Albert Dock, Liverpool, UK

The Albert Dock was built in 1846. It was named for Queen Victoria's husband, Albert. He attended the grand opening, marking the first time a member of the Royal Family had visited Liverpool. It was used for storage of valuable cargo such as brandy, cotton, silk, tobacco, ivory, and sugar. In WWII it was used as the base for the British Atlantic Fleet. It was damaged by German bombs in the May Blitz of 1941. At the end of the war, 15% was damaged. It is now a tourist attraction, including The Beatles Story, the Maritime Museum, and Tate Modern Museum. Read all about it at Wikipedia, Albert Dock, Liverpool.

Liverpool, UK

There is some amazing architecture in England.  The building with the bird statues on top was used by sailors to let them know they were in Liverpool.  I'm not sure what the other old building is, but, hopefully Eileen or Tony can leave a comment explaining that. The ferris wheel is one of three I saw. The one in London is called the London Eye. Manchester and Liverpool also have their own version, although not as big.

Ferry across River Mersey

We took the underground tunnel on the train to Birkenhead, so we could see Liverpool from across the River Mersey. The first ferry began operating in 1150 AD. After being in England, I got a little more used to seeing things from a long, long time ago. Anyway, as we were walking up the "gang plank" the water was really rough.  Tony was a little nervous about being sick because he had been on a previous trip, but John was absolutely "green around the gills". It was a smooth ride though, and the view of Liverpool is absolutely fabulous!

Just waiting on the train

Eileen and Tony took us to Liverpool. We caught the local train to Birkenhead, across the River Mersey from Liverpool.  We saw Albert Dock, and the Beatles Story. John had his first helping of fish-n-chips, but more about Liverpool later.

Correction from my Westhoughton post, it is spelled as one word. Oops.

TCB in West Houghton

John and I had to TCB (taking care of business) in West Houghton this morning.  We went to the Laundry, the Fruit Stand, the Library and Town Hall, and we saw the Conservative Club (one of the political parties). The butcher is across the street from Ivy's house. They take very good care of her. I also got to see where Ivy was born, the places John used to avoid cause you would certainly get in a fight, where his friends lived, the alley he used to smoke his ciggies before school. It was fascinating.

Buses, Trains, and Automobiles

Of course everyone knows England drives on the opposite side of the street.  (Pic 1).  It was very disorienting at first, but I have gotten a little more used to it.  I would never try to drive here! I have to be very careful crossing the street. The second pic is of the tube (subway/underground) walkway in London.  I was always looking at the "subway tiles" everyone uses in their kitchens or bathrooms.  We also saw a few musicians playing in these hallways and the acoustic are incredible. The musicians probably started out playing there just so they could hear themselves.  The third pic is of the double decker buses in London, and the fourth pic is a taxi.  All the taxis I have seen look just like this, only different paint jobs.

Good to see Ivy

It is really good to see Ivy. We went out to "tea" (we would call this dinner) at a local Italian restraunt.  This was our first night in England.  We have tons to share, but it takes me a little while to think my postings out.