Two Trips to Liverpool!

From London I was able to visit Liverpool two separate times by train. There is so much to see and do, of course mostly it’s all about the Beatles!

For hotel recs: https://www.expedia.com/shop/second-chapter-nomad/liverpool (I receive a small commission on bookings through here.)

October 2025 – Had the pleasure of returning to Liverpool! This time with my film friend Denise Parkinson for fashion designer extraordinaire Chanel Joan Elkayam’s wedding to Alex! https://www.chaneljoanelkayam.com

(Original October 2022 post below.)

“Life is an adventure… enjoy the journey.”

Today our train to Liverpool was cancelled at Euston in London. Irritating. Then I heard Spanish. A mother and daughter traveling from Argentina completely lost in the chaos. Denise and I took them with us to the ticket counter, and we all boisterously bonded with the Brazilian agent. Next thing we know, he’s arranged a table for the four of us on the next crowded train. Yay! We talked and laughed the whole journey. Then we tried maté!

All was good. Until… “Your train will now terminate in Crewe”. Say what? Where? And my heavy luggage. Argh. So we’re dumped unceremoniously in Crewe. No staff, no directions. Our crew in Crewe

Finally boarded a standing room only regional train to finish the trek. Liverpool at last!

Liverpool’s Cavern Club – Mathew Street

Missed the day, but not the night! Denise and I ran around the famous Cavern Club area getting a quick dose of Beatlemania.

A Wedding in Liverpool!

Pre wedding fun! Met the best man and the “chairman” in the lobby of the stunning Municipal Hotel. And a lady in @chaneljoanelkayam design!

https://www.expedia.com/shop/second-chapter-nomad/liverpool (I receive a small commission on bookings through here.)

So honored to be invited to Chanel Joan Elkayam’s wedding in Liverpool. Denise Parkinson and I met this talented fashion designer in London six years ago. I’ve attended three of her fashion shows and numerous events with her. I’m so happy to celebrate her marriage to Alex.

Here are some photos pre and post ceremony.

Beatles Statue at waterfront

The next morning ran to see “my guys” before flying off to Belfast.

LIVERPOOL October 2022

Autumn 2022 I was in the midst of a long London adventure with the Rogue, from cat-sitting in Kingston, to living at the infamous Groucho Club for awhile, to weeks at the Chelsea Harbor hotel (where the Chelsea team came every game day). Took a weekend trip to Liverpool, to see my favorite Manchester gal Lockdown Loretta (from the Casa de Coco and Quarantine Cottage 2020 escapades). From the journals:

Always a pain in the arse packing up everything after months in motion. Chelsea Harbor Hotel held the extra bags so we could travel lightly to Liverpool. Taxi to Euston Station for two trains. Not relaxing! Packed and smelly. Backwards seat next to weird dude. Foul mood beginning. Nomad life can be irritating at times.

HARD DAY’S NIGHT HOTEL

https://www.expedia.com/shop/second-chapter-nomad/liverpool (for hotels; I earn a small commission).

Checked in to the Hard Days Night hotel in Liverpool. The Rogue and I took some time apart, and I went exploring in the Cavern Quarter. Reconvened at dinner with the Rogue at the hotel, and then a quiet breakfast together. All is well. Lockdown Loretta and her BF coming this afternoon. Excited!

BEATLE’S TOUR

Such a great day/night here in Liverpool. Gray day but life is colorful here. Beatles tour with a wildly inappropriate “Scouser”. So fun and informative. His running commentary along with interactions with other guides we’d cross paths with was just as entertaining as the requisite Beatles sites. Here are photos from first Ringo, then George, John and Paul’s homes they grew up in. Penny Lane (unchanged since their days), Strawberry Fields, Eleanor Rigby grave, and others. Loving Liverpool!

SCOUSE

Quest for actual “scouse”. Finally had success at Maggie Mays https://www.facebook.com/MaggieMaysCafeBarLtd/?locale=en_GB (made a reel on my Instagram, interviewing the old owner). Similar to Irish stew with crusty bread, or a potroast, with beetroot and red cabbage. My review was, “Hot, hearty and delicious.”

My wonderful Loretta arrived with her BF. The elusive high tea that was never meant to be. But dinner had a great dessert…

SPOTTED DICK

Dinner capped off with a dessert, “Traditional Spotted Dick with Custard” (made another funny reel on Insta!). I had the young waitress giggling, as she had never heard of it either. The spots are actually raisins (not my favorite!). I proclaimed it, “Warm. Moist. Hot. Delicious spotted dick.”

Cavern Club

Rogue and I ended up having a great time together. Healthy having distraction of others when we’ve been traveling together for so long. Drinks and dinner at hotel with Loretta and BF. Then live music at both the Cavern Pub and legendary Cavern Club.

Beatles Story

It was so great to be reunited with Loretta and share these special times, with lots of laughs. The four of us explored during the morning. Once they left, the Rogue and I had time to explore a little more. The Beatles Story exhibit in Liverpool was fascinating especially after visiting many of the real places.