Liverpool

We were in for an unexpected treat visiting Liverpool. We arrived by train from Manchester. A short journey of no more than thirty minutes. The difference between Manchester and Liverpool was striking.

I felt Liverpool was more comfortable with itself than Manchester. Not sure why I have that notion about a city but it felt calmer, less forward, and easier going.

Manchester’s relationship to Liverpool feels like Sydney’s relationship to Melbourne. One has the buzz and glamour, the other does not. Each city has a role and attracts different crowds. I happen to tend towards the less glitzy of both.

We stayed in an Ibis Styles hotel for the first time. The room was decorated in a “unique fashion” as explained in the hotel litrature; not always an appealing prospect it turns out. Something unsettling about having iconic faces plastered all over the walls of a small hotel room.

Liverpool has a wealth of galleries and museums. We were spoilt for choice and, as is common in the United Kingdom, many were completely free.

Clearly Liverpool would be amiss if the businesses and city council did not make the most from its musical background. The Beatles are referenced frequently and at least a few businesses have taken it upon themselves to blur the facts to aid tourist footfall. Exactly which bar is the original Cavern Club again?