Liverpool 2

Today I venture up the estuary on the train in search of 'Another Place', an art installation by Anthony Gormley. This involves a trip on the metro which seems to be state of the art and pristine. About 15 minutes out of Liverpool and I find myself in a suburb that at first seems posh. There are lots of homes that look as if they are full of retirees. I head for the sand dunes in search of the sculpture. I have seen photos of the naked male figure and wonder how easy he will be to spot. What I have failed to realise is that there are many many figures spread over miles of sandy beach. Extraordinary. Apparently the artist modelled them on himself. They are mostly covered in barnacles, looking aimlessly out to sea. 

 

I am getting the hang of the local accent though I find it very difficult to emulate, and I am making an effort to speak to people. Apparently, speaking to strangers is an excellent boost for good mental health (according to Dr Chatergee's podcast) and I am finding this to be true. I ask someone walking along the promenade where to find a coffee shop. He explains that there is one along the coast but then tells me it is closed. I then receive instructions on how to get to the High Street. People here are friendly but I am from London so almost everyone on the planet feels like a long lost friend in comparison. 

 

Next stop is back to the city and the two cathedrals. The Metropolitan Cathedral is very distinctive and one I have seen on TV many times. It could be said it is ugly from the outside but as you walk in it definitely has the wow  factor. I reacted by gasping and then I had an emotional reaction that surprised me. I can only imagine what it is like to worship here raising the roof!

 

I also visit the Anglican cathedral which is vast. This one is busy with tourists. Unusually, the cafe here is in the main church and sprawls out on to the nave. There is a queue so I retreat. It is apparently the biggest Anglican Cathedral in Britain.

I am ready to stop but only being here 4 days I feel I should press on so I hot foot it back to the river for the inevitable ferry trip. I make it just in time and join lots of brave tourists wrapped up in fleeces and hats. Hats here are essential. I tried taking mine off and lasted about ten seconds. 

The  view of Liverpool from the Mersey must be one of the best. Buildings on the embankment are identified by the guide, including the new Everton football ground (I noticed people getting excited about this so I thought it worth a mention). Victoriana is everywhere, as in every British city and many around the world. Between 1830 and 1930, 9 million emigrants travelled from Liverpool to the Americas. What an extraordinary time that must have been with industry and technology advancing and so much opportunity.

 

Only after we have embarked are we told that the Mersey is extremely treacherous mostly due to sandbanks. I notice that all the seats are bolstered with something that looks as if it might float so I decide in an emergency I'll go for those. 'Ferry cross the Mersey' is then played over the tannoy but nobody is joining in except for one lady who nods in time and tries to smile against the force ten gale. Gerry Marsden wrote the song and he has the dubious honour of having the embarkation point named after him. I doubt the 'ferry' would be making half as much money without his song so I hope he cashed in. 

Garmin says 7.8 miles