Hard Days Night

The First, But Not Last, Pub of this Trip!
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I finally made it to Liverpool.  I've had several previous journeys that were to include a stop in Liverpool, but something else always came up.  But now, even if but for a day, I finally alighted from the train at Lime Street Station in downtown Liverpool after an 90 minute journey from the Manchester airport.  A classic London cab quickly transported me to my hotel, the Ibis Liverpool, right across from Albert Dock.  Arriving mid-afternoon, I headed to the Maritime Museum at Albert Dock.  Much of the museum was undergoing a much-needed renovation and it didn't take too long to see the principal sites covering the history of maritime life in Liverpool.

Albert Dock, Liverpool
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Having not had any meal of substance since a snack on the airplane just before landing at Manchester (following an overnight flight from the US), I was pleased to find a food-serving pub right across from the Museum.  The Pump House met my needs - food and beer - actually beer and food.

I really don't like to combined "chilly" with "July" but that, unfortunately, was the reality of this English summer

After downing my pint, I headed back out into the chilly July day (I really don't like to combined "chilly" with "July" but that, unfortunately, was the reality of this English summer.  I headed 'round the Albert Dock and came across the Tate Museum's Liverpool branch.  Contemporary art is their specialty and, why not necessarily be favorite genre, I did enjoy their exhibit on the role of Liverpool artists in the world of art of the 60's and 70's, including the influence of the Beatles.

Chapel, Liverpool Anglican Cathedral
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After leaving the Tate, I continued round the Dock (a series of buildings around a central boat quay - kind of the opposite of a moat!) finding that most of the businesses - cafes, etc - were already closed for the day.  So, jet lagged, I headed back to the Ibis, watched a bit of the telly, and nodded off.

The next morning, my boat to the Isle of Man not scheduled to leave until late morning, I had some time on my hands and walked up to the Anglican Cathedral, a splendid work of spiritual art, passing through brownstone neighborhoods.  It was a nice morning for a stroll.

Then it was back to the Ibis awaiting my taxi to the ferry terminal and on to the Isle of Man.  The stay in Liverpool was short, but well worth it.