Liverpool

 I think the biggest problem many of us have had this summer is what on earth to do with the kids when its raining. I have managed to get the family out and hiking on a few reluctant occasions but I think if I tried it in a downpour I would have a mutiny on my hands. Shopping gets very expensive and we have done Blue Planet to death, having done the "there's a fish, there's another fish, can we get ice cream now" whirlwind 15 minute tour on several occasions!
So Carl came up with the brainwave of Liverpool. Only been once many years ago (remember buying Maisie the cutest pink hat and frilled poncho. She was a baby then, 14 now). The idea was to visit Liverpool One, the new shopping centre which I have heard great things about, then visit the Albert Docks perhaps.
The day started off well with us having coffee and cake in Thorntons Cafe. Didn't know they did cafes but will search them out again. Really, really nice choice of cakes and you get a free chocolate with every drink.
Apart from that, Liverpool One is like any city centre shopping. Its big and has all the big named shops, only unlike the Trafford Centre, it is all outside which isn't so much fun in the rain. So then we headed for the Albert Docks.

 This was more like it. The buildings are fabulous and you get some wonderful reflections in the water. There are loads of boats in the water and there were many photo opportunities. Had to keep dodging showers tho. I really do need to get some sort of waterproof case for the camera.

Around the Albert Docks are loads of wonderful restaurants serving a huge variety of food where you could sit outside and watch the ships. We wimped out as it was pretty darned chilly but as we were in our restaurant waiting for our lunch, one of the waiters was putting blankets on the outside tables for those souls a little hardier than us. Isn't that a fabulous idea!

 After lunch the heavens opened and walking around outside wasn't really possible. There are some wonderful buildings in Liverpool, so I am going to have to make another visit soon.

Something I did see and like were the bikes for hire.

You paid your couple of pounds into the meter and then you could cycle around the city. Such a fabulous idea and there had obviously been a few takers as well. I've played around with selective colour on this as most of the other colour was washed out anyway, so I thought it looked better just to take it out and let the green dominate.

We then made our way to the Museum of Liverpool which is a fantastic place. Free entry, which is rare these days, and so much to see. From early industry and Liverpools part in the slave trade, up to modern music, of course with a large part about the Beatles. There was something for everyone.
And of course it helped that you could look out at the horrible weather from the warmth of being inside!

On the way back, walking by the Mersey, came across the Love Locks. Hundreds of inscribed padlocks adorning the railings. Beautiful to see.

Lessons Learned: Yet again, Carl has had a good idea so I might just have to keep him!

Diet Diary: Still got a few days to go before I rejoin Slimming World so am making the most of it!