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.