When you go to Liverpool, expect to hear a lot of laughter in the streets, and the restaurants and the pubs because Liverpudians are very friendly, welcoming people with a great sense of humor.
I grew up in Liverpool in the 60's, Beatle-time, and one of my earliest memories is being taken by my parents in the mid to late-60's to see the Beatles return from a concert tour. You can still get a taste of the Beatles in Liverpool by visiting the childhood homes of John Lennon and Sir Paul McCartney which are part of the Historical Trust. The music scene in Liverpool today is still very lively with a lot of new talent and influences from Liverpool's large immigrant populations, especially young people from Eastern Europe.
Liverpool has always had a very cosmopolitan atmosphere dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries when the city was a crossroads for trade and the largest port in the British Empire.
If you're coming to Liverpool for the first time, here are some "must do" things to get a real feeling for our wonderful city:
- Take a ferry across the Mersey River. (For a bit of nostalgia, bring along a CD of the 1964 hit "Ferry 'Cross the Mersey" by Gerry & the Pacemakers produced by George Martin, the Beatles' producer.)
- Visit some of the beautiful public parks around the city.
- Walk around the waterfront which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its historical building and architecture.
- The Walker Art Gallery is a pivotal part of the vibrant art scene in Liverpool.
- Check out areas made famous by the Beatles like Strawberry Fields and Penny Lane
- Visit St. George's Hall in the Center of the City for its architecture excellence
- If you're a golfer be sure and visit the championship course of the Northwest Golf Coast.
- If you want a great souvenir from Liverpool pick up a model of 'Superlambbanananas', a sculpture design by the Japanese artist Taro Chiezo and put up in 1998. (In fact, there will be an event "Go Superlambbanas" as part of the Liverpool 2008 program http://www.visitliverpool.com/site/go-superlambanana-p174731) Of course there are also a lot of maritime souvenirs found in the Maritime Museum, Beatle memorabilia and souvenirs of our famous Liverpool Football Club. (Football is known as soccer in the US).
Finally, if you're a "foodie", there is plenty to choose from in Liverpool from the traditional Fish & Chips and Scouse Casserole made with the famous fish from the area to the new Chinese, Italian and Eastern European cuisines.
We look forward to meeting you in Liverpool next year.
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