skip to categories and archives | Search:

January 18 2009: UK: Manchester

Filed under Travel

I had possibly one of the best 24 hours ever in Manchester when staying with Tanya and her husband Mark. It sounds somewhat salacious when I say it like that, so I should probably clarify that there was no lesbian action or video cameras involved…or not on this visit anyway. Who knows what might happen in the future? Okay I lie. There may have been some action. Go to www.lesbianpornaction.co.uk. (kidding!)

We basically went out with all of Mark’s friends (they’re all really, for lack of a better word, individual) for a few drinks to celebrate him turning into an old man and getting an extra year closer to the big three-oh. I was actually surprisingly unintoxicated despite the amount that Tanya and I each imbibed – half a bottle of wine each, a cocktail, a double, about five singles…and yet my mind was incredibly clear and I was actually sober. No sign of a hangover in the morning either (though I kind of pulled an all-nighter rather than bother with sleeping), though I was somewhat dehydrated.

I think of all the cities I’ve visited thus far whilst in England, there are really only two that I could imagine myself living in for an extended period of time – Brighton and Manchester. The nightlife in both are excellent, without being impersonal. That is, you don’t feel overwhelmed walking into a place like you do in London – you don’t have to dress up to the nines, and if you want to just have a few casual drinks with friends, it’s never hard to find a good place.

Granted, Manchester’s crime and chav rate means that I probably wouldn’t walk around at night by myself, but in all other respects, I actually really liked the city when I explored it yesterday with Tanya, Jenny, and Catherine. It seemed to have a bit of everything – good dining, good shopping, good transport. You’d just need to carry some pepper spray with you at all times, but that’s easy enough.

I’m actually off to Paris tomorrow with Maren (OMG EXCITING!) for four days, which is making me squee a bit like a fangirl. A fangirl’s who’s forgotten all her high-school-level French, and who’s going to draw the anti-English wrath of the French, but a fangirl nonetheless!

12 Responses to “UK: Manchester”

  1. I’m sure you’re exaggerating about the pepper spray. In my 18 years of living in Manchester, I’ve never felt the need to use it! But maybe I just stick to the ‘safe’ areas.

    It’s not that bad, really! You should definitely come and live here! :P

    Laura on January 18 2009 #

  2. Brighton isn’t a city.

    And pepper spray is illegal in the UK.

    M on January 19 2009 #

  3. OMG Amanda. I am sooo jealous! You seem to be having soo much fun =) Can’t wait for the picturessss

    Juice on January 19 2009 #

  4. Surprisingly, the French were one of the nicest and they actually spoke English to me before I attempted (horrible) French! So I guess you never know, despite all the talk. Ahh I wanna be traveling too.

    marilyn on January 19 2009 #

  5. Wow it sounds like you’re having an amazing time! :D

    Caity on January 19 2009 #

  6. Remember those two French phrases, Amanda … “Où est la toilette?” and “Baisez-moi!” (in that order) … and you’ll be fine. :P

    Xuan on January 19 2009 #

  7. You mean I shouldn’t have spent all that money registering http://www.lesbianpornaction.co.uk? Now you tell me! D:

    Hope you’re having a faaaabulous time in Paris!

    Tanya on January 20 2009 #

  8. Next stop, Perth. :P

    Jordie on January 20 2009 #

  9. Have fun in Paris!!!! I’m sure you’ll like it there :D

    Chans on January 21 2009 #

  10. [...] it’s probably about time I began to use this blog, and what better way to start than to mention Amanda’s visit to Manchester? I must admit I was somewhat nervous about having her stay as I didn’t know her very well but my [...]

    » Amanda’s Visit Tachyon Burst on January 22 2009 #

  11. I am actually from around an hours drive north of Manchester – and every time I go there I have an absolutely fantastic time.

    I’m in Cardiff, Wales for University… you should head down there some time — it’s also a fantastic night out!

    Kelly on January 27 2009 #

  12. M, Brighton IS a city.

    Glad you had fun, Amanda. But next time, visit Wales!

    V xx

    Vixx on January 27 2009 #

Trackback URI | Comments RSS

Leave a Reply

I reserve the right to edit or delete your comment as I see fit, though I only delete comments from anonymous commenters, or people with multiple aliases. Using a genuine name/email combination will ensure that your comment is approved.