Last Day, Mom UK Tour 2007

by chris cunningham

Last day with Mom, here she is…

“Sunday morning – Liza picked us up about 11:00 to do a “driving tour” as we wind our way to the train station in Liverpool. She stayed the night with Soraya and Pat stayed with Veronica, Rick and Ava. We drove to Blackpool which felt like a small version of Santa Monica without all the people. Lots of hotels lining the beach walk and carnival type rides. Few people on the beach streets this grey Sunday morning. This stretch of beachside towns feels more like Southern California on a cloudy winter day and I can imagine the summer visitors strolling the shoreline and the flavor of a busy small Santa Monica.

We were able to stop by Veronica and Rick’s and was happy to hear that Ava was feeling much better. Liza had gone to the clinic with Veronica and Rick (after we returned from dinner the evening before) in order for Ava to see a doctor. Was nice to see Rick again and have the chance to meet Veronica! Ava was sleeping soundly but what a “sleeping beauty” she was in a bundle of pink! Veronica graciously served us tea and cookies by a cozy fire – lovely setting to visit! Veronica took me on tour of their home and it is a delightful 3 story house built in 1907 with beautiful leaded glass windows in nearly every room. We bade farewell to them and Pat joined us for our ride to Liverpool, stopping briefly at Soraya’s.

Liza pointed out and snapped pics for me of the historic buildings of Liverpool as we made one last whirlwind tour before having to be at the station. As our time shortened, we got our tickets and noticed policeman – EVERYWHERE. Ok, so what is happening or going to happen? Seems the Manchester football team played Liverpool and won and the police were escorting the Manchester fans safely to the train. Policemen on horses surrounded the supporters and policemen with dogs, in cars and on foot were prepared to act if needed. Soon, they all disappeared apparently without incidence.

We bade farewell and started down the platform to board and as we approached each car there was not a seat to be had! Went all the way to the end and nothing available. No worry, another train in an hour-bet for sure we will be on that one! Sat down to eat a bite and then we were the first in line for the next train – which was not near as full-we even got a table so Chris was able to download pics and I am actually writing this ON the train – pretty cool, huh??!! We get into London late so is really nice to be able to do this now.

Well, England, Good-bye! I have had a wonderful time!

Chris here. When we got back into London I had booked a hotel near the train station, the Ibis Hotel, which later Liza called The Abyss. Right she was. Not so good, but it was fine for a cheap overnight stay. We got up on Monday and took the Tube over to Heathrow and got there in plenty of time. We had breakfast in one of the terminals before getting her to the gate and off she went. All smiles and back to the America. I’m taking the train back to Liverpool this afternoon, but first I’m meeting a couple friends for lunch in London. Funny how small the world is, I met up with Chris and Kim, and at the same restaurant was another friend sitting next to us. This week will be some kicking back at Liza’s and doing a bit of local sight seeing before heading home for Christmas.