If you know me at all, as I assume most of you do, you know that the number one reason that I came to England was to visit Liverpool. I chose not to study there because, well who wants to live in Liverpool? No one. But I figured that London would be close enough that I could visit and still live in an interesting city for the summer. And why not another part of the UK? The English music scene is my friend. Lily Allen, Kate Nash, Mumford and Sons, Frank Turner. All my friends. With that in mind, you can understand how devastated I was to find out that I would probably not make it to Liverpool.
As the weekends rolled by, I pushed my dream back so that I could travel with my friends to places that
they were more interested in seeing. Paris, Wales, and Brighton were all fun. But I need Liverpool. As my last weekend drew closer, the prices increased for a roundtrip train ticket. Ultimately, none of my friends were willing to spend the outstanding amount of pounds that it would take to make the day trip. In my mind, that was the end of it. Dreams shattered, but I'd live. It was not until my dad convinced me to go that I worked up the courage to make the trip by myself. Again, if you know me, you know that I don't do many things alone. Even in my room, I'm hanging out with the love of my life and my cat, Travis. But my dad assured me that I could do it alone and so I took his advice and bought the tickets.
It was the best decision I have made since I got here. Thanks, dad. A newly discovered joy of traveling alone came over me. It was an extension of my recent realizations that museums are better done alone. At no point did I need to apologize for how long I wanted to stay somewhere or explain why something was meaningful to me. I was my own companion and holy crap it was wonderful. I should also mention that I did not use a map or ask for directions for the entire time I spent in Liverpool. Be sure to pat me on the back next time you see me.
The craziest thing about traveling alone is walking around a town or museum for hours and then realizing you haven't uttered a single word the entire time. I could talk for days and I view it as a personality flaw. So think of my surprise when I was silent (and awake!) for hours on end. Most importantly, I realized that I am okay in my own company. I am getting emotional just writing this post and reminiscing on the growth I felt. Maybe it doesn't seem like a big deal, but to me, it was the most life-altering thing that happened to me in London.
So what did I do?
- I woke up at 7 -- that is important because it's not really my thing. Then made my way to the train station early so as not to miss my train in typical Gigi fashion.
- I slept for the entirety of the train ride. Embarrassingly, a kind woman had to wake me up and tell me that everyone had gotten off the train and that I should probably wake up.
- I walked to the docks and found the Beatles Story museum. The exhibits, put together by John Lennon's sister, were essentially recreations of important scenes in Beatles history with history lessons laced in. I would be lying if I said that I did not know most of the information and stories presented. Call me a fanatic, I call myself awesome.
- An audio guide led me through the halls narrated by John Lennon's sister. It also incorporated sound bytes from the likes of Lennon, McCartney, Epstein, Martin, and every other person that was a part of the story.
A branch cut from John Lennon's favorite tree that once stood in Aunt Mimi's backyard
How can two such good looking gentlemen be in one picture? HOW?!
This was in a room of mirrors making you feel like a part of Beatlemania.
I never thought I would read this sign. Or that there would be a need for one.
Inside of the Yellow Submarine
Again, if you're alone, you need to be confident in taking some selfies.
The clever seating in the John Lennon exhibit at the end of the tour
- I spent about an hour in the gift shop, carefully picking out pins for my pin collection. I bought three and they are wonderful.
- I WENT ON A MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR! There were no drugs and none of us were famous or going on a spiritual journey but come on! Look at this bus!
- Here are pictures of some of the places we drove by or stopped at:
Birthplace of Ringo Starr
Ringo's Childhood Home
Penny Lane!
View of Penny Lane
George Harrison's Childhood Home
Brian Epstein's Home
Where John and Paul First Met
(the highest roof belongs to the building)
Written by Me at Strawberry Fields
(same as at Abbey Road)
Strawberry Field
John Lennon's Childhood Home While with Aunt Mimi
Paul McCartney's Childhood Home
- I adored my tour guide. This man saw me traveling by myself and took it upon himself to take a picture for me at each location. I was terrified that I would not have a single picture of myself in Liverpool, but at every stop he would tell us about where we were and then immediately turn to me and ask for my camera. He and I also talked about all things Beatles. I told him about the World of the Beatles course I had taken and he asked me why I love Paul but sometimes want to punch him in the face. It was a great feeling to talk to someone that loved the Beatles as much as I do. The best thing about the tour is that he expected each attendee to know the basics. I was nervous that he would have to describe how they met or what their names were (gasp!). But instead, he got down to the real story. Brian Epstein, Mimi, Igor, Ivan. The whole bunch! I definitely recommend the tour.
- The tour ended at the Cavern Club essentially saying, "Go make your dreams come true." I spent the longest time just standing in the tunnel that they called a concert venue and soaked in the history. Although it was partially tainted by the fact that the original club had been demolished but then rebuilt with the same bricks, it was still chilling. There was a man performing covers. Mostly Beatles songs were covered, but he changed it up a bit.
Part of "Imagine"
"Bohemian Rhapsody"
"Wonderwall"
- After being in one of the most important concert venues EVER, I walked around Liverpool for about three hours trying to decide between seeing more sights (most importantly the grave of Eleanor Rigby) or resting my feet, which felt like they had been chewed to nubs. Ultimately, out of respect to my health and the health of my wallet, I rested until boarding my train home. You can't fulfill all of your dreams in one day. I guess I will just have to go back!
This day, July 19th 2013, changed my life. I only hope that all people who are traveling get the opportunity to feel themselves change the way that I did on this day.
