July28,2017,Liverpool

The Fab 4 left a mark all over Liverpool

Harbor clock tower survived the war

A bombed out church was not so lucky

Imagine

Loved these beautiful umbrellas on the mall

A beautiful port, we watched as we sailed in while eating breakfast with Steve and Susan. We finally found the “other” buffet which had the omelets! After a hearty breakfast we set out to discover Liverpool. The sun comes out and the weather is perfect. We are too early for anything to be open so we get coffee and Wi-Fi at a local coffee shop and relax until the city awakens. We set off on foot to the shopping district on a treasure hunt. We finally find Bold Street- home of shopping and food, and several charity shops.

We end up at “A bombed out church”- yes that was the name! Build in 1800s it was bombed during WWII and is now a memorial- amazing how the lead from stain glass windows stayed as the glass was blown out. Certainly a reminder of the awfulness of war! We decide to get lunch only to discover places not open until 12 noon sharp- 11:30 was too early. After 3 attempts Lilly heads out on her own shopping while we eat at a Moroccan cafe. It was terrific! Moroccan lemonade was amazing with mint and limes and lemons- I had to get two glasses! Steve has a lamb dish and Susan a chicken that comes in a stone pot with rice- enough for an army! I have grilled chicken- a more reasonable portion.  We enjoy lunch and head back toward the docks for museums. Ironically, we see a huge display of colorful umbrellas overhead!

The temperature drops and the daily rain hits as we walk to the museums. My new rain jacket is getting its wear as it comes on and off every day. Steve and Susan head to the International Museum on Slavery and Maritime museum, I choose the more casual Beatle’s Story.

The Beatle’s Story was terrific- with great exhibits and a nice audio tour. It began by noting the Beatle’s were born right after the war in a devastated Liverpool. All four had parents die before they were 27 of various causes- quite interesting. My favorite was a white museum room with Lennon’s piano and a photo and guitar and words of “Imagine”- it was quite moving!

I return hoping to do my laundry- only to find there is already a line even though I’ve returned 2 hours early! Getting clean underwear is about to get more interesting with the demand for 2 washing machines increasing each day! Instead I end up taking a nap on this cool rainy day. What a luxury to nap!! We walked 7.5 miles today- my body was ready!