Monday 18 July 2016

A rude awakening this morning – 7.30am and they are sandblasting in the building site opposite – I thought someone was jet washing the boat it was so loud!

The CRT guys came in the morning to explain that the lock gate that was leaking and the pump that kept the water levels up in the docks were being worked on and that we would not be going anywhere today.  There is not usually any passage on a Tuesday but if it is fixed for tomorrow they will get us in and the boats that are in there that want to get out, out. 

At least we were able to walk into the city and spend the day looking around.  We went to the Cathedral and had a G&T at the Philharmonic Dining Rooms.  We found the Cavern where the Beatles began, then we walked down to Salthouse Dock and had a cup of tea with a Bill and Jenny on board Sweet William – a couple that used to moor just up the river from us when we were moored on the River Great Ouze – we also saw them on the Kennett & Avon last year – the world on the canal gets smaller and smaller!

One good thing we are having the mini heatwave that they promised – we keep saying it’s just like being on holiday!

Exchange Buildings.

Stopped for an iced coffee - that was a hot walk into town.

In the Courtyard in Exchange Buildings - it reminds me of being in Patternoster Square in London.

A long climb up the hill - wow that is some Cathedral.

The stained glass windows are impressive.

The tower is apparently 100 metres high.

I must go back to see what these symbolise. 

The buildings here are great - very art deco.

Inside the Philharmonic Dining Rooms - it's just a pub!

Liszt - one of the side rooms - Brahms is  on the other side.  They just so happen to have a Gin Festival on here at the moment - very handy!

Where it all began for the Beatles.