manchester: where fog meets film
let me tell you, manchester in the damp is a whole other beast. i just checked and it's looking like a damp 10 degrees with this weird sticky humidity that clings to your skin like a second sweater. if you get bored, liverpool and sheffield are just a short drive away.
ive been here shooting a documentary about *secret gardens and the city keeps throwing curveballs. yesterday i got stuck in an alley near china town because my tripod leg sank into what felt like quicksand. someone told me the northern quarter is the best place to find hidden gems, but also watch your wallet because some of the vintage shops can be a bit pricey.
the locals move like ghosts through this mist. i heard that the library has secret tunnels under the building, but when i tried to ask the librarian about it she just stared at me like i was speaking in code. found this coffee shop on a side street that had the best flat white i've had outside of melbourne.
street art here is next level. i spent three hours just wandering around ancoats* with my camera. i swear i saw a piece change while i was shooting - either that or my eyes are playing tricks from all the humidity. check out some of the spots on yelp if you're into that vibe.
and the weather? man. it's like the city's breathing down your neck. pressure's dropping and you can feel it in your bones. found this old mill turned art space that had the most incredible light filtering through broken windows. someone warned me the rent's going up around there, so who knows how long that'll last.
if you're planning a trip, i'd say hit up tripadvisor for the obvious spots, but then go off the beaten track. the real manchester is in the alleys and the backstreets. and don't forget to check the manchester city council for any events happening while you're there.
i'm telling you, this city's got character. even when it feels like it's trying to swallow you whole. still got three more rolls of film to burn, so i'm going to keep wandering. hope you find your own adventures here.
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