Days 169-174 Reunion in Lancaster and Liverpool

I set off on the early bus to Lancaster to arrive in time to watch the big World Cup game between England and Algeria. Lancaster is a college town that kind of reminds me a bit of Bellingham. After wasting a few hours in the town center I met up with Stuart, my travel buddy that I met in Thailand a few months ago, and we set out to drop my stuff, grab a pint and catch the game. The outcome was a 0-0 tie. Same story that came out of the USA vs. England game earlier this week. Stuart tried to tell me that if America had won he wouldn't have fetched me from the train.. psh. I don't think they take football that seriously over here, do they?

The night continued with a few more drinks and introductions to more of Stu's friends. For the first time in a long while I was sleeping at a non-hostel and got to sleep in. When I finally crawled out of bed I was pleasantly surprised by a Saturday tradition at Stu's place. Katie (his roommate) and Stu make a big brekkie for friends that stop by for a brew (not beer, tea or coffee) and hang for a bit on Saturday morning. Seems like a good idea to me. If only I could be guaranteed to wake up in time for a meal that could be called breakfast on most Saturday mornings I would be interested in bringing this tradition stateside.

Bad picture, but the best out of the bunch. Out after the football game

On Saturday we headed out to have a drink with Stu's parents at the oldest pub in Lancaster and made our way back by way of a few more pubs. A group of his friends came over that night and we had a good time talking and listening to music, just relaxing. Sunday was a day for recovery and a bit of sightseeing. To cap off my Lancaster tour we stopped by the Ashton Memorial and saw a great view of the town center.

View from the Ashton Memorial

On Monday Stuart was back to work and I set out for a day in Liverpool. Taking off on the early train I arrived in Liverpool in time to take the river tour (a must-see from Stu's dad) and it was a perfect hour on the water in the sunshine. I am loving this sun trend after all the rain and gloom at the start of this trip. Next stop, the Liverpool Tate. The collection included a piece by Andy Warhol and other notable works. Still loving that museums are free. Whooooot.

Picture of a pretty building from the boat ride

Next, I sought out a pint at the Cavern Club where the Beatles got their start. I headed into the Cavern PUB, sat down and ordered a drink and a few minutes later the bartender informed me that I was at the PUB not CLUB. I would have to venture across the street to check this life experience off my bucket list. So, one pint down I head across the street just in time for the John Lennon show. Another beer in hand (note I haven't eaten yet) I am hanging out with John and learning a little about Beatles history. One littler beer later, provided by John, I set out for the train as Stu is expecting me to be back when he gets off of work.

Note: This is the Cavern PUB

I make it to the train station and get on the first of two trains back to Lancaster with no issue. Fifteen minutes later I switch trains and still in good time to make it back as promised. Remember when I said I had a few beers and didn't catch lunch? The boos caught up with me and I fell asleep with the train in heading north. I woke up 30 minutes past Lancaster station and on my way to Scotland. I had missed my stop and would have to wait until Carlisle to get off and correct the situation. One frantic phone call later, one very sobered up Katrina gets back on the train and waits out the journey back to Lancaster, where I am sure I will catch a lot of shit for mucking up the journey. Dinner ready and a British movie to cap off the night put me to ease after my self-induced stressful afternoon.

After a peaceful Tuesday hanging out with Katie, Stu's roommate, we head to his parents house to have tea and bid farewell until Barcelona. Stu has hooked me up with a ride to Scotland and a place to with his sister after I detour to Glasgow. In about a week we will reunite in my still favorite country, ESPANA!