Spring Break-Last day in Manchester

Our last full day of our vacation was spent back in Manchester.  After how much fun they had in Ireland, the girls weren't that enthusiastic about being back in Manchester.  There were a lot of groans and complaints about having to walk everywhere again and there being nothing to see.

We got into Manchester pretty early and we weren't able to check into our hotel right away.  However, the nice reception lady let us secure our bags behind the counter and we were able to have breakfast at the buffet.  The kids at free!  So with lighter backs and full stomachs, spirits were better.  We also found out that in the city center, there are three bus lines that are free and one of those lines picks up right in front of the hotel!  

Our day took shape as we looked at the bus route.  We went to the John Ryland Library first.  This library is more like a library museum though with an amazing collection of old books behind glass to look at.  Even more amazing was the building itself.  It looks like a cathedral with flying buttresses and stained glass windows everywhere.  There was amazing things to look at everywhere, including the ceiling.  Small hand mirrors were provided so you could look at the ceiling and not hurt your neck.

As we continued to walk around Manchester, we found a magnificent palatial building and discovered that it was only the town hall.  Not far from there, nestled in among the shops, in a small square called, appropriately Lincoln Square, stood a tall statue of Abraham Lincoln.  Jessica recognized him and investigated further as to why a statue of an American president would be in England.  Engraved on the pedestal under the statue is part of a letter that Lincoln wrote to the people of Manchester, in tribute to sacrifices they had made in support of the Union and toward the abolition of slavery, as cotton was a vital industry in Manchester at the time.

We, then, continued on to the Manchester Cathedral.  By this time, however, the girls' good spirits had diminished and we weren't able to stay long and admire the old architecture or the stained glass windows.

Our sight seeing trip took us to a big, modern shopping center where we had lunch at the food court.  The girls were excited to have Taco Bell and Burger King.  After this, we took the time to go back to our hotel and actually check into our rooms.  We also took naps.  Well, I did anyway.  Cranky children always tire me out.

For dinner, we had to venture out again without knowing beforehand where we were going.  This really concerned Jessica on several levels.  She was concerned that we were 1) going to get lost and 2) not going to find food to eat.  She is such an acute child, bless her heart.  She needn't have worried.  I knew exactly where I was and we eventually found food I could eat.  We decided on a place called Nando's.  It is a restaurant that combines Portuguese and African flavors.  Mostly it sells chicken where you then choose how hot/spicy you want the sauce.  It was good.  Kaitlyn gave her chicken to her sisters and went straight for the frozen yogurt dispenser.  I was so proud how well my children did at restaurants this trip, trying a variety of new things.  They even found some new favorites.  Except for Kaitlyn.  She will stick to the mini muffins at the breakfast buffet. :)

A brief moment of harmony on the train

Jessica learning about amulets of different kinds

Jessica on a balcony

Bethany in the main hall

The ceilings are pretty high so they provide hand mirrors
to view the architecture without getting a stiff neck.

Bethany sitting at a writing desk

John Rylands Library

Jessica reading the inscription on the Abraham Lincoln statue

Bethany, Kaitlyn and Malia in front of the town hall

Bethany hugging a big barrel that turned out to be a keg.

The side steps to the Manchester Cathedral

Supposedly the stone archway is hundreds of years older than the rest of the church
Jessica was given binoculars with which to explore.

Apparently I needed to be studied at close range as I took her picture.

Kaitlyn enjoying many mini muffins at the breakfast buffet