Ordsall Hall - The Tudor Mansion Haunted by the White Lady

Not scared by the thought that we can meet the White Lady, we decided to visit this 820 years old mansion - Ordsall Hall. As, apparently, there are such a mysterious and unknown places in Salford we haven't visited before, it was a good idea for a Sunday afternoon.

Cycling occurred to be the best way to travel round Salford Quays. From a view of a Polish person, living in Rzeszow, I can certainly see the difference between the way cycling exists in my home city and here in Manchester. I appreciate plenty of cycling paths, as well as the easiness you and prices you can buy you bike with (mine was ca. 20 quid).

In front of the Ordsall Hall

Mario in the back yard

Entrance

Coming back to the Ordsall Hall, it is truly one of those places, were you can feel the spirit of old, XV-century, English Manor. You are being welcomed here with traditional black-and-white decorations called trefoils, which indicates "three leaves", this symbolises.

Trefoils

Next, you enter a wide room fulled with decorations and authentic objects from Tudor's times. This gives you a bit of an understanding of the way people lived those times. But what really is great about that place is the way we can interact with it.

Where a dinner used to take place

Mario inside Ordsall Hall

Royal Bed

Here and there you can find a little art craft section, where both kids, parents and really everyone, can enjoy trying to do some art based on XV-century decorations.

Mario and a bit of his craft

DIY: one orange + some cloves + some creativity = good fun!

one of the rooms is a harbor for a old ship
Here: Mario as a captain

living on a ship - like the idea!

welcome to XV-century kitchen

But beware! Ordsall Hall is also a home of a mysterious White Lady, known to be a ghost attacking those come here at night. And once again, a similarity between Poland and England are being highlighted here.

We may have different language, customs and traditions, but both countries have their own "ghosts" - fears and bad lucks we tend to believe... We have our "White Lady" too!
She lives inside us and comes out sometimes, when is dark outside....

cycling far away
Here: Manchester United Stadium

Mario and the Lowry Bridge

Hanging Out With Friends IN Salford Quays - There Are Plenty of Sunny Days To Do So

Ever thought of spending Sunday in Salford Quays, hanging out friends? If, like most of people from outside the UK, you think that it must be The most boring time to do anything different than watching TV in home, I tell ya -it is not in July 2008!

me - felt into a reverie...

The Sun was so pleasing that day (20th July) that we decided to hang out a bit wit Mario, Aga and Lukas. Good idea, actually, if you don't want to spend another Sunday lying in your bed or watching silly movies. Surprisingly, you can discover that spending few hours with your friends - discussing life, money, job or anything else you have in mind, can make you be closer to each other.

Mario enjoying himself in the Sun

a view on business offices

Swans - they hang out as well

That is why I appreciate hanging out with friends in Salford Quays - it is so quiet here! Whether it is water and the closure to the nature, or some other mysterious ingredient - it all makes even a small walk around here a great entertainment.

Lukas and Aga - with a smile on their faces

Friends IN Salford

Mariusz (Mario) - my sweet boy with sour expression ;)

You can easily lost yourself within those narrow pats by the water, as well as appreciate simple pleasures like the Sun on your face. Speaking of the Sun - it is really generous this year and we have had quite a lot of amazing days.

a bit of modeling

Job Centre Plus

the bridge and part of Lowry Outlet Mall

Mario and Manchester United Stadium

Salford Quays full of Sun - maybe you will try it too...
recommended!

don't believe all the signs you see :P

What are Friends for?

If only you ever wondered what friends are for, you could hear all these noble words:

• for standing there and holding your hand in hard times
• for providing you with advice and...sometimes money if you are in need
• for overcoming your sorrows and fears

and it is all truth, but isn't it just as simple as sharing those special moments together? Moments like walking around the city, admiring beautiful weather or having great party in the night club?

This is how we celebrated these moments with Tung van Truong ...

Tung and me in Castlefield

Mario and Tung
old friends, new experiences

Dance trough the music

Fascinating piece of art

Mario and me dancing

Tung and me

in Salford Quays

How heavy Tung is?

That day was also special because of the Polish Elections for Parliament. As a responsible young citizens, we decided to participate in that event. I strongly believe that it does make sense and difference to my country. Every little vote counts!
We didn't expect that this huge amount of people thought exactly the same. Just look at this massive queue!

Waiting in huge queue for voting

Still thinking who to vote for

And finally, deciding about Poland's future

Mario proud of his choice