Day #11 – Isle of Man!

Heading onto the ferry in rain!

Today started out a bit rushed as everyone wanted to sleep this morning, but we couldn’t!  We got up, packed and had a quick breakfast in the hotel before heading out to catch our ferry.  Before we left, however, Emily and I stopped into the Beatles Store for some quick purchases.  We had tried to shop yesterday, but they were closing when we went in, so we decided to fit it in this morning.  “The Beatles Experience Museum” is located right next to our hotel, but we were so busy visiting with Linda and Stuart that we never made it there.  Oh well, the gift shop would have to do!

Em and I met up with the boys, got our gear, checked out of the hotel, grabbed two taxis again, and headed over to the ferry dock.  The ferry left at 11:15, but Linda had suggested we try to get there an hour early, which is what we did.  It wasn’t long before we were on the ferry and headed for the Isle of Man.  The ferry was really nice and comfortable, and we had a nice couple hour trip across the English seas to the island.  Nicola had warned us that the seas were rough and we might want sea sickness pills, but we were all fine.  The boat definitely rocked, but it didn’t seem to bother anyone.

Our greeting party!

Peter & Anya with our ferry in the background

We landed around 2:15, and what should greet us but a group of Jagi waving an American flag!  After grabbing our bags and giving hugs, we were on our way.  Our first stop was the Camera Obscura. It was a beautiful walk up to it, but, sadly, it was closed.  As Chris said, we’re on the island now, and they move at a different pace than the rest of the world.

Once back in the cars, we headed into the heart of Douglas and left the car in a car park.  Our first stop in Douglas was the Manx Museum.  We got a bit of the Manx history of the island including the celtic culture and the Viking invasions.  After a brief stop in the museum snack bar for drinks, we were on our way again.  We headed over to an Italian restaurant for an early dinner, and then to a local school to see Isaac in a dance & acting end-of-year show.

The whole gang

The show was long, but very entertaining, and Isaac even got a medal  at the end for being so good!  We headed back to the Jagi home, and unpacked.  I was able to give the gifts that I brought for everyone and then the smaller children went to bed.  The rest of us ended up staying up until 2!  Hopefully tomorrow won’t start for me too early!