Springtime in Manchester

Hello from Manchester, England!

It’s springtime in England - and one way I can tell is because my allergies are acting up! 🤧 But, the trees are in bloom, the grass is green, and the temperatures are rising.

During the second month of my travel stays, I have usually found my groove. That is certainly the case here. I'm comfortable in my Airbnb, got the train schedules figured out, all settled in my daily co-working and gym routine, and it feels really good.

I've also had the chance to roam around a bit and explore more of Manchester. As I've already discovered, history is in my backyard. And on May 6th, current history was made here as well, with the Coronation of King Charles III.

The Coronation of King Charles III

The United Kingdom has recently witnessed a historic event with the coronation of its new king. The ceremony, held at Westminster Abbey, was a grand affair attended by numerous dignitaries from around the world.

Although I wasn't in London, there were many celebrations across the country, with street parties and parades being held to mark the occasion. The coronation marks the start of a new era in the history of the UK, and many are looking forward to seeing what the future holds under the new king's leadership. However, there was some varying opinions.

I interviewed some people for my podcast, and you can listen below!

John Rylands Institute and Library

I walk by The John Rylands Research Institute and Library here in Manchester every day, so I thought I’d stop in. It was founded in 1899 by Enriqueta Rylands in memory of her husband.

John Rylands, was a multimillionaire cotton manufacturer who profited from slave labor but also sold some "free-grown" cotton not produced by slave laborers - so there's that.

The Gothic-style building itself is an architectural masterpiece, featuring intricate stone carvings and stained glass windows. The library has an extensive collection of rare books and manuscripts including works by famous writers like Shakespeare and Charles Dickens.

You can even sit, plug in. and work for a while - definitely Harry Potter vibes going on here. But it’s a fun visit, and since it’s free to get in, I may come back!

Castlefield Viaduct

Castlefield Viaduct is a historic railway bridge (built in 1892) that spans across the River Irwell in Manchester, England. Today, the viaduct has been converted into a pedestrian and cycle path, offering stunning views of the city and its surroundings.

The viaduct is an impressive structure, with 27 arches stretching over 300 meters in length.

The viaduct has undergone extensive renovations in recent years, and it is now an iconic landmark in Manchester's urban landscape, attracting visitors from around the world. But, it's still a work in progress.

Bob Tapper: Life Abroad, a documentary travel podcast

For a more indepth look into my life abroad, you can always listen to my most recent podcasts - and don't forget to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!

Finally...

Despite some occasional sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes, I'm truly enjoying my time here. This summer, I'm headed to Leeds, which is only about 30 miles away from Manchester, but the atmosphere is slightly different. Nonetheless, it's still northern England, and there are numerous places to discover and visit.

As autumn is approaching, I'm starting to think about my next destination. While I have a few possibilities in mind, nothing is set in stone yet. I'm grateful for the opportunity to embark on this journey.

I really appreciate those who have been reading this blog. Thanks for following along!

ACTOR // FILMMAKER // TRAVEL BLOGGER

Bob Tapper

actorbobtapper@gmail.com

www.bobtapper.com

Outside US: +01 9494846275

Inside US: (949) 484-6275

Back in Manchester

Hello from Manchester, England!

It’s so good to be back in the north of England! Going from one of the oldest cities in Europe, to a very modern one, is culture shock indeed!

The non-stop flight from Athens to Manchester was flawless on Jet2 airlines. I had never heard of them before, but they were the only airline offering a non-stop flight - four days a week. They are a friendly and fun airline, and they make the trip really pleasant.

My Airbnb is in Stockport, which is an industrial town in Greater Manchester. My hosts are wonderful, with two cute kids, a lovable black lab, and two curious cats - oh, and a couple chickens in the backyard! The bedroom offers me all that I could possibly want. It’s going to be a nice stay.

Manchester Piccadilly

My daily train trip from my Airbnb in Stockport to the City Center of Manchester is by train. I purchased a smart card that allows me to use any train line (Northern, Transpennine, Avanti West, etc.) to go back and forth. I love riding the train, and it’s an improvement from the older (and more crowded) metro in Athens. Every day I head to the Manchester Piccadilly train station, and it takes about 15 minutes.

Manchester Piccadilly is the busiest train station in Manchester. From here, you can go all around north England, including the larger cities of Liverpool, Leeds - and even head to Edinburg, Scotland!

Stockport Air Raid Shelters

There are so many historical and interesting places to visit here in north England - and this air raid shelter is right in my backyard here in Stockport. So, I thought I'd walk over and check it out.

You really get a feel for what life was like here in wartime 1940s. Over a mile of tunnels were built out of sandstone beneath the town of Stockport - all to protect the locals from air raids. It's a very realistic experience and so educational.

Screen and Film School Manchester

I was so grateful to be cast in a short film my first week here! The students at the Screen and Film School here in Manchester are always shooting films and casting actors. So, I auditioned for a part and got it!

In this film, I’m playing a tech-savvy professional who confronts a sleazy, slimy Hollywood producer. There are some special effects that were really cool to work with, and I can’t wait to see the final product. Here's a behind the scene shot!

Bob Tapper: Life Abroad, a documentary travel podcast

For a more indepth look into my life abroad, you can always listen to my most recent podcast - and don't forget to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!

Finally...

In my years of travel, this is the first time I've returned to a place I've been before - north England. I'm always asking myself (and others ask as well) if I'd ever settle down somewhere again. I'm not thinking about that at the moment, but this is a place I'd surely consider. A recent study ranked Manchester as one of the most livable cities in the world! I can see why. No place is perfect, but I like it here!

I really appreciate those who have been reading this blog. Thanks for following along!

ACTOR // FILMMAKER // TRAVEL BLOGGER

Bob Tapper

actorbobtapper@gmail.com

www.bobtapper.com

Outside US: +01 9494846275

Inside US: (949) 484-6275

The Beauty of Athens, Greece

Hello from Athens, Greece!

I've been waiting for the month of March! Spring is in the air! Even though the winter has been pretty mild, I expected super nice weather this month and it came through. There were more experiences to be had, so I made the most of my final month in Greece!

Aegina Island

With so many nearby islands, taking a boat ride to Aegina Island is the closest (and quickest) to get to. It's only a little over an hour, so it makes for an easy day trip. The boat ride was reallly fun, with a nice little cafe on the lower level to relax - or plenty of seating above to take in the refreshing sea breezes.

Once there, I grabbed some breakfast, then wandered around Old Town and took in the creative vibe of the town. No chain stores here. Everything is individually owned by the locals. After a delicious lunch consisting of snapper, salad, bread, and a beer - it was time to head back. What a great day!

National Archaeological Museum

On a cloudy or rainy day, there's nothing more comforting that spending some time in a musuem. This one was fantastic! No better way to learn a bit about the history of Greece than here at the National Archaeological Museum.

My favorite part was the statue of Zeus (or Poseidon) from 460 bc. The placard listed both names, and since they were brothers I guess they're not sure. There is nothing in the right hand. Zeus would have held the lightning bolt, and Poseidon would have held the trident.

It's quite something to think that the many artifacts you see stood here in Athens and around Greece so many centuries ago.

The Food in Athens is Out of this World

There is no doubt that the food is amazing here in Athens, and the choices are abundant. You can stay traditional, or go beyond and try the local take on foods and flavors from another part of the world.

Feyrouz Lavantine Sreet Food - is a family owned restaurant with unique and contempory street food from the Middle East. Feyrouz is the mother of the family - and cook. They've created a gastronomical blend of East and West, and their food is contempory, inventive and imaginative - and tastiness is the final goal.

I ordered the Feyrouz Wrap - a thin hand kneaded dough roasted with minced beef and herb mix. I added the homemade babaganough yogurt, feyrouz salad, and pomegranate molasses for a touch of sweetness. If their goal was tastiness, this wrap was a sure win!

Tylixto - Souvlaki and gyros are all around here in Athens, but this place always had a line of people waiting to order their wraps. That must mean the food is really good, right??

Ermina and Giannis took their catering company to a new level in 2012 and opened Tylixto along the busy pedestrian street of Aiolou near Monastiraki Square. It's become a top destination spot for the best (and most sophisticated) street food around.

They offer souvlaki, Arabic pies, pork and chicken gyros, and secret recipes of handmade sauces - among other fresh and traditional items.

I ordered the wrapped chicken souvlaki skewer, with tomato, lettuce, yogurt-mayonnaise, and fries. It was out-of-this-world good!

Bob Tapper: Life Abroad, a documentary travel podcast

For a more indepth look into my life abroad, you can always listen to my most recent podcast - and don't forget to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!

Finally...

So, the first leg of Year 4 is complete, and I'm on my way back to the U.K at the end of the month! My life will be much different there, and much more about acting than traveling.

However, there is so much beauty and history to explore in the U.K., I will definitely be taking some travel journey's and blogging about them!

I really appreciate those who have been reading this blog. Thanks for following along!

ACTOR // FILMMAKER // TRAVEL BLOGGER

Bob Tapper

actorbobtapper@gmail.com

www.bobtapper.com

Outside US: +01 9494846275

Inside US: (949) 484-6275