Liverpool I hear you scream in agony and feigned disgust. But have you actually been there recently? It is of course the European City of Culture and home to the Beatles and everything Scouse.
My mother was born there and although I had been there once before to scatter my Nan’s ashes and meet cousins of mine that are at least 30 years my senior, it wasn’t going to be an experience I’d want to base my opinion of a city on.
Jen and I had to go there recently to get her Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) – the only interview slot we could get before she’d get deported was in Liverpool. Just over 2 hours from London on Virgin Trains and you’re there. We arrived at the start of the working day and the immediate difference is that it’s not very busy. Does no-one work here? Also, the people are so friendly – not like ol Londres where every grumpy banker thinks they have the God given right to push people around the city and walk at break neck speed. Even the security people at the Home Office were a laugh.
We had a sunny day in Liverpool so it was lunch by the dock with the River Mersey on one side and the Liver Building on the other. Walking through town was awesome – modern meets old but with a fashion sense London can only hope to imitate. Sure it’s more music orientated and the people have the best accent in England it’s still a city of laughter, friendliness and plenty to do.
We’d definitely be back, wouldn’t we love?