Manchester, England England, across the Atlantic Sea

Wheel of Manchester.
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On 28th December 2008 I set off on my trip-of-a-lifetime to England. 36 hours later, and after crossing enough time zones to live the same day twice, I arrived safe and sound at Manchester International Airport.

It was just one degree celcius when I arrived at my hotel. This was a quite a shock to the system of someone who had just spent the past month lounging by the pool escaping a Brisbane summer. Over the next week in Manchester it got even colder, and I would often wake up to a layer of ice and snow blanketing the town. It was absolutely gorgeous.

This was a quite a shock to the system of someone who had just spent the past month lounging by the pool.

Museum of Manchester by night.
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There are plenty of things to see and do in Manchester. I spent many hours just walking around the town. There are many parks which are particularly enticing over winter. Trees are covered with icicles, lakes are frozen over, and the poor old ducks are literally walking over the water. Such things I had certainly never witnessed before.

Another day was spent at the Imperial War Memorial North, about 15 minutes on the tram from the city centre. Entry is free and it is well worth the trip. The exhibition thrives on real-life Brits describing how the war arrived at their doorstep and altered their way of life. The better displays include the daily rations people lived on and the propaganda used by both sides. It was not just London that was bombed during World War II. The many damaged or destroyed buildings of Manchester remind us of that fact.

New Years Eve, 2008. University of Manchester campus.
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Another must-see in Manchester is Old Trafford, the home of Manchester United Football Club. That too is about 10 minutes away on the tram. Less than ten pounds will get you entry into the Manchester United Museum as well as a guided tour of the ground. This tour takes you up into the stands, into the players' tunnel, and even at ground level on the pitch. You do not need to be a United fan or even a sports fan to appreciate the proud history on display in the museum and in the stands.

Pond frozen over at Platt Fields Park.
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Manchester has plenty of museums, cafes, shops and pubs. There are also any number of theatres and playhouses that appear to attract many a great show. It was an extremely enjoyable week.