Monday 17 September 2012

Go West!

And so on Saturday, I boarded a train and headed west to Liverpool to meet my very good bloggy friend Lyn from Everyday Life.  I've lost track of how many times we have met up now, but whenever we do, we always have a really great time.
Here we are, 2 Liver birds!


 We chose Liverpool because Lyn knows it well and wanted to show me her favourite places.  I had only ever visited once - during the Derek Hatton years when the city was basically on its backside.  I'm pleased to report that as a tourist destination these days, it has a heck of a lot going for it.  It has some stunning architecture both old and new and lots to see and do.
 The docks in Liverpool brought great prosperity to the city in the olden days when a lot of our trade was with America.  The docks stretch for miles along the banks of the river Mersey.  Some of the old docks have been restored and house restaurants, shops and apartments as well as fabulous boats.
 A brand new museum has opened on the banks of the Mersey which is all about the history of Liverpool (and more).  We took a very brief look inside.
 It is a lovely museum and would make a great rainy day option.  It is free to look around too.
 The story of the docks takes up a small part of the museum but its fascinating.  The stories of every day lives of ordinary people are often the most interesting of all.
 We sat in one of the carriages of the overhead train that used to run the full length of the docks.  I loved some of the docks names.
 Liverpool has some stunning architecture with buildings that would not look out of place in Paris.  The Liver building is very famous - to the left of the picture.

 The new architecture sits very well amongst the older buildings.  Lyn noticed how the old was reflected in the new - so we snapped away!
 These were the offices of The White Star Line and had a connection with the Titanic as a lot of the staff boarded in Liverpool before collecting passengers in Southampton.  The building is empty at the moment and in need of restoration - we thought it would be interesting (but spooky) to have a look around inside.
 This amazing and huge building is actually just an air shaft for the road tunnel that runs under the river Mersey!  Liverpool to me illustrates better than any other city in the UK how a city's fortunes can rise and fall.  Liverpool has seen real wealth and also real decline.  It is great to see it back on the way up again.
 And of course everywhere you look you see images of the Liver Bird.

I took some photographs especially for one of my blog readers - Jaggerfan - who lives across the pond in America.  As you know, Liverpool is the birthplace of the Beatles and they don't let you forget it.


 We loved the blanket in the museum which was the actual one that John and Yoko used in their "Love In".
 And of course the lonely figure of Eleanor Rigby - a gorgeous and poignant bronze statue.
Many thanks for my fabulous tour Lyn.  You put right what Derek Hatton did wrong and showed me a fabulous city that I cannot wait to visit again.  xx

17 comments:

Shortbread and Ginger said...

Great post. I love Liverpool - such a fantastic city!
Liz @ Shortbread & Ginger

Lisa said...

What a fabulous day out you had!
Now you have seen the White Star offices in Liverpool and Southampton, you'll soon be an expert!
Seeing the docks I always think of Richard and Judy, how sad is that?!
Love the statue.
Lisa x

BadPenny said...

What a wonderful day. Interesting reading about the Liver bird. I was very near Liverpool last week. We used to visit my Gran & Auntie in Liverpool when they were alive & would love to spend time there again.

love those cupcakes said...

It looks great (as do you and Lyn). My girl had her hen weekend there recently but I don't think there was much sight seeing!

Young at Heart said...

brilliant.... I want to go!!x

A garden just outside Venice said...

No wonder you had a great time, jusdging by your happy faces!
xxxxx

rusty duck said...

And it looks like you even had time for a spot of shopping too??! Bliss.

Jo said...

I've never been to Liverpool, I can see I've missed out. I love the photo of the old buildings in the new, very clever. Looks like you had a fab time.

Chain Stitch Crochet said...

Wow, did I learn something. I didn't know that Eleanor Rigby was a statute and actually had meaning in the Beatle's song. Thank you for the education!

I actually read a few blogs of English (England residing) people. I may not ever get over to that side of the world and it fascinates me to see all of your pictures and hear about your country.

Lyn said...

I have already drawn up a list for the next time we visit Diane!
xxx

Rosie said...

What a great day out! So glad you both had such a wonderful time. Last time I was in Liverpool was when we docked near the Liver building after travelling up from Manchester on the ship canal and we just dashed to the station to get a train back to Crewe where we'd left our car. Must go back again:)

Mister D said...

A lovely post made me fill up with nostalgia - very imformative thanks - ps explains why we didnt see your stall at the Church fayre last Saturday

Little Blue Mouse said...

I've never been to Liverpool but it looks a really interesting city.

greenthumb said...

I'm glad you two had a great time, look like lots of fun.

Jan said...

Looks like a you had a great day. I went back to Liverpool a couple of years ago and was amazed by all the changes. The re-generation by the docks is fantastic. Jx

Sue Hayton said...

My new favourite city as my daughter lives there. Such heart and so many things to see there. Go again soon!

PS The Eleanor Rigby statue is new! Despite what one of your followers thinks.

Carol said...

Great post! The Beatles were such a big part of my youth it seems as if I've spent a lot of time in their beautiful city but I've visited Liverpool just once but, like you, was lucky enough to be with someone who showed me her favourite places.
Carol xx