So, Two Americans Walked into a Bar...

And it looked like this:

But I'm getting ahead of myself.

First, we saw this:

The small ruins of a Roman bathhouse

After my friend and I toured the castle, which unfortunately did not allow any pictures despite me thinking about trying to take a few, the guide informed us of Lancaster's ruins of a Roman bath that are directly behind the cathedral that stands next to the castle itself.

The tour of the castle, however, was extremely fascinating.  The first room we walked into was still in use for a rather small court of justice.  In this particular room, shields of arms lined the walls, dating back to Henry III and his knights, to the current Queen Elizabeth II.  Members who are still working in the castle even had to invent their own coat of arms.  The guide showed us one shield, with crosses and zig-zags darting down the middle, belonging to an electrician.  The zig-zags represented his years working with electricity. 

I also learned that the castle was a working prison until five months ago, when it was deemed unfit for prisoners.  It was usually for young men serving small sentences of drug-related crimes.  Honestly, if I were to be hauled off to prison, I'd want to go to this castle!  The original cells are quite roomy for about a few people.  The guide offered to shut us inside to get a taste of what convicts had to face!

I was informed about the famous Pendle witch trials here as well.  I knew they must be important to my University because an entire college is named in their sake.  The tour guide said that a little girl of about six years old, accused members of her family and neighbors of being witches, thus ultimately leading to their trials and executions.  Thanks, little Susie.

After an educational afternoon, we then headed for the Borough, a pub located across from the town hall and the looming statue of Queen Victoria.  It was there I had the best fish and chips yet followed by my first British dessert of an apple and berry crumble drenched in custard.  We originally planned on having a pint of cider, but the Lancaster Amber caught my eye, I just had to try it.  Everything was exquisite but I think I'm going to lay off the pub food for a while!

Last night, I finally made my way over to my own college's bar, Trevor.  It was unfortunate how much I enjoyed myself there because it will be closed for renovation.  We asked the bartender why this is and he responded with a grunt, "asbestos".  Ew.

I love my asbestos bar!

I'm fairly certain this is the only bar on campus that A.) serves a beer on tap by the name of Dragon's Cub B.) plays all of my favorite alternative American music, and C.) has table tennis, a terrace, and darts.

And before I leave to begin my Saturday...
A German, an American, and an Irishmen walk into a bar and order a beer.  Unfortunately, in each beer floats a fly.  The German shrugs and guzzles the beer, fly and all.  The American plucks the fly out and drinks the beer.  The Irishmen sits the fly on the counter and shouts at the poor insect, "SPIT IT OUT!"

Cheers!