Liverpool, Rick Astley and learning how to embrace a better work-life balance
I usually don’t like to talk about myself because I don’t think it’s something that would interest people. Since Respectacle is all about eyecare and eyewear, it’s unlikely that people would want to know what the team and I do outside of work.
However, I’ve noticed that in general conversations with several people over the last couple of weeks, they tend to chat about things or, more importantly, about people they’ve seen on social media and what they’ve been up to. We talked about how they were interested in social media posts because they brought the person to life, and they related to the fact that they became real people and not just people promoting their business and products.
Well, I did go and do something recently which I really enjoyed. And I thought I would share it with you all and make it the topic of my latest Respectacle blog post.
I took a trip up to Liverpool for a couple of days, which for me was exciting. I was in the maritime city for several reasons. I was visiting my son, who is studying at university in Liverpool, and I had booked tickets for a night out to see 80s pop icon Rick Astley.
I travelled with son number two, and we met up with son number three and had a lovely meal on Hope Street (known as one of the city’s most beautiful streets) before heading to the M&S Bank Arena. The concert was quite thought-provoking for me. As I was listening and enjoying the many hits Rick was performing, it took me back to the days of lockdown.
During the lockdown, I signed up for the Couch to 5K app, and many of Rick Astley’s songs were on my playlist. So now, every time I hear one of his songs, it reminds me of my efforts to run alone when there were restrictions on what we were allowed to do. I can’t listen to “Never Gonna Give You Up” and “Together Forever” now without thinking about those early lockdown days.
So much has changed since the pandemic started four years ago. We are now more aware of the importance of having a good work-life balance and doing things outside our working environment. However, many people don’t find it easy to embrace a better work-life balance, myself included.
By chance, as I was about to leave for Liverpool, one of our customers sent me a picture of herself with her husband and friends on holiday, and all four of them were wearing our Respectacle Company eyewear. It was a great reminder of how important it is to have friends to spend quality time with and enjoy life to the fullest.
My little trip up north also made me realise how fortunate I am to have such a great team at Respectacle. The team works together so well that I can enjoy these short breaks away and leave the shop knowing that everyone will continue to offer the highest standard of care to all our wonderful customers.
If you have the opportunity to attend Rick Astley’s 2024 tour, I highly recommend it. Once considered a cheesy 80s pop star, Rick has become popular again after his show-stopping performance at Glastonbury last year.
Similarly, Liverpool has transformed over the years into a thriving city, making it a must-visit destination for those who appreciate architecture, arts and culture, and delicious food. It’s also a premier location for music enthusiasts and football aficionados.
I hope you have enjoyed hearing about my little adventure up north. Liverpool is such a vibrant city, and I can see why it’s a popular city break destination. I look forward to making the trip again soon, under the guise of visiting son number three, of course! Should you feel inspired to visit the city yourself, I’ll leave you with some recommendations for fun things to do in Liverpool.
5 fun things to do in Liverpool
Immerse yourself in Liverpool’s music scene
Everyone knows that Liverpool is the home of the Beatles, but you might not know that Liverpool is also a UNESCO City of Music and the World Capital of Pop. Whether you’re a big Beatles fan or not, a Beatles-themed tour is a fun thing to do. There are numerous tours to choose from, but one of the most popular is the Beatles Magical Mystery Bus Tour, where you will get to visit the famous Cavern Club which is synonymous with the band.
Explore The Royal Albert Dock
Liverpool is steeped in history. One of the must-see tourist attractions is the Royal Albert Docks, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which features the largest collection of Grade I listed buildings in the country, many of which go way back to the 1840s. If you like museums, check out the Tate Liverpool, Maritime Museum and International Slavery Museum whilst you are at the docks. If the Beatles are your jam, the Royal Albert Dock is where you will find The Beatles Story, a permanent exhibition and the world’s largest museum dedicated to the fab four.
Head to the Georgian Quarter
The Georgian Quarter is one of the most attractive parts of the city. If you are at all interested in architecture, and especially architecture from the 18th century, you will fall in love with this part of town. The Quarter is famed for its stunning townhouses and cobbled streets. Here you will find some of the best bars and restaurants in Liverpool. The Georgian Quarter is also a popular filming location for films and TV shows, including Foyle’s War and Peaky Blinders.
Do a hop-on, hop-off bus tour
A hop-on, hop-off bus tour is one of the most convenient and fun ways to see the sights of a vibrant city like Liverpool. Take a seat on one of the red double decker buses to see the city’s main sights and attractions.
See the city from the water
A cruise along the world-famous River Mersey is a great opportunity to learn more about Liverpool and see the city skyline from a different perspective. Simply sit back, take in the views, and learn more about Liverpool’s musical heritage and maritime history from the pre-recorded commentary.
Further reading:
Respectacle Company takes a team building trip to the Cotswolds
