Every spare moment I would jump on my fixie (if it wasn’t raining, or bus if it was) and explore more streets, more galleries, cafes, or neighbourhoods slowly getting to know Manchester and all her intricacies, loves and history. I would glow in beginners mind, in awe of everything.

In the time I have been back in New Zealand it has been a long transition of moving. It feels like that was 2011, even though we have been back for longer. Moving and settling, no adventure, no balance, no freedom, no fun, none at the same time. No beginners mind. It has become a habit that I do not like so it is time to change it. My mission for January to drag me out of this state of being, is to treat Auckland like a tourist. To throw on my beginners mind glasses and explore. Usually I write massive lists of what I want to do but it is simple this year and I guess this is my resolution.

My favourite pictures from Manchester:

At work, looking back toward Manchester City. I was besotted (and still am) with the snow.

Outside one of my locals, Tea Cup.

At the edge of Piccadilly square highlighting some of Manchester’s sites.

After 9-months of living in the Northern Quarter I moved out to Whalley Range into an old Victorian Villa that was once attached to another. All that was left behind of the ‘other’ was its entrance way.

History poking through. I love how the cobbles poke through in Manchester’s little allies. Reminding us…

These little spaceman decorate the city and on a map make the picture of the spaceman. I only ever found one.

Oklahoma Tuesday’s.

The Manchester Buddhist centre where I spent a lot of time.

I got engaged to these hands.

Lanchester is one hour north of  Manchester and last month went there to have dinner with KC’s Dad.  We were running late, so by the time we got there and headed out the door, it was already 8.30pm.  The local idea was full and had a 30 minute wait.  The next idea was full, the next idea had stopped making dinners.

On our fourth, finally we found a table until KC asked “hmmm do they serve alcohol here?”  The reply was not conducive to dining out that night, so again we headed out into the night to continue to stumble door to door to full restaurants.

What recession?

Finally we came across 1725 Tapa’s after an hour of looking for somewhere to eat on hungry tummies slowly winding us all up.  1725 Tapas had a Jazz band playing – KC’s Dads favourite music, and served us with gorgeous food, and great service.   The tension built from the hour looking, quickly disappeared with our waitresses empathetic service, and a swift pint, giving us a lesson in, if you keep trying you will find somewhere perfect.

It was a late one, making a coffee tasting essential.  I asked for my usual macchiato but they did not know what it was, so a double espresso with a side of milk was agreed on, and it came out to wow my taste buds.  My espresso with a bit on the side may just be the best way to ask for my macchiato in future.  Especially after my Moose experience… coming soon.

The last photo on my Canonet before its light meter died.  Not bad for 49-years of age though.  I’ll give it that.

Ten years ago Barcelona was not a city you would ride a bicycle around.  Fast forward to now and Bicing bicycles are all over the city and a part of the public transport network.  For a mere 30 euros a year residents can become members, much like a gym membership and use the thousands of bicycles placed around the city.  Using a swipe card the bikes are released from a magnetic lock and if their members return them within 15-minutes there is no extra charge, just the annual fee.  With so many placed around the city this is quite easy to do.  Those unlucky to not meet the time cut are only charged a small fee per quarter of an hour, so there is motivation to return the bike quickly.

This is a brilliant system which would be great in Manchester, Auckland… where ever!  Manchester is a good cycling city.  It is entirely flat yet not many people commute by bicycle despite the infrastructure such as cycle lanes everywhere.  At my work alone, which is a temporary building for us, there are six showers on the ground floor and one shower on every other floor and this building was built for an IT company.  Facilities are ready and waiting to be engaged when habits are overcome.

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But I do know I took it with my 1961 Canon canonet which I love dearly!  This old beast is a rangefinder with a bottom winder to add to its quirkiness.  Despite the time delay I really like retro photography.  It is exciting to pick up a film as you don’t know what is going to surprise you, delight you, or equally: disappoint you!  I think this is somewhere in Manchester, though I am not entirely sure.

Mosley street connects Piccadilly gardens to Manchester’s town hall. Along the way a few new buildings are intersected by very old ones such as this former bank, now a pub. Half way down Manchester’s Art Gallery stands tall, a few hundred years old yet supported by contemporary architecture: an array of glass, yet it works perfectly.

Piccadilly Square

In the heart of Oxford road – University territory, is 8th day vegetarian cafe and shop. This long standing Manchester co-op has all sorts of yummy vege delights from hot meals to calzone’s of all descriptions. It’s always got a great vibe, perhaps because it is in amongst the constant flow of people from the University. Either way, it’s a great place to stop by, chill for a bit, read the paper, people watch and of course: eat.