Happy birthday, Liverpool
My home town is 810 years old today. It is a place with an extraordinary history and a unique spirit and heart. I am so proud to say that I was born there and even prouder of what the city stands for; fairness, justice, togetherness, humour, passion, being able to express yourself, being able to be yourself, being able to enjoy yourself. It is one of the world's great cities and a place that once visited is never forgotten.I could not be happier that my wonderful wife loves the city - she will start to work in its heart a week today - and that our daughter will go to school there (God spares her) and gets to spend so much time there now.My life has turned full circle; being back where it all started for me and where my heart has always rested. As I reflected on this auspicious day, I got to thinking about my favourite places in the city; my loved Liverpool locations. Here goes.......Anfield - need I say more?!The Anglican Cathedral - not only the most stunning church I've ever been in but the beating heart of the community - amazing atmosphere, special spacePaddy's Wigwam - not to everyone's tastes but I love it - a unique place and somewhere I've always found peace and comfortThe walk along the pier head by the three graces - still takes my breath away after all these yearsExchange Flags/the back of the Town Hall - a glimpse into our historyIndia Building - one of the finest buildings in the countryHope Street/the Georgian Quarter - stylist but not stuffy - still harbour ambitions to live there at some pointThe Raz - been there too many times and don't regret a single visit!Blessed Sacrement Shrine - the church just off Williamson Square - Mary's favourite - spend more hours in there than I care to remember!Oxford Street - the old hospital - where it started for me, my sister and so many others, including Mr LennonThe Arts School - one of the best restaurants I've ever been to - leaves most of London/the country for deadThe Albert Dock - used to go most weeks with my Grandar - great memories; loads of being carried on his shouldersSt George's Plateau - so many tears shed of joy, sadness and defianceAnother Place, Crosby - haunting beautyThe Everyman - brilliant venue; amazing building; great place for lunch!Calderstones Park - may not be as big, but better than anything London has to offerThe London Road pub crawl - from my student days - met every type of Liverpool person on that stretch - laughed and cried in equal measureThe best places for coffee/cuppa around; 92 Degrees, Cow and Co, The QuarterThe Empire - still remember the reception Barbara Dickson got opening the 20th anniversary showing of Blood Brothers - like a football match roarAbercromby Square - what I imagined going to university would look like - was so proud to be first in my family to go to any university, least of all Liverpool's finestFinch Lane - will always be where I see Mary in my mind's eye to this dayThe Hillsborough Memorial at Anfield - no words needed Happy birthday, Liverpool. Nice one la.#ben2b40