A chilly, sleet filled Sunday in Liverpool—-yes, we did a switch back and crossed the channel between Ireland and England...changing our money from Euros to British Pound Sterling, and prepared for a b-u-s ship board excursion. This is what happens when one finally gives in due to the changes in itineraries and decides to press the easy button and book an on board tour. Before leaving home, we had reviewed our options. A bus highlights tour of Liverpool-no, Eddie hates driving in traffic on a bus and looking at the exterior of buildings. It is Sunday so close by churches will not be open for lookey-loos. Forgot to mention, the dock area here in Liverpool is reclaimed land, meaning the actual city is a couple of blocks/miles in...so walking, more difficult. Good call considering the sleet and wind. The Beatles tour-too campy for the Admiral...even if it included a visit to the Fine Arts College started by and endowed by Paul McCartney. So, the Medieval Town of Chester —-that is his History Channel Brain remembering Chester as part of Alfred the Great’s favorite areas (yes, this is why he rules Trivial Pursuit) —-was our choice for today’s adventure. Well, there were three buses headed to Chester. Usually the 46 passenger buses only have 30 on board, so we can spread out in the back and have a row to ourselves and pass the camera back and forth. Nope, not on these 3 buses, remember the part about a crowded ship, well, the buses were filled to capacity...no cruiser was told no, so off we go. So, back of bus, behind 44 others...and a tour guide that was an old school teacher and it showed. During our 60 minute drive—-each way—-we were told how the Highway was constructed-not the history of why, but how, in painful detail along with the flora, fauna and wildlife roll call. We even were educated on how the charming hedges are groomed on roadways. It was an in depth tour...can I tell you how pleased The Admiral was by the time we left the bus in Chester? Our schooling was not complete, as the 46 of us strained to listen to her presentation off the bus. Remember that we have 40% with mobility issues, and 50% with hearing aides. So once My Boy Scout got his orientation of where the bus would meet us and where the shops and churches were, we struck out on our own. The Chester Cathedral is classic Church of England/Anglican cross shaped styling, in red sandstone blackened with age, pollution and probably coal fired chimneys...as sandstone tends to be soft, annual power washing is not a thing. While not offered as part of the bus tour, as it is Sunday and all, we decided it was worth a stop. Catholic Cathedrals tend to be open and free, beautifully adored. As for the Church of England, they have no problem is requesting/suggesting a donation for visiting, with a cash register...no offering plates. However, During church services all request that you refrain from picture taking, whether you paid or not...so no pictures but we managed a Christmas ornament for the collection. There were Tapestries (like wallsized) available for purchase, I almost fainted when Eddie the stitcher asked if there were kits available that were to be completed. Holy crap, Batman....an entire wall tapestry...did not see that one coming. Thankfully, that is not something they offer. Btw we do not have a wall to devote to a tapestry..medieval or otherwise....just saying. Why is this not a surprise, Eddie is always about go big or go home...guess he wanted to bring big home.
As this is the last night on board for some, a comma for others...394 others to be exact, we spent the afternoon assembling our toys (read support equipment) while leaving our clothes on hangers, so that we/they (room steward, Shaun and Alex, our butler, that we have nicknamed Lurch—-you rang) can change our rooms tomorrow in Dublin and start our GofT adventure in Northern Ireland and Iceland. We also said goodbye to our cruising friends from Portland, Ed and Betsy. They are setting out on a two week driving tour of Ireland...with Ed2 driving..wrong side of road, 75 year old less than flexible guy...glad we are staying on board! Yikes! I will take my chances with the White Walkers and the Night King from beyond the Wall.
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