Lincoln Christmas Market 2012

Greetings, Blog Fans.  On Saturday, we made a return trip to Lincoln for the annual Christmas market.  As with last year, we were joined by the Seppanens though this time sans Lori as she was making her way back to Indianapolis for a business trip.  See last year's post here.

Lincoln is about 75 minutes from Derby.  There's a convenient park-and-ride setup for the event since there isn't much parking in town.  Lincoln is known for its castle, Cathedral and being in possession of one of the 4 copies of the Magna Carta.

It was a cool, crisp but fortunately sunny day.  After meeting up, we walked to the far side of the market by the cathedral.  In fact, we ended up walking completely around the cathedral to follow the one-way system that they had.  As a result, I was able to snap a few photos.

Building commenced in 1088 and continued in several phases throughout the medieval period. It was reputedly the tallest building in the world for 238 years (1311–1549).

another view with a statue of Tennyson in the foreground (Tennyson was born in Lincolnshire)

and one more as we continued around

 here's a better vantage point (taken from the web)

We enjoyed our time at the marked despite the crowds.  We picked up some gifts and things for ourselves.  It makes for a longish (or at least tiring) day but we all enjoyed it.  Some areas were more packed than others.  Here, we are shuffling towards the food court and castle entrance.

castle entrance

As an aside, you often find some pretty neat "pub" signs, particularly the Marston pubs.  How did they come up with this name?  Is this where the condemned stayed?  or their family?  or it's all made up?  Not much repeat business to count on if that's the case . . .

obvious connection for this pub

I tried to surreptitiously take a few photos in a vintage sign shop.  They are actually paper reproductions stuck on some "genuine Welsh" slate.  I bought one last year but didn't this year but I did want to catch these for my greyhound friends (we used to have 3).  Sorry for the poor quality/shadow -- I was trying to be quick! 

 and another

Now to the random section.  Brilliant rainbow on Sunday after picking up Nicole from a sleepover near Etwall.  I also saw 100+ Santa Clauses running at the Markeaton Park fun run.  Quite a sight, but unfortunately no camera or opportunity (driving on the A38).

Finally, my string of Jamie Oliver 15-minute successes continued.  This was Chorizo Carbonara and was relatively easy to make and tasty.  Another winner.  I'm trying another new one later this week as well.

Have a good week everyone.