Manchester 2009 April

Manchester, UK – 2009 April 16-21

Manchester was one of those places I wanted to visit. Firstly, there was the original, UK version of the hit series ‘Queer As Folk,’ which I never watched, because I do not watch much telly. Then there was the ‘adventures’ one celebrity of the Interwebs, and his quick distaste for the city. There was also this not young but not old guy from Reading, UK, whom I met in a bar in London, who said the people are friendlier in Manchester than London, something I did not find too terribly impossible at the time. Plus, there is the football [soccer]. With the Pound Sterling not at hyperinflation levels versus the US Dollar, I felt this would be ‘my last chance to cross the pond before worldwide destruction at the hands of Obama, Pelosi and Reid.

I got myself a direct return flight between Newark to Manchester. A fifteen minute train ride and a five minute walk, and I was at the hotel, a slightly long-in-the-tooth but comfortable enough place that put me smack in the middle of every place in the centre of Manchester. Canal Street, the ‘heart’ of Manchester’s ‘gay village’ was two blocks away. Managed to find the pubs easily enough. Two blocks in the opposite direction was Picadilly Gardens, what appears to be the ‘city centre’, from which the main shopping street streched several blocks west, and funkier shopping street extending north.

Overall, I found the city much easier to navigate than London, largely because the city is much smaller. There is not much north-south, and less east-west. It did not appear to be the city of ‘culture and history’ that I found. not that I was seeking that this time around. the coty centre is relatively flat, making it easy to walk. there are also enough signs and maps to guide you. Also, I found the city to be safe. I did not see any vagrants for too much shady activity. I kept my wits about me, but did not come close to fearing for my life at any point.

For the football, I already knew I was not going to see Manchester United at home. I believe they would play elsewhere for non-Premiership stuff. I knew Manchester City was at home versus West Bromwich Albion, the last place team. I was not thrilled about that game, because it was against the last place team. Still, it was the first pro sport event I could see in forever, and I would not get that opportunity. Thursday, I decided to hike myself to the stadium. After getting misguided a bit, I made it to the stadium, a mile and a half from centre city. Visited the fan shop for the obligatory souvenir. I then elected to buy a ticket. Seat 228-B-780, upper level. After I took the bus back. I then took the bus to the game on Sunday. It was quite an event with myself and 40 000+ other fans. The City of Manchester stadium [Eastlands] is a good stadium. My seats allowed me to see all the action. And, since I was on the end where City would score in the second half, it made it that much better. What would have made it better was if City would have shown more determination at keeping their early first-half lead, rather than seeming that they wanted to throw it away against the LAST PLACE CLUB! In the end, it was Man City 4 : 2 West Brom. City won. Got the bus for centre city, which they seem to have queued-up waiting for the inbound onslught. Quite efficient. Walked out to the fan shop Monday for more souvenirs. [Did I mention replica jerseys, unnamed, were 40% off? I got three. Two were with names; printing was not discounted.]

Then there were the pubs. In an era where I find fewer centralized gayborhoods, it was nice to see every pub and club within staggering distance. Not that all of the were crowded. Each had its crowds at various times. While I may not have met more people than in London, they were definitely more friendly, and several I met most evenings while I was there. Even the casual chat was more amicable. [Even outside the 'village' people were nicer.] While I managed to hit a number of them, I know I did not hit them all. I did gravitate towards some more than others. It was easy to interchange among them. Every place I did visit had its own vibe. This meant there would be something for everyone. Fun could be had, and all in a relatively compact area.

Would I return to Manchester? Absolutely. it is a fun city, and the people are pleasant. I would go there for a party weekend, with a football match thrown in there. Maybe, next time, I would see if I can visit a rugby match. [Mmmmm, rugby.] April also seems to be a good time to visit, since the weather was quite pleasant.