Durham

John grew up in Durham and always used to complain about the tourists that were everywhere in the city centre, putting up the prices in the coffee shops and car parks, annoying the locals. Of course, as often happens, we take for granted the places of our childhood until we move away and realise that they are actually quite lovely.

Durham is a beautiful city. Small, charming, full of very old buildings, an excellent university and Durham Cathedral, a spectacular nine hundred year old church. We spent a very pleasant morning being tourists, drinking coffee, wandering around the winding, hilly streets that were at first packed with people...

then completely deserted.

We walked up to the cathedral and castle and joined the throngs of other tourists. I could not resist taking a picture of this old red phone box and leaning post box. So stereotypically English!

Two lovely new books were purchased and I spent a very relaxing afternoon drinking tea and alternately browsing my books, and sewing.

I am really enjoying this little break, mostly because we are spending time with family, but it is also very nice to have a rest from cooking, washing, clock watching. The children have mostly entertained themselves (or chased the dog) and it is peaceful.