A month back in the UK reconnecting with family and taking some pics. I am now a tourist in my homeland.  We spent most of our time in Manchester, but managed to have a few days in the Lake District, a week in North Wales, and a weekend with my sister’s family in Chester.

Sheep Dog Trials, Cumbria, United Kingdom

Manchester had changed dramatically over the last 20 years. The city center is much smarter, and skyscrapers now grace the skyline. A trip to Quarry Bank Mill was a reminder of how Manchester made its money from cotton (quite a bleak story in many ways).  We walked past Old Trafford football stadium while on the way to The Imperial War Museum North. Maybe, one day I’ll get tickets and watch Manchester United play.

Horse trials at the Hawkshead Agricultural Show.

The highlights for Yuki were the various National Trust gardens. She has returned to Okinawa with dreams of orchards, and flowering borders. Jasmine meanwhile spent the month learning to sit up, plank, crawl, and stand up while holding onto things. Life continues to be full of surprises.

Llandudno Pier

Steam train at LLanberis

Statue of Sir Matt Busby and a group statue to the players Best, Law, and Charlton at Old Trafford the stadium of Manchester United.

T-55 Tank outside Imperial War Museum North, Salford Quays, Manchester

Royal Exchange Theatre inside the Royal Exchange, Manchester

Cotton Looms at Quarry Bank Mill, Styal, Cheshire

Yuki and Jasmine in the gardens of Quarry Bank Mill