It's been a nice few days here in Manchester since my last post! On school related subjects, we had a presentation on Monday which went well and our next focus is on our essay. That's enough about school... I want to share my experiences yesterday visiting Manchester!
On Wednesday, September 3rd, our group traveled to the Imperial War Museum North in Manchester. This is fitting as we have been focusing on World War I and its impact on Britain during our class seminars this week. Fun fact, the museum opened July 24th, 2002 (my birthday!) and its quite unique in its architecture. We were given two hours to explore the museum and read about the hardships both soldiers and families endured throughout the war. The topic of World War I is particularly popular this year as 2014 marks the centenary of the Great War! (1914-2014)
After looking at the exhibits, some of which were interactive (one involving trying on common clothes of the time and one involving smelling samples of distinct scents of the time such as gun powder, mustard gas, and trench foot), most of us climbed to the top of the museum which over looks the entire City of Manchester! The design is also interesting in that the floor is comprised of crates, meaning you are able to see the ground beneath your feet! (Great for a person who isn't too fond of heights, aka me) However, I was up for the challenge. The views were incredible so it was definitely worth it!
We then all gathered back onto the bus and were dropped off in the City Centre to wander into town.
A group of us went to grab lunch at a well known place called Pieminister. If you haven't already guessed from the name, the restaurant specializes in pies as well as mashed potatoes. While I wasn't feeling up for an individual pie, I opted for some tomato soup and mint mushy peas! (Side note: mushy peas are quickly becoming my favorite British treat and since I love mint, it was an added bonus). After a lovely meal, we went into a hipster-ish store called Afflecks Palace, a place recommended to us by one of our tutors, which was directly across from where we ate. The store was actually comprised of many individual shops and went up several stories! The clothes were also very cute I might add.
Once we finished looking at the merchandise, we walked back into the City Centre. It somewhat reminded me of New York City with the crowds of people, however, there were also trolly carts which move through the side walks so its best to keep your guard up at all times! A few of us then decided to pop into the Manchester Art Gallery which was very nice.
After the Art Gallery, we walked a bit more around the city before deciding to have Afternoon Tea (I sound so British!) within the Town Hall. The cafe offered something I had never seen before called 'Champagne Cream Tea' which I would have completely ordered in a heartbeat had it not been 19 pounds per person... haha.
Once we had our filling of tea and scones, we all met back up at the bus to drive back to Lancaster. However, the day was not over!! Once arriving back on campus, many of us went to Lancaster Castle to listen to the award-winning illustrator Jonny Duddle. Why might we be so interested in listening to Mr. Duddle? Because he was chosen by Bloomsbury Publishing to reimagine the magical world of Harry Potter of course! J.K. Rowling and her team at Bloomsbury asked Mr. Duddle to create new illustrations on all seven of Rowling's Harry Potter novels which were officially released to the public on September 1st! Awesome, right?? Even if you aren't a Harry Potter fan, you have to admit this is pretty cool. We listened to him speak about his concepts for each of the book covers as well as how his illustrative process evolved using a digital screen. Afterward, he signed his newly illustrated book copies.
To say that it was a busy day yesterday would be an understatement but I was definitely glad to be able to experience all of it :) Until next time!
xoxo
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