The Magical Mystery Tour

Ed de 28th o' August, ay woke early (a laughin change) and Geoff and ay 'eaded into der pewl in 'is jam jar. We left St 'Elens at about 9am and 'ad arrived in der pewl by 9.30am, found a jam jar park and got out, ready fe us Beatletastic dee. It seems ay 'uv beun somewhat jammy wi' arriv'n at various destinations d'n excit'n events, fe example; Edinburgh d'n de fringe festival, Manc land ed de dee o' de pride parade – and dun der pewl in time fe de annual Beatles weekend!

So – who had trouble deciphering that lot?? Well – that (according to the online Scouse translator) is true Liverpudlian speak. For those of us who just can’t make sense of it… what it really says is…

On the 28^th of August, I woke early (a nice change) and Geoff and I headed into Liverpool in his car. We left St Helens at about 9am and had arrived in Liverpool by 9.30am, found a car park and got out, ready for our Beatletastic day. It seems I have been somewhat lucky with arriving at various destinations during exciting events, for example; Edinburgh during the Fringe Festival, Manchester on the day of the Pride Parade – and then Liverpool in time for the annual Beatles weekend!

It was quiet around town when we arrived, and it was fantastic having a personal tour guide, as Geoff knows Liverpool quite well and was able to tell me what different buildings were- he is wealth of information! He told me various tid-bits of information as we wandered around the city, for example how the statue of the naked man on the old Lewis building caused an uproar when it was ‘erected’  (pun TOTALLY intended!!) because of its profanity – and apparently when it gets very cold and wet, his ‘bits’ look like they lengthen. I can only imagine! Geoff took me into the famous Lime Street Station and I had a photo with the Bessie Braddock (MP) statue, ad Geoff had one with the English comedian, Ken Dodd. We wandered behind St. George’s Hall through St. John’s Gardens – a hidden haven in the city – the gardens I would liken to Albert Park in Auckland.

Just another member of the public.

Geoff and Ken Dodd

Me and Bessie Braddock, MP.

Being that Liverpool were preparing for a Beatles event, a lot of the roads were closed and before midday the city was really quiet, so we got to take some excellent photos, even standing in the middle of the usually busy streets. We even found our way into the Cavern Quarter – Mathew Street. As any Beatles fans would know, the Cavern Club is where the Beatles played (and drank) back in the day. We had a look around the area and I enjoyed taking in the scenery and walking where the Beatles once walked. Once we were done with that we made our way down to the Albert Dock ready for our “Magical Mystery Tour” that Geoff had booked. We were early, so there was time for a quick look in the Beatles shop. It really is a good job that 

A) I am on a strict budget, and 

B) I don’t have room in my suitcase for anything more!!

John Lennon and I, hanging outside the Cavern.

So coooool to have been there!

Everything Beatles you can possible 'Imagine'.

The tour itself was really well done. Our tour guide had excellent background knowledge about the Beatles and about Liverpool, and thankfully didn’t have too thick a scouse accent so he was easy to understand! We were taken around parts of Liverpool that the Beatles once frequented; their birthplaces, childhood homes and schools, local areas that they spent time in and areas that inspired songs they wrote. The commentary was interspersed with snippets of Beatles tracks. It is here that I will mention that it seems as soon as some people hear songs they know the words to, they automatically consider themselves as quite an outstanding singer – which is really entertaining because you never knew when the snippets of music would stop, so on occasion some people (who sang slightly off-key) were found to be singing a brief solo. I couldn’t help but smile!

A highlight for me was seeing the homes where they lived. I don’t know what it is exactly that I find interesting about where they lived as children – but I guess it just goes to show how ‘normal’ they were – living in small houses that weren’t all that flash and not in affluent areas or anything. They really were just regular, run of the mill Liverpudlians! I really enjoyed going along Penny Lane, and seeing the sights that inspired the song – one of my favourite Beatles songs. The roundabout with a shelter where the pretty nurse is selling poppies from a tray, the fireman station, the barbers etc. Standing at the gate to Strawberry Fields was also pretty special. John Lennon’s house has one of those UK heritage blue plaques – because he has been dead 20 years or more. I didn’t realise that the person had to be dead for a house to get a plaque. George Harrison has another ten years to go before his childhood home, 12 Arnold Grove,  gets a plaque.

Ringo Starr's birthplace/home 9 Madryn Street. The pinky one in front of the wheelie bin! 

George Harrison's childhood home, 12 Arnold Grove

The church hall where Paul and John met!

Paul's place, 20 Forthlyn Road. His bedroom was above the front door.

John's place...

Ahhhh! That's me! On Penny Lane!

The shelter on the roundabout!

The Firestation!

Strawberry Fields :) See the guitar behind the gate?

After the tour and becoming much better informed on the lives of the Beatles in Liverpool, Geoff wanted to take me on the Mersey Ferry – you know; so I could ‘Ferry ‘cross the Mersey’. It was freezing cold, but there were fabulous views of the city skyline, the three graces. From left to right, they are the Royal Liver Building, complete with the Liver birds on top. The female one is looking out to sea, hoping for her love to come home from sea. The male on the other hand is looking inland… for the pub – or so the legend goes! The middle building of the three is the Cunard Building, and the other is the former offices of the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board. They really do look stunning when you can get a decent view of them – which the Mersey most definitely offers.

Geoff and I, Ferrying 'cross the Mersey :) - Note my *very* cool badge! 

I LOVE the sky in this pic!

The female Liver bird :)

That's me - and the three Grace's in the background!

Down by the Docks there is a Superlambanana. Yes. You read correctly. A super-lamb-banana. It was originally commissioned for an art exhibition in 1998 – and was quite controversial at the time. It was created to warn the dangers of genetically modified food, whilst also being appropriate to the city of Liverpool due to the port’s history in the trade of lambs, and the import of bananas – so quite clever really! I think he is quite cute!

Superlambanana YEAH!

Cool stairs eh!

After our ferry ride (complete with listening to the Gerry and the Pacemakers song from beginning to end!) we decided the day was done and found our way back to the carpark. The streets, which were so quiet when we arrived in the morning, were now seething with people – and there was live music all around which was fantastic. The rubbish, however, was not! I don’t think that the council considered how many people would be drinking in the street – there definitely needed to be more frequent rubbish bins. Someone had their job cut out for them, that’s for sure!

Look at all the people!! Literally a SEA of people! An Octopus' Garden, even hehehehe

I had a fantastic time getting to know Brenda and Geoff – and they most definitely spoiled me the whole time I was there, and Geoff made an outstanding tour guide (and chaperone!) I really have been so blessed with everywhere and with everyone I have stayed with on this epic tour of the UK. I’m looking forward to my time in Blackpool with Neil and Pam… oooh just you wait for that blog!

Cheery bye :)

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 :)