Hello all!
Slept really well last night despite the snoring of a man in my room but think it was due to having a bit of a concussion from hitting my head - the only silver lining I guess??
Had an absolutely brilliant day today. Decided to live dangerously and wear shorts again even though the forecast was only 20 degrees. Got the public bus from York to Whitby which took 2.5 hours. It was a double decker and really comfortable! The scenery was beautiful, fields full of heather and green patchwork farming areas.
When I got to Whitby I went wandering. Ended up at the top of a hill with a magnificent view of the harbour and town - and the sun was shining perfectly! Saw the jaw bone of a blue whale and a statue commemorating captain cook. It had a plaque on it from the people of Australia. I sat for a while and then walked down to the beach. By this point it was 18 degrees and sunny, so in true English fashion everyone was sat about in deckchairs sunning themselves. People were playing beach cricket with their bathers on, children were swimming. You would have thought it was a 30 degree Aussie day! I had a bit of a paddle and it was just pleasant.
Then went for a walk down the pier and watched some men fishing. They didn't have much luck while I watched!!! I continued down to the busy tourist area and crossed a bridge, and then walked the 199 steps (without stopping!) up to St Mary's Church and Whitby Abbey. Apparently Whitby Abbey was the inspiration for the story of Dracula. You had to pay to get in and I had limited time, so I just enjoyed the view from the outside. The view of the town from up here was lovely too - not a bad place to be buried outside St Mary's!
Headed back down the hill and queued up at the famous Magpie Cafe. It took me 20 minutes, but I got my hands on some of the best fish and chips I've ever had. Found myself a seat in the sun and enjoyed. I'm hoping seeing a Magpie Cafe is a good omen for our game tmro against Sydney!
I headed back to the bus station and caught the bus again, but this time I got off part way in the small village called Goathland. Goathland excited me for two reasons - the UK drama show 'Heartbeat' was filmed there when it ran from 1992 - 2009, and the train station platform is the one they use in the 'Harry Potter' films when the students catch the Hogwarts Express and arrive in Hogsmeade. I walked around and enjoyed! Got my picture taken with the police car outside the shop from 'Heartbeat', saw the Aidensfield Garage and the Aidensfield Arms (Goathland Hotel).
I heard a steam train approaching so ran down to the station just in time to see it pulling away. A lot of the time places featured in movies look a lot different to the movie, but the train station looked mostly as it does in 'Harry Potter'! I've attached a photo so you can compare. Everything from 'Heartbeat' looked exactly like you would imagine too.
I spent the rest of my time enjoying a cider inside the Aidensfield Arms. Everyone else inside was about three times my age and seemed to be part of a tour group - I think I'm fairly young for a 'Heartbeat' fan! I have very fond memories of watching it in our upstairs living room with mum as a little girl. It's funny once you start thinking about something just how much comes back to you - by the end of the bus ride I had recalled most of the characters and some plot lines!! The pub was just as I expected inside and I enjoyed my drink.
I then got the bus back and am having a relaxing night in. Thought it worth taking it easy as my head has hurt a lot today and I've had a headache all day. The girl in my dorm is so nice - she came in to check how I was!!! Naw.
Jamie is coming to York to meet me for a few days tmro and it'll be the first time in four weeks I've seen him so I'm really looking forward to seeing him :)
GO PIES - think I'll watch live tmro between the rail museum and meeting Jamie.
Love to all
Claire
Xoxox
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