May 20: Manchester to Scarborough

I only had a relatively short stay in Manchester. I could definitely find plenty of other things to do there, so it would be nice to come back and spend some more time at some stage. I packed my bag last night, so this morning was pretty easy going. I had hoped to sleep in until around 7:00am but unfortunately I was wide awake at 5:00am.  

The weather was clear and blue and it did occur to me that I could pop outside and take advantage of the weather and Saturday morning to do some photography. But I just didn't feel like it - and I'm trying not to feel guilty about it.

I got to the railway station in plenty of time for my 10:11am train. I had purchased a advance first class ticket which was a very reasonable price. First class can be a bit hit and miss depending on the train company and whether you're travelling during the week or on the weekend. In this instance it was just right. Very comfortable, a single window seat and tea/coffee service to your seat.

Sitting diagonally opposite me for most of the trip were two women. They seemed lovely but didn't stop talking for the whole trip. That doesn't bother me at all, I just don't understand how anyone can keep talking that long. I'd find it exhausting! 

The terrain was varied, much of the same lush green pastures and fields I have seen on other trips. I tried to take a few photos but, as usual, timing was critical. This photo was a perfect example of getting the timing wrong! 

The journey was just over two hours long and we arrived around 12:30pm.  About 1/2 hour before arriving, the lady who had been quietly sitting directly opposite me said something and a conversation ensued. That was lovely, though it soon descended into a long list of bad accommodation experiences she and her family have had. Luckily I'm not staying in the Grand Hotel! That place sounded diabolical - though I doubt it could have been as bad as she made out.

I chose Scarborough as a base to explore some towns and villages on the Yorkshire coast. If time permits, there's a steam railway I hope to try also. 

May 19: Manchester

After yesterday's adventure I was hobbling around when I got up this morning with sore muscles and a blister on the bottom of one foot.  I've decided that I must prepare better for my next trip and toughen up my feet.

For today, I thought of putting together a plan to visit some of the villages in the Peak District. This is an area I haven't explored yet and the man on the train from Llandudno had given me a number of recommendations. However, in the end I realised that a rushed one day plan was not going to do the region justice. Added to that, the area is to the east of Manchester and there was a forecast of rain. I decided that I should add the area to my "to visit" list for my next trip and do it properly. 

So, in order to treat my feet with kindness, I decided to do some activities in Manchester.  

After a very relaxed start to the day I headed to the Imperial War Museum "North". The focus of this museum of the IWM is the impact of war on individuals. To get there I was going to need to get my head around the tram system. Manchester has what looks like a great network of shiny new trams. When you see them in the streets they warn pedestrians with an unexpected but very endearing whistley "toot" sound. I researched my options and decided on day tripper ticket to allow me to get around as much as I liked.

I caught a tram on the D line to Salford Quay at 10:40am. It took only about 10-15min. It was a short walk to the museum but I had to wait a few minutes for this bridge to lower.

The museum building is very striking. It's made up from there shards representing conflict on land, in air and on water.

As with the IWM in London, it was an extremely well designed museum. I spent quite some time strolling through the chronological display. On each hour a different film consumed all the walls of the main exhibition area. I watched 3 of them but the first was the most moving. It focussed on the impact of war on children and I have to admit I had to struggle to keep it together.

After a delicious but late lunch at the cafe I decided I had time to fit in one other museum. I headed back to central Manchester and to the People's History Museum. On the way I noticed some interesting architecture. I could definitely have a field day here with my camera if I had sufficient time. I only took a few shots, including this of the very impressive town hall. 

The People's History Museum was all about the struggle for people's rights and the evolution of voting an politics in the UK. There was also an exhibition on the journey to LGBT+ rights in the UK and around the world.  Another fantastic museum.

By now it was nearly 5:00pm and time to get back. I'll have a quiet night tonight and repack my bags before moving on to my next destination tomorrow. 

May 17: Llandudno to Manchester

I've been starting to feel a little gloomy at the thought that this adventure is starting to slip away. I know it's silly to waste my time with these thoughts but it's hard to break the habit. But this morning I did the maths and realised that today is day #14 in the UK and I still have 15 days left to go! That was a bit of a surprise as I mentioned in my blog that I passed the midway point a day or two a go. What a wally. It was a good wake up call and I need to make sure I don't slip into that mindset too easily again.

Today was the end of my stay in North Wales and time to move on to Manchester. I knew that check-in time in Manchester wasn't until 4:00pm so there was no point in rushing. So I had another leisurely breakfast and took my time to repack. Speaking of which, I had to expand the suitcase today. I don't really understand why though. I haven't really bought that much. Is it due to those purchases or just poor packing? I guess I'll work it out on my next re-pack. 

The weather in Llandudno was clear when I first looked out the window this morning but turned to high white cloud by breakfast.  

I checked out just before 11:00am and made the 10min walk to the station. I am noticing a slight lowering of my walking pace which is a sign that I'm starting to wind down a bit. That's good. 

I caught the 11:44am train to Manchester Picaddilly station. The train started from Llandudno which meant I could choose my seat. Unfortunately, it was quite an old train with no luggage rack. There was, however, an area with folding chairs that provided space for my luggage so that was OK.

When we got to Llandudno Junction a man got on with a walking frame. He sat beside me as there was space for his frame and I think it's the first time I've shared a seat on public transport this trip. He was keen to chat and had a great knowledge of places around the UK due to his own travels in his more mobile days. He was very keen to give me his tips for the places I have yet to visit and I was very grateful. I probably have more to see than time will permit, but it's good to have choices (and left overs for next time).  This did mean that I didn't take any photos of the journey. I noticed a couple of scenes I would have ordinarily snapped, but it was no great loss and a pleasure to chat with Antony. 

By the time we reached Manchester around 1:30pm it was raining lightly. I found some lunch at the station before making the 5min walk to the apartment. For the first time this trip I'm staying in an apartment instead of a hotel, mainly so I can have a bit of personal space and so I can catch up on washing. They upgraded me to a 2 bedroom apartment - I don't need a second bedroom but I assume it's generally roomier. 

I popped out straight away to have a look around and do some grocery shopping. I took my camera but the constant drissle made photography a challenge and wandering around not really fun. I decided to do my shopping and head back to the apartment to plan the next couple of days instead (plus figure out how to use the washing machine).

Manchester was selected as another regional base. My plans for the next 2 days will be dependent on the weather. Luckily I am spoilt for choice.