The Lens of Energy & Sustainability

York, a short escape, a long-lasting memory

Last year, the courseworks and assignments made me happy, I could easily adapt the situation – application, platforms and many others, my laptop was my best friend and my lover ever, the internet was friendly too. In between, I got used to happily lock myself behind the window of my room, in a fluffly, warm and flattering blanket, sipping a hot chocolate, even before the pandemic. During the uncertainty, leaving the city for a travel after multiple lockdown, was not a long-awaiting day either. I had been spending my days sooo gewd…, without even a slightest curiousity that drags myself out for testing the water, I mean, walking outside, checking out the public transport during the student travel window. As happy as I enjoyed staying home for the essays too, I had never wanted a break, nor a short escape from the thought of the project deadline.

Wait. I lied. Didn’t they tell you to trust in God only? Not in me. LoL. I was craving for a vegan food and a hot cappucino outside the city. So I decided to walk, despite it was getting below 3^oC that Saturday. I thought the rail station would have been packed, but it seemed normal even during peak-hour..

Arrived in York in an hour. Walked along York Botanical Garden, York Minster, and who wouldn’t stop by the Shambles? Especially during December, the atmosphere, the lights, the reflection after rain, the smell of Christmassy spice-scented candle from the stall along the market, the café.. – Oh yes, I had the infamous vegan fried chicken at Orinoco.

The most spectacular thing during the day, was the blindfolded man on fire show. Not only did his attraction become the centre of attention; the way he engaged and entertained the crowd, was so warm, despite the cold weather. Sincere smile he got when pulling out the blindfold, doing his best for everyone surrounding him.

Spent for almost two hours in the centre for the meals, the candle scent and the show, until the train took me back to Newcastle, and the reality: the assignment. It was a lovely day, in a what-so-called holiday.

A trip, is not always for a sight-seeing, because I can always find a moment which perhaps, will not repeat. For me, a short escape, is “a moment of capturing a great moment”.