First of November is here. The day Britain left the oppressive clutches of Brussels! The final deadline for Brexit. As Boris Johnson, the Prime Minister of United Kingdom, expressed his deepest aspirations: “I'd rather be dead in a ditch than ask for Brexit delay“. No more delays; the gloriously renegotiated deal (that EU “refused” to negotiate) is here!
Except that Britain didn’t leave. Again. Déjà vu. Poor Boris had to ask for yet another postponement. Now he wishes he was dead in a ditch.
There was one naïve fool who actually believed that Brexit would be real this time: me! I had to participate two trainings held in England, so the trips were scheduled well before the Brexit deadline to ensure smooth travels for alien scum like me. My first visit was to Manchester area in the beginning of October, and Surrey region to the south of London a couple of weeks later.
I had never visited Northern England before so I combined the first trip with a little bit of solo travel and sightseeing. My destination of choice was the picturesque Lake District, a relatively short drive from Manchester. The Lake District, also known as the Lakes or Lakeland, is a mountainous region in North West England and it is arguably the prettiest corner of the country. The area is ideal for relaxing in the atmosphere of the countryside and doing outdoors activities like hiking. The only downside is that it tends to rain a bit on the British Isles, and on the West coast in particular. I got only one semi-decent day for wandering: slogging knee-deep in the mud is just not for me. On a positive note, I had more time for exploring the local cuisine and ale in the pub. You know you’ve done something right when you gain a kilo or two in a weekend you dedicated for exercising.
My second visit to UK was more work-heavy and I didn’t have time for sightseeing, except for a little excursion to London. All the local colleagues were well versed in the twists and turns of the Brexit saga so it was interesting to listen to their musings, and everyone seemed to be taking it all with a sufficient amount of British humour. "Why does Britain like tea so much?” -”Because tea leaves."
Anyway, without further ado, here’s some snaps.
Waiting for a train in Manchester.
View from the Royal Albert Dock in Liverpool.
Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem in Nottingham - established in 1189!
Finally in the Lake District: stopping by at Ambleside.
Castlerigg Stone Circle in Kendal, from 3000BC.
Derwentwater from Friars Crag.
Ashness Bridge.
Honister Pass.
Gatesgarthdale Beck.
Lake Buttermere.
My favourite hobby is still cowtography.
I had some spare time while waiting for the flight home, so I joined a stadium tour at Old Trafford, the largest club-owned stadium in England.
The stadium is known as the Theatre of Dreams, because that’s where the team is currently enjoying success: in their dreams.
Trip number 2 was to a town called Reigate. I really liked the place, it’s a lovely little town.
How can it possibly always rain!?
Rain rain rain…
River Thames. My colleague and I took the train to London and tried to cover all the necessities in a couple of hours.
Palace of Westminster.
I could almost hear John Bercow shouting ooORDERr from here!