MANCHESTER | PART 2

This past weekend, I spent another weekend in England’s second city. This time to visit a different pair of my mom’s friends from her study abroad experience in England. Poddy and Carmel were incredible hosts providing me with a weekend full of all things English.

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I visited during the Chorlton Art Festival weekend so we attended music performances, art displays, and even a night of English folk dancing.

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We also took a beautiful hike in the countryside, which was a highlight for me. Not only were we surrounded by stunning scenery, but it was the first time in a while that I had spent time away from a city atmosphere. There is plenty of green in London. You can walk through Hyde Park and feel miles away from the city. But it’s just not the same.

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Growing up around hills, valleys, and vineyards, I didn’t realize how much I missed the fresh air and silence of the countryside. We walked through paddocks filled with sheep. Like, so many sheep. New Zealand status over here in the UK.

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We were up close and personal.

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We spent the rest of the day hiking and eating. Then ended the night with some games and Sangria!

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^ my wonderful hosts!

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It’s always nice to catch up with old friends, or old friends of your mother…

There I go stealing friends again.

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^ the sweetest, most handsome pup

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^ every morning we ate breakfast outside since we were gifted with awesome weather in Manchester

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We also caught some tennis over the weekend! These were pre-qualifying events for Wimbledon. The Davis Cup was on display as well at the tournament.

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But if we’re being honest, I don’t know what that is and solely took pictures with it because they offered it. You can see how impressed I was, in mid-conversations with Pods above.

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Overall I had a great weekend getaway! But as always, I am so happy to be back in London. Lots of local adventures this weekend. Then it’s off to Bath the following weekend. Then Sweden! The days are flying by. Too quickly for my taste. Which reminds me, I need to continue my Europe planning…

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On that note, grabbing my cuppa and browsing Air Bnb!

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