This and that – Good Morning On The Train To Edinburgh.

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As we bid farewell to Merry ole England, I can’t help but enjoy the journey through the picturesque countryside.
    

As the train whizzes through it, I’ve noticed one thing that both sides of the pond have in common: graffiti. Although most of it is gang-related, I can look past the gangs and enjoy the talent involved.
    

Yesterday, we toured the city of Durham and its ponderously magnificent cathedral. Of all the cathedrals we’ve visited, this was my favorite. This was due to its soaring, thick interior columns well over six feet around.
    

Unlike other cathedrals, this cathedral’s columns were a sight to behold. Carved with various designs, from zigzags to hexagons, and deeply fluted, each was a unique masterpiece. The diversity of the arches, from traditional Gothic to rounded, added to the cathedral’s charm. The entire structure was a stunning example of Romanesque architecture, leaving me in awe of its beauty and craftsmanship.

The afternoon sunlight streaming through the stained glass tracery cast myriad dancing hues on the ancient cathedral walls. Soft organ music drifted through the air, and the ancient smell of carved wood, stone, and marble, coupled with sweet incense, made one pause and reflect on God’s majesty and power.
    

Sam booked us into a delightful Victorian B and B—the Farnley Towers—not to be confused with Faulty Towers. The house was built in a high Victorian style around 1873. It has retained much of its period interiors with a few fun additions.
    

We’re pulling into the train station. We’ll visit the castle and other historical sites. My favorite? I’m sure it will be the last British Royal yacht, Britannia. I’m signing off for now. Peace and blessings to you all. Big hug.  

(Originally published September 22, 2022)

Some tacky American tourist in Durham with his head stuck out his bedroom window at the Farnley Towers Hotel.
The Farnley Tower’s dining room with a lovely view of the city. See the next snap.
The view of Durham with the Cathedral in the distance.
The wallpaper in the Farnley Towers dining room. I like it. An English jungle.
A 125-year-old Victorian train bridge on our walk around Durham.
We saw the cathedral on our walk to it.
The Cathedral in all its magnificence.
Another view of the Cathedral.
The Cathedral’s front door. Holding the fearsome door knocker, ancient rumor has it that if you knock twice, your sins for a week will be forgiven. I knocked many, many times for future reference. LOL.
The beautiful Rose Window.
The Cathedral. Nave showing the different column carvings.
Close-up of one of the columns and its craving.
Another column design.
Some of the Cathedral’s stained glass.
I loved this fall-ish stained glass window. The colors were so rich! I’m sorry it’s so fuzzy. My hands were cold. LOL!
The Cathedral’s hand-carved baptismal font. The detail in the carving was amazing; the carving still sharp after all the hundreds of years.
The Catherdral’s ornate brass pulpit.
The Cathedral’s marble alter.
Inlaid marble columns that surround the altaer.
Smaller marble columns infused with rocks and seashells. Amazing!

These soaring columns and stained glass give you an idea of the height of the Catherdal’s ceiling.

A tomb of headless Saints, victims of the Reformation.
Another tomb with a legless, armless, and headless torso. I don’t know who the poor fellow was to deserve such a fate, but the Reformation got him.
The Victorian clock in the Cathedral still keeps time after all these years.
A view through the Cathedral’s Cloister arches of the church tower.
Outside the Farnley Towers. I loved this old hotel. It was one of my favorites.
Lest I forget, the huge bathtub in our Farnley Tower Hotel room was amazing. I loved soaking in it, thinking of our day’s adventures.