Around Wales and Liverpool

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Set off today bright and early to have a chance to briefly explore Llanludno before leaving on the train. Walked its Grand Promenade along the Irish Sea - back in the 19th century, this town was basically built for wealthy Victorians to spend a couple days by the beach. Probably one of the first true notions of modern travel as a form of leisure. Then, because the train schedule was messed up, I took a taxi to Conwy with a very nice older woman. Neil Diamond was on the radio and it made me laugh.

Conwy is only about a ten minute drive, and I think is probably the most beautiful town in Northern Wales. This whole region is dotted with castles from when Edward I conquered the Welsh in the 13th century (that's why, to this day, the heir to the throne is still called the Prince of Wales). Conwy has one of the best, and the most preserved Medieval walls in all of Great Britain. I walked along the walls, walked the seaside promenade, went through town, and then toured the awesome castle. A beautiful day as well - not a cloud in the sky. Then walked a mile back to Llanludno Junction to take the train to Liverpool.

I wasn't really expecting to like Liverpool, but ended up really enjoying this city. It's massive and has this great pedestrian only outside mall in the town center. This is where the famous Cavern Quarter is, the place where the Beatles got their start. It's filled with Beatles relics and around every corner you can hear someone covering a song. Liverpool is also home to the real Penny Lane and Strawberry Field (John Lennon added the 's'😉. Afterwards walked uptown to the biggest cathedral in England, Liverpool Cathedral. This place was great because it was actually completed only like 40 years ago - so it's like being inside Notre Dame when it first opened. I've never been in a new cathedral in Europe.

Ended the day walking to the catholic church down the block, but was uninspired and unimpressed and left. I'm spending the night in Leeds, a town in the Pennine Mountains that is actually a very cool place. It's hip and tonight in the hotel bar I listened to really bad karaoke while eating fish and chips (which are actually served with pea puree in addition to tartare sauce).

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Photos

Tegfan
Guesthouse in Llanludno

Looking Out at Irish Sea
From Llanludno promenade

Looking Down at Castle
From highest turret on walls

View of Walls from Outside
This is from where the moat once stood - which is now a road.

Bridges Back to Llanludno
All are historic - the one in the middle is one of the first suspension bridges in the world, from 1826 or something.

John Lennon Statue in Liverpool
In the Cavern Quarter

The Cavern Club
This is the rebuilt club where the Beatles first hit it big. Cover bands roar from inside.

Liverpool Cathedral
Largest in England

Boring Catholic Church
Cool architecture but I thought not that great inside - too modern.