LiverPool Days 4 & 5 - Sick Day and York

We had been on the plane with some obviously ill people who did not believe in covering their mouths when they coughed. We tried valiantly to stave it off, but we both ended up sick, so Thursday, our transfer day from Radisson to Kev & Lisa's, we were definitely under the weather.

We stumbled out of the hotel in search of medicaments and a fortifying breakfast. We ended up getting meds at Boots, and breakfast at a charming place called Toff's Cafe. The food was good, the orange juice vitamin C-full, and the coffee hot and tasty. The server was a lovely woman, who gave friendly efficient service. We would have breakfast here again.

Kev and Lisa were so sweet about us being sick.  We had offered to extend our hotel stay, but they wouldn't hear of it, so we just had a quiet day at there place. I do not include pictures of their neighbourhood to protect their privacy, but it is very nice.

I can not say enough nice things about how gracious our hosts were. We felt very welcomed, and enjoyed their company very much, and they never made us feel like we were inconvenient, although I am sure we are not the easiest people to host.

After our quiet day trying to recover, we got up early the next morning because we were doing our day trip to York. As an initial observation, it was very interesting to me how very different Liverpool and York are.  Completely different vibes. Of course, in spite of its grand old architecture, Liverpool seems very modern, and the past seems to be York's stock in trade. Both are very uniquely enjoyable.

The bus trip made several stops through Liverpool and its environs, picking up passengers, so we did get to see more of the city.

Once we left Liverpool, we ascended into the Pennines, and through some pretty serious fog. About 45 minutes out of York, the bus driver stopped at a Service Centre, so we could get a snack and stretch our legs. This was welcome, and I enjoyed coffee and more orange juice.

The gate we entered the town through. York was a walled city.

Apparently, Guy Fawkes was born here. In 1570.

I just loved this Father Christmas. This was in a Christmas/toy shoppe.

We really enjoyed the vibe in York and had a great time walking through the old town, and the areas referred to as the Shambles, and Little Shambles. There was one street Lisa and Charlie quite accurately dubbed "Diagon Alley".

The York Dungeon is apparently one of a chain of live theatre/interactive "museums". I can't explain it any better than that, but it is awesome. Andrew was called up to help the black death nurse because he had "something of the Reaper" about him. And his tattoo wasn't even showing. Friend Lisa was caged with a tongueless man for being "sick and twisted". And I was brought up on witchcraft charges. Naturally, I pled insanity, and had to dance to prove my point. I shall have to remember that for the next time I am on trial...

One of the "scenes" in the dungeon was about a pub/tavern called the Golden Fleece. Got to love Lisa, she knew that it still existed and where it was.  So, that was where we had lunch. They claim to be haunted, but the only spirits I found were of the rum variety. And the food is terrific. They do have friendly skeletons and death masks, though. Definitely a don't miss. After that, a bit more shopping, and then...

We did get to see a bit more of the landscape on the way home. Lisa had to get Charlie to bed, but she recommended Andrew and I go here:

The Spice Garden. Wonderful Indian food. A very nice finish to the day.

Liverpool Day 3 - Lisa's Guided Tour

Madame Lisa in front of the Bluecoat

We started off at The Bluecoat, seeing The Universal Addressibility of Dumb Things. It was interesting, but we didn't feel pictures would be appropriate. After, we happened upon the inflation of this giant Felix the Cat. Coincidence? I think not.

 This is an interesting little goth/hippie mall. Lots of cool stuff.

After a bit of shopping, there was walking, and looking at interesting buildings.

Ladies and Gentlemen: The Philharmonic. This is an awesome pub with many neat little rooms and corners. Charming and lovely.

 The urinals are apparently something of a landmark. Ladies are invited into the Gents' to take a look. Quite the eyeful.

This room was the largest we saw. Very comfy.

Afterwards, we wandered into an Irish pub for dinner. The food got mixed reviews. However, after that, Lisa took us to the Swan Inn. I loved this place. It was cozy and lovely, and the music was great. I felt very at home. Thanks, Lisa. We had a lovely day.

Liverpool - Day 2 The World's Greatest Husband's Birthday

The day was sunny, so we started off with a walk to the Albert Dock, to take in the museums and look around.  All the museums are free to enter, although they do take donations. The Maritime Museum also encompasses the Slavery Museum and a special Titanic exhibit. There's a lot going on.

We started with the Slavery Museum. It was very thought-provoking and disturbing.

The Maritime exhibits were interesting, as well. This was actually a figurehead from a ship.

This is the ship's registration for the Titanic. There was something very sad about this exhibit.

Time for a birthday pub-crawl come sight-seeing tour. There is no shortage of fine pubs in Liverpool.

Before we knew it, it was time to catch the train under the Mersey to meet up with our friends in Bromborough.  They were taking us out for dinner for Andrew's birthday.

Kev, Lisa and Charlie: Wonderful people, and so photogenic.

Dinner was in a lovely South African restaurant, with our friends and Lisa's sister and her partner. Everything was delicious. At the end, Andrew was asked if he wanted to do the birthday challenge. He was supposed to drain a shot of sambucca without using his hands or spilling any. Since he did not quite succeed, he had to sing a song and eat a cricket.

After an excellent day, there was nothing left to do but thank our hosts most effusively, and head back to the hotel for a nightcap and bed.

Liverpool - Flight and Day 1 (Monday)

 We flew Air Transat, Club Class, which would have been great except for the guy at the gate in the airport who sat near us and would not cover his frakking mouth when he coughed, and the women who could not stop coughing to the point they had to find a doctor on board (yes! they really do that). In case you're wondering, the doctor and his travelling companion were permitted to stay in Club Class with all the perqs therein as a reward.

 While we enjoyed the wider seats, perhaps because of the medical emergency, we found the service coming back under Option Plus to be much better. Also, we had chosen the bigger seats because we were flying over night on the way and wanted to be able to sleep, so there may have been a lot of service we did not see.

Arrival and clearing customs in Manchester was simple. Once we got our luggage we went out and met the ride our friends had so thoughtfully arranged.

Dear Dos Equis,

  We have met the most interesting man in the world, and he is not the one from your advertisements. In fact, he lives in Birkenhead, England, and is the father of a good friend.

Sincerely,
Us.

 We had not gotten much sleep and were very happy to get to our hotel: the Radisson Blu. It is a very nice hotel convenient to the water and several fine tourist attractions.

We wanted to sleep, but were too excited, so we went for a walk instead.