My second day in Nottingham I did make an effort to see some of the sights...I went to the Galleries of Justice and had the greatest tour. They issued each person on the tour a convict number, then we had a mock trial (dress up and everything!), the criminal was sentenced to death and led down to the holding facility. This court room and facility were used for a very long time and the last trial there was held in 1986. It was super interesting and the views of the city over the walls of the compound were amazing!
Then I caught my train to Liverpool and settled into my hostel, which was right on the water! My first all girls suite! Super cool. I met this really sweet girl from Finland, total rocker chick, with the funnest (yeah I know it's not a word...) hair! Anyway, I put my stuff away and headed to meet Craig (my friend from Leeds) at the venue. We shared some pints down the road a bit in this bar that is a converted church...but they didn't do much converting. They actually kept the altar and everything...that must be a bit sacrilegious!
Anyway, the show was amazing and fun to be there with a friend...Jonah asked me if there was anything I would like to hear that I hadn't yet...then he opened the show with my request! It was very cool. After the show we chatted and hugged, and he told me he'd keep trying to surprise me! Cool night indeed!
The next day I toured Liverpool, which may just be the best place I visited! It's beautiful there! I took a City Explorer bus, equipped with a guide, and learned a lot about the city's history and of course...The Beatles! I did some shopping and had lunch at a cafe on the water. It was peaceful and relaxing! I didn't really want to leave there!
Sadly, I left Liverpool the next morning and headed for Bristol. Bristol was rainy and cold, then sunny and cold! It was also very pretty though and I had a blast shopping in the markets! I caught up on sleep and emails. Went to my final Jonah show in the UK, kind of sad! But I'm so tired! It was an awesome night and a perfect close to a wonderful tour/holiday!
I learned so many things while traveling! For starters...there aren't many people who know where Missouri is...they all think it's in the south. I learned that "trackies" are the ones to watch out for on bikes...they'll steal your purse. I learned Nottingham is nicknamed "Shottingham," and is thought of as the gun capital of England! Just like being home in St. Louis huh? It really wasn't that bad! There's so many other things I'm leaving out, just too many to remember!
Anyway, I am happy to be home! I had a whole lot of fun while I was away though! For those that would like to write to me...the normal paper and pencil way...here's my address while I'm here:
19 Glyn-Dwr Avenue
PONTYPRIDD
Mid Glamorgan
CF37 5PD
And for those that would like to call, via Skype or whatever, I can be reached on my cell phone at: +44 7826044385
Cheers!