Starring at the list of names in the church, it struck me just how very young my country is. Half of the names on the list are before my country even declared independence. Looking at them gave me an odd sense of brevity, as if my entire existence has nothing on that church; though to be fair it doesn’t. While standing there before the list of names, I let the history around me sink in. This church has been here for centuries. It has seen wars and celebrations, weddings and funerals. It has stood for at least 690 years and is still here there today.
There is a feeling one gets when walking around Hull Old Town. A feeling of history, of permanence, of lives lived. Walking around I was able to see streets only wide enough for bikes and pedestrians. As well as stones that have been worn away by centuries of rain and people’s steps.
I was able to see the Humber River, which was so wide it was hard to make out the other side. Between the marina and the open water of the river, I stumbled upon a small, picturesque square.
The statues were some of my favorite. They watched over the city and stood their ground as if to say ‘we are here to stay and stay we will’.
The atmosphere in Old Town is not one I’ve experienced anywhere in the United States. I could see and feel the history. I felt very insignificant, but at the same time felt opposite sides of the world coming together. Here I was, a student from the west coast of the United States, on the east coast of England. Not that long ago, being able to walk among the buildings of Old Town would have meant a long, potentially dangerous, journey. Now though, I am able to walk through the town after a relatively short journey and very little hassle; the world really has become a much smaller place.
Your words and pictures meshed so well. Onward into the rest of your year!!!
Thank you!
Thanks for the little vicarious journey. I appreciate your sharing.
You’re welcome 🙂 and thank you