2003 Letter from Liverpool, P 1: We spent two days in Liverpool. Liverpool, of course, is famous in modern times as the place that the Beatles got their start. This came in a downstairs nightclub called the Cavern. We considered giving homage there. But all things considered, we decided to pass and give homage elsewhere. Mostly we spent our time at the library (for e-mail) and at museums. We were constantly urged to see Albert Dock – but since that turned out to be a fancy mall like other waterfront places – we avoided it. There are two museums on the Dock. One was a branch of the Tate. This is mostly modern art, so we weren’t enthusiastic, and the other was the wonderful Maritime Museum. We saw only the smallest part of it, but that’s all we can handle in an afternoon, even though Adelle had the wonderful scooter, again from Shopmobility.

We also had an odd experience that began in a cafe in a market in Blackpool. We were sitting at a table with another couple, and when we got to talking, they said that they live in Birkenhead, near Liverpool. They were quite insistent that they were going to "take us around". We tried to demur, but they would have none of it. And they were very helpful with traffic information so as which tunnel to use to get to our campsite. We spoke several times on the phone, but didn’t quite connect. The second day in town, they spent all day calling us on my cell phone and then trying to find us. When we returned to the farm, they came back and spent a while with us, giving us three gifts and promising to write. Very standoffish, these English.

We went through the World Museum. Their collection of paintings were mostly done by people who, in our ignorance, we had never heard of, but they also had a number of paintings by "The Masters". One of those in the former category the original of a print that Ron’s Aunt Bella had in her living room! Like meeting an old friend, except that he had never liked it! Another very famous painting there was the well known one of Henry the Eighth, standing in full costume, stockinged legs apart, one hand on hip, the other near his dagger, burgandy velvet cloak, jaunty hat, bejewelled, looking straight at you, very regal indeed.

As you all know, Ron and I are very interested in World War II, and the Maritime museum had a great temporary exhibition about Britain in the Blitz, including a talk by "Albert, an ARP (Air Raid Patrol) warden" lecturing us on what we had to do to observe the blackout rules, and what do do when we hear the air raid siren. Although we really knew most of what was said, it was very interesting to see how it was presented to a much younger generation. (Continued......)

Back to Liverpool
 
 
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Intrepid Traveler
 
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