Durham

Our love hate relationship continued with the GPS system. I have decided that I much prefer a good map and use my own judgment. We drove up the A1 as fast as legally permissible to meet Jess and Byron at a particular corner on Saddler Street. I had no map of Durham, again, not a wise thing for a tourist, I had looked at a google map, but when faced with the streets and the city, confusion reigned. We were late for our meeting and were beginning to stress.

We found a place to park, found a public library who gave us a map and good directions and ran. Jess and Byron had actually rung Michael to get our mobile phone numbers - it would have been 11.30 pm but they figured he would probably be awake. It was lovely to see them and we had a wonderful time with them.

After a sandwich lunch, we headed to the top of the hill for the Cathedral. Jess and Byron had spent the previous day and night on Lindisfarne Island and had learnt all about St Cuthbert who had been a bishop of northern England in the 1100s, and had travelled extensively evangelising. On his death, he had been buried at Lindisfarne, but ten years later, his coffin had been raised. It was discovered that his body was still intact, thus beginning the process to make him a saint. It could have been the cold that kept his body from decaying - who knows, but it was fascinating to find out about him and the history of this area after his death.

St Cuthbert is now buried at Durham Cathedral. It again is a massive building, dominating the landscape. It stands next door to the Castle. This castle had been built at the time of William the Conquerer, to protect his northern lands. It has been a "working" castle ever since - either with soldiers, princes or prince bishops residing. Today it houses university students and the university. It is in constant use 24/7. This part of the city is almost on an island as the river curves around it on three sides. Sadly, no photos. After browsing the cathedral and a fascinating exhibition of historical items relating to the history of St Cuthbert, we did a tour of the castle. The kitchen has remained in the same place and the original fireplaces still exist. The original kitchen bench stands in another part of the castle - a magnificent piece of wood, with many memories on its surfaces - if only they could speak!

The most senior students are privileged to live in a certain part of the castle. They are without running water or bathroom - meaning they have to go down a very narrow flight of stairs to a nearby bathroom. All the students must robe for dinner every night and are fined if they get up during the meal, if their phone rings or they don't follow protocol and the fines are fairly hefty. They also have a 10 pm curfew and the gates are locked. There is a tiny door in the large door and latecomers need to crawl through this. Imagine this happening at Moore College!

We had an afternoon immersed in history and each of us were engrossed and enthralled. After a welcome cup of tea and hot chocolate, we said good bye and went our separate ways. What a wonderful way to spend an afternoon with friends who we won't see again for three years.