Three Queens; One Magnificent City
I have said it before and I WILL say it again, but I love my city. I wasn't born here, but about 10 miles away and moved here when I was 25, so not even half my life yet.
This weekend we have played host to a fantastic sight; three massive ocean liners, all in the river, all turning, all drawing fantastic crowds from across the North West. I can testify to the crowds being massive. We went to see the three ships together on Monday and pushing through to catch a glimpse was a real job. I pity anybody who had children, or a wheelchair or a tottering relative. It was a crush.
But, oh, the majesty of seeing three.... three....ocean liners, one after another, steaming (and, yes, I know they don't steam any more!) up the river, to come to an almost full stop and then half turn to salute the crowds before executing a three point turn and sailing back up to the Pier head. I loved it, I really did.
And afterwards we went into town, to look at the books (and perhaps buy a few. How did that happen? I just do not know!) and enjoy a picnic from Tesco in the sun. First of many this year, I hope!!!
This was the closest to a family photo I took. Once upon a time they would all line up and smile, and look at me eagerly. Now I grab the shots I can.
And if you are passing by Liverpool before 9th June, there is a duck trail on, raising money for Macmillan cancer care. There are 20 large ducks to seek out and find! A downloadable trail is available and they are everywhere! We only saw 2 today; town was too crowded to hang around in. I might take Sarah back this week and just do the trail, with a stop off for coffee and cake (We'll fika, as the Swedes put it!)
This weekend we have played host to a fantastic sight; three massive ocean liners, all in the river, all turning, all drawing fantastic crowds from across the North West. I can testify to the crowds being massive. We went to see the three ships together on Monday and pushing through to catch a glimpse was a real job. I pity anybody who had children, or a wheelchair or a tottering relative. It was a crush.
But, oh, the majesty of seeing three.... three....ocean liners, one after another, steaming (and, yes, I know they don't steam any more!) up the river, to come to an almost full stop and then half turn to salute the crowds before executing a three point turn and sailing back up to the Pier head. I loved it, I really did.
And afterwards we went into town, to look at the books (and perhaps buy a few. How did that happen? I just do not know!) and enjoy a picnic from Tesco in the sun. First of many this year, I hope!!!
This was the closest to a family photo I took. Once upon a time they would all line up and smile, and look at me eagerly. Now I grab the shots I can.
And if you are passing by Liverpool before 9th June, there is a duck trail on, raising money for Macmillan cancer care. There are 20 large ducks to seek out and find! A downloadable trail is available and they are everywhere! We only saw 2 today; town was too crowded to hang around in. I might take Sarah back this week and just do the trail, with a stop off for coffee and cake (We'll fika, as the Swedes put it!)
I'm so impressed that you braved the crowds - we decided that we couldn't face them - so I'm very glad to see your photos. They're really such amazing ships. I didn't know there was a duck trail this year - we did the Superlambananas (I LOVE Superlambananas!) and the penguin trails several years ago but ducks are a great idea (especially as the duck buses are no more!). I can feel a trip into Liverpool coming on! xx
ReplyDeleteThe ducks are cute! And the crowds were immense. I was really pleased we had teenagers and not little ones, there was a lot of pushing and shoving to get near the front. I could have stood and watched forever, but I stood down and let others up to have a chance of photos and a peek.
Deletewow, very impressive xxx
ReplyDeleteIt was.
Deletei was on the Wirral side watching too. Will post my pics tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to it!
DeleteThat must have been quite a sight xx
ReplyDeleteIt was; the crowds meant it wasn't a clear sight, but it was an experience!
DeleteIt must have been incredible to be there and to see all of the ships together!! How wonderful!! Thank you for sharing your great pictures. Love the duck too!! xx
ReplyDeleteThat's what you live in a magnificent, rocking city like Liverpool for!!! (that and the houses cost less than in London....)
DeleteTake a look at his video of the event: https://youtu.be/RIRyeXGwwyg
ReplyDeleteThanks, Steve! I almost could see where I was stood; but this video is fabulous and really gets you close to the ships themselves. We could see all the press helicopters in the air, but I didn't spot any drones.
DeleteThose ships are huge - in one picture it looks as if you are just looking at a block of flats. Love what you did with the family photo there - I'm finding it impossible to take any photos of my kids where they don't scowl or moan at me. Judy.
ReplyDeleteIt was fun when we'd seen them turn and we walked along the main road to town, you could just see them in between the warehouse buildings. Warehouse buildings like the Albert Dock are about 5 or 6 stories high, but these are just as tall!
DeleteIt's one of those events that you can say 'I was there'. Definitely worth braving the crowds for. I'm envious of cities which have these trails, the ducks are so cute. I don't think Leeds has ever done anything like this. We have the Owl Trail but these are all on buildings.
ReplyDelete"And I know, because I was there..."
DeleteIsn't that a Max Boyce monologue?
We're happy we went. Even if the view was obstructed, the place crowded and the weather overcast, it was still a fun day!
And I got a book.
It must have been very special to see the three ships together. Jx
ReplyDeleteIt's one of those funny times when the experience of the event meant not getting the best view, but it was a once in a lifetime view!
DeleteWow, what a site it must have been! Love your photo of the family, I'm very much the same, just have to take a photo of what you can don't you. Umm, always love a browse of books!
ReplyDeleteCaz xx
Books <3
DeleteIt was a lovely day. Thank you for popping over.
I'm sure it was a fantastic sight. I wish I could have been there. I love cruising!
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine what they were like on board; I have a friend who went for dinner on board one of them, because she was a councillor. I'll catch up with her on Monday.
Delete