We woke up to the smell of bacon and eggs that our resident chef, Mo had prepared. Today was the day to meet Uncle d*** in York. Roger persuaded us that catching a bus into the city was best (rather than drive) so we caught the bus at about 9am. d*** was waiting for us at the bus top at Merchants Gate. After hugs and introductions he took us to Yorvic - a simulation of the Viking village that had been dug up in the 1970's. We took a "time capsule" train through the lane and everyday life of the Vikings. It was very well done and very informative. Rory was quite intrigued by some faeces that had been dug up complete with resident parasites!
We were then led to the Merchant Adventurers Hall, an old Tudor building which is still in use today... Off to lunch at a lovely Italian restaurant after a stroll through The Shambles. Then on the road again to visit the almost destroyed St Mary's Abbey (Henry VIII had torn it down). d*** had arranged for a friend of his, David who had previously been a surgeon to guide us throughout the Minster. An hour of history just about finished us all off and ended the tour. We all felt rather humble for our lack of knowledge of history of the old English kings!
Back by bus to Roger and Mo's for a quick rest before dinner. d*** came for another delicious dinner from our professional chef. Sleep came very easily to us all that night!
Now on our way to London on the train. Next stop - sightseeing in London!