By Carine Huurman (Erasmus University Rotterdam, The Netherlands)
Time flies when you are having fun! It’s a common saying but so true.
This is already my last blog about Manchester, as I am home already for a few days. Time is up.I have to go back to my home university, write my bachelor thesis and graduate (hopefully).
Looking back, I can describe my experience in one word: incredible! Why? Okay where to start?! When I came to Manchester my bucket list only consisted of: Liverpool, Leeds, Lake District and Edinburgh. The longer I stayed in Manchester, so the longer became the list. Soon the list was extended by Birmingham, Chester, Sheffield, York, Newcastle and Glasgow. Unfortunately I couldn’t complete the list during my stay. So yes, I have to come back, what is no regret, really.
Manchester is located in a beautiful area. While Lake District, Manchester and Liverpool attract a lot of visitors each year. Tourists tend to skip Lancashire, which is a pity because it’s so beautiful. Furthermore, Manchester in itself is a city where plenty of activities are going on. Last time, I talked about the Trafford Centre. But don’t forget to pay a visit to the Central Library ( or better experience the feeling of studying there), the canals of Castlefield and Salford. When you are fed up with visiting “touristy things” go to a station( Preferably Manchester Piccadilly or Manchester Victoria) or relax in a restaurant. Watch the crowds. Watch how the Mancunians hurry to catch their bus, train and/or plane.
If you want to visit something really different, than Edinburgh is the place to go. A few days ago we visited the city and despite the rain, it was amazing. The charm of the city, the cosiness, real Scottish shops: awesome! I would highly recommend Grassmarket with its nice cute shops and.. a Harry Pottermuseum.
The next day: Lake District. It was amazing to walk around and to recover from the exam stress. Just wandering around and surrounded by nature. Let you surprise by where the paths take you. You will be impressed by what nature can give you: waterfalls, snapshots from a lake with mountains on the back.
On my last full day in Manchester area, I visited Chester. What a super charming city to walk around and get lost. With its lovely houses and shops is Chester a “must have been/seen” city.
On the last day, I decided to stay in Manchester, the place where it all began and to visit the sights I had not seen yet.
And then the time was there to hand in the keys, to go to the airport and to fly home to my Dutch loved ones. A few weeks ago, I saw a quote and I want to conclude with this: “Enter as a stranger and leave as a friend.” Although physically I won’t be in Manchester it will always have a special place in my heart! Good bye& thank you for reading!