In my previous post, I shared my journey to Speke Hall in Liverpool.
On my return to the town, Mum decided to walk back to the boat and I decided to walk around the town. We'd been given some maps with walking routes on by the tourism team by the ship.
I left Mum and I had a look in a bookshop and artshop which was quite nice and bought one or two Caran Dache watercolour pencils to supplement my shortening set at home.
Then, I followed the walking route.
The first interesting sight was the entrance to China Town, this attractive, intricately-decorated arch.
Beside it, was, I believe, a library building, but I forget in retrospect.
I then headed into the Anglican Cathedral. The red brick building was really attractive with the traditional Cross-like shape.
Inside, the height of the ceilings was really impressive. It had a quiet calm to it.
There was an art exhibition going on in there which suggests the space is versatile and they use it for different purposes. I was delighted by this wonderful stained glass window.
I love it when the details and colours are tiny like this and it is not immediately obvious what the image is.
I cannot imagine how long it took to create this mosaic-like window.
I stood scrutinising every detail of the window for a long time.
Looking upwards,although it lacks the colours of the window, the detail was attractive.
I would have liked to have sat for a while and maybe prayed but I didn't find anywhere to sit.
Outside was this Mausoleum.
After leaving the beautiful cathedral, I saw the Magical Mystery Tour Bus in all its brilliant hues driving past.
There were a few of these decorated animals around.
It passed me again.
I thought this sign was clever for Host which was a wine bar.
There's another one.
Next, I saw the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra's concert hall. I have a friend who used to play clarinet for them- she still does a bit but has had children.
It was appropriate seeing the bar called 'The Flute' next.
Apparently, the Philharmonic pub is famous.
The next item on my tour was the Catholic Cathedral, St Patrick's.
It was a total contrast to the Anglican cathedral. So modern. I liked the way it looked like a crown on top- like a modern take on Jesus's crown of thorns.
Inside, I was told that mass was on but I was welcome to come and sit and have a quiet look around.
I cannot tell you how utterly sublime it was inside.
I felt quite emotionally overcome by the beauty, hushed calm and the feeling of holiness in this place. I actually shed tears as I walked around.
The Mass was Sung mass and they were singing beautiful Renaissance Polyphony which I was so glad to hear. In all honesty, coming into this place of tranquility and such a strong sense of God really made the trip to Liverpool for me. Discussing Liverpool later with our fellow table members, others said that this was the highlight of the whole cruise so far and these were not Christians.
The interplay of light and colour in the Cathedral was something else.
I stayed for a while there, I really did feel reluctant to leave.
If you ever go to Liverpool, I will tell you that you cannot miss this place. It is truly awe-inspiring and I use that word in its proper sense, not in the overused superlative for something quite insignificant it is usually used for.
It seemed intricate and simple at the same time which I think is where its power lay.
With great regret, I left the cathedral, as time was passing rapidly.
One final glance and then onwards I went.
There was another beautiful church.
Around the town, there was some intriguing graffiti too.
I glanced into one of two shops but I kept looking around (and forgot to take photos).
I realised I needed to head back to the ship but nearby, I saw this interesting and attractive water structure with some Egyptian influence.
A final glance saw this intriguing melage of contrasting buildings.
I'd missed many elements of the city, such as the Beatles experience and a few other things but for me, seeing the places of beauty I'd seen, including Speke Hall,made this an unexpectedly delightful day given that I hadn't had high hopes for it.
Our next stage of the journey was to be Dublin. Would it be such a spectacle as Liverpool.
xx
