Manchester - Day 3 (and a bit)

After my lack of success finding the recommended bookshop yesterday, I read about one in Didsbury, out of the city centre. About half an hour away it's an easy trip on the tram. After leaving the city and getting on some proper rails the tram takes off. I don't think I have ever been so fast on a tram! I think I have inherited my love of public transport from my dad, but not his particular love of buses, which meant having to visit the local bus garage on Christmas Day to see it crammed with double deckers taking a day's rest!

The bookshop is in Didsbury Village which is verging on posh. Mind you, my version of posh is no street litter, neat gardens and a butcher's shop. The bookshop is 'shabby chic', essential for this kind of thing. There is a cafe and I have a coffee before browsing and collecting three books. Then brunch in the cafe. I always feel safe when surrounded by books.

This week I have so far collected five books:

1. A Grief Observed - CS Lewis

2. Simply Christian - Tom Wright

3. The Lost Continent - Bill Bryson

4. Lion - Saroo Brierley

5. Step by Step - Simon Reeve

After the bookshop I take a short walk to the Fletcher Moss Gardens which are vaguely disappointing, but maybe it's the time of year. There has been significant rain and some paths are inaccessible. Some very interesting bench sculptures.

I make my way back to the city on the tram which weaves its way through large areas of development. Huge office and apartment blocks are in construction and like London there is the distinct impression of plenty of money as well as huge poverty. Like many cities, homeless people are seen everywhere and asking for money while expensive luxury apartments are flying up. It gives one pause for thought.. 

I'm heading for the Cathedral once again and walk the river path amidst graffiti and modern architecture. 

I see a sign for the Opera House and feel compelled to at least get a photo. 

On to the Cathedral where I join a much needed Communion service. 

Not far from the cathedral is the National Football Museum. Very impressive. I can't comment on its contents. 

I plough on and am determined to find some street art. There is plenty here but it's easy to miss, some of it tucked away in the city's backstreets. Here are a few examples.. 

Tonight is Hamilton at the Palace Theatre. I had heard it was good and I am not disappointed. What a fabulous show. Musically brilliant, although I couldn't quite follow all the rap. The Palace Theatre was built in 1891 and is stunning like many theatres of its ilk. 

The last morning and I wander down Oxford Street to get a snap of the RNCM (music conservatoire). It's a long broad road littered with huge university blocks and a myriad of coffee shops and other things students need to keep going. The RNCM is huge and modern. I can well imagine being a music student in this city. Having studied music full time for pretty much 7 consecutive years I feel it's in my bones and I feel nostalgic. 

So, my experience of Manchester has been very positive. It compares more with London, unlike my recent trip to Glasgow, and I have enjoyed the culture. I've got to know the city a little. But it needs something at the centre. Piccadilly Gardens sort of stands in the middle but it lacks something (not to mention the very ugly concrete wall on one side). Why don't they put a ferris wheel there, or a viewing tower? I would have paid to get a panoramic view of the city which must be impressive. If you come, book a hotel with a view.