Finally Manchester

Hello from Manchester, UK!

There are three major cities "up north" here in England. I've now lived in two of them - Leeds, and Liverpool. These two cities are very different from each other, yet geographically very close. The third major city is Manchester, which is where I'm at now. Yet another city to explore that I'm sure will have its own unique feel, charm, and history.

Liverpool certainly draws more tourists due to the music history and closeness to the docks and boats. The people of Liverpool are also known as Scousers, and there is a very pronounced "scouse" accent here which can be a bit difficult (for me at least) to understand. Scouse is also a stew made of biscuits and fish! The name is actually tied to immigration from Ireland, and some will tell you about their roots being forever associated with Ireland rather than England.

Leeds, on the other hand, isn't known for tourism. It's only the eighth most visited city in England. But having lived there for three months, tourists are missing out on visiting this charming city. A bonus is the short train rides to nearby cities with equal beauty and appeal. The River Aire and the canals tie it all together. To me, it feels a bit more like a working class city, with a strong manufacturing and financial base. It also has five universities, so the vibe skews younger.

More on my Manchester exploration next month, but here's a bit more from my Liverpool experience in July:

Tate Liverpool

It was an easy walk from my co-working space to Tate Liverpool, so one rainy day I walked on over. Tate Liverpool is one of the four Tate Museums in the UK, with the others being Tate Britain, Tate Modern (both in London), and Tate St. Ives.

I must say though, this one was quite exceptional!

Chester

I love my day train trips. A quick, 40-minute train ride from the Liverpool docks, and you're in Chester - a small cathedral city which was originally a Roman fortress. This city, like York and others, is known for the Roman walls that surround it. It is also known for their clock tower, which is the second most photographed clock tower in England, behind Big Ben. The University of Chester is found here as well.

It's a scenic little town with a great vibe, some good food, and lively street scene. You can also walk around the top of the walls and see some nice views!

The Cavern Club

The Cavern Club is the most famous rock and roll club in the world! The Beatles played here 292 times between 1961 and 1963 before heading to bigger venues throughout the world such as The Ed Sullivan Show in early 1964. What other major bands have played here? Well, how about: The Rolling Stones, Queen, The Kinks, and The Who - just to name a few!

Finally...

I can't believe how fast this summer has gone. Actually, the last six months have flown by. Anyone lucky enough to get to England must see London, but if you're fortunate enough to come back, exploring "up north" is something many don't think about, but definitely should.

Now I'm ready to spend my last month (for now) in England in the city of Manchester. I've never written about how popular European football (soccer) is to the Brits, but they are passionate about it. There is a real rivalry between the Leeds, Manchester, and Liverpool teams. There's even a inter-city Manchester rivarly between Man City and Man United.

When August comes to an end, I'll be heading back to the US for a few months. I haven't been back since I left December 31, 2019. So much has changed since then. I'm really anxious to reconnect with family and friends that I've missed very much.

I'll keep posting and keeping my blog updated from the US. Luckily, there's no end to the amount of blogs that I can post, because my European journey will continue as of January 1, 2023!

Thanks for following along!

ACTOR // CREATIVE // VOICE TALENT

TAPP

Bob Tapper

tapp@bobtapper

www.bobtapper.com

Outside US: +01 9494846275

Inside US: (949) 484-6275

All You Need Is Liverpool

Hello from Liverpool, UK!

This month has been a bit of an adjustment. My routine fell into place quickly in Leeds, but for some reason it's taken me a quick minute to get used to things here in Liverpool. The bus ride into the City is a bit longer, although I generally don't mind bus rides as long as I can listen to a good podcast or music. I'm in a different AirBnb with a different room, different hosts and flatmates. But I know I'll adapt and get on with things.

When I think back to all the co-working spaces I've joined, some were better than others, but all of them were productive environments. My Avenue HQ Mann City co-working space is right on the docks, right by the water. I love the location, and it's a great place to spend my days.

Liverpool attracts many tourists (obviously due to The Beatles), so I did partake in some "touristy" things which were actually quite fun. There are many UNESCO World Heritage Sites here, and I'm right in the middle of them!

The Food Truck Scene at The Docks

Canning Dock on the River Mersey here in Liverpool has become a food truck haven! It’s the perfect place to grab some creatively good eats and sit and ponder the river, boats, and history. The dock was opened in 1737.

I haven’t tried any of them yet, but I will. If you could only pick one, which would you choose?

The Beatles Museum

Spending a couple of hours in this museum was well worth it! It really takes you back. You start out at the very beginning with John Lennon's first band, the Quarrymen. There's a replica of The Cavern Club here in Liverpool, where The Beatles played in their early years. There is also a re-creation of Abbey Road Studios (and the Studio Two room) where they recorded most of their songs.

Later in the tour, they dedicate space to each Beatle and their solo achievements. It ends with the re-creation of the White Room, where John wrote Imagine.

The museum is full of history and great music. It's really well done!

Beautiful Places

You don't have to go far to see and appreciate the architecture, history, and overall beautiful places here in Liverpool. The life-size statue of The Beatles always attracts a crowd.

The Royal Liver Building is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city of Liverpool. At the top are two Liver Birds that watch over the city and the sea. Legend has it that if these two birds were to fly away, the city would cease to exist.

Finally...

It's been four months now since I've been in the UK. By far, it's been the most active length of time I've spent since I began my journey. With Covid not being much of a factor, my life has greatly expanded.

I do believe in terms of weather and temperature, it's the best place to be in Europe. I've needed a jacket most days, but I am expecting a bit of heat at some point this summer. But I know from being here in 2020, the heat waves don't last long.

One more month in Liverpool, then I'm heading to Manchester for the month of August. This will mean I've spent a significant amount of time in the three larger cities in north England - Leeds, Liverpool, and Manchester. When I come back, I'll understand the cities better and know the best place to spend my time.

In the meantime....summer continues!

Thanks for following along!

ACTOR // CREATIVE // VOICE TALENT

TAPP

Bob Tapper

tapp@bobtapper

www.bobtapper.com

Outside US: +01 9494846275

Inside US: (949) 484-6275

Let it Be Liverpool

Hello from Liverpool, UK!

The creativity and fun continues here, with some big experiences that I'll never forget! Leeds (and north England) has really proven to be everything I had hoped for.

When I compare what I've been doing the past three months to the last couple of years - it couldn't be more different.

There's so much going on in my life now. Classes and workshops to attend. Scripts to memorize. I had none of this for so long, so it's been quite an "enjoyable" adjustment.

But...networking, meeting new people, taking classes, and learning more about the film industry is everything I've wanted. I'm very happy on this path and looking forward to continuing.

Isaac's Workshop

You know you're in for fun and good times when attending a Masterclass in Screen Acting taking place in a "treehouse"- or at least that's what they call their cool filming space and production studio!

Isaac Who (https://isaacwho.com) offered this one day workshop which took place in Golcar, UK, which is about 1/2 hour outside Leeds. The location couldn't have been more beautiful, with a setting amongst the green, rolling hills.

I spent the day meeting some amazing, talented people, filmed a scene, and learned a lot. It was an incredible experience!

Go Ape

I spent a day swinging through the trees at GoApe here in Leeds with a few friends. It was super fun and very challenging. The zip lines were easy and breezy, with only one wobbly ladder we had to cross that made me think I might fall. But you're safely harnessed, so there really isn't any danger. It does get you out of your comfort zone!

Beautiful Places

I'm so impressed with the beauty of West Yorkshire, which is what this area of England is called. Here are a few of my favorite photos from my day trip visit to Ilkley. It's only a quick 30-minute train ride from Leeds - an easy day trip.

It was a beautiful sunny day to walk along the River Wharfe and across the Suspension Bridge. So peaceful. I loved it here.

Finally...

This is my last month in Leeds - at least for a while. But I'm staying here "up north" within the three main cities - Leeds, Manchester, and Liverpool.

My Airbnb has worked out really well given that I wasn't sure how I'd adjust to living with "flatmates." I enjoy having my own place and privacy, so sharing with others has been quite different, yet kind of fun. All my flatmates have been super nice and friendly. My bedroom is comfortable and the host keeps the house very clean.

Going to my co-working space every day has been a joy. I've met some really nice people, and I hope to create some long-term friendships (in addition to the others I've made along my journey.) I even taught an Improv class one day! We laughed and had so much fun. I've made a home for myself here.

Next stop is Liverpool. It's a Long and Winding Road by train, but With a Little Help from My Friends, it's going to be an exciting summer! This is no time to Let it Be.

Thanks for following along!

ACTOR // CREATIVE // VOICE TALENT

TAPP

Bob Tapper

tapp@bobtapper

www.bobtapper.com

Outside US: +01 9494846275

Inside US: (949) 484-6275