Right, so not much to say here. The ferry was late to the dock by an hour and a half because the other ferry was busy loading the damned motorbikes for bloody TT, and I missed the lasted train from Liverpool to Carlisle. I met a chap on the ferry over though, Chris, who was in the same state as me. He and I were originally just going to split a taxi over to Lime Street station, but after the ferry was so late, both of us had missed our trains and were up a creek. He took a taxi with me to the coach bus station, paid for it, and took me to a nearby pub and bought me a beer as well. Even though we were both in a sorry state of things (me having to pay 6 pound to get to Manchester instead of just taking the train for free with my pass) he was a jolly fine fellow who chatted with a guard on my behalf and got me the best route and fixed me up right.
Trip was alright, except I couldn’t sleep so that I wouldn’t miss my bus. Met a fellow named Roger on the first bus up who also took pity on me and stayed with me at the train station in Manchester (ironically, like Chris, he was leaving the Isle of Man for the TT races because he didn’t like them). Then just one last taxicab from the depot here in Carlisle to my Travel Inn (where they almost lost my reservation apparently, and it was the capper to an…amazing night.
Bloody hell. Need sleep. Don’t know why I’m bothering to write this but I don’t think I’ll remember it in the morning I’m so knackered.
Hi it’s Chris (from the ferry/beer@liverpool). In retrospect, I really wish that I had brought you home with me and stuck you on a train for Carlisle the next day. There was so, so much I wanted to tell you about the history and culture of the Isle of Man. For example The Laxey Wheel, The Fairy Bridge, Harry Kelly’s Cottage at Cregneish etc etc.
Really enjoyed your company and regret not being more hospitable, but at the time I considered that your main prority was getting up north, not to sit round mine, swigging beer and listening to my tales/perception how the IoM differs from it’s UK counterparts.
I hope the bus ride to Carlisle(with all it’s bloody changes) didn’t leave you too mentally and physically fatigued. I wish you all the best, and hope the rest of your stay is a pleasure and a touch more cost-effective than has been the case. The Brits, they will bleed you dry. It is called capitalism.
Let me know how things are on your return. Will continue to read your blog. Good luck. Chris
Chris Brew