It's a new dawn, it's a new day, it's a new life. And I'm feeling good

So, 2008 eh? It feels like we're racing through the first decade of the new Millennium like a hamster in a wheel. Anyway, 2008 is a real important year for Liverpool, it's the year the city sort of gets it's former glory back, it's dignity as a city that matters; to shed the image as the scally wally scousers and the chavs living in 'the worst neighbourhoods in the UK' (Toxteth might ring a bell). Many forget that up until the 1920/30's, Liverpool had been a thriving merchant city, founded 800 years ago by monks and later given a real city title by King John himself. Throughout the middle ages and beyond, it was a city that everyone knew; everyone had been and everyone wanted to live in. During the 18th and 19th Centuries it was described as the London of the North. However, during the first world war and the Wall Street crash with the unemployment that followed, Liverpool went along headfirst into despair, desolation and decay. Not even the Beatles and the Merseybeat could make the city climb back on it's feet. But the last couple of years, with 2008 as it's climax, have been tremendously beneficial for Liverpool. Tourism is growing, employment on a steady rise and buildings being repainted and rebuild to their former glory. Ok, it's not like the Pool can compare to London anymore, not even to Manchester or York, but you have to admit, when you walk the streets and docks, there is a great change going on. I like being in a city that's not great, that's not wonderful or fantastic. I like being in a city that has a clear identity, a purpose and a 'feel'. You really feel part of the progress, part of the revival.
Anyway, Liverpool is a heck of a lot more different than Leiden, even though I love Leiden and definitaly want to come back, there's something about Liverpool that makes you want to stay to see how everything ends up, how it turns out 10 years onwards. No doubt I'll be back though to see what's become of my home. But enough with that New Year's blues, I'm not leaving yet, and will keep on blogging in 2008 to keep everyone in the know. Oh, and next week I hope to be in the presence (or at least catch a glimpse) of one of the two Beatles left alive, Ringo Starr, who's giving a little opening concert to Liverpool '08. Together with a few other big names they're providing a sort of party thing to celebrate Capital of Culture. Should be fun. Will let you know how it went!

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