England!

After many hours on the bus we arrived early this evening in York, England. We began our day by bidding farewell to lovely Edinburgh. After a quick stop at the border, we drove into England where the sun has been shining all day!

The highlight of our day was an afternoon visit to Durham Cathedral. This massive Norman structure sits on top of a high hill in the college city of Durham and is impressive beyond words. The structure is seeped in history - the nave being completed in the year 1133 - and also houses the remains of St. Cuthbert and St. Bede. It was a wonderful experience for us to walk through the cathedral and grounds. Google it if you have never seen it! Jason Alcorn, Andy Hampton, and I braved our way up 325 stairs to stand on top of the main tower. There are photos below of the gorgeous view from the top.

After leaving Durham we drove another 2 hours and made it to York where we will be staying for two nights. We sing a short (20 minute) recital in York Minster tomorrow, one of the largest cathedrals north of the Alps, then will tour the town.

My posts have been brief the past few evenings as I have been exhausted by the time I can blog! It's not quite so late today, so I can share a few more details of our first concert at St. Giles' on Monday. After I played the organ solo (the "Final" from Vierne's first organ symphony - I'm still on cloud nine) a Scottish gentleman was waiting for me. He was visiting Edinburgh from the north, attended the concert, and asked if our choir was the Cathedral Choir! I told him that we were from the USA and on tour, and his reply was, "You should be the cathedral choir!" Everyone thus far has been so gracious and kind, and very helpful.

The spirit among the group still amazes me - even at breakfast at the early hours there is much laughter and visiting, everyone truly enjoying each other's company. This trip continues to be such a blessing for everyone, and especially their director.

OK, enough talk....scroll down to see photos!

Peace,
Bill