backpacking

SETTING THE CLOCK FORWARD

The clock was set one hour forward. We are now officially in the summer clock time. So, now the time difference between England and Malaysia is seven hours. The sun is out this morning. But the weather is still cool. Since Hull is on the north-east of London, the weather is about 2 to 3 degrees cooler than London. Sekarang London would be around 14C but in Hull it is around 11 to 12C max.

LIVERPOOL

We went to Liverpool yesterday, the land of famous English football team and the Beatles. It was three hour drive from Hull across the country. From one port to another. As usual, the journey on the motorway always make me very drowsy. Apa taknya straight je. Since kat sini guna Miles instead of Km, its a bit hard to gauge how far was the journey. I didn't like Math. Anyway, Abang Annis pun bawa macam palesit. Looked at the spedometer hmm at least 100miles per hour. Hehehehe pejam mata lagi. Here the motorway is using numbers as a guide. So if you missed a turning, there would be a problem. What you can do is look out for another turning which will connect you with the original route. Hmmm pusing sikit sini pusing sikit sana.. viola! you'll back on the right track.

According to the brochure and the internet, the places of interest is at the Albert Dock. Its a famous tourists one-stop spot (supposed to be). However, when we reached there... erk! kosong tak de mende pun. Albert dock was a former warehouse, designed by Jesse Hartley in 1800. It was opened by Prince Albert in 1846. Albert Dock symbolises Liverpool's 19th century greatness as a world port. It was built to accomodate the biggest sailing ships of the day. Now it was converted into a mall selling (overpriced) souvenirs including Beatles' and cafes. Probably we went on the wrrong day. It may be very crowded during summer season. The weather yesterday, was chilling actually although it was a sunny day. There are other attractions near Albert Dock such as the Maritime Museaum, The Beatle Story or one can just take a stroll along the River Mersey. Otherwise you can take the amfibian ride (a cross between a bus and a boat) - around the city via the road or the river.

Across the Albert Dock lies the famous Yellow Submarine. Well, if you know the Beatle's song then you'll be delighted to see the concrete submarine smacked right in front of you. However, because of the Anti War rallies going all over England, this concrete cartoon looking submarine was also a "victim" of Anti War graffitty.

After a long walk along the river and took some pictures we decided to explore the city and just want to see their famous shopping area. Aik! Macam tak de orang aje. The roads around Albert Dock macam deserted. Its Saturday and yesterday was the pay day. Where is everybody? We asked a few guys and they directed us to the Williamson Square. This is THE PLACE. THE IN AREA. Where all the big shopping complexes are. The Bhs, Marks and Spencer. Cute boutiques such as Monsoon, Kookai are lining the streets. The Lord Street, Church Street, Whitechapel, Elliot Street and Bold Street where the Central Station is located are busy with people. These streets were converted into pedestrian walk and in the middle we can see stalls selling fruits and cheap clothes offering varieties to the people. Urgh! I got a headache just watching the crowd already!

ANTI WAR RALLY

Do I call myself lucky or cursed?

We were walking along the Brunswick Street towards the Fenwick Street when we heard a lound chanting. Whats that? Hehehehe it must be the anti-war gathering. Lets go. Yep! I am correct. There was an anti-war gathering at the Castle Street. I saw about 200 people marching at Castle Street. The protestors are mostly young people. But there are still a few makciks and pakciks in the rally. Ada juga Muslims participated in the rally. I got a few interesting snaps (I hope!!) of people shouting Anti-war slogans. and the cute policemen hehehehe. Like in Manchester. the policemen just watch the protestors. To ensure that they did not go out of line. There were several policemen on horses too.

There was this good article I read in Daily Mail about these rallies. How these teenagers or the young people took the opportunity of the rallies just to show their defiant towards the law and order. Anyway that is another story.

BRADFORD

From Liverpool, we drive to Bradford. There, we stopped at a mosque situated on top of the hill surrounded by houses. It is a big mosque, like the one in KLCC. Here the majority is Pakistani. I asked Abang Annis whether the Mat Salleh don't mind having a mosque very near to the houses. Abang Annis said here when the Pakistani moved in the English moved out, so there is possibility that the row of houses surrounding the mosque are all belong to the Pakistani. That is why in Oldham they have this unspoken rule - the Pakistani (muslim/colured) cannot enter the White area and the White will not enter the muslim/coloured area... hmmm

We had dinner at the Moghal's restaurant. It supposed to be very good. It is. But, last night, the service was very bad. We have to wait more than half-an-hour for our food comprise of briyani, chapatty, fish, chicken wings and minced beef kahree. The jug of mango lassi came first but we drank all of it before the food arrived. Asked for another jug of mango lassi.. lambat lagi. The owner's son said sorry and gave the drink free - on the house. Abang Annis was very disappointed. Nevertheless. Kenyang macam ular sawa. Balik rumah aje, mandi solat jamak and tidur.