Breakfast with the Mayans
Recently I read Chocolat by Joanne Harris and her description of a chocolaterie resembled a dream. A dream that, to my immense happiness, came true in York in the form of the York Cocoa House. Everything served there has cocoa included in some way, and their variety of hot chocolates is enough to make anyone drool –excuse me while I wipe my keyboard- I sincerely recommend their Spanish hot chocolate. It’s bitter and thick and just missing a dash of chilli to make you think you’re in Mexico and hanging out with Montezuma.
Lists and priorities
The main reason behind this trip was to check out the universities I’m considering applying on for my Master’s degree. When one makes such a list, one ought to consider things like the quality and reputation of a university, what is offered on campus, how safe the city is, the fees and so on and so forth, Practical stuff that ought to take the lead.
These are NOT the only criteria for a successful choice. A city might be safe but five minutes breathing its air and you’re ready to go. A university could have amazing professors but horrible amenities on campus. It might sound silly, but think about it! You would spend a lot more than a couple of days at this place; you need to be certain it works.
Which is why I spent my day just walking around the city. The weather could not make up its mind, one moment it was drizzling, the next it was sunny. I really like York although it’s certainly bigger than Norwich. It has that mix of old and new, fantasy and reality, city and countryside… I can’t describe it. But I have always gone with my gut instinct, and if it’s telling me I’ve struck gold here… well I’m not about to argue the point!
King’s Manor
My stroll was not completely without purpose. I did visit the King’s Manor, where the university’s Medieval Department is housed (along with a few others). Needless to say, I believe, how incredibly awesome it would be to study medieval literature in an equally old building.
The diamond on my crown
A couple of weeks ago I was talking with a friend about good ol’Shakespeare and how much I would like to get my hands on one of the original editions of the First Folio (or the foul papers, I’m not picky). Imagine my happiness when I came nose to glass case with one such copy at the Yorkshire museum. I couldn’t touch it of course, but even to see it… I dare say that would have made this whole trip worth it even if nothing else here had stricken my fancy.
