This post comes to us from Amanda Weir, intern abroad from Mount Saint Mary’s University currently in Edinburgh, Scotland.
“After a week of internships and classes, The Edinburgh and Stirling groups met to take a train down to York, England.
Let me be the first to say, it was the spitting image of Diagon Alley. If you have already been to Harry Potter world in Florida, or wandered among Edinburgh’s old town, yet still are craving a Harry Potter landscape, York is the place to be… But that’s not all it’s known for!
As soon as we were off the train we were walking along the old city walls that still stand, surrounding York. We were lead by the lovely Rachel from API, who told us tons of interesting facts about the area. We walked through harry-Potter-esc streets until we reached the Viking museum, the main purpose for our Trip.
As soon as we walked into the exhibit, we were standing on glass floors. Under the glass we could see the earth with excavated bones, jewelry, tools, you name it, And there was a ride that accompanied the exhibit, taking us through the customs, lifestyles, and smells of the Viking town.
Upon completing our tour, we were set free to wander the streets and grab lunch before meeting back at 3:15 for the train.
We had some delicious homemade bread with coffee and tea, then headed back onto the streets to explore!
It’s really cool to immerse yourself in another area when studying or interning abroad. There is something special about leaving home base and dipping your toes in a place you are not yet comfortable in!”