I went to Manchester for the first time a few months after living in England. At that time, I was living with my sister in London. It was supposed to be just a weekend trip; however, I fell in love with the city and decided to move there. I lived in Manchester until this summer. Life was good until a couple of years ago, when things started to go wrong.
A Life-Changing Experience In Manchester
I was a single woman raising two daughters when a man broke into my house one day. I'm not ready to share more about this, but it was a traumatic experience. I sustained some injuries and now have chronic pain in my shoulder. The worst part was that no one cared enough to help—not even the police. I don’t know what happened to the guy, whether he was arrested or not. It became clear to me that I was on my own.
My daughters weren't physically harmed, but I worried about my ability to protect them if something like this happened again. So, I made the difficult decision to send them to live with their dad. He wasn’t the right man for me, but he loves his daughters and will take good care of them. Since I was also being targeted at work, I packed my bags and left Manchester a few months after my daughters went to live with their dad. It wasn't my hometown, and I had no reason to tolerate the mistreatment.
My Healing Journey in London
I chose to move to London because I have a sister here and needed time to think about my next steps. The plan was to go to Japan, but the wave of xenophobia towards tourists and foreigners put me off, considering my experience in Manchester. So, I decided to settle down in London to begin my healing journey.
I couldn't think of a better city to move on from a bad experience. I started a blog and YouTube channel to share my new journey here in London. It's always been therapeutic for me to put my thoughts into writing. As an introvert and socially awkward woman, this is the best way for me to connect with people. I'm not a big city person either, and I would rather live in a smaller town; however, life has been good in London. I'm in a better place now than I was six months ago.
That's why I decided to go on a trip to Manchester for closure. I can't fully embrace my new life if I'm still holding on to the old one. I needed to know if I had any regrets, was holding a grudge, or had truly moved on from everything that happened. So, I booked a hotel for two nights and purchased a return ticket to Manchester.
Travelling in the UK on a Budget
I went to Manchester by coach; the return ticket cost only £16 ($20) and it took over five hours to travel from London to Manchester. In some countries, travelling by coach might seem like a "poor vibe," but let me tell you, this is the best way to travel around the UK without breaking the bank. I wouldn’t go on a spontaneous trip to Manchester if I had to travel by train. Advanced train tickets can cost up to £300 ($392).
The cheapest option is approximately £50 ($65), and the journey can take over four hours. I got one of those tickets when I went back to return my house key. I had to change trains, and the waiting time was nearly two hours. The worst part was that the train was packed, and I had to stand the entire way to Manchester. It's actually more convenient to travel by coach. I'm going on another trip in a couple of days and will vlog my entire journey.
I stopped using Airbnb when my host ghosted me during a trip to Paris back in April. I found them comfortable and practical until that experience. Two nights in a small hotel in Manchester cost £75 ($98), including breakfast. I wasn't holding my breath, to be honest, but I was pleasantly surprised by how clean and cosy the hotel was. I use Booking.com to find great deals.
A Relaxing Moment at the Trafford Centre
From the coach station, I went straight to Manchester United's stadium, Old Trafford. It was my first destination in Manchester because Man United is my favourite team and one of the reasons I moved to the city. I wanted to create content for my YouTube channel and couldn't think of a better place than the Manchester United ground.
After visiting the stadium, I headed to the Trafford Centre, since it's in the same neighbourhood. I wanted to check out a new Japanese restaurant I had heard so much about to try their sushi. I mostly eat at Japanese restaurants when I'm out and about because it's less stressful for me as a pescatarian. I heard good things about the restaurant and wanted to try their sushi.
Chinese families own many Japanese restaurants in Manchester, although it’s becoming easier to find authentic ones. Keep that in mind if you plan to visit Manchester. After my delicious meal at the restaurant, I returned to Manchester City Centre, where I grabbed some snacks from an Asian supermarket before heading to my hotel.
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| Sushi and snacks from an Asian supermarket |
Sleeping Is Better Than Sightseeing
After checking in, I went to my room, which was located on the third floor. It was quite a struggle to climb the stairs with a heavy backpack and shopping bags. I didn't expect the room to be so big. There was a double bed facing the bedroom door, a single bed on the other side, a kitchen corner, and a desk. The bedroom was separated from the bathroom by a long corridor. From the front door, you have to walk to the end of the corridor to either go to the bathroom or the bedroom.
Staying in a hotel in a city where I had a house a few months ago was a funny experience. It's probably because I lived there for years that I didn't feel like leaving my room to go sightseeing. I had plans to go, but I cancelled them and spent two days in my hotel, eating sushi and snacks that I had purchased the day of my arrival. A relaxing time in my hotel room was actually what I needed after the stress of moving to London.
It may seem pointless to go to another city to lock yourself away in your hotel room, but I'm glad I made this trip. I did nothing but watch J-dramas, laugh at TikTok, and sleep. I was at peace, and that's how I know that my mind and body may not have forgotten, but they've moved on. For anyone travelling to Manchester, I highly recommend the Hazeldean Hotel for affordable accommodation.
Embracing Change and Finding Clarity
As I reflect on my journey, I realise that embracing change is essential for growth. Life can throw unexpected challenges our way, but it’s how we respond that defines our path. I’ve learned to find clarity through honest storytelling and shared experiences. My time in Manchester was not just about revisiting the past; it was about acknowledging it and moving forward.
Every experience, good or bad, shapes who we are. I’m grateful for the lessons I’ve learned along the way. They’ve helped me build a supportive community around my personal journey of reinvention. So, if you’re feeling lost or unsure, remember that it’s never too late to embrace change.
In the end, my trip to Manchester was about more than just closure; it was a step towards a brighter future. I’m excited to continue sharing my journey and connecting with others who are navigating their own paths. Life is full of possibilities, and I can’t wait to see where mine will lead next.
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