Day 6- Manchester

I didn't take my computer with me on my weekend excursion so I apologize for the giant photos, lack of photo captions and organization, and the inconstancies in the font. My day started at 7:00, so it was an early one. I decided to try out one of my pack of 3 peaches that I bought for €1 the other day; they were not quite ripe yet, hopefully they'll be perfect by the time I get back! I made my way to the main train station, Gare Part-Deux, and worried I was in the wrong car or even on the wrong train but I have a bit more faith in myself than that. On the way toward Paris I saw a bit of the countryside that included one deer, lots of fields and vineyards, cows and sheep, and little lakes with swans. I would've taken photos but I don't think they would've come out well at 200 kilometers per hour. After about 20 minutes I fell asleep. I'm sure I woke up several times from the noisy French guys in front of my blaring their French techno music and talking loudly. After my arrival in Paris, I wasted no time getting to the metro to get to the bus station. Luckily, I didn't have to change metro stops. I became embarrassed for America when the only sound on the train besides the train itself was a loud group of American tourists with cameras around their necks going to the Louvre. Another group was talking loud and using foul language. Way to go America! 

I got to my bus and quickly fell asleep as we left Paris (it's been a long week, I'm tired). As I got to the airport and waited in line to get my ticket stamped, one lady was having a fit about her bag not being allowed as a carry on because it was too big. An airline employee even came over to help her puy the bag in the carry on size bucket to show her it wouldn't fit. I do understand why she would be upset, but I thought it was funny to watch and worth sharing.

After making it through security I stopped for lunch and got a sandwich, dessert, and drink combo meal, using up the last of my euros I had with me. I tried out an Orangina, which was a lot like my beloved Fanta except less sugary, and with traces of pulp. And guess what Ma?! I got a cannoli!

After what seemed like an eternity we finally headed for the plane. As I boarded, I prepared to give my now standard "bonjour" but I was a bit thrown off when the flight attendant said "hi" and "thank you very much" as I showed him my ticket. It was nice to hear English again, but it sounded weird to hear it. I slept through most of the plane ride but woke up right before landing and took some photos of the mountains near Manchester.

As we landed the flight staff said over the intercom, "for those of you who smoke, we recommend you quit" and then went on to say to wait until exiting the terminal to light up. I thought that was really funny. On my way through UK customs I met another American, who was from Michigan, who recommended a site called airbnb which is people who rent out their homes or apartments for really cheap prices, I may consider that for my next trip!

After leaving the airport I got on the train to head to the city and, after getting on the train, I saw a Tesco which I was excited about (I've missed British stores).

Once I arrived at my hostel I relaxed a bit before heading to get dinner. My plan was to get dinner at Burger King which was where I went on my first night last time I came to Manchester (so classy). On a whim I decided to see what was good in my general area (thanks to my handy dandy trip advisor app). I found Teacup Kitchen, my new favorite place to eat in Manchester! I got the Moroccan cous cous with falafel and hummus, normally this wouldn't be my first choice but it sounded promising and ended up being probably one of the best things I ever ate! I also ordered a pot of sunshine earl grey tea (black teas infuses with bergamot, pink grapefruit, and exotic flowers); this hit the spot! It was like sunshine in a cup! Especially since it had started to rain. When they gave me the tea they also gave me a countdown timer to let me know when the tea was done steeping, how cool is that?! For dessert I got my favorite British treat, a scone with clotted cream and jam that was shaped in a heart.

My tea and the timer

scone with clotted cream and jam

Moroccan cous cous and falafel with hummus

After dinner, still feeling the good feelings of a great meal, I headed back to the train station to pick up my train tickets for my trip to Windermere tomorrow to go to the Lake District. I then browsed some shops to kill some time before headed back to the hostel. The people so far in my room are a guy from Memphis (who is very nice), a guy from Taiwan, a girl from Chicago, a girl from Australia, and some guy who I don't know where he is from. Unfortunately my bed sits right next to a window which means I hear all the sounds of the pubs on our street and the people going in and out of them. Maybe tomorrow I can buy some earplugs. On the plus side, I'm right next to a power outlet! Below you will see the view from my room. Have a good evening!