Manx For The Memories!

Well it's time to welcome our first new arrivals to the Island.



Dominique, Christian and myself had a lovely meal in Paparazzi on the promenade in Douglas Saturday night, before dutifully meandering to Havanna for a couple of cocktails and some funky dancing...............

I would post some pictures of aforementioned dancing, but my body popping moves to 'Bille Jean' are not something I currently want to see on the World Wide Web; although the rest of you would probably find it highly amusing.

Check out this link if you get a moment (Manxforthememories holds no responsibility for the contents of external websites or dodgy stuff you may come across, but hey, if you do, bonus)

It's part of the Isle of Man Tourism Website and has some lovely links to really nice photos and video of various parts of the Island.....

http://www.gov.im/tourism/culture/views/#iomvideos

Have fun!!!!!!!!!!!

I decided to take a day trip to Liverpool last Saturday and thought I'd share a few photos with you. For those of you who don't know, Liverpool is 2.5 hours by boat from the Isle of Man. It's a really good day trip deal, £30.00 return and a lot of people from the Island travel regularly this way to the mainland.


This is the first landmark sight you see on arrival at Liverpool dock, the famous Liver building (pronouced Lie-ver). At the top of the building, sat on each of the two towers are the mythical Liver Birds, the symbol of Liverpool. They are 18 feet tall, have a total wing span of 24 feet and are made of copper. Local legend has it that if they fly away, Liverpool will cease to exist. The Liver Birds are a cross between an eagle and a cormorant (the bird of good luck to sailors).


It's a convenient 10 minute walk to the centre of Liverpool from the boat (even by my meandering standards). Although we have some nice stores on the Island, Liverpool has an absolute wealth of clothing shops. I did say we were only going to go to have a look around some art galleries and museums........ but it was windy so I had to go and buy a hat. And then there was this really nice pair of boots....... and a dress that was cut price so I had to (you get the picture)

Aforementioned hat.



This was actually an attempt at a picture of me with some lovely old boats and the Tate Art gallery behind me, but you'll have to use your imagination.

This is the tribute statue to John Lennon in the Cavern area in Liverpool centre, where the Beatles started. The Cavern Club opened in 1957; initially it was a jazz club which was gradually infiltrated by skiffle groups, followed by blues bands and eventually Beat groups, playing a brand of rock n' roll which became known as Merseybeat. Between 1961 and 1963 The Beatles made almost 300 appearances. From 1963 through till 1973, many of the great names of popular music appeared at the Club.

Paul McCartney performed his last gig of the century on the Cavern stage, giving the Club his personal endorsement and the world the recognition it truly deserves; living up to it's title 'The Most Famous Club In The World'. The picture above was taken just opposite the Cavern - The Cavern Wall of fame is engraved with the names of other famous Liverpool artists from 1960 to 2006.
The entire area is centered around music with numerous bars and clubs - it all makes for a good night out and an overnight stay in Liverpool is well worth it.

One of the many shopping villages........... you have mix the culture with some retail therapy!

The classic look of someone who has been up and awake since 5am!!!! Nothing a massive dose of caffine couldn't sort out though.

The guy in the coffee store very kindly gave me a membership card.... everytime you buy a coffee they stamp your card and when you get nine stamps they give you a free coffee. I think I now have another excuse to visit Liverpool more often. Based on the number of trips I made last year, I would be due a free coffee in 2009, which quite frankly isn't on!

I was thrilled to come across this carousel outside the Playhouse Theatre in Williamson Square. The square is in the heart of Liverpool city centre, about 15 minutes walk from the dock. I was very tempted to have a go myself, but thought I might look even more like a big child than usual!!! Mind you, I did spot one or two adults with massive grins pretending to supervise their rather bored looking children. Must be a nostalgia thing......

We decided to take a tour of the city in the afternoon, I always thinks it's one of the best ways to see around and then decide where you want to visit. I was slightly optimistic about the temperature and started out on the open top deck, wearing a sweater and a pair of sun glasses, camera ready.......... half an hour through I was safely installed inside beside a heater!

This was a beautiful old street with houses displaying their original Victorian architecture. This area now boasts many (rather expensive) medical specialists. Bring on the Botox, I am hurtling towards 30 afterall.

One of the many impressive buildings on the tour. Apparently this church was bombed in World War II and the skeleton of the abbey was left unrestored as a memorial to those affected all those years ago.

An interior shot of the Cavern Club, where the Beatles first played in the 60's. The club is now a major tourist attraction and plays host to both upcoming and established modern bands. We were lucky enough on Saturday to catch a well-known Beatles tribute, dressed in the full Sergeant Pepper kit out. They were really good - some people in the crowd were true fans and the whole audience seemed to sing along with every word.

I know this is sad, but I had to take a photograph of the most gorgeous meal I have had in a long time. A couple of hours before we got the boat back to the Isle of Man, we took a quick bus journey (50p!) to Albert Dock. Here you can find a complete indulgence of modern wine bars, fantastic restaurants, exclusive shops and art galleries. Saying that, our meal was really not that expensive, and it was staff were lovely. I will definately be heading back to 'Est Est Est'

A shot of the Liver Buildings as the sun goes down.


And in the other direction, looking back on Albert Dock.

So here you go Joe...

A couple of naked chicks.

Some proud moments on the good Ole IOM. I know we're all missing it. It only takes a few days in traffic to realize the splendor of not having to drive.


Monks Bridge, Ballasalla. Cat and Meself. This bridge was built by Fairy Monks 17,672 years ago, no shit.


Ah yes - the bridge herself. Take the walk - you won't be disappointed.


That fateful day upon deadman's hill. Actually a couple miles south of Nyraibylbralybryl... oh fuck it, that Ned Devine Cottage thingy. Bao, meself and Chris. TA


Hiked beautiful Glen Maye several times and was never let down. Spectacular!

A note to the future crew... Go and discover the island, She is beautiful. Stay away from the Waterloo, trust me.

One thing I've really started to realise about film production and all it entales, is that for every great crew and person you welcome and get to know, sooner, it seems, rather than later you have to say goodbye. And it's kinda hard.

Since Finley and aside from Balley Beg, I've been involved in a live action film and through those connections, met up with two other crews that have been to the Island since the beginning of the year.



Last night was another and final get-together for the 'Sparkles' crew. They were doing a (reasonably) low budget HD film with Bob Hoskins, and I must say they were a fantastic and really fun crew. I know their leaving is felt more by my friends who worked with them everyday, but it is wierd when you meet and click immediately with a group and then a matter of weeks later, it's all over.

Must be what it feels like to be temporarily married to J-Lo. Anyway....... lovely to meet you all and lots of love. To Simeon, Miguel and the rest of the rabble, see you soon.

Big Shout out 'HELLO' to my friend Rebecca back in America..

How are the dollies doing Rebecca? Harvey says hi.....