My Day in Manchester

Saturday was our day trip to Manchester and I have to tell you I LOVE THE TRAIN! I don't know why, its not cheaper than the coach, you still have to sit next to people in crowded seats, but I just like it so much better, I don't think I have good reasons, but I really like the train. I can't quite explain why I like it so much but I'm going to try and make more train trips happen, even if everyone else is taking the coach (well maybe not, we'll see, I am getting better at doing things by myself.)

After meeting the other half of our group (we were split between the coach and the train) we went to Primark, a large department store chain, and spent 2 hours there. I didn't realize we had been there for so long until someone mentioned it afterwards. There were 3 levels and so much to see and look at. At some point I want to check out the one that is closer to campus. One of my jeans is growing a hole and so I think when they get to the point they need to be in the rubbish bin (so british) I will actually throw them out and go buy a new pair from Primark (they are relatively inexpensive as well.)

After that we had lunch at the street fair, I wimped out and had a 100% beef burger with cheese (I couldn't understand what kind of cheese it was but it was tasty.) If we go to Manchester again, I am going to have the Ostrich Meatballs I think because I will be adventurous one step at a time.

After a quick bathroom break, we mapped out and set off on our adventure. Our first stop was Chinatown and seeing the Chinese Arch. Then we set off along Princess Street because with all girls and one boy the princesses ruled the day. Then we spontaneously stopped at an Art Museum which was really interesting and had a lot of different exhibits and time periods. My favorite was the special/seasonal/rotating exhibit that they had about the art of paper cutting, I can't really explain it but I watched the video special they had on the making of and it was really really interesting.

Then we headed to the People's History Museum and stopped to take pictures of beautiful buildings along the way. Then we rushed off to check out the National Football Museum before it closed. We also got some pictures of the beautiful Manchester Cathedral.

Then we wandered around (kind of lost, I'm not going to lie) the Northern Quarter of Manchester and found the weirdest little shop that I have ever seen called Oklahoma, yes thats right, like the state or the musical.

Finally we went to the mall, it was called the Manchester Arndale and had dinner there and got to meet up with Martin and his two German friends. Then it was back to the train station to head back to Stoke.

It was exhausting, there was a lot of walking, but all in all I feel like it was a good day and a great way to see Manchester with friends.