Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds and a Dash of North Wales

So I went travelling again...
Not content with spending a year not at home I decided to spend my at home time also not at home, though this time the destination required considerably less travelling than previous excursions. We decided to take it easy with a simple hop (or 2 hour boat ride. The Lonely Island went through my head more than once) across the pond.
Instead of the initial idea of a city-hop type holiday we decided to bas ourselves in the outer Manchester area. Our reasoning? We realised that Britain actually has a working public transport system that makes travelling between major cities not only possible but relatively timely too (I may have just been there on a good week).
As previously stated. Day one was a bit of a non event what with the not experiencing anything remotely out or our comfort zone and whatnot. Though I did drink a pint of Stowford. Does that count for anything?
Day one of travelling was devoted to Manchester city. 1 word. Shopping. I lie. 2 words. Football and shopping. One does not simply go to Manchester and not visit Old Trafford, so visit it we did. If I'm honest I found it very underwhelming. I think what I really love about visiting stadiums id the awe factor. The moment you climb the steps and get your first glimpse of the pitch and surrounding stands. Old Trafford just lacked the immensity required for a collective intake of breath upon first entering the stand. That said the tour is well worth it taking you around all the usual spots, dressing rooms, press conference centre, VIP bar etc. Though if you don't feel like paying the £19 entry fee the display dedicated to the 'Busby Babes' and the Munich air disaster is open to the public and was, in my humble opinion the most interesting feature of the entire stadium.
As for the shopping? The less said about my hurting wallet the better.
Next up? Home of the scouce brow, Anfield and, the thing I was most excited about, The Beatles. Now knowing that if I was denied the opportunity to visit the museum I would could turn homicidal our firstt port of call was The Beatles Story. We ranged from someone bordering on fanatic, two people with a mild interest and someone who didn't know Paul from Ringo. I can safely say that the journey beginning with The Quarrymen in 1957 going right through the start of their rise to fame in Hamburg, an exact replica of th Cavern Club and of course Beatlemania and ending with Apple corps, the split in 1970 and broken hearts worldwide. I can safely say it was enjoyed by all, I mean there was pictures of the young Beatles, a tribute to Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band (basically a room on all of the acid) and overpriced merchandise (which I bought) I mean what's not to love. Following this we took a wander around the city taking in the fantastic architecture, which I honestly wasn't prepared for and of course in keeping with the theme of the week it wouldn't be complete without a trip out to Anfield. Unfortunately there just wasn't enough time to see everything so Goodison Park will have to wait until next time.
Third port of call, and the place that I can safely say was my favourite, Leeds. Now (please forgive me) there's nothing particularly out of the ordinary about Leeds. I mean there's great shopping, there's busy streets, Elland Road (yes it was visited, obviously) the usual, but nothing particularly amazing. I just got a really great vibe. YAY CLICHÉ. I just really enjoyed the general layout of the city. Where Manchester has winding narrow streets Leeds had wide open spaces. Where Liverpool had traffic congested streets Leeds had huge pedestrianised walkways. I realise I haven't seen even half of these cities but going from what I have seen this is all I can say.
Finally we hit north Wales. What can I say about it? There was sheep, awesome castles, funny accents and silly looking words with way too many 'd's' and 'y's' on road signs that contributed to us getting lost quite a bit more than once. would I go back? Most certainly.
Unfortunately that will be the last of my travels for the foreseeable future. As final year looms you can expect this blog to be less witty (*cough*) anecdotes more My-life-sucks-woe-is-me type posts. Bet you can't wait for that!! In the meantime here are some pictures. Laters.

-Claire