OCCUPIED COUNTRY

Downtown

Last night saw Dearest, myself, Av and S in Manchester city centre enjoying the food and drink at the annual European Market. Much German sausage, cabbage and potato was consumed. Washed down with Gluhwein and strong German Lager. The smell of Dutch cheeses, Spanish hams and paella, English roast pork, French crepes, garlic and hot, roasted chestnuts was everywhere.

We started the evening in St Ann's Square where the theme was definately German. For me, St Ann's is the finest square in Manchester. The eighteenth century St Ann's church is a delight - even for dedicated atheists such as I. Refreshed with bratwurst, gluhwein and sweet buscuits we sauntered round the stalls selling traditional German tat and jewellry before heading towards Albert Square.

On the way past St Ann's church we stumbled across a very empty English - supposedly Dickensian - market selling Boddington's bitter and not much else. Ignoring it we carried on to the Town Hall. The huge inflatable Santa once again has pride of place on top of the Town Hall and he looks down over the revellers who throng the market in Albert Sqaure.

We had a great time for a good 3 hours. Dearest and Av stocked up on shallots, garlic Spanish sausage and fairies while S and I wandered round the various stalls dedicated to drink. Over the few years that the markets have been going, more stalls and huts have been attracted and people flock to it after work or shopping. I'd be tempted to give full marks to the council except for one glaring ommission. Toilets. Yup, you couldn't make it up. All that liquid being consumed and a not a toilet to be had. Oh there is one but it shuts in the evening. Consequently the local pubs - especially the Square Albert and the God-awful Slug and Lettuce bear the brunt.

Av and Dearest return from the Slug and Lettuce Ladies

Later we taxied back to ours and listened to Rory Gallagher, Free, Neil Young and John Mayall.