Season's greetings from your favorite fifth Beatle! Another week has gone by and I'm down to my last full week of class. Luckily, I'll be ending the term with a bang! not a whimper. Here we go!
I received an email about two weeks ago from my tutor in regards to a special exhibit that is opening here in Liverpool. The exhibit is of legendary rock photographer Bob Gruen and his photographs of John Lennon. He ended up taking most of the photos of Lennon during the 1970's in New York including album covers, press releases and personal ones. Being the local rock expert, my tutor received a special invitation to the private opening of the exhibit at a hotel downtown. He couldn't make it and passed the email to me to see if I was interested in going on his behalf. I was very excited to be attending the private opening. Bob Gruen was going to be there and I'd be seeing exclusive photographs, some of which have never been released before.
Although seeing the photographs were very cool to see, I was disappointed about the whole event. To start, there was only about 25 photographs, some reprints in various sizes, on 4 wooden plaques in the lobby. That was it. I was expecting an art exhibit with things to read about the photograph, and more photos to see. On top of that disappointment, Bob Gruen canceled and didn't show up. So there was no discussion about the photos or anything. The only discussion going on was the staff trying to convince those invited, including me, to purchase the prints.... They cost just as much as the plane ticket here. The best part was the free drinks and food. They had these great sausages in a tangy orange sauce. They also had appetizers of chicken with a spread on a cracker. I only had one of those. It was after my first bite that the waiter mentioned it was chicken liver. Gross. I wasn't able to take any pictures of the photos on display. In fact, I was told on two occasions when I attempted to take pictures. Fortunately, I was able to get one of my favorite print before leaving to explore Liverpool at night.
I received an email about two weeks ago from my tutor in regards to a special exhibit that is opening here in Liverpool. The exhibit is of legendary rock photographer Bob Gruen and his photographs of John Lennon. He ended up taking most of the photos of Lennon during the 1970's in New York including album covers, press releases and personal ones. Being the local rock expert, my tutor received a special invitation to the private opening of the exhibit at a hotel downtown. He couldn't make it and passed the email to me to see if I was interested in going on his behalf. I was very excited to be attending the private opening. Bob Gruen was going to be there and I'd be seeing exclusive photographs, some of which have never been released before.
Although seeing the photographs were very cool to see, I was disappointed about the whole event. To start, there was only about 25 photographs, some reprints in various sizes, on 4 wooden plaques in the lobby. That was it. I was expecting an art exhibit with things to read about the photograph, and more photos to see. On top of that disappointment, Bob Gruen canceled and didn't show up. So there was no discussion about the photos or anything. The only discussion going on was the staff trying to convince those invited, including me, to purchase the prints.... They cost just as much as the plane ticket here. The best part was the free drinks and food. They had these great sausages in a tangy orange sauce. They also had appetizers of chicken with a spread on a cracker. I only had one of those. It was after my first bite that the waiter mentioned it was chicken liver. Gross. I wasn't able to take any pictures of the photos on display. In fact, I was told on two occasions when I attempted to take pictures. Fortunately, I was able to get one of my favorite print before leaving to explore Liverpool at night.
Friday, I took a day off from essay writing and research to explore some more sites of Liverpool. For a small city, it definitely has a lot to offer in terms of museums, concerts, tourist sites and activities. I spent the day walking to downtown Liverpool to visit two famous churches. The first church was St. Luke's church, a 19th century church that had the insides blown up during a German air raid in May, 1940. The bombed out church has become a site for tourists over the years because the exterior walls still stand. The roof, stained glass windows and everything that was inside the church were destroyed. In recent years, there has been talk from city council to demolish the church and build a culinary school in it's place. That has been met with some protests to preserve the church as a cultural artifact. Paul McCartney last year made a statement to the city council to protect the church. Of course, he was quickly followed by Yoko Ono...as if the church meant so much to her when she grew up.
Unfortunately the inside was off limits the day I went. They do host events inside the church including evening showings of films on a big screen. The night before I went, they projected "It's a Wonderful Life" and it was open to the public. I'll definitely keep my open to when events are being held to get in and snap some pictures of the inside.
Unfortunately the inside was off limits the day I went. They do host events inside the church including evening showings of films on a big screen. The night before I went, they projected "It's a Wonderful Life" and it was open to the public. I'll definitely keep my open to when events are being held to get in and snap some pictures of the inside.
From St. Luke's, I headed south to the Liverpool Anglican Cathedral. The Cathedral is absolutely massive. It is set on a hill and it so big you can see it miles away. It's absolutely beautiful on the inside. I've never been in a church so big. They had an exhibit documenting how the cathedral was built. Apparently, they intended to build the cathedral to surpass St. Peter's in Vatican City. That plan was never completed because of the two World Wars. Many famous Liverpudlians are buried either inside the cathedral or outside in the cemetery.
With a small donation, every tourist site is free admission you just have to donate instead, you could go up to the top of the tower. I was game. I had to take two elevators up to the rafters of the cathedral. From here I climbed over 100 steep stone steps through the bell-tower to the top. The main bell in the belltower is the biggest bell in England. The view from the top was stunning. I had a complete 360 degree view of Liverpool. I could see miles away to the Irish sea, Brighton, and Kingston. Luckily I wore my super, special eye wind protector (glasses) because it was so windy that high up. Other people didn't stay long because they couldn't see anything with the wind. I did. On my way down the steep, stone steps, I left my mark etched in on a stone overpass. I've become quite a vandal since I've gotten here. I've etched my name on quite a few public tourist sites. We'll just call that our little secret.
With a small donation, every tourist site is free admission you just have to donate instead, you could go up to the top of the tower. I was game. I had to take two elevators up to the rafters of the cathedral. From here I climbed over 100 steep stone steps through the bell-tower to the top. The main bell in the belltower is the biggest bell in England. The view from the top was stunning. I had a complete 360 degree view of Liverpool. I could see miles away to the Irish sea, Brighton, and Kingston. Luckily I wore my super, special eye wind protector (glasses) because it was so windy that high up. Other people didn't stay long because they couldn't see anything with the wind. I did. On my way down the steep, stone steps, I left my mark etched in on a stone overpass. I've become quite a vandal since I've gotten here. I've etched my name on quite a few public tourist sites. We'll just call that our little secret.
Sunday, I got up bright and early to attend a vinyl record fair. With Christmas right around the corner, Christmas fairs are popping up every weekend. Housed in an old police station, it consisted of about 13 vendors in two classroom sized rooms. It was interesting to see the difference in artists who collectible here than back home. I've found many American artists in the bargain bins. The Beatles' albums were probably the most expensive there next to Cliff Richard ( who?). It wasn't until this course that I learned who Cliff Richard was. He's big here. Lots of people came in with records and bartered them with vendors for a record or two they were selling. It was funny because all the vendors were competing to make a sale. I pulled out an album and I'd make a comment how someone else was selling it cheaper and the vendor would panic and try to strike a deal with me. After two hours of browsing and dealing, I walked away with three classic albums for 9 dollars. Cat Steven's "Tea for the Tillerman", Johnny Cash "At Folsom Prison", and Simon & my dad "Concert in Central Park." I can't wait to bring them home and put them on the turntable.
Speaking of "home", I have given this post a special title for a reason. Some of you already know, but I will be "Back in the US" December 16th. I've booked a ticket to come and spend the holidays. I'll be in Cleveland until January 13th. I'm very excited to return!
But before that....
Trivia! And before trivia....
Mark's Musings!
Mince Pie: I dipped into more English food this past weekend by having some mince pie. It was very delicious and taste much like a nutty, fruity tart. I looked up what goes into Mince Pie and was surprised to find that it typically includes fruit and beef. Beef! I definitely didn't taste that. At least I'm getting protein in my dessert.
Ice Cream truck: Everyday since I've gotten here I've heard the ice cream playing it's tune in the neighborhood. It's been so cold the past few weeks I can't imagine people wanting to buy ice cream, outside. After talking with my local culture expert, there is a myth behind the ice cream truck. Apparently, the ice cream truck is the where one gets drugs. He deals with ice cream during the day when kids get out of school then drives around in the evening for all the smackheads (local term) to get their nightly fix. It is curious when at 11 at night, I can still hear the ice cream truck's music. My expert admitted to not personally experiencing the night-ice cream man but it seems like a common belief from what I hear. Personally, I'll stick to a Klondike Bar.
Trivia! 6 answered. 1 is Trivia Champion for the week. The answer is..... 500! According to my sources, it's plural I checked several sites, a little over 500 of Frank Lloyd Wright's designs were actually built.
This week's trivia:
But before that....
Trivia! And before trivia....
Mark's Musings!
Mince Pie: I dipped into more English food this past weekend by having some mince pie. It was very delicious and taste much like a nutty, fruity tart. I looked up what goes into Mince Pie and was surprised to find that it typically includes fruit and beef. Beef! I definitely didn't taste that. At least I'm getting protein in my dessert.
Ice Cream truck: Everyday since I've gotten here I've heard the ice cream playing it's tune in the neighborhood. It's been so cold the past few weeks I can't imagine people wanting to buy ice cream, outside. After talking with my local culture expert, there is a myth behind the ice cream truck. Apparently, the ice cream truck is the where one gets drugs. He deals with ice cream during the day when kids get out of school then drives around in the evening for all the smackheads (local term) to get their nightly fix. It is curious when at 11 at night, I can still hear the ice cream truck's music. My expert admitted to not personally experiencing the night-ice cream man but it seems like a common belief from what I hear. Personally, I'll stick to a Klondike Bar.
Trivia! 6 answered. 1 is Trivia Champion for the week. The answer is..... 500! According to my sources, it's plural I checked several sites, a little over 500 of Frank Lloyd Wright's designs were actually built.
This week's trivia:
Next week's post will feature the exciting conclusion of my first term in Liverpool. I'll be traveling up North for a weekend stay in Edinburgh, Scotland. Stick around my lads and lasses!
Peace & Love,
Mark
Peace & Love,
Mark