We Went to the UK: Liverpool

Our first and last city on out trip was Liverpool. The home of Rachael and Andy (and the Beatles).

Upon arriving we took naps and then ate a lovely lunch prepared for us by Rachael. We got to meet baby Ava, who is probably cuter than most babies you know.

We ventured out on the not so dreary England day and took a train to the main shopping area and checked out the Christmas festival. We got to see the Coke truck, which is one of Rachael's favorite traditions since being there, tried some delicious food, and saw the local landscape a little. Andy picked us up from the festival and it was like no time had passed for the 3 of us being together again. (and Jessi fit in pretty well too!)

The next day we prepared for our American Thanksgiving in England. We went to a few shops and on a walk and then cooked and baked a bit before heading to Andy's parents home. It turns out they don't care much for pumpkin things, but didn't mind my first attempt at a sweet potato pie.

If ever traveling, I think it is best to know some locals so that you can see how they really live.

We watched some American football, making it seem a fairly normal Thanksgiving for being across the pond. And those Englishmen knew quite a lot more about football than I will ever know.

In Liverpool we also just spent some time in the Rachael and Andy's home. This was probably my favorite times of the trip. It was so lovely to spend time with dear friends and enjoy reminiscing and chatting about life. And watching some good BBC programming. Andy was pretty delighted that I knew who Karl Pilkington was and enjoyed watching the new show he was featured in.

We were then off to do our exploring of the other parts of the UK.

Upon returning to Liverpool, Andy picked us up and we went back to another delicious meal prepared for us by Rachael. They sell Curry sauce like spaghetti sauce and it is sooooo good.

Our last day in the UK was spent in Liverpool. Sweet baby Ava went off to the grandparents and we got to spend the day with Rachael! We went to the Docks, Mathew St (birthplace of the Beatles), and Central Perk (a replica of the coffee shop from friends). We ended the day at Rachael and Andy's home enjoying each other's company and laughing to the wee hours of the night.

I very much enjoyed our travels, but I think what I enjoyed most was being with dear friends (and a new friend who will likely become a dear friend) whom I have greatly missed in our 3 years of separation.