What Durham Is Like

Durham is the sort of town where The Wind and the Willows could have been set.  There's lots I don't know.  The river defines it's structure, and to that extent, is quite like Paris, just at the bit with the Notre Dame.  The River cuts it into an island and one can only reach it by bridges.  It is a hilly city.  Very steep hills that slope drastically up and down, around and away from the river.  It is small and cosy, and very old. It feels old.  The Cathedral and Castle take up the skyline and every morning that view greets you as you walk into town, going to the Library or College.  It's a religious town, with churches in every crevice, churches older than the discovery of America.  And it's a smart town.  It's a University town.  People walk about in their black, college robes.  The colleges dot the campus maps and provide the backbone for the University social life.  And most days, it is wonderful, but at the same time, all rather intimidating.