So, I think it's safe to say that I love random and unexpected things!
I
Just the thought that a conversation can lead to a trip gets my pulse racing, like it did when a spur of the moment decision lead me to the City of Manchester.
As I boarded the train and took my seat next to the window, I was anxious and excited all at the same time. My two hours plus journey was about to start and I was looking forward it. I sat with my earphones in, the music drowning out the noise of the cabin as I watched the landscapes whisk by through the glass and thought: Isn't it amazing that just a few minutes ago I was in London and now, with a few hours to spare I'll be in a totally new city with the prospects of unknown adventures waiting ahead...
An hour passes and I'm ready to be out of the train - I never much cared for long train rides and I'm starting to feel the effects of it.. Dizziness creeps in and I closed my eyes in an attempt to shut out the feeling.. Just a bit longer, I tell myself. Just a bit longer.
I'm here!! Oh, it's so good to see you Piccadilly! As the doors open, I'm off the train in an instant and making my way through the throngs of people flooding the station. I find a quiet spot in a nearby Starbucks Cafe and sit down to still the feeling of constant motion I've had for the past several hours.. Ah, it's a welcomed bliss.
My mate is stuck in traffic and I quickly thank the universe for its intervention so I can enjoy the unexpected delayed of not moving for the next 20 minutes.. In what seems like no time he's in front of me, hugging me, then before you know it he takes my suitcase and I'm off to see this great unknown that is Manchester.
II
Old.
That's the first thing that comes to my head as we're driving around the City Center on the way to my hotel as I gaze upon all the structures before me, with their red bricks and dull colours.. But it's an old that has character. I can tell that these buildings have a lot of history and culture behind their appearance and by the tone of my mate's voice (who is now my unofficial tour guide) I know I'm right. It seemed as if every street held a significance of something that occurred in the past, and I can't help feeling transported as I listen to the stories being told of a time long ago.
We checked into the hotel then set out again, this time on foot so I can get a real feel of what the city has to offer. Lunch was at this old wooden, cabin-like outhouse building that had a funky vibe to it and afterwards we ventured off for afternoon drinks at this place which had a stunning 360 glass view. Definitely panoramic picture worthy!
The day continues with more touring the sites and seeing as much of the town as I could possibly fit in a few hours, tied in with a very lovely dinner to conclude my first day as an unofficial Mancunian.
III
I'm awaken by the faint hustle and bustle below me, as I'm located smack dab in the heart of the city, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I am up by what some would consider too early when on holiday, but after the previous day I can't wait to get started!
The second day is filled with even more new and unknown things, a Safari Park being one of them. I feel like a kid in a candy store, as I've never been to an animal park before nor have I seen half these spectacular animals so up close and personal. Literally. As the car cruises at a slow pace through the park's trail, I'm manned with my phone at the ready, snapping pics and filming video clips of the beauty that surrounds me. Drunk and giddy with excitement I barely notice as the hours slip away..
We're back on the road again, this time headed to Liverpool just on the outskirts of Manchester for the oh-so classic English Fish & Chips and to my surprise a seaside sunset viewing. Can this day get any better?
The motorway stretches on as music from the iPod plays in the background and chatter fills the car. Before you know it we have our meal on deck and I find myself sitting on the cement boardwalk watching the sun slowly sink on the horizon, and as the echoes of the seagulls which fly overhead infiltrate my senses, I am lost to the sight before me..
Caught on camera, this picture pales in comparison to the breathtaking image that
is forever etched in my memory. My very first UK sunset by the sea. Thank you Liverpool.
IV
Over the next 24 hours I visited a pub where The Beatles played back when they ruled the world, listened to some very questionable iPod motorway music (had debates on said topic), got locked in a room as a Special Agent Trainee and failed to escape, explored more of the city by Tram, pigged out on delivery pizza in my hotel room, then finally for my last night, went out a got pretty buzzed! .. As I retired for one more sleep in this place which happened to have found a special place in my heart, the room spinning out of control, I realized that couldn't have asked for a better trip.
I
Just the thought that a conversation can lead to a trip gets my pulse racing, like it did when a spur of the moment decision lead me to the City of Manchester.
As I boarded the train and took my seat next to the window, I was anxious and excited all at the same time. My two hours plus journey was about to start and I was looking forward it. I sat with my earphones in, the music drowning out the noise of the cabin as I watched the landscapes whisk by through the glass and thought: Isn't it amazing that just a few minutes ago I was in London and now, with a few hours to spare I'll be in a totally new city with the prospects of unknown adventures waiting ahead...
An hour passes and I'm ready to be out of the train - I never much cared for long train rides and I'm starting to feel the effects of it.. Dizziness creeps in and I closed my eyes in an attempt to shut out the feeling.. Just a bit longer, I tell myself. Just a bit longer.
I'm here!! Oh, it's so good to see you Piccadilly! As the doors open, I'm off the train in an instant and making my way through the throngs of people flooding the station. I find a quiet spot in a nearby Starbucks Cafe and sit down to still the feeling of constant motion I've had for the past several hours.. Ah, it's a welcomed bliss.
My mate is stuck in traffic and I quickly thank the universe for its intervention so I can enjoy the unexpected delayed of not moving for the next 20 minutes.. In what seems like no time he's in front of me, hugging me, then before you know it he takes my suitcase and I'm off to see this great unknown that is Manchester.
II
Old.
That's the first thing that comes to my head as we're driving around the City Center on the way to my hotel as I gaze upon all the structures before me, with their red bricks and dull colours.. But it's an old that has character. I can tell that these buildings have a lot of history and culture behind their appearance and by the tone of my mate's voice (who is now my unofficial tour guide) I know I'm right. It seemed as if every street held a significance of something that occurred in the past, and I can't help feeling transported as I listen to the stories being told of a time long ago.
We checked into the hotel then set out again, this time on foot so I can get a real feel of what the city has to offer. Lunch was at this old wooden, cabin-like outhouse building that had a funky vibe to it and afterwards we ventured off for afternoon drinks at this place which had a stunning 360 glass view. Definitely panoramic picture worthy!
The day continues with more touring the sites and seeing as much of the town as I could possibly fit in a few hours, tied in with a very lovely dinner to conclude my first day as an unofficial Mancunian.
III
I'm awaken by the faint hustle and bustle below me, as I'm located smack dab in the heart of the city, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I am up by what some would consider too early when on holiday, but after the previous day I can't wait to get started!
The second day is filled with even more new and unknown things, a Safari Park being one of them. I feel like a kid in a candy store, as I've never been to an animal park before nor have I seen half these spectacular animals so up close and personal. Literally. As the car cruises at a slow pace through the park's trail, I'm manned with my phone at the ready, snapping pics and filming video clips of the beauty that surrounds me. Drunk and giddy with excitement I barely notice as the hours slip away..
We're back on the road again, this time headed to Liverpool just on the outskirts of Manchester for the oh-so classic English Fish & Chips and to my surprise a seaside sunset viewing. Can this day get any better?
The motorway stretches on as music from the iPod plays in the background and chatter fills the car. Before you know it we have our meal on deck and I find myself sitting on the cement boardwalk watching the sun slowly sink on the horizon, and as the echoes of the seagulls which fly overhead infiltrate my senses, I am lost to the sight before me..
Caught on camera, this picture pales in comparison to the breathtaking image that
is forever etched in my memory. My very first UK sunset by the sea. Thank you Liverpool.
IV
Over the next 24 hours I visited a pub where The Beatles played back when they ruled the world, listened to some very questionable iPod motorway music (had debates on said topic), got locked in a room as a Special Agent Trainee and failed to escape, explored more of the city by Tram, pigged out on delivery pizza in my hotel room, then finally for my last night, went out a got pretty buzzed! .. As I retired for one more sleep in this place which happened to have found a special place in my heart, the room spinning out of control, I realized that couldn't have asked for a better trip.
The next morning was bittersweet as I packed up my suitcase and checked out of my hotel, which had been home for me over the past few days. All set and ready to go, we made our way up to the train station laughing and reminiscing on the events of my trip and as I did so I knew I would miss this place..
The sites I've seen over my short stay, with their stories of culture and diversity will forever be in my memory.. I know that was only the tip of the iceberg of what's yet to be seen and I look forward to next time I venture to the city that is known as Manchester.
x
The sites I've seen over my short stay, with their stories of culture and diversity will forever be in my memory.. I know that was only the tip of the iceberg of what's yet to be seen and I look forward to next time I venture to the city that is known as Manchester.
x
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