Durham

Durham was like a dream. The campus is located on a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and my amazing colleagues at the university arranged for us to stay in an 11th-century castle! 

Mia made herself right at home. It was the perfect place for her to practice her magic. 

My birthday fell on the annual Labor Festival. I woke up in a castle tower to the sounds of marching bands making their way into the city center. Given how hard I've had to work to accomplish my own dreams, this meant so incredibly much to me.

We loved to stroll along the shady riverside trails in the morning before sitting down to a traditional English breakfast of eggs, toast, beans, and tomatoes. We spent our days climbing hilly cobblestone streets lined with bookstores, pubs, and tea shops, wandering centuries old cemeteries, and exploring castle treasures. 

On our last day, we enjoyed our breakfast in a Harry Potter style Great Hall and boarded the train for the last leg of our UK travel adventure (to be continued...)

~Nel~