Last Saturday, I took the train to Salford/Manchester to visit another German volunteer. We spent the following days together and here’s what we did:
The weather has been incredibly nice over last week so on Sunday, we decided to go to the beach in Southport. Since it wasn’t just half-term break, but also a Bank Holiday weekend and the sun was shining after a whole month of just rain and clouds, a lot of people had the same idea as we did. But apart from that, we had a really nice time and at least our feet were in the sea. In the evening we then took the bus to Salford Quays. This area was previously the site of Manchester Docks, but has no become one of the first and largest urban regeneration projects in the United Kingdom. The Salford Quays are also home to the MediaCityUK which is a mixed-use property with a focus on creative industries. Its principal tenants are media organisations including the BBC.
The next day, we did a hiking tour in the Peak District National Park. The park was designated in 1951 and covers an area of 1404 km². It is divided into two natural elements: the Dark Peak, which comprises most of the uninhabited upland moors, and the southern White Peak, where most of the settlements are found. The White Peak also consists largely of grasslands used for raising sheep which we saw on our hiking route. It was great to be in the nature and to not see too many people. The outward and return journey also offered the opportunity to take a closer look at the English Midlands. We really enjoyed that day and if we were to decide which day was our favourite we would probably say this one.
On Tuesday, we took the train to York. The city has long-standing buildings and structures, such as a minster, castle and ancient city walls. The latter one is a great possibility to walk around the city. At 5.30pm we attended the evening prayer in the minister. Sadly, the choir was on holiday as well so we didn’t get to experience a proper evensong but at least we saved the entry fee…
On this picture you can see “The Shambles”. This is an old and famous street in York with overhanging timber-framed buildings, some dating back as far as the fourteenth century. Does the street remind you of anything? Along other streets in the UK, the Shambles is one location, for which claims have been made that it was the inspiration for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter franchise. Therefore, wizard themed shops like “The shop that must not be named” can be found. In 2020, J.K. Rowling replied to a tweet stating that she has never been to this street. However, I could still feel a bit of a Harry-Potter-vibe. York is a lovely city and I would definitely recommend visiting it at some point.
After we had walked around 20,000 steps each day, we made a picnic in Heaton Park with a beautiful view of Manchester. But since the park covers an area of over 240 ha, we still managed to get more than 15,000 steps.
Last but not least, we spent some time in Manchester on the Thursday just walking along the canal and having a look into the cathedral and some second hand shops before I took the train back to Liverpool.
The next day, I went to Liverpool again. This time to meet up with three other German volunteers who were just staying in the city over the weekend. We booked a tour up the Royal Liver building from where we had a great view over the city and the Wirral. Today the Royal Liver Building is one of the most recognisable landmarks in the city of Liverpool and is home to two fabled Liver Birds, called Bella and Bertie, which watch over the city and the sea. Legend has it that if these two birds were to fly away, then the city would cease to exist.
After the tour, I spent the evening with people from the Youth Leadership Team. We had dinner together and played an Escape Room afterwards which was much fun!
I so enjoyed the change of scenery and the opportunity to meet other volunteers. I am very grateful for all the possibilities I can now take advantage of and thank God for the amazing time (and weather ;)) we had. I now got 7 weeks of work left and I am looking forward to everything that is yet still to come.