DIARY OF AN ADVENTURER: I GET BY WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM MY FRIEND

Have you ever been so desperate to see someone you would do anything to be with them at that exact moment. I hate to say this has happened to me on more than one occassion, but as my alarm went off at 5am I thought to myself, man I hope she appreciates this mission i'm about to set off on! And what a mission it turned out to be! Lucky for me, I knew how much Katie would appreciate all the effort I went through, just to spend 24 hours together, exploring the city of Liverpool, England.

I had had a rather unpleasant surprise the previous night, just as I was jumping into bed to get a good nights sleep, knowing I had to be up super early the next day. I recieved an email, informing me that I could no longer take the train I had booked weeks in advance, due to a bridge collapsing on the border of England and Scotland, because of the massive flooding.

Frantically, unsure about how to tackle this situation, and honestly so tired I wanted to sleep it off and leave it for future Lari to deal with, I sent Katie a message explaining the situation. Being the super loving friend that she is the reply said "are you still coming?" something I hadn't even considered: I was not going to miss a chance to spend some time with her! You can take the girl out of London, but you can't take those friendships away. Agreeing on leaving it for future Lari to deal with (at 5am the next morning), we promised on seeing each other the next day and got some much needed sleep.

I arrived at the Glasgow train station at 5.45am, 15 minutes before my train was scheduled to depart. The place looked completely closed up, but after frantically searching the whole block, I managed to find one entrance that wasn't closed up with gates. There was only a couple of people in the station and after searching the board I accepted the reality. My train had in fact been cancelled. Trying to pluck up the courage to ask someone, I noticed another departure board saying replacement buses were running, right outside the station. Seemed straight forward enough until I realised this bus would only take me part of the way, and in order to catch my connecting train, the bus needed to leave, like right now.

Needless to say, I missed the connecting train. One bus, three trains later, I arrived into Liverpool. Seeing the sun out shining for the first time of the year made it all worthwhile. Knowing how unpredictable the UK weather can be, Katie and I decided to go up the tallest building and look out upon the city, while it was clear enough to actually see. Despite not really being ok with looking down, I think I am getting much braver at this whole heights thing.

As predicted, the rain set in during the afternoon, perfect weather for Starbucks and GAP shopping, if only we could find either of them! The shopping in Liverpool is super confusing, there's like an indoor/outdoor mall, with loads of different alley ways and streets coming off it - only one Starbucks and one GAP though, despite there being about three of everything else!

We checked into the hostel and made our way to the 10 bed basement room we had booked a month ago. One creepy guy in the corner confirmed the dodgy basement status. Nap time cannot be missed however and after a short hour long break, we dragged our arses back out into the rain, with the promise of food leading the way. Since we don't see each other a lot, Katie and I decided we could totally "treat yo' self" and went for a fancy italian meal, with a compulsory bottle of wine.

11pm rolled around and to top off the meal we were given a free lemoncello shot and given advice on the best places to enjoy the nightlife. Feeling totally overdressed, who would have known it was possible to wear too many layers in the middle of winter, and a lot more sober than those around us, we called it a night. There was another big day of exploring to be had!

After packing up and moving all our stuff into the luggage room - I forgot to mention how much crap I had with me, snow boots, thermals, heels and two jackets, because I was travelling for two weeks through the wintery UK, we headed for the docks and the Beatles Story. We majorly underestimated how long was needed down by the water, cities are always so much nicer beside water.

A quick run around and back to the hostel to pick up the bags, something neither of us were looking forward to. I wasn't sure how I was getting up to Edinburgh, as that train also needed to cross the bridge that had fallen down. I had worked out a couple of potential routes and we decided I would ask at the station which was the best option.

From a 'lets get to the station with plenty of time so we aren't too rushed and can just sit and chat', to 'i'm on the train that leaves in 10 minutes' yelled to poor Katie by me in a flustered mess. I don't think she realises how much I appreciate all that she puts up with with me. A quick hug goodbye, and just like that, and after another five and a half hours, I had made it safely back to Edinburgh, ready for the next adventure.

"Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind dont matter, and those who matter dont mind." - Dr. Seuss

I hope this has inspired you,

LARISSAJODEE x

#friends #travel