Durham

The first steps on my journey are into the cosy little city of Durham, a place I consider my home away from home.

There is something quite special about this place, a magical feeling surrounds it that I can’t quite put my finger on, almost a sense as if time is standing still yet the seasons continue to come and go.

The city itself is built upon a treelined hilltop peninsula around which a large river flows. Across the river many stone bridges reach out into the lands beyond. Upon the peak of the hilltop sit two ancient structures, Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle.

Far below their towers and walls, along both edges of the river around the city lies a small forest filled with all sorts of flora and fauna. Where one can sit and enjoy nature, watching the water flow by or sitting under the trees listening to the birds and the leaves in the breeze.

The city has an ever present feeling of being truly ancient, with its cobblestone roads and its historic buildings looking down from above. Whilst yet being surrounded by the ever changing yet peacefully still natural world.

The feeling of being in a place that is a memory of a time long ago, yet changing every day as time marches on is quite a special and comforting one that brings about an appreciation for the present moment.

I couldn’t be more grateful to start my journey here of all places, in such a cosy yet beautiful city.