Posts Tagged ‘museums’
The Many Stories of York
Posted on: March 10, 2021
- In: guest posts | History | Travel
- 76 Comments
I am a guest over at the wonderful blogsite, A Bit About Britain. Thanks, Mike for this opportunity to share my love for this amazing city.
A Bit About Britain is delighted to welcome author and traveller Darlene Foster, as a guest writer explaining her affection for the city of York.
The charming city of York in North East England is steeped in over two thousand years of history, harbouring many stories within its ancient walls.
Forty-four years ago, my first airplane trip took me from my home in Alberta, Canada to York, England to marry my Yorkshire hubby. I fell in love with the city, walked the medieval walls, visited the fascinating museums and enjoyed tea and cream cakes at the many teashops. At the end of my month-long stay, I gave friends from Felixstowe a guided tour of my favourite city. I have returned several times and it never disappoints.
Eboracum, the name the Romans gave the city, was the capital of the Northern part of what we know as England, two thousand years ago. Parts of the sturdy walls built by the industrious Romans still stand. I love walking the medieval walls that surround the old part of the city, offering fabulous views and photo ops. I believe anytime is a good time to visit, but my favourite time is in the spring when cheerful daffodils grow along these ancient walls.
It was also the capital of a Viking Kingdom later in the 9th/10th centuries, when it was called Jorvik. Many York residents can trace their DNA to Viking roots. A visit to the Jorvik Viking Centre is a must.
Read the rest of the article here
Santa Barbara Castle
Posted on: October 12, 2015
- In: Books | History | Spain | Travel
- 52 Comments
Our day trip to Villajoyosa ended with a stop at Santa Barbara Castle, overlooking the city of Alicante and the Mediterranean Sea. The very capable bus driver took us to the top of Mount Benecantil, 166 meters above the city, on a narrow, windy road. This was a large bus and we all held our breath as he barely made it through the castle entrance, built for horse and buggies.
The narrow entrance to the castle
Once there we had an hour to wander the castle and discover the history of Alicante on display in the museums throughout the castle. Archaeological remains from the Bronze Age, Iberian Age and Roman Times have been found on this site.
I enjoyed climbing around the many levels, checking out the dungeons, chapel, guardroom, bastions and turrets. I loved the wrought iron warriors and archers strategically placed around the castle.
The dungeons
The chapel ruins
Watch out for the archers!
Fascinating views of Alicante and the Mediterranean Sea
This was fun for me as I visited this site a number of years ago and set a scene in Amanda in Spain in this very castle
Kids posing with a warrior while dad takes a picture
Another person posing for the camera.
I can´t get enough of the rich history and fascinating castles around here.
Museums of Medicine Hat
Posted on: January 25, 2014
- In: Family | History | Travel
- 42 Comments
I have loved visiting museums for as long as I can remember. As a young person, I would rather go to a museum than play sports or hang out with friends. My aunt and I would often spend entire days at the Medicine Hat Museum which at that time was a log cabin filled with items from the past. We liked to pretend we were living in the pioneer days. The original museum has been moved a couple of times since then and is now housed in the Esplanade Arts and Heritage Centre. Last summer, my grandson and I stopped in to view the displays. I was pleased he shared my excitement of museums. The displays were well put together with some of the original items still showcased as well as many other artefacts. Here are a few samples.
Items from the original log cabin museum
Toys from the past
Representing the cowboy lifestyle
A dressmaker’s dummy
A note left by a frustrated homesteader
We also visited The Pioneer Village located on the Medicine Hat Exhibition and Stampede grounds. A collection of heritage buildings from the surrounding area which includes a general store, a church, a fire hall. a school and a blacksmith shop.
A typical prairie general store
Items for sale in the general store. Look at those prices!
How many miles has this trunk travelled?
Grandson by a prairie church built in 1924
It was a fun visit exploring the past with a young person. I’m so pleased that communities realize the importance of preserving a way of life that is no longer.
Do you enjoy visiting museums and heritage buildings?
