Greetings Family and Friends,
Liverpool is indeed a lively city, but upon my arrival at 7:15 am, I was anything but lively. With my allowed time in the Schengen Zone ending, I opted for an evening Eurostar train to London via the Chunnel. However, due to various delays, upon arrival in London my only option was an overnight bus onto Liverpool. But after a few hours sleep, Liverpool put the liveliness back into my step. The city is well known as the home of the Beatles and it continues their youthful energy. Music emanates from seemingly everywhere.
The Three Graces
Within Liverpool One, the giant shopping district, are placed five pianos for use by the public to entertain the public. The piano players are impressive, usually young, and some just kids.
The River Mersey is a big part of the story of Liverpool. The Three Graces, as pictured on the left, are architectural landmarks on Pier Head adjacent to the Royal Albert Dock. The Three Graces are the Royal Liver Building, the Cunard Building, and the Port of Liverpool Building.
Liverpool besides being noted for its musical pedigree, played a key role in World War II. It was the location for the headquarters that oversaw the convoy system in the Atlantic that kept Great Britain supplied as well as convoys that provided war material to the Soviet Union via the Arctic. The building and the bunker system below are now the Western Approaches HQ Museum. As pictured on the right, the convoys were tracked on these wall-sized maps. I remember seeing such scenes in war movies and this was a special treat for me to see the actual rooms and maps.
Western Approaches HQ Museum
Liverpool Cathedral
The largest church in the United Kingdom is Liverpool Cathedral as pictured on the left. This Anglican church is also the sixth largest church in the world. Work began in 1904 with the laying of the foundation stone by King Edward VII and concluded in 1978 with a celebration attended by Queen Elizabeth II. The cathedral is quite simply massive, almost fortress like in my opinion. While it is stunningly imposing, it is also elegant in the way it flows without pillars. See the photo gallery for the complete collection of pictures from my visit. Unfortunately, I forgot to ascend the tower for views of Liverpool as I was so immersed in exploring the cathedral from below and didn’t realize it until it was closing and I had exited!
Lastly, I couldn’t resist taking a Mersey River Cruise on the Royal Iris as pictured on the right. The cruise lasts 50 minutes with the boat going downriver for a bit on the Liverpool side before crossing over and heading upriver to the ferry landing at Wirral. After letting off and taking on passengers, the cruise proceeds quite a bit further upriver before crossing back over to the Liverpool side and heading downriver to the Liverpool ferry landing. Check out the photo gallery to see the photos of landmarks from the boat as well as the various industries.
Mersey River Cruise
Well that wraps up another series of On the Flip Side as I am heading back stateside. First, merci to those of you who have been following along. Second, merci beaucoup to those of you who have provided commentary, especially via the public comments. Your encouragement is something I have always appreciated and continue to appreciate even more. As always, feel free to share this link with anyone who expresses an interest. Please have a look at the gallery below for full-size versions of the photos above as well as additional photos of Liverpool.
Until later,
Papi
Mike, your travel summaries and your photos are truly inspiring. Best wishes for safe travels back to the U.S.
Thanks Kay and good to hear from you. Appreciate the kind words. Hope things are well with you.