Tuesday Travel Tip

York, England - city view

Sometimes a good way to find the best place to eat or hang out like a local is to just ask....   In the past when traveling with my friends and family I have found that asking your cab driver where they would go for dinner if given the choice more often that not leads to a great restaurant recommendation.  Yes- you are relying on them to have a decent palate, but you are more likely to get a reasonably priced, non touristy good meal.

I distinctly remember doing this in York, England and ending up in a warm and inviting pub that served a delicious stew and said they had a good band playing later that night.    I totally do not remember the name of the place but it turned out to be fun!

And if you find yourself traveling around England and visiting lots of the beautiful Anglican cathedrals, be sure to stay for evensong....

York Minster

It is a church service which is traditionally sung by the choir in the afternoons.  It came to be out of combing the older services afternoon vespers and compline together and much of the structure dates back to Catholic mass settings altered during the switch to the Church of England.   The service is short, usually only about 45 minutes and the music is absolutely gorgeous.   One does not need to be even remotely religious to still appreciate the sound of the choir filling the space within these historic cathedrals and churches.

A warning for you though if you are there in the summertime....  You will most likely be hearing a visiting choir from America.   Episcopal choirs have a long tradition of going on tours and pilgrimages to England in the summer.  The regular choir of the cathedral will be on holiday while the visiting ones are there filling in for them.  This is not to say that the visiting choirs are not excellent and that they are not well steeped in the traditions of the Anglican music and service structure.  Trust me - they most definitely are well prepared and have excellent voices!  I know because I have participated in these musical excursions of the years....   Even if you are not hearing the official choir in residence, I advise you to stay for evensong whenever you can.  Rest your feet for a few minutes and enjoy the music!