Liverpool - Some Impressions Part 2

After the tour (see below), new fiancee discovered Disney store - a fatal error on my part. I spent about an hour following her around, whilst she touched everything Pooh related and made strange cooing sounds.

I should stress that this is not a surprise to me. I've known about this Pooh obsession for some time, so I am going in with my eyes open. (Besides - Eeyore's cuter)

Out for a drink in the evening. The busier central pubs were filled with jubilant Liverpool fans celebrating their teams victory over their arch rivals Everton in the Merseyside derby. I was so occupied with other matters, that I hadn't even realised the game was on. Unusual for me.

As a result, we tried a couple of pubs, searching for something a little quieter in order to discuss wedding plans. Some ideas were noted and approved. Some of the odder ones were dismissed as madness. (Mostly mine, I'm afraid)

Sunday consisted of a final stroll around - we did discover a comic store, where I resisted the temptation to go crazy and restricted myself to volumes 1 & 2 of Peter David's run on the Incredible Hulk, and volume 2 of Seven Soldiers of Victory. Now added to a growing "to read" pile.

A somewhat disjointed journey home, although far more comfortable, was followed by a final port of call and grandchild No. 1's birthday - she was 4 and as cute as a button.

Liverpool - Some Impressions Part 1

I think this will always be memorable, for reasons detailed below, but I thought I would try and disassociate the personal stuff and provide some opinions of the city.

As I've mentioned, I am a life long Beatles fan, although I had never previously made it to Liverpool. Been to most of the other major cities in the UK, but not Liverpool.

The train journey north was a nightmare. An over subscribed train, with fewer than the normal number of coaches and the computerised reservation system on the frazz, meant that myself and other half spent most of the journey on the floor. Still, we got there in the end.

Found the apartment OK, contacted my mated in the band, who'd driven up and arrived at almost the exact same time as ourselves.

Strolled to the Cavern club. Pretty impressed - it's a re-creation, the original having been demolished in 1973. Drinks reasonably priced. There are two areas - the re-created bit, and another room where it is less obviously Beatle-y. I guess this is the place dedicated to younger bands, and it is in this area that http://www.thejohnsons.me.uk/ were playing. Does seem a trifle hard to attract an audience, who have to pay to get in, when in the main area there is free entertainment.

The gig itself was OK, although the band have certainly played better, and I think they were well aware of this. The Bass player, Ian, consented to being my best man. We had beer. And more beer.

Following day, I went out for a a walk, trying to suss out the lay of the land, whilst newly betrothed made some calls.

We spent the afternoon doing the Beatles thing. Firstly, the Beatles Story, which is an impressive audio visual run through of their career, although it does skimp on George and Ringo, a bit.

Coming out of the museum, it was a short walk to catch the http://www.cavern-liverpool.co.uk/mmt/index.htm - a coach tour of Beatle landmarks, including Penny Lane and Strawberry Fields. For me a fairly emotional experience.

More to come

Woo-Hoo - She say yes

Further to my post of last week, I am delighted to report that my girlfriend has been upgraded to fiancee.

The proposal went well. Down on one knee in the Cavern club - very romantic.

We have set a date of 16/06/2007 - an auspicious date as it is stepchild no. 5's 16th birthday, and he has agreed to give his Mum away. An excellent choice.

Yesterday, I had to get all nervous again, as I sought parental consent. Luckily, betrothed parents are exceptionally sweet, and didn't prolong my agony too long.

Still here....honest

I know, it's been a while. Here come the excuses;

I'd always intended the smaller posts to be made at work during lunch, however not long after starting the blog, I was made redundant. Took me a while to find another position, but here we are.

Additionally, both of my parents were really ill last year, which necessitated them entering a nursing home just prior to Christmas. Unfortunately, my father passed away in January.

On a more positive note, if you scroll down a little bit, you'll see a post relating to a pub outing to see Team America. Well, a couple of days later, the young lady in the party and I got together (at a Karaoke, of all things). Over a year later, we are still together and very happy.

Still, I have inherited 6 step children and 3 step grandchildren. Life changing, I'm sure you'll agree.

Here's a secret.....Don't tell...I have mentioned that I'm a lifelong Beatles fan. Well, a mate of mine who plays bass in a band http://www.thejohnsons.me.uk/ (check it out) is playing the Cavern Club tomorrow night. I know it's not the original, but still what an excuse for myself and other half to go away for the weekend, see my mate's band, see the sights, propose marriage etc.

That's right, I'm going to pop the question. Now, not many people are aware. A couple of close friends, step child no. 2.

I feel fairly safe mentioning it here, because she's not really into all things Internet, and besides, I can trust you, can't I ?

Will let you know how it goes next week.

Eek