Liver and Wales

My recent visit to this year's Cultural Capitol of the World was full of surprises.  For those of you who still aren't sure of which city I'm speaking, it is none other than Liverpool.  As a lifelong, diehard Beatles fan, I was fascinated with this coastal English city.  I visited the Beatles Story Museum, partied at the Cavern Club (where the Beatles first played), and ate lunch on Albert Dock.  If I had had a little more time... and money... I would have definitely gone on the tour of signature Beatles sites around the city, but perhaps next time.

The trip wasn't all about the Fab Four, however.  We did get to experience a little taste of the

 cultural celebration of the year.  I spent several hours walking around the Tate Liverpool art museum.  This was an amazing experience.  The Tate Liverpool is one of four Tate art museums around England, all of which house amazing collections that cover all genres.  After seeing three floors at the Tate, we headed across town to the Open Eye Gallery.  This small building houses various photography exhibits throughout the year.   

Finally, the night life in Liverpool is incredible.  Matthew's Street is where the Cavern Club is located.  Over the decades, this area has grown into a hub of night clubs and pubs with an amazing music culture.  Local musicians were playing at every other establishment.  Even the street musicians were out at all hours, providing endless entertainment.  It was quite a laugh (as the English say).

The final leg of this particular journey took place in an idyllic town in Northern Wales called Conwy.  The Welsh language doesn't favor the use of vowels it seems, but the town is pronounced "conway".

  The town itself is known as the "Walled Town" due to the fact that it is surrounded by Medieval castle walls.  The first thing you see when entering the town is the looming Conwy Castle, reachable only by a bridge that stretches across the inlet made by the Irish Sea.  The streets are narrow and made of cobblestone.  The charm of the locals complete this picture-perfect experience.  This will probably be the only representation I have of Wales while I am living in Cambridge.  Regardless, it was one of the most relaxing and enjoyable stays I have had so far.