I got up for breakfast, opted for the Rice Krispies, in addition to the same fare as yesterday with the addition of a Cumberland sausage. I still avoided the black pudding as did everyone else it appeared owing to the hard black mound that lay on the tray.
After breakfast, I went upstairs to read. My inclination to leave early to find Dick Turpin's Grave, which was apparently near my hotel was delayed a bit, but I finally went searching for the grave and couldn't find it.
Owing to my self-induced tight schedule, I postponed the hunt and headed for the Jorvik Vikings Centre arriving shortly after it opened. I was stunned to discover, although deep down I knew this to be the case, that two thirds of the visitor attraction is the slowest theme park ride in history, although it's still well done. A bit like being part of a C grade 'Westworld', looking at the automatons as they simulate the day to day routines of the Vikings. I did learn several interesting facts such as most food production occurred outside of people's homes and they brought it in. Also nice to know that storytelling played an important role in the Viking culture. Once the ride was over, there was a small exhibition inhabited by people dressed as Vikings to whom you could ask questions and a lady who for a price could mark or brand coins. I remember leaving the exhibition feeling a little shortchanged. I am still not one hundred percent sure I saw everything.
Anyhow, I went round the corner to St Mary's Church to partake in the 'Van Gogh' immersive experience. Now this was good, despite the fact that we were all sitting in deckchairs advertising the Monet immersive experience. It was mesmerising seeing images merge and change and to head the voice over accompaniment of someone familiar (I am torn between Alan Rickman and Jeremy Irons. I guess it depends when the voice over was recorded). There was also an additional option, which would have cost an extra three quid. The expression get stuffed springs to mind. I did enjoy the main performance though. It felt like 'Fantasia' for the Noughties.
After leaving the church, I decided to head to the York Castle Museum, which was literally only a five minute walk away. This museum was built on the site of either one or two prisons. It provides something of an overview of the everyday lives of ordinary people over time etc. It included such notable features as perfectly reconstructed streets.
My personal favourite feature of the museum was the temporary exhibition, 'Museum of Broken Relationships'. Apparently, this is a museum in Zagreb. Essentially, objects have been donated that bring to mind strong emotional or symbolic connections for the donor. Each object tells a story of a lost or failed relationship. Basically, it is the saddest exhibition you will ever see. The objects either shock, a ripped 'Winnie the Pooh' nightdress, telling the story of an abusive relationship fortunately ended or amaze, the story of a playing card. Basically, the couple kept finding single playing cards everywhere and resolved to use them as a means of determining their choice of leisure activity. If they ever found a Joker card, they resolved to travel abroad immediately for a break. They split but the card still packs an emotional punch for the donor.
I spent ages in the York Castle Museum. It's probably the most involving location I have seen yet in York.
After leaving, I headed off to find lunch and located an empty cafe. I ordered a tuna sandwich and a Mocha (oh yes, tuna again). The cafe was a lovely little place. I think I arrived during a quiet period as within five minutes the place had got busy. It helps that it is opposite the Clifford Tower. In an act of altruism, I asked if I would help the cafe staff if I gave them my cup and plate, only to be told that I didn't have to do that, but I did it anyway. It's odd how minor gestures can make you feel better in yourself.
Then I went off in hunt of the York Dungeon. I killed a bit of time before my entry slot by walking around.
The York Dungeon was actually a bit of a laugh. The highlight being when I was told to lead everyone out through a door I couldn't see, so someone else ended up leading. In its semi-humourous fashion, it actually revealed quite a bit about York and its history. It was particularly informative about Margaret Clitherow (who became a Saint) who harboured Catholics in her husband's butchers shop before she was executed for her sins (Catholicism was frowned upon during her lifetime). Also nice to jump from time to time, although most of the scares are caused by removing the light and shifting the position of the performer. However many times it happened, it still made me jump.
I headed back to the hotel and resolved to find Dick Turpin's Grave, only to learn that the grave is the solitary feature of a small square. I thought that it was supposed to be near to a church. I then dropped off my stuff at the hotel, partially packed my case for tomorrow then headed back out.
I had a curious meal in a restaurant where I asked for a non-alcoholic beer and was given the alcoholic version. Most normal, rational people would have brought it to the attention of the waiter at the beginning of the meal. I mentioned it at the end. I wasn't even sure if I should have mentioned it but on reflection, if I had been an alcoholic or recovering alcoholic, giving me alcohol would not have been a good deed (and the chain do make a big deal about checking for allergies prior to taking your order. A happy customer is better than an ill one or a law suit I guess). I felt that I unintentionally embarrassed the waiter, although he appreciated that I wasn't bringing it up for any malicious or mercenary reason. I just brought it up to make sure that they check the bottles. Anyhow, the calamari, steak and Eton Mess were nice.
From here I headed off to the National Theatre Live Encore recording of 'One Man Two Guvnors' in the cinema. I missed this when it was on in the theatre and also missed previous screenings. It is absolute genius. One of the funniest plays I have ever seen. I had the overwhelming feeling that I had seen it before but I may have seen a film version of the play it was originally based on. The original premise was very familiar. Alternatively, I have seen an amateur version of it. Whatever, it's amazingly well done. Also makes me want to learn more about the Commedia dell'arte.
I am now getting ready for bed. York has been an eye opener for me. It is a laid back city, not entirely without a sense of apprehension underpinning the nightlife. My return back to the hotel this evening was a bit unnerving. The fact that most places are closed or closing by 10pm could have something to do with that feeling (the sense of isolation and silence). Homelessness is a factor but it doesn't seem as prevalent as some other cities. I feel as though there is lots more to see but time will always be a precious entity when pretty much every tourist attraction shuts at 5pm. The usage of a one day York Pass (gives money off entrance to tourist attractions etc) would require a strategy of military precision to ensure that you could maximise its cost saving properties.
I have learnt a lot this holiday. I still don't know where I am going or what I am doing but somehow, that matters now more than ever. I can't pretend anymore as time is fleeting.
As as aside, why is the Ouse so unclean. It's like a parsley factory has exploded and fallen into the river? York is worth a visit but don't swim in the River Ouse!
Barry Watt - Thursday 26th September 2019.
Photos.
Jorvik Viking Centre - Experience your inner Viking. There's a Viking in everyone!
Inside the Van Gogh experience. I have a thing for Cupids (But not like that).
Insider the Van Gogh experience. Projections, animation and sound.
York Castle Museum - The best museum in York.
James Bond Rubber Bands. 'Q, what have you got for me?'
Useful lessons for children.
A lesson for you all. Leave that frog alone.
You know when people moan about being cold?
Lovely 60s exhibition at the York Castle Museum,
Saddest exhibition I have ever seen at the York Castle Museum.
Playing card exhibit in the 'Museum of Broken Relationships' exhibition at the York Castle Museum.
The York Dungeon - So scary and that's just the sign!
Richard the Third on a pub sign. People either love or hate the king.
Nature grabs me in its untempered magnificence.
Dick Turpin's Grave - If you find it, you deserve a medal.
Afterword.
Rice Krispies are a popular brand of breakfast cereal made by Kellogg's.
Jorvik Viking Centre is worth a visit if you feel like a short history lesson. They also have a lump of excrement from the Viking period for some reason, which you can see:
'Westworld' was originally conceived by Michael Crichton and started out as a wonderful film and was later made into two separate TV series. Basically, imagine a theme park of types where people get to experience their fantasies with life like robots that malfunction and become sentient:
The 'Van Gogh Immersive Experience' is still on and is well worth a trip. It's quite a relaxing way to spend an hour, slowly being enveloped in imagery and sound:
'Fantasia' was a Disney film that is still very influential:
York Castle Museum was very involving and I would not hesitate to visit the museum if you are in York:
The Museum of Broken Relationships was established in Zagreb but seems to be growing and/or touring:
The York Dungeon is just a laugh. Also very informative about York's history:
Saint Margaret Clitherow had a tragic life but she fought for what she believed in:
Dick Turpin was quite a well known highwayman:
National Theatre Live basically record and exhibit many productions, not only the National Theatre's productions and they then exhibit them in cinemas. 'One Man, Two Guvnors' has been screened a lot in cinemas:
Commedia dell'arte was an early form of theatre, which originated in Italy. It dealt a lot with masks and led to the development of several notable character types:
James Bond and Q were created by Ian Fleming:
The York Pass could be a good way to save money on seeing various attractions etc:
BW.
