This past weekend I took the train up to Manchester to visit some friends and do some exploring. The last time I had been in the city of Manchester was about 10 years ago and I only remember snap shots of my visit. I stayed with our family friends of many years, all thanks to my mother’s love of England and her extended time living abroad {I wonder where I get it from}.
Sue was the best host, shopping partner, coffee date and tour guide.
I was given a full tour of the city of Manchester on a lovely, sunny afternoon {which is a bit rare for Manchester I was told multiple times}. I spent multiple days shopping and even had a night out on the town.
Manchester is the second city of England {or so Manchester claims} meaning it is the second largest after London. That being said it was quite easy to get around and the square footage of the downtown area was relatively small. This was great for a tour as I had to catch the late afternoon train but still wanted to get a glimpse of the place.
^ picture of the china town arches, always a must in any city
^ city hall where we witnessed a bride arriving in a vintage car for her big day
^ A bit of original Manchester unsullied by pomp & status with the service and style to match
^ a lovely restaurant sue brought me to the afternoon i arrived in manchester {dogs welcome!}
I spent a lovely afternoon with Sue’s daughter who is close in age with me and, again, whom I hadn’t seen in ten years. That was irrelevant as we spent the day getting our nails done and shopping in the largest mall I have ever stepped foot in. We both ironically enough, chose the same nail varnish {polish} and bonded over our love of sales.
That night I went out with new friends! We pub hopped locally and eventually made our way to a nightclub/bar/tennis table? With 6 of us total, we engaged in a table tennis game that involved {literally} running around the table and hitting the ball across to different opponents. We had multiple members of a bachelor party join in, but you can imagine with the state they were in, they weren’t keen on following any of the rules of the game. I was proud of myself for making it out until past midnight, and actually getting into bed around 4 AM! My old college-self is proud.
Sue also brought me to share a cuppa with the best view in Manchester at 23 in a massive hotel. I love any venue with a view and this one did not disappoint. I could have spent hours in the cream decorated sitting area just sipping away and taking in the bliss of it all.
^ those views though
It was a marvelous weekend filled with many laughs and cups of tea. It is a blessing to have loved ones abroad. It’s like a little slice of home just up the road. I will be back as there are more friends to visit and many more catch ups necessary!
As much fun as I had in Manchester, I could not be happier upon arrival in London. I missed it. I missed my ‘new’ family. I missed the energy and the life and the comfort. So quickly London has become my home. So quickly I realize just how quickly my time is passing me by and how limited my time is here in the UK.
But I did also bring home a cold. So now I sit with my cuppa, and Vicks VapoRub as a say an early goodnight.
Next weekend: Edinburgh, Scotland and the Scottish Highlands
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Go Man U.!