Lovely day with Julie-Anne Neil, Rob and Valerie Dyce, who were here on the Nieuw Statendam, on a cruise around the British Isles, having been to Iceland & Greenland prior to this, next stop the Isle of Skye. First met them on the Westerdam in Apr 23 on our Japan to Seattle cruise. Brilliant to catch up with them all, considering Julie & Rob live in Australia and Val in Canada.

Not been to Liverpool for years and started with a drive past the Albert Dock area, it was raining! Next Liverpool Cathedral, the largest cathedral in the UK and the 5th largest in the world. It’s in the Gothic Revival style, designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, started in 1904 and completed in 1978. Its central tower stands at 331 feet, offering breath taking panoramic views of Liverpool, unfortunately the tower was closed today. It also has a Grand Organ: boasting 10,268 pipes, it is one of the largest church organs in the world, which you can see either side of the altar. We could only visit the rear of the church as a service was taking place.

Still on the religious theme, we then headed to the Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral known locally nicknamed “Paddy’s Wigwam” or “The Mersey Funnel”. This was the fourth attempt at building a Catholic Cathedral, architects throughout the world were invited in 1960 to design a Cathedral which would incorporate the existing Lutyens Crypt, be capable of completion within five years, cost at the current prices, no more than £1m for its shell. Of 300, Sir Frederick Gibberd’s design was chosen and building began in Oct 1962. Less than five years later it opened on 14 May 1967. Again being Sunday there was a service on and we could not take photos inside.

Best of all though lunch at the Cavern Club Restaurant with a walk around the area to see statues of John Lennon, Villa Black and the Wall of Fame.

Finished off the day with a walk along the riverbank to view the Ferry across the Merseyside, Liver Building, Museum of Liverpool, Cunard Building and last but not least the Fab 4 Statue!

Great to catch up, sure we can be in the same place at some point in the future!