York

York is a city with a history of nearly 2,000 years. From the Romans over the Vikings, every cool cat has been here. They have a huge amount of very well preserved old buildings like the city wall with its gates...

houses...

or the minster which can be seen from almost anywhere in the city.

Some ruins add a nice touch to a public park. This very special place comes with its own ghost.

Leading to the minster is a lovely crooked street with lovely crooked houses inhabited by lovely crooked people.

And then there's Bettys, a Yorkshire institution I've been told. They have really yummy stuff there. The perfect place for having a cream tea.

A few pictures of the riverside

And the main attraction: the inside of the minster. Breathtaking, awe-inspiring, beautiful. The minster choir is an attraction of its own. Loved their singing!

Manchester

Manchester is a multicultural city vibrant with life. The atmosphere reminded me of San Francisco. I arrived on a Saturday afternoon and found myself surrounded by street merchants, buskers, stag and hen parties and more generally by people having a good time.

 

There is a big number of shops selling comic books, old and second-hand stuff, adding to the vibe.

Most old buildings within the city are from the second half of the 19th century. The industrial history is omnipresent.

 Manchester was famous for its textile industry. The Museum of Inustry and Science preserves some of the old machinery.
 

 

 
 A most lovely place is the old part of the university.

 Located right next to it is the museum of  Manchester, containing many archaeological as well as natural historical exhibits and even some live animals.

 Last but not least there are some older buildings worth seeing...
 

 

 especially the cathedral with its terrific stained glass windows.