They're alright, them up North

After a relatively stressful train journey from Carlisle to Preston, then Preston to St. Helens, I arrived safely on the St. Helens station platform where Geoff was waiting for me. The reason I found this journey stressful was due to my experience of not being able to get off the train when I was going to Salisbury, and this error added over an hour to my journey time... it meant that I was unable to read or listen to music and had a sick stressed feeling in my stomach - I was relieved when I was finally off the train at the right time and in the right place!

Brenda was waiting for us in the car- and goodness does Anne look like her! Geoff and Brenda are Anne Nellist's parents who live in St. Helens, so it has been lovely to meet and stay with them. On Friday we went to Speke Hall. This huge house has only been owned by two families in its history, the Norris family and the Watt family. Speke hall actually almost backs onto the Mersey River (insert song lyrics here... "So ferry - 'cross the Mersey, 'cause this land's the place I love, and here I'll stay.....' Tee hee.

The house itself is full of ornate carved furniture and original William Morris wallpaper which for the most part is all original, impressive really, as the colours are still quite intense. Apparently there is a ghost of a woman there, the grey lady...but she must have been going away for the bank holiday this weekend as I didn't see her!

Me outside Speke Hall, Liverpool

Geoff, Brenda and I outside Speke Hall, Liverpool

After we left there, Geoff drove us through Liverpool to get home again - which was a whirlwind look at the city as we will be going back there on Sunday. In the evening I went with Geoff to a local leisure centre to try my hand at archery - apparently I'm very good for a beginner; good stance. It was quite fun to give it a go, and something different for sure. I just need to find myself some Sherwood green tights... perhaps not!

Aim... and.... FIRE!

Today (Saturday) I was picked up at 11.30am by Joyce (Brenda's cousin) and her husband, Alan - who were to take me to Manchester for the day. The good thing about St. Helens is that it is nestled in-between two major cities, Manchester and Liverpool, and after about an hours drive (perhaps even less) we were in the City of Manchester! We found a park and then went to find our way to the main street where the Manchester Pride Parade was to be taking place. On the way we stopped off at the John Ryland's University Library, which was opened to the public in 1900 and built in memory of John Ryland, who was an English entrepreneur and philanthropist - and Manchester's first millionaire! He died in 1888 and left his fortune to his wife, who used two thirds of the money to build this magnificent library in his memory - it really is an incredible library, how I would have liked to go and study there!

So beautiful for a library!

How awesome to come and study here?

Every alcove is lined wall to wall with books, and a study desk. Wow.

We left the library and found a place on the footpath, ready to watch the Manchester Pride Parade - we were lucky as we were right at the front, just opposite the courts where all those looters were just a few weeks ago. About ten minutes before the parade was due to commence, a group of religious protestors with large yellow signs started to get vocal. It made me quite angry because I felt it was so unfair of them to show up with their signs and their microphone and rant on about *their* beliefs, on the one day of the year that the gay community express their pride to be who they are. Most parade spectators were manned with whistles, so were making enough noise to mostly drown the protestors out, and once the parade began, you could almost not hear them at all. It really did make me appreciate how I was raised to treat everyone the same - and accept people for who they are. It is a shame not everyone is like that.

Grrr. Whinge moan about how you don't like what you see - well LEAVE!

Love it. 

What made me smile was the amazing support from everyone else there, from so many walks of life. The Quakers were there-showing their support, the Police Force, the Fire Service, Ambulance Service - Teachers,  Sports People, TV Personalities- and many elderly were cheering their support. What a parade they put on. It was, as to be expected; loud, proud and colourful - but best of all... FUN! I couldn't stop smiling the entire time, so much that my jaw ached for an hour afterwards!

Wahoo the Police Force! Booing to the protestors :)

Lovely ladies...

There was *so* much free stuff handed out as well, which was awesome! I got a wooden spoon, multiple stickers, two blocks of chocolate, lip balm, rubber bracelet and a pen- just to give you an idea. So much more than what you get from the Auckland Santa Parade haha! I'm bringing my wooden spoon home to NZ I've decided! I loved watching how much *fun* the participators were having; laughing, singing, dancing and smiling - it made me feel so happy to be there. Then there was the eye candy. Oh MY- was there eye-candy. Sigh and swoon!

Clearly Alan, Joyce and I had found the perfect spot - we were right at the front, got all the free stuff, could see really well *and* could see all the action. By action I am referring to the elderly lady who was bopping away to the atmosphere, and the next minute she was down on the ground. I guess all this eye-candy in hot pants was just too much for her! Next thing we knew, an ambulance on bicycle came to her aid - amazing! I've not seen an ambulance cycle before, but what a brilliant idea!

"...I don't think the old duck could handle my, er, red hot pants..." (she's down on the ground, right hand side!)

So, what do *you* think each of these people are saying? Check out my photo on facebook to see what *I* think! Tee hee

Hooray for an ambulance on bike!

BAHAHAH! Love this! Love your balls campaign for testicular cancer, LOL!

I loved how the twirling nuns carried on down the street in front of the protest!

SPICE GIRLS!

Freddie :)

After the parade, Alan went his way to do the things he usually does when in Manchester, and Joyce and I got some lunch and then wandered around the City, which was fantastic as it was like having my own personal tour guide! Joyce shared with me what she knew about various buildings. We walked through a couple of HUGE shopping centres and had a coffee before meeting up with Alan and heading back into St. Helens. Inside one of the shopping centres was a wall which was covered in post-it notes, with messages from Mancunian's in response to the recent riots. It is incredible to think that this city had such a different feeling only weeks ago - which is the opposite to todays feeling, which was just happiness, love, pride and fun. 

Wall of Mancunian thoughts inside a shopping centre, Manchester

I had a wonderful day out with Alan and Joyce, and have now met someone else that Anne knows - I'm hoping to catch up with Alan and Joyce in NZ sometime soon so that I can somehow repay the favour! Tomorrow I am going to Liverpool for the day with Geoff - and going on the 'Magical Mystery Tour' which goes around all the major Beatles sites which I am *very* excited about! I'm off to Penny Lane!!! I've been so lucky to get the opportunity to be this spoilt and be taken out on day trips to both Manchester and Liverpool! 

Remember... 'All you need is love....'

Cheery bye :)

Lovely lineage in the Lakes District

I was relieved to be leaving Glasgow, Scotland, on the train bound for Carlisle, England. It was a Virgin train, nice and flash - with free wi-fi! It was only just over an hour and I arrived on the platform in Carlisle, where Neil and Pam came to collect me. Neil is distantly related to me - basically his side of the family comes in on my paternal Great Grandmothers side - who was a Sanderson. Apparently Neil's father had a look of my Grandfather, Herbie. We spent some time walking around Carlisle, which is where David, Rene, Alasdair, Grant and I came and stopped off on our way to Scotland back in 2007 - so I was a little familiar, mainly with the Castle. That evening, Neil drove Pam and I around the town - down to Workington Shore where we could just make out the shores of Scotland in the distance. It is still a novelty for me to be able to stand on a beach, look across and *see* another country in the distance! We watched a beautiful sunset and then headed back to their place for me to get settled in. My room is fit for a Princess - and bed?! To die for! I have been sleeping on some interesting surfaces of late, so a proper bed and bedroom has been wonderful!

Neil and I  - Carlisle Castle in the background 

Beautiful sunset view from Workington Harbour

Love this photo - Neil and Pam x 

As it got darker we ventured back into town (a difficult 5 minute trek....) and popped into one of the local pubs, The Commercial Inn, which is where they go every Friday night. On walking inside, it was evident that it was just us and one other customer in, but being a Sunday night this made sense. We had a drink each, which turned into two, three, four, five, six... by which time my stomach was too full for any more... but I got talked into (asked) to have a Mezcal. The barman, Andrew (who owns the pub) asked if I would like it "The traditional way" and thinking this was the tequila slammer way, said yes. Next thing I knew he had a jar of worms and was fishing one out of the jar with some ice tongs!! I felt a little queasy about the idea of swallowing a worm, but agreed to do it, if Andrew would do it too - which he was happy to do! Well - that worm got in my belly - I felt it on my tongue but it was gone before I had too much to think about. After that entertainment was over - we needed some more. Neil and Pam were such bad influences!

Andrew (the owner of the pub) and I - look closely you can see a worm!

I LOVE Pam's face in this shot! 

Ooh aye, an olde English Pub

Bacardi are doing a promotion over here where you get a free pack of connectable straws with a drink - which you can create a 'super straw' from. I decided it would be much more fun to create some drinking goggles... so I set about constructing some glasses - ably assisted by Pam and sometimes Andrew. The result was awesome - and they worked! It also provided over an hour of laughs and entertainment!

My super connectable Bacardi straw glasses WORK!

Extreme happiness - thanks for the entertainment Bacardi!

We finally decided that it was time to leave and staggered back up the hill to home, where I slept like a LOG. I think that was due to how tired I was, and how comfortable the bed was! AMAZING.
The next morning Neil drove around the lakes district - and round trip of 102 miles! (about 165km)
They thought that I might be a little bored with this trip, but in all honesty it was so stunningly beautiful and so different to all the regular sights I have been seeing (Castles and Cathedrals!) that I really enjoyed the quiet drive around the winding lanes - so narrow that often two cars could not fit width-ways!

Sheep at Crummock Water

Lucky shot!

Buttermere

Incredible reflections on the water, Buttermere

Unbelievable reflections on the water, Buttermere. Beautiful!

Me on my rock - Honister Pass

Pam and I, Honister Pass

Mountain water run-off...mmmm!

Typical ice-cream shot.... at Thirlmere!

Pam and Neil had decided earlier to surprise me with our end location, which was Windermere, where the Beatrix Potter Attraction is based. It was so good, I loved it! It is something I wish I could have seen as a child when I was reading the books - the books just come alive. In fact all of the displays of the different characters are scenes from the books, so as I walked around I knew which stories the scenes came from - it was a really well put together attraction, and for someone like me who is familiar with the stories it was even better, and such a lovely surprise! Even Neil enjoyed it, and he has not read the books.

Awww!

Nawww! Mrs. Tiggywinkle

Mr. McGregor meets Mr. Sanderson

Yesterday we went into Cockermouth (I can hear the sniggers from here...) and had a look around the town. Cockermouth was where the floods really hit 19-20 November, 2009. It was insane to look at photos from the floods and see that the water level rose to above my head!

The flood water level was OVER my head!

We went into William Wordsworth's house, who, as I learnt yesterday, was a major English poet. I am a little embarrassed to say that as a teacher I hadn't heard of him... but it has to be said that I am not an avid poetry reader. It was interesting, however, to see his house, where he lived and wrote, was really interesting. The size of the house was incredible, especially for the time. It was nice to go inside the working kitchen and smell the aroma of fresh baking!! Pam, Neil and I even had a go at writing with a feather quill... not easy at all to do so neatly! The biggest highlight for me was when I entered the drawing room and a man who worked there asked if I could play the Harpsichord. I said no - sadly not, thinking he was just asking, and the next thing I knew he opened up the Harpsichord and said 'take a seat' - so I jumped at the chance and played the only thing I know how to play well... a short Mozart piece which right now the name escapes me!

Having a go at writing with a feather quill

LOVED this, but wished I could play something better :( Got a flute, anyone??

Last night we popped back to "The Commercial Pub" and gave Andrew some of the photos from the other night. It was busier than it was the last time, but still just as fun! The best part? Andrew saved my booze goggles for me... so we experimented with different coloured drinks to see what they looked like going through the goggles... we had a fair few laughs whilst we were at it! I finished with some Absinthe...no green fairy in sight! Once again a fun night was had by all, we came back home and watched a movie before bed.

Who is that mad-man in the background?? And *where* did all those glasses come from??

I do need to mention that having spent five days alone in Scotland, I was snacking, more than eating. It was a 'if I'm hungry, I'll get a snack' scenario - but this was all to change once I came to the Sanderson's. Oh my. Much like when I was in Portsmouth, I am being thoroughly spoiled on the food front! I can still fit into my jeans... just! This is the best hotel I have ever stayed in - I think they are secretly loving spoiling me to pieces - and they're doing a wonderful job! Mum - Neil and Pam LOVE their food - you would love it here :) Today we are having a quiet, stay-at-home day. This was really welcomed as I have done so much rushing about, and wanted to catch up on my blog and photo uploading.

I have really enjoyed getting to know Neil and Pam these past few days. I had met them once before but only very briefly, so these past few days has been magic. They've got the loveliest relationship, and they are really easy-going and have looked after me so well, which is always nice when you're so far from home! I have enjoyed their company so much... that I am coming back up to Carlisle in the first week of September and they are taking me to Blackpool- watch this space for an epic blog then!!

Tomorrow I am off to Anne Nellist's parents in St. Helen's, Lancashire which I'm looking forward to. I have hugs to pass on from Anne, and more things to see and do. I am just so, so lucky with all the things I have seen and done this year.

Until next time,
Cheery bye :)

Sarah: Homeless and making money in Glasgow

I arrived in Glasgow by coach after a few glorious days in Edinburgh. I am getting quite used to traveling on the National Express - I can charge my phone/laptop, listen to music, use their free on-board wi-fi and before I know it- I am at my next destination.

I was aware that my hotel was 'a short bus ride away' and by 'short', I assumed ten minutes at the most. Wrong. It took 20 minutes by bus, followed by a 5 minute walk. My hotel seemed to be on the outskirts of town - not many shops about, and the ones that were about were run down and the food goods inside were dusty and all looked like they expired years ago. Hmmm. Not a good start.

I got to the door of my hotel and dragged my suitcase up the stairs and said hello to the lady at the desk. She grumbled something I didn't hear very well, so I smiled and said 'Good evening' - she said to me
'Yes - you were supposed to be here yesterday.'
'Um? Was I?? I had it down for arriving on the 18th?'
'Well that's not what our booking says' thrusting a piece of paper with dates scrawled all over it. I pointed out that it said the 18th - 20th on the sheet. She examined it, her face softened, and then she said 'Ooh deary, my mistake. How about I upgrade you to a double room with an ensuite, free of charge. And I'll throw in a breakfast bag each morning too.' 
'That sounds amazing, thank you so much.' - thinking to myself - woo hoo!

I went out in the local town in search of a Tesco or a Sainsbury's and after walking for about 20 minutes found a Sainsbury's. I got some snacks for dinner (I'd had a big pub lunch) and walked back to my hotel. I had noticed that Glasgow is dirty. Very dirty. Rubbish sacks piled up outside shops - as if they have not been collected for weeks. And there were groups of men standing on the street, drinking and smoking - and sometimes leering as I walked past which I didn't really like. I held my bag closer to me and quickened my pace but must have been obvious about it, because a guy started laughing and walking beside me, whilst all his mates laughed. I did not see the funny side - and couldn't wait to be back in my hotel room. It was then that I decided seeing Glasgow by night was simply *not* an option!

On Friday, I woke when I woke and lay awake, not overly keen on venturing out in town as I had looked in the few brochures I could find in the rail station and nothing really took my fancy. It was at this point I really wished I stayed in Edinburgh where there were still attractions I wanted to see, and the Fringe Festival was still on. Never mind eh! I finally left my hotel at 10.30am and found my way to the City Centre, Buchanan Street - which is the main shopping drag of Glasgow. It was fairly quiet, and I went into the information centre and found that Glasgow doesn't seem to have many attractions - you need to travel *out* of Glasgow to see anything really worthwhile.

Buchanan St. 10.30am Friday.

Buchanan Street. 4pm Saturday.

Don't worry - there were highlights. The first was a man who was pretending to be a statue for money (I'm sorry, but really? *That* is your talent? And you want *money* for staying still?? There was a man playing classical guitar who I felt more deserving of the dosh...) and as I was looking at him, a bunch of pigeons landed on him which made me smile, but once they started pecking at his face I lost the plot - I can think of nothing worse than pigeons pecking at my face!! There were also a number of young girls in purple t-shirts who were trying to get money from people to save young girls from being forced into marriage. One girl approached a woman who was walking rather fast, the girl said (in her most sickly sweet voice)
"Good morning, how are you?  Can I just take up a minute of your time" to which I overheard the reply;
"No, sorry - I'm in a real hurry" followed by a crash, tumble and some gasps. I looked over my shoulder to see the woman had bailed over and was on the ground. I could not *help* but smile... I'm so evil! But it made my morning.

Ergh. Sky rat lands on street entertainer... 

I wandered around George Square, and noticed a large crowd forming. Curious to know what the deal was, I went closer and overheard someone talking about zombies and car crashes and film crews. It was then that I remembered Mum had sent me a link about the new Brad Pitt film 'World War Z' which is due out next year. It is being filmed in Glasgow because it has a similar road grid system much like Philadelphia, where the film is set. What confuses me is why they don't just use the streets of Philadelphia? I found a space at the front of the railing and watched what was going on, which in all honesty, was not much, for about half an hour. It was exciting to see where the movie is being filmed all the same... it means that when I see the movie next year (assuming I will, of course!) I will be able to say "Ooh, I've been there!" What I found tricky was knowing what in the area is from Glasgow, and what is Philadelphia! Confusing as a tourist!

American cars, painted on zebra crossing.... weeeeeee!

American signs, traffic lights and street lamps!

After that, I needed to fill in more of my day, so I bought a ticket for the City Sightseeing bus - £11 for two days of transport around the city, and information about it by a live guide. It was the most boring city sight seeing tour I have *ever* been on... there just isn't anything good to see - very average. I hope I don't offend anyone...perhaps I somehow missed the great things to see in Glasgow?? I understand it is a shopping capital, after Oxford St in London... but not being here to shop - what else is there?! The bus tour was a good way to get around and fill in some time! The most exciting thing I saw on the tour was the film set from up high. Which isn't usually even here. Oh - and Dr. Who's tardis. I saw that too... hehe. Oh! And the statue that has a road cone on the head pretty much all the time. Whenever it is removed, or falls off - it is back up again the next day. In fact it is so popular, it has been in guide books - and if people come to Glasgow and the cone is missing, people get upset. I guess when there isn't anything really cool to see in the town, the townspeople have to make cool things to see.

On the bus :)

Saturday I got up at 10am (leisurely, I know) and left the hotel at 11.30am. I caught the bus to Kelvingrove Museum and arrived just in time to see the organ recital. It was really good - the man played traditional organ songs, followed by more well known pieces, like 'Any dream will do' from Joseph, selections from ABBA and Queen etc. There was a camera on his feet - and it was amazing to watch his feet on the pedals - you have to be quite good at multitasking to play the organ, I've decided.  As an aside, I quite like old Knight armour, there is something cool about it... not sure I'd want some in my house, however. After that I filled in some more time by sitting on the tour bus and listening to the commentary again, before being tired of it, getting off and sitting on the ground against a big wall to decide on my next plan. The movie option was now out, because I had seen the queue of about 100 people snaking around the corner of the movie theatre - mad. I had wanted to go Jamie Oliver's Italian restaurant, but it was still early and I had read terrible reviews online about it, and didn't feel like more disappointment! So as I was sitting there, on the ground, £1 fell into my lap. I looked up and it seems to me that a passer by thought I was a homeless beggar! I couldn't believe it, so stood up straight away. I took the £1 however, and bought a scatchie. I didn't win. I decided it would be a good idea to just go back to my hotel before dark, pack and write a blog.

Where is *my* Knight in shining armour??!

I have had a good week by myself now, and have definitely started losing the plot. I knew this when tonight I was washing my hands, looked up into the mirror and proceeded to pull faces at myself. I was then in hysterics at the facials I can pull... I had tears streaming! It is definitely time to be with people again! Tomorrow I head down to Carlisle on the train to stay with Neil and Pam Sanderson, some distant relatives on my Dad's side. I am *really* looking forward to staying with them and having a look around the Lakes District... hooray for Beatrix Potter land!

Until next time...
Cheery bye :)