Liverpool was only a 90 minute drive west from Llandudno - along the A55 for 40 miles, then through the Kingway Tunnel beneath the River Mersey and we were there! The little Nissan Juke was running fine still after almost 1300 miles since we had picked it up in Dover two weeks ago. It was very good on gas and extremely comfortable, a bit noisy at high speeds on the motorways but handled well on the winding A and B roads. Going finally to Liverpool was a real thrill for me, my first visit to the home of a lot of music I knew growing up and a city that survived the second worst bombings of the Second World War. Before connecting with our host for the next two days we parked downtown and headed to the famous Albert Dock. We walked by the the Royal Liver Building, pride of the heart of the city's iconic waterfront, to the Merseyside Maritime Museum, a fantastic display of everything possible from the earliest beginnings, the trauma of the last war to the economic depression of the 80s and the resurgence of the city now, highlighting the shipping heritage of this iconic city. It seemed every Liverpuddlian was out enjoying the Saturday sunshine, including many different groups of Morris dancers entertaining the crowds on the sidewalks, cafes and along the waterfront. Tomorrow it will be more of the same, starting with a ferry 'cross the Mersey!
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| 24 Malvern Rd, Liverpool |
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| Morris Dancers, Liverpool |
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| chamberpot from Titanic debris field |
Sunday was nice and sunny, a bit warmer and promised a great morning along the river. We drove into centretown, parked then walked across Mariners Wharf to Albert Dock where the Mersey River Cruise ferry Snowdrop was ready to take us on a 50 minute tour. With the music of Gerry Marsden singing his immortal song to welcome us aboard (a bit cheesy but I expected nothing less!) we got under way and learned a little more about the waterfront, its history and regrowth on either side of the river. The ferry has been painted in an eye catching and colourful dazzle design in honour of the patterns first used on WWI vessels - designed by Sir Peter Blake, yes the Peter Blake who is most famous for the Beatles Sgt Pepper album. We had noon tickets to The Beatles Story which we had debated seeing but were pleased we finally did, spending two hours looking at Fab Four memorabilia, hearing through our headsets their rise from the Silver Beatles and the Quarrymen to the greatest band in the world in a few short years. Listening to the music our grandchildren now love today in the city it all started from certainly left us with a very special feeling. After tea and scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam from Essex we rode the big Ferris wheel a short walk away, the Wheel of Liverpool, to get unsurpassed views of the city. We were ready to call it a day but first had to visit the Liverpool Cathedral. It was dark and brooding, although a thoroughly modern building compared to the ancient sites we had seen already this trip. The 331 foot Central Tower was only completed in 1942, the first ringing of the bells in 1951. Victoria, our lovely and amazing host had invited us for supper so we hurried back to her cozy flat for drinks and introductions to two of her very interesting friends. She had prepared a delicious dinner, and afterwards much interesting conversation ensued - a memorable evening that, although we retired later than usual, we won't forget any time soon. Thank you Victoria and Ali again for the very special gifts! GWS
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| Liverpool's Love Locks, Albert Dock |
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| Dazzle Ferry (Snowdrop), Mersey River |
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| Imagine |
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| Liverpool from the Big Wheel |
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| Liverpool Cathedral |
