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Day 4: Sunrise Over the Liver Building

Today started with an unceremonious announcement at 5:45 in the morning, which gave the impression that if we didn't get ourselves up, dressed and out of our cabin by 6:15am we'd be forcibly removed. Despite a night of not enough sleep, caused mainly by a rolling ship, we managed to get out in time to grab coffee and a pastry before returning to our car, accompanied by the newest member of the team - Deano the Dino, who joined us in a late night impulse buy from the on board shop.



The drive from the ferry into Liverpool city centre was distressingly eventful for the time of day, with far too many lanes, confusion from Google and a trip through a toll tunnel. Given the early start, we had a little time to explore the waterfront and take in a delicious breakfast at Lovelocks Cafe before heading towards our first bookshop of the day. 


News From Nowhere is a Radical, Independent, Feminist bookshop located just around the corner from Liverpool Central station. The shop had an impressive selection of many genres, as a well as an array of different pin badges, some of which we failed to resist. You know you're probably onto a good thing when the Bookseller commends your book choices at the till. 

Bookseller Song Choice - If You Tolerate This Your Child Will Be Next - Manic Street Preachers


Our second stop of the day was a little further out of Liverpool City Centre (thankfully for Fraser who did not love the inner city and its many many one way streets). Dead Ink is a small independent bookshop and publishing house, specialising in books from their own collection and those of other independent publishers. We picked up a couple of books from their in house roster and, after convincing Google Maps to finally work, headed on our way towards a different city. 

Bookseller Song Choice - Ladies and gentlemen we are floating in space - Spiritualised

Arriving in Manchester, we had an adventure seeking a parking place, with several loops of the same area before success, and more than a little bit of swearing. On our way to our first Manchester stop we called into Afflecks, a large building that plays host to a wide variety of indie businesses including the Gay Pride shop. 

Queer Lit was our third proper stop of the day, now in a much larger premises since we last visited them a few years ago. We struck up quite a rapport with the friendly bookseller, who gave Fraser some interesting answers to the question ‘so what books do you have that you absolutely wouldn't recommend?’ Alicia meanwhile wandered around wondering where the 'lesbians having lots of sex' section was kept. The chocolate buns and iced chocolate chai from their coffee shop were also incredible. 

Bookseller Song Choice - The Snake - Al Wilson


Our fourth stop was to an independent bookshop called House of Books and Friends. A welcoming space in the city centre with comfy chairs that we made egregious use of, and our most enthusiastic response yet to asking for a playlist recommendation. 

Bookseller Song Choice - Archie, Marry Me - Alvvays

We ended the day with a Dishoom spread to celebrate Fraser's birthday, and a quiet night back at the hotel (we do have a lot of new books to get through after all). We're hoping for a lot more sleep tonight, and perhaps a little less walking tomorrow when we head further south.

Day 4 Roundup:

Miles Driven: TBC (Fraser Forgot to Check with Hyacinth)

Books Bought: 4

New Team Members Recruited because Alicia was Sad on a Ship: 1

Toll Roads Chosen by Hyacinth: 1

Incidents of Stupid Drivers Causing Fraser Distress: 3

Times the Same Block Was Circled in Search of a Car Park: 2

Buildings Fraser Identified That Were Built Incorrectly: 1

Hours of Sleep: Not Enough

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