I realize it's been almost seven days since I've updated this blog. But I had such an amazing week that actually took a lot out of me!

To begin, last Wednesday was miserable. It started raining heavily, and we were well muddied up before the dig was called off. Then we waited almost an hour for the coach to arrive. While we were waiting, we decided to look at the finished excavations of Binchester from last year. We took an informal tour around the baths, which were surprisingly very well preserved. I wish I had pictures, but I didn't take my camera with me. :(

On Thursday, David Petts took us on field trip to historical sites around Durham! We went to Sockburn, where we saw a beautiful Anglo-Scandinavian church. The surrounding view of this site was absolutely breathtaking.

Inside the church, David showed some interesting objects pertaining to the people who once used the building. For example, shown below is a hogback, which is a grave marker used by the Anglo-Scandinavian people in England and Scotland.

Also, next to church, there was an excavation being carried out by Sarah Semple, an archaeologist from Durham University. Compared to Binchester, this was smaller. But I was instantly attracted to site due to it's medieval nature! That's why when David offered us a chance to excavate there the next day, I instantly took it.

After Sockburn, we went to Piercebridge, which is a Roman military fort in Darlington. It was amazing that this site was actually tucked away among the residential areas of the village.

Then we had a pub lunch in Middleton, and I really enjoyed the steak onion burger that I ordered!

My most favorite part was the classic drive around the English countryside. We mostly went through the North Panines, which was gorgeous. Unfortunately, the cool breeze, and the gentle lull of the car led to a very nice nap. Afterwards, David took us to Escomb Saxon church, an early Anglo-Saxon structure! What's interesting about this building is that parts of it were built with stones from Binchester, the site on which I'm currently involved.

Finally, we went back to Binchester, because it was the closest place that provided us with a bathroom. Everyone, but me, had to use the restroom and the car ride there, I'm afraid was tense (for my friends) but very funny for me!

I feel very sleepy, so I'll talk more about my weekend!

To cover next post:

Friday: Sockburn excavation!
Saturday: Alnwick Castle, where the exterior shots of Harry Potter was filmed.
Sunday: museum field trip in Newcastle
Monday: had wonderful Thai food with Fiona and David Thornber from the International office!
Tuesday: first time experiencing field activities other than toweling and mattoxing!

Yikes! I hope I have enough energy to cover everything.