26-Jul-2026
Hard on the heels of that excellent day out in Peel came a day and a half of hard yakka. We'd forgotten what a logistic challenge it is to get yourself ready for travel, and your house ready for visitors, at the same time...
Finally, though, the rucksacks were loaded, the beds made, the floors mopped. We said goodbye to the little house, along with a little prayer that the plants won't die, and our guests will be happy. And we caught the bus to Douglas.
First nice thing: The Ticket Hall, the little cafe at Douglas Railway Station, where they'll serve you an excellent all-day breakfast (two sizes available) on a fireman's shovel:
The it all turned to custard a bit...
The boat to Liverpool was late... Always a pain, and doubly so, as a) the luggage belt had broken down, so we couldn't offload our hold baggage; b) the departure hall was insanely hot and airless; and c) the delay became longer, so they had us all queuing up for security (still schlepping our luggage), before the incoming passengers had even disembarked. So that wasn't great.
Once you're on, though, the Manannan's lounges are spacious and comfortable, and the lemon muffins are definitely to be recommended. Don't trust the fold-down tables, though:
"Hello! I'm your chirpy seat-back table. If you lower me, I will come to a halt at an angle of 135 degrees, thus ensuring that anything you place on me will end up in your lap. Come on, it's fun!!"
Nothing could prevent a late arrival, of course, but once you're off, it's quite a quick run (less than three hours) to Liverpool, and from the port it's an easy walk to our preferred Ibis hotel on Dale Street.
On the way you pass Gillie and Marc's Go Wildlife Go
So, we were soon enjoying -- oh, so very much... -- the Ibis's generous welcome glass of wine and bowl of peanuts. Sigh of relief...
We're on a different floor this time, but the theme is the same...
What's this trip all about, then? Well, it's a substitute for the summer Sarawak trip that's now been postponed until October. This one is going to consist (we hope) of England, Wales, and Ireland (the latter two not visited for a seriously long time).
The first third is going to be very busy with family celebrations and reunions with friends. Then we quieten down a bit, and slip into our usual walk-a-bit-see-a-bit-read-a-bit travel routine.
First up, however, Liverpool, which we enjoyed very much back in February.
Bring it on!