jitters when it stopped at the top for what seemed like ages!
“Up above the streets and houses”…. at the top looking down on York Railway Station.
The small ones didn’t help matters. Even though they loved it.
“What happens if it breaks down and we stay up here FOREVER?!”
“Ooh, look, there’s a gap at the bottom of the door there.”
Shurrup.
We came down eventually. Phew.
Next time, I’m returning as a native and sharpening my elbows to make my way through the shopping throng. 🙂
Only spent one day in York and it was pouring with rain so I visited the Dungeon, paid £12.95 and was twice insulted by the actors! A great attraction, although not one for young children.
What I loved about York is that everywhere is so easy to find as it seems to have signposts on every corner. For someone like me who is useless with maps (did I come from Mars via Venus?) this was brilliant.
I’ve only been to York once – for a conference, so had to truant to look round the city.
Isn’t it interesting, looking at your home through tourist eyes? I love having visitors in Wiltshire – a great way to remind myself just how beautiful it is.
I’ve never been to Wiltshire, would love to though as looks beautiful. Will have to put it on ‘my places to go’ list! 🙂
I’d make you very welcome!
Aw, thanks! 🙂
Lived in York for a year and what fun I had there, so beautiful! Came across this page whilst thinking about my own blog and being a tourist for a day in the city of Bath, I think I will eternally be a tourist here!
It’s fascinating how much of your own city you don’t really ‘know’ I’ve lived in Sheffield forever and there’s still places I don’t know
Love Sheffield, been there a lot too! 🙂