Most of the Pre Raphs have gone.

Public service announcement this blog post will not be our finest work. It has been an extremely long time since real sleep. The international flights were event free but the food involved wayyyyy too much corn when the menu said salad it meant corn also 5 hrs at night in Singapore Airport when you are tired is a long time. Being on the upper deck of the plane on first flight was a great choice as there are 2 seats by window and there is a luggage stash box next to window which provided a great spot for a pillow - not that Maree slept much. A few hours sleep - a lot more for one of us - on the second flight ensured we could cope with landing at 8.00am in Manchester. This seemed a such a good idea when we booked it! Manchester got off to a great start when the lovely lady at the Holiday Inn not only checked us in but gave us a room at 11.15 so we could head out in the afternoon mission in fresh clothes and showered. 2 libraries and an art gallery were seen today firstly the John Ryland an architectural triumph so many great details, old books and a guaranteed sore neck from looking up. Next the map lied slightly with St Mary's Church 'the hidden gem' it was hidden very hidden but gem was a little kind continuing on this not quite up to par theme we visited the Christmas Market.. . First stall was plant bulbs and more plant bulbs then came the entire stall of garden loppers over priced sausages and some poor decorations bring on Hyde Park one. Library number 2 was Manchester library a circular building with a great Shakespeare inspired ceiling and stain glass window and stumbled upon an exhibition of Manchester musicians through the ages a highlight for Maree as she is a fan of many of them. Finally we headed to the gallery to see what Pre Raphs remain - not many. But we were able to see Waterhouses Hylas and the Nymphs the painting that made headlines recently when the curator removed it in a strange way of supporting #metoo. Thankfully it is back as it was stunning. Saw a Burne Jones but the evening scapegoat is on its way to Canberra. Have visited 3 gift shops exiting places and bought nothing. Now trying to stay awake till 8 not aiming too high and have found our favourite create and craft channel life is good.