On this day I: Wander through wonders

As I lay in bed this morning, with hockey off the cards, I was determined to make the day productive. It turned into a rather expensive day, but that wasn't my fault... I digress. I will be leaving the Manchester area in a few weeks and I felt that I perhaps hadn't given the city a chance; truly explored it or bothered to look at its history or architecture.

I started the process as all of us would (in bed): I launched Google and looked for tourist information. The website (http://www.visitmanchester.com/home) is brilliant, it tells you what is on and any offers you can take advantage of. However the best bit was that it refers you to an app you can download which provides audio guided tours of the city - and they are free!

The link to the app is here: http://www.visitmanchester.com/articles/walks/manchester-walking-tours-app/

There are two currently available, I did the city and architecture tour and I'm hoping to do the other tomorrow.

So off I went - braving the cold - and caught the met, rucksack on my back, headphones in and crap phone camera out - proper tourist gear! I've only really ventured into town with a destination in mind - usually for a drink - and as such you don't really look any higher than street signs - and you really do miss the sights. I won't recant the whole tour, as its a city you should explore and it only takes about 45 minutes to walk the route. I took a few pictures (which aren't anything to shout about) which I have posted below:

There were lots of buildings affected by blitz attacks, and lots of modern history attached to some of the most historic grade listed buildings as well. There are lots of other free things to do, which the app tells you, so I'm definitely going to enter the sites next time and not just look at the outside.

All that walking built up an appetite, so I then started my search for a light bite and I struck gold with La Bandera (http://www.labandera.co.uk/). Bit of background - it's a traditional Spanish/Iberian menu and just off Deansgate.

What a great place. Staff were very welcoming, walked me through the menu and recommended the freshest food - who am I not to listen to beautiful Spanish women when they well you what to do?!