Crisashyland: Mad Sisters Weekend

Well, we're back. I went to Anns Thursday morning and we went for our hair doing together. I think thats the first time that has happened since Ann and Rob got married in 1970. It was great, after we had our hair done, we went for lunch then back to her house to settle down. We had planned to do some scrapping together but the time just ran out. We just talk none stop while we are together.

On Friday morning we got on a train to Manchester. This is the first train either of us have been on for years and I have to say it was horrible. The stations were really grotty and there were lots of steps and no lifts. I just don't know how disabled people or people with buggies go on. Our Ann of course put her "Oh dear, what am I to do" face on and got her case carried for her. I just don't know how she does it. Anyway the train experience is one neither of us want to repeat for a long time, so its back to the car next time. It baffles me how, when the government are supposed to be encouraging people to use public transport, the stations and trains can be in such an uninviting state.

Buuuuut, the hotel made up for all that. If you get chance you really must try and have a stay there. Its the Marriott Victoria and Albert hotel in Manchester and its gorgeous. It was converted from an old industrial building and all the ceilings a made of original wood and beams. The food is fab and the staff are brilliant - nothing is too much trouble. We also went on the Manchester wheel, which was a surprise as I didn't even know there was a Manchester wheel until we came across it when we were shopping. Its like the London eye, but on a smaller scale, and it was really good, although the wind had got up a bit while we were on it and the pod we were in swayed like mad when we got to the top. We also went to Salford Quays and visited the Lowry Designer Outlet centre. Theres a craft shop and a Paper Mill shop there so as you can imagine we spent plenty of money. Oh and there was a sale on at the Molton Brown shop so we came away with some bargains there too. All in all we had a brilliant weekend - ooooh I do love my big sis!

Our room - I used the timer on the camera to take this and nearly knocked Ann off the bed as I rushed back over to get there before the shutter clicked.