Northwich, UK

Meeting up with some of Alan's friends that he met while studying 2 weeks in Guatemala, Kris and Zan. Actually we came to find out that Zan had to work out of town the only day that we were going to be able to visit. Alan is taking off for home the following day...boo. Pretty cool story about them, they traveled all over and volunteered at an Orphange before meeting Alan, then they made their way to the States and Al met them in Vegas. Kris proposed to Zan while skydiving (just a little insight to their outgoing personalities) and of course she said yes. Congrats to the two of you! Can't wait to be introduced.

Before check out we had the continential breakfast and to make sure everything was packed. After checking out of our lovely hotel we headed for some coffee and to find the quickest way to the train station for our afternoon departure. So many coffee places in the UK, but we ended up going back to Costa since we had delicious Vanilla Lattes the day before.

Then it was about time to grab our many bags and walk to the train station. On the way back to the hotel we kept our eyes peeled for a sandwhich place so we could have lunch on the train.There was this little shop near the hotel so we stopped in, looked at the menu, and said ok. The lady making the sandwhiches was nice, she made Alan's first and it didn't look half bad. Then it was my turn, I was craving avacados so I ordered the avacado and chicken sandwhich on Ciabatta. The Ciabatta was harder than normal looking and then she was putting the avacado on while microwaving the chicken. When cutting the bread it all fell apart and looked like a disator. We pay for our sandwhiches and leave.

There was only a ten mintue way to the train station and we passed by 4 more sandwhich shops that looked a thousand times better than what we were about to eat. It started raining and people began opening their umbrellas. Alan had the privilage to be in the lead and dodge people and umbrellas the whole way there. Luckily he was not injured during the trek! We get there, sit down, open the bag to eat our sandwhiches (mind you I already expressed to Alan that I was not looking forward to eating this) and as I am showing Alan the messy sandwhich that I will attempt to eat I find a hair in it. I was pissed that we brought it all this way knowing it was going to be a shit sandwhich. Al told me to go and buy a new one, I head off and just go get a pre-made salad from Tesco, when I come back I see Al is finished eating. "Hungry?" I ask, his response was no it was too awful to eat.

We arrive in Northwich and Kris picks us up, it was 10 mins to their house through little windy streets. The neighborhood is a perfect portral of an English town.  Here is the outside of their house.

We chatted for an hour or so before walking over to Del and Tracie's house, Kris's brother and his wife. On the walk to the bar Alan found his street.

Went out to a local bar and met their little friend Kock Nose. He is a strange looking finger puppet. Once talking about travels Del and Tracie demanded that I take him with me to travel. I must return him though once we are finished. On the list is Edinburgh (tomorrow), Langenargen, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Estonia, Lativa, Munich and Oktoberfest, Middle East when we have our stoppover in Abu Dhabi, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia, Hong Kong, San Francisco, Chicago, Phoenix, and who knows where to next.

Let's just say that we grew close very quickly...

Dinner at this restaurant was interesting, Alan ordered Steak for us to split and we had an order of Nachos on the way.

First task was to ask this gentleman if Kock Nose can play chess with him. The man was so kind we was like I would love to have him play.

The Brits were hilarious and we had a great time with them.

Del and Tracie bidding Kock Nose his farewell.

The obsession soon began with Alan and I taking pics of Kocknose for his facebook page. Add him by searching his email cocknose10@hotmail.com or go to http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?ref=name&id=10056249#!/profile.php?id=100001269650505&ref=ts

It was great night out, but very late and felt awful after Desperados. The next day Kris took us to the airport where I sent off Alan and one of my suitcases. I will take the train to Edinburgh! Thanks to the Brits for a fantastic time!!

My trip with Alan could not have been more fun, it was great to travel with him again! It was sad to see him go and not continue to spend more time with one another. He worked really hard as to make sure I had the proper itineraries, dress and shoes, and brought some things for the family. Also taking a huge suitcase full of my crap back with him. Without his love and support I am not sure if I could have it this easy.

Manchester, UK

Alan and I headed to Manchester on July 13th. It was a shock to be in an English speaking country. I still felt like I should still speak German at times.

We were staying at the Midland Hotel, 4 star at a travel agent's rate, sounds good to me. I think Alan is really happy that I documented every step of the way with photographs!

Going up!

Our room had a nice welcome note for Mr. Hoyt...

Ready to go out and see what Manchester has to offer. The hotel was right in the middle of the city. Great location.

Manchester was better than expected it to be. Such an old city and many cultural museums. This is one of the many train stations - Victoria.

Not sure why the don't walk symbol is sideways.

Nice ferries wheel.

Manchester was very easy to get around by just walking. We felt a little backwards in which direction we were going at first, but managed just fine. Here we are in the Picadilly Gardens.

Donuts and Police on Police St.

Going to Liverpool.

Only an hour train ride....

The rainbow building is a Costa Coffee

Down to Albert Docks

Had dinner, a pint, and trouble at the Pumphouse.

We stopped off for another pint at this chain that Al is familiar with. I did not like it so much, I thought the service was shit, the restaurant and bathrooms were gross, and since my feet were wet from the rain I was starting to get in a sour mood. After the pint we went to the train station to catch one back to Manchester, but before hopping on we stopped to purchase another beer for the ride back.

On the train we had much fun, beer, trouble, and one another! Alan may have had a little more fun since he won.

The next day Alan had a meeting with the local STA branch and to check out the call center. Before he went off we walked over to Chinatown to see the Arch.

I went to the Art Gallery and just walked around. Only had a few hours til we met back up. There was a great collection while I was there from Dorothy Booth. She had photography from the 50s til 90s of cities all over the world. Great work of portraying people in their natural settings. I found looking at cities I have visited years, weeks, or months ago amazing to see 10+ years ago.

Al went to get the map before we set out around the city. Now we are ready to go!

First  we went walking around to find the Indian place that was recommended to us from some STA people.  But even with the map we went the wrong way, luckily we stummbled upon this lovely canal.

Then we headed up to the John Ryland's Library.

The city is spread out so we just went for a stroll. 

Nice views along the water...

After a few hours we decided it was time for a pint.

Alan and I went back to the hotel to relax before going to Akbar!! Skipbo and wine from France.

Dinner at Akbar's, wonderful Indian food, although it is a chain we were more than satisfied. While we were waiting to be seated there was a very big and stinky man almost touching me.One order of nan please?!

My sweetie treated me to dinner, he is the Best! 

We went out for a beer, but ended up sharing one since we were so full from dinner. Called it an early evening. We are checking out tomorrow and heading to Northwich.