Merry on the Mersey

First post from my great pal, the musicologist Vlad, getting ready to walk across England:

Hey buddy...sorry to hear about Victor.   We are in Liverpool, and it has already exceeded my expectations.    I am a block from the Town Hall, where the Beatles waved to the largest crowd ever assembled in Liverpool history.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qd3q-HZUxeM      The place vibrates.....The River Mersey, The Cavern Club, Grapes Pub (where they were regulars after lunchtime gigs at The Cavern,  every site I have seen in photos since I was little.  I am so lucky to be here....The architecture is beautiful, the pubs are like heaven, as well as the Ales.....They use pumps to draw the ales from casks instead of new-fangled taps with too much pressure.  The weather yesterday (wed) was fabulous,  and the people are nicer than nice.  For the most part they don't resemble "British" people.  The women are so hot, you would think you're in france or something.  The food so far has been exquisite - due to Natasha's great restaurant planning and instinct when ordering pub fare.....This should never be missed.

Today we slept in until 9 am (12 hours).  The flight was LONG, but the train station is outside a terminal at Manchester.  The 1.25 hour ride to Liverpool winds through the city, and melts into English countryside, becoming more beautiful as the anticipation builds for arrival at Lime Street Station in Liverpool.  When you step off the train you are in the city center, with Fab energy pulsating around you.   Un fucking real Rob.

Natasha is working out as I type, we will grab a bite for lunch and do a bit more exploring before our private tour of the Beatles landmarks begins.  We will see all the birthplaces, boyhood homes, schools, Strawberry Fields, Penny Lane, and St. Peter's Church  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Peter%27s_Church,_Woolton,_Liverpool , where John met Paul at a fete in 1957.  I don't know if you can sense my excitement!  

We leave for Saint Bee's by train tomorrow, where we will drink, eat, get a good night's sleep, and nervously await the start of our journey walking across England.

I will be in touch my brother....until then - love to the both of you,

Vladimir