The train arrived a little late, not that it matters unduly to us as we are not on any hurry.

This view of Manchester Piccadilly Station is from the terrace where we have retired pending availability of our accommodation. Tigger has reserved us an apartment and as seems the norm in apartment-world, it will not ready until 3 pm.

So we chatted and set the world to rights. We knew from previous visits that there are free buses that run around the centre of town. One of these will take us near our apartment. It runs in a loop going only one way.

First, though, we spotted a branch of Sainsbury’s in the station and here bought a few goodies to take to the apartment to have for lunch.

Free bus number 2 would normally have been convenient for us but it route has been affected by the environmental protests the will last several days so we took number 1 instead.

Reaching the closest point on the bus route to our apartment, we walked from there. On the way we passed this fine pub, the Old Wellington. It was first built in the 16th century but was altered and a extended later and changed usage a few times before settling into its current role.

On reaching the apartment building, we were able to summon the caretaker, concierge or whatever title he bears, by one of the keys on the keypad beside the door. Money and keys changed hands and we took the lift to our flat on the second floor.

The sparsely furnished lounge cum dining room has a kitchenette at one end.

These conditions might seem cramped if one lived here permanently but for as temporary accommodation it’s perfectly fine.

There are plenty of power points, including a double socket on each side of the bed so we won’t even have to break out the extension leads as we did in Brussels and other places.

After a post-lunch rest, we are setting out to visit the town.

The temperature here is on the cool side and it looks as though it might even rain. Fortunately, we are prepared for such meteorological vagaries!