As the coach raced west into the oncoming storm, buffeted by black clouds, I had to wonder what windy Liverpool had in store. But I needn’t have worried. On the edge of the city the sun suddenly appeared, and I received a right royal welcome. Liverpool One bus station is perfectly placed if, like me, you’re on a whistle stop visit. Simply cross over the Strand and you’re face to face with the grandeur of the Waterfront. The wind might have tugged at my coat tails, but I had a permanent smile on my face. And everyone smiled back!
There is no doubt that Liverpool is a maritime city. The River Mersey rolls choppily away into the Irish Sea, part of a long history of seafaring. The Industrial Revolution established Liverpool as a major port, trading in coal and cotton, and also in slaves. In the 19th century it was a chief point of embarkation for North America, flooded with the mass of Irish immigrants resulting from the Potato Famine. The trio of the Royal Liver Building, Cunard and the Port of Liverpool buildings, collectively known as the ‘Three Graces’, dominate the Waterfront, an enduring symbol of the city. Since its decline, the dockland has been handsomely converted to tourism. Albert Dock is now home to Tate Gallery, the Merseyside Maritime Museum, International Slavery Museum and The Beatles Story, with shops and restaurants galore.
The fierce looking cat, chasing those rats, is made from around 1000 recycled milk containers, collected by employees of the Cunard Building and sculpted by local artist Faith Bebbington. The Leeds-Liverpool canal terminates at the small marina in Canning Dock.
Like most people, I seem to see pink everywhere I go these days. I hope you’re In the Pink this morning, Becky? Waffles for breakfast?
Does anyone remember Billy Fury? He played my home town once and I was an excited member of the audience. Now his statue stands by a small green in front of the Pump House, his back to the river and the elements. Keeping him company, a hopeful family of emigrants.
The Museum of Liverpool thrusts its nose towards the river, the words Imagine and Peace pleading to be heard. I know I will have to return later, but for now I have a different destination. The main purpose of my visit is to see the Terracotta Warriors exhibition at the World Museum. The wind continues to whip round corners as I try to orient myself. High on the skyline I have spotted the Radio City Tower. Officially St. John’s Beacon, created as a ventilation shaft for the shopping complex below, in 1970 it was home to a revolving restaurant. Radio broadcasting transferred to the 140 metre high tower in July 2000. What an exciting place to work! I should just have time to whizz up the tower in the high speed lift for that panoramic view. With rain forecast the following day, it’s now or never.
From the tower I observe the Waterfront in miniature, and the two cathedrals- part of tomorrow’s itinerary. Almost directly beneath me, the World Museum. I have only to cross the small green park and I’m there. But first I have to check into my accommodation, chosen for its proximity to the exhibition. From the photo on the website I imagine I’m sleeping in a cupboard in Sleep Eat Love, but my ridiculously cheap single room, with ensuite, is amazing value for a city centre stopover. I sleep well after my exertions.
I don’t intend to share all of my Terracotta Warrior images with you today. I really feel they deserve a post of their own. This is just a glimpse of what captivated me, and if you’re quick you may still have time to see them for yourself. China’s First Emperor and his warriors are on display till 28th October.
I’d like to leave you with an exhibition that moved me deeply. Liverpool will always have a place in my heart as the birthplace of the Beatles. No-one was more horrified than me that day in October 1980 when John Lennon was shot dead. In the time since then his widow has done an amazing job at promoting world peace and keeping his memory alive. Yoko and the Museum of Liverpool present Double Fantasy.
As you can probably imagine, life is a little hectic right now, but I do hope to share my Warriors with you, and a glimpse of my second day in Liverpool, before I head for the Algarve next weekend. I hope that you’ve enjoyed this one half as much as I did. And now to share some walks.
Debbie starts us off with some brilliant street art, and videos to show how it’s done :
Off to a Wonderful Wedding in Berlin
Banactee finds a little more, in hidden corners of Hamburg :
The Color Palette in the streets of Hamburg
Humble apologies to Shelley. I neglected to include this beautiful post last week. Please pay her a visit!
To be a traveler, or not to be
Ever been to Lake Ontario? Jackie is always good company! :
Toasting Marshmallows and Movie Popcorn
This is how beautiful the Philippines can be. Lady Lee shares precious time spent with family :
Haven’t you always wanted to visit Savannah? I have! Let Alice show you around :
Live in the north west of England? Sharon has some great walks for dog owners :
Ten fido-friendly Country pubs you can walk to from Clitheroe
Yay! Mel has finished the Via Francigena. Time off for good behaviour :
Day 40 – FINAL DAY – Via Francigena- La Storta to Roma
Lovely Cathy keeps trecking, but posts about the native American’s survival methods, in an extremely difficult climate :
The Sandal Trail through Navajo National Monument
That’s it for Jo’s Monday walk for a little while, though I will keep in touch. Please look after yourselves till then. I’m off out into the sunshine for a last walk with my Hartlepool group.
restlessjo 
Looks like an amazing waterfront. I like the combination of modern buildings and old history.
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I really enjoyed Liverpool, Otto. I’d meant to visit for the longest time 😃
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My friends saw the Terracotta warriors when they went to China Jo and said it was an amazing experience. You’ve taken some lovely photos out and about in Liverpool – I’ve only been there once and that was years ago! Will miss the Monday Walks – thanks for coordinating it all and writing such interesting walks of your own each week! Hope you’re settling into your new life in Portugal! xx 🙂
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Thanks darlin. Yes there’s a lot to do but between painting and decorating we’ve seen lots of friends and done walks. I hope to get a post up soon but not a walk. Normal service will eventually be restored I hope 😀😀 xx
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No hurry at all Jo you’ve plenty of other things to do – painting is hard work!! The weather must be lovely at this time of year – I always enjoy Autumn in Perth and the climate is similar to southern Portugal from what I’ve heard 🙂 🙂
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Liverpool is nothing like I imagined so I thank you for sharing this interesting city. 🙂
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It’s a friendly and lovely place. Glad you enjoyed it Karen 😃😃 xx
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Hectic! And yet you still manage to keep up with blogging. Amazing!
I think my favorite was the cat chasing the rats. A perfect use for 1000 recycled milk containers (presumably plastic?)
Wishing you endurance for the coming move, but think of where you’ll end up! 😀
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Thanks a lot, Gunta! 🙂 🙂 Almost there…
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Schöne Hommage Jo an John Lennon…
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Ja! 🙂 🙂 Danke, Ernst!
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Thank you for sharing this walk! I’ve been to England twice but never made it to Liverpool. And wishing you all the best with your move! Thank you for all your encouragement and generosity in sharing our blog posts. You’re a gift to this blogging community! (I ran out of time and didn’t have a chance to write a blog post last week, but I’m enjoying reading everyone else’s posts.)
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That’s very kind of you to say. 😃 I enjoy what I do. Frustrating sometimes not to have enough time but no worries. I’ll be back xx
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I confess I’ve never visited Liverpool but it has been on my list for some time now. My husband and I loved weekend city trips but never made it there and I can’t persuade a friend to accompany me to Liverpool and I really want company while I’m there, mainly for walking around at night Your images have spurred me on to push harder.
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Push, Mari! Push! 🙂 🙂 So worth it! I hope to post the sequel to this on Friday. I was a single woman, there on my own, having a good singalong in the Cavern and the friendliest atmosphere ever. I know there can always be problems, but that applies anywhere, doesn’t it?
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Liverpool looks like it is a mixed bundle. It certainly throws up quirky things your way. Bebbington’s work is fabulous! As an aside, I would not care to be chased by those fierce rodents 😛
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Not a fan of rats! Even milk bottle carton ones 🙂 🙂 Fantastic city! I can recommend if you ever have the option.
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We are thinking of it next year. I will keep Liverpool in mind. Though knowing our weakness for West Country and the Cotswolds, we might just end up with a comfort vacation! 🙂
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Never ever been to Liverpool but keep hearing how great it is now. Your photos have reinforced everything I’ve heard Jo, looks like so much to see and some wonderful walks. It’s not all Beatles as a lot of people seem to think.
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I am a huge Beatles fan, Jonno. That was my era, and I thought I would spend all my time here doing Beatles related things, but you’re right- there’s so much more. I did enjoy a singalong in the Cavern though. Hope to post sequel to this on Friday for my last one. Bit manic otherwise. 🙂 🙂
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It looks like my kind of city and it’s been on the edge of ,y radar for a while. Great photos you’ve shared and these first warrior pics are not how I imagined. Have a lovely day sweetheart, I’d better get moving!
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You better had! 😦 😦 Love you, hon! Fantastic, vibrant city, Gilly. Lost my heart. Again! 🙂
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The pink bus literally pops out! Love the blue skies and their reflections the glass facades of the buildings. The Liverpool Museum looks like an interesting place to visit. This walk is quite different from the past week. 🙂
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I was going to give the pinks a post of their own, but decided I really didn’t have time. 🙂 🙂 I do try to keep my ‘walks’ as varied as I can, and often they’re not literally walks so much as places I have walked to. I fell in love with Liverpool and it’s people last week. I think you might too, Cheryl 🙂
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“Like most people, I seem to see pink everywhere I go these days.” Ain’t that the truth! I was just walking through the reception area at work and spotted the mandatory corporate flower arrangement. What did I think? “ooh, three kinds of pink flowers!”
Those Terracotta Warriors are amazing, aren’t they? I’ve seen the whole terracotta army in China, the sheer scale is breathtaking.
There’s a great mix of old and new in your Liverpool photos. It’s always good to see a successful redevelopment of an area.
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The problem arises when the challenge stops and the pinks keep cropping up, Karen. 🙂 🙂 Yes, fascinating, the Warriors! I woke this morning with the intent to write that piece. I won’t be able to give it the time and detail it needs, but at least a flavour. Liverpool is a city that can easily capture your heart, and it has the friendliest people ever!
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oh what a post, Jo! reading this brought fond memories of my visit to Liverpool long time ago. the photos and historical account are awesome. am a big fan of the Beatles, some of their music now ringing in my ears. thank you! 🙂
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I had a great evening singing along in the Cavern too, hon. 😃😃 Thanks so much xx
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