Manchester - Day 1

After my very enjoyable trip to Glasgow last year I have been counting the cities in the UK that I have yet to visit. So a quick flit to Manchester will polish off at least one. My frequent problem is that I have to take holidays out of term time, precisely the time that Cathedral choirs, opera companies etc also take a break. But I have managed to book a couple of things, and Manchester does seem to be a centre of culture. I'm very pleased to hear from my arty aunt that the Art Gallery has plenty of Flemish stuff, so all good. 

Avanti trains from Euston seem very slick and comfortable, but then comes the announcement that there is a delay. Today it's no skin off my nose. In fact I am praying that we qualify for the compensation and already planning what I will spend it on. Once we get going all is fine. I seem to be surrounded by foreigners and get the impression that Manchester will be quite cosmopolitan.

                          Station concourse 

We arrive well in time for compensation and I find a station eatery and enjoy fish and chips with merlot, overlooking the departures board. It's all about the view isn't it?

It's raining, but where is it not? I'm again relieved to find Uber here and it's a short hop to the hotel. Sayed is from Pakistan and has been here for ten years. He likes it. Have I been to Blackpool he asks. I say no and then remember a drive back from the Lakes by way of Blackpool to see the lights. We travelled home south through the night, quite memorable. And what about Old Trafford he asks? I think the latter is something about football. Coronation St is also a draw here but I'm afraid I'll be seeing neither.

Tonight is Swan Lake at the Bridgewater Hall. Ballet is not my number one choice, though I can boast playing for the Rambert students at A level college, and I even considered getting a job at the Royal Ballet School. When they showed me the pianists common room full of smoke, that decided it. 

I always know it's a good performance when my mind starts firing up with thoughts and ideas. Obviously this is not good when you are performing yourself but as an audience member I like to be taken somewhere. It's a travelling ballet company with a much reduced orchestra. Whoever is in control of the dry ice misjudges slightly as there is a huge hissing sound and half the swans disappear into the mists. The next whoosh is more measured. The hall has an impressive organ but unfortunately it's hidden behind the makeshift stage. The building is lovely at night. 

                    Bridgewater Hall

Day 1. Garmin says 4.3m