Offday in Manchester

We woke up in Manchester to actual sunshine, which felt like a small miracle. The light was golden, warm enough that we could sit outside the buses with our coffees, just watching the city wake up. It felt slow and calm—exactly what I needed. Everyone seemed to be in the same boat: tired bodies, no rush, just soaking in a quiet morning.

Our hotel rooms weren’t ready yet and were a 20-minute walk away, and the city center was even farther—about half an hour. It was also Easter Sunday, so everything had that slightly hushed, closed-up vibe.

A bunch of us decided to walk to the hotel anyway, mostly for access to proper toilets, some decent WiFi, and better food than the random leftovers we had stashed on the bus. Honestly, I just wanted somewhere still and slightly normal for a bit.

I ended up ordering the club sandwich from the hotel and started writing postcards. Then Annicke and I had the same thought at the same time: thrifting. I hadn’t had any time for it yet. We wandered into this amazing little kilo sale, and I found a vintage silk bomber jacket for only 8 pounds. Total win.

On the walk back, we stumbled across a cute food court called Mala. We didn’t stop for long, just enough to feel like we’d found a small local secret. She eent back later.

Back at the hotel, I found out some of the crew was going to a fancy steakhouse with Team Eivør. Of course I wanted in, and thankfully, they made room for me.

Dinner was such a highlight—Eivør and I shared two different steaks and a few sides, and Chris picked out an incredible wine selection. There was a lot of wine. So many laughs, stories, and that lovely glow you only get after good food and good company. Afterward, we grabbed one cocktail, and then Nick, Finn, Kim, and I decided to head back “early.” Early in tour time, anyway—we had a show the next day and an early call.

Tired but full in every way that matters.Read more