Introduction

So, this Friday that’s just gone, I was able to make my way down with one of my close friends Callum to Nottingham; this was a chance for us to reunite with friends Lucy and Grace, who I hadn’t seen since September. It was truly a fantastic weekend. Let me tell you why.

The journey began relatively tame, with me and Callum waiting for the 16:10 at Widnes to Nottingham, planning on arriving at around 18:35. This did NOT happen because of some sort of train delay, not too sure what had caused it. It was also really weird seeing a train go backwards for the first time, you can just tell I’m a tourist.

Me and Cal produced some absolutely fire writing (which will never see the light of day because it wasn’t the most well-written or family-friendly), played Midnight Club 3 on his PSP (actually made me so nostalgic, haven’t used one in years, I felt like such an unc-) and enjoyed some cheeky beverages on the train.

However, because I am the person that I am, I worry when it comes to plans and anything going wrong; the thing that went wrong was the looming threat of death by suitcase. Ok, not death. But the suitcase didn’t really fit in the little compartments which are above you. It did manage to stay there for the journey but best believe I was eyeing that thing up for most of it.

OH! I also drew this-

We got to Nottingham for around 19:15, where we were treated to a truly unique experience: station stairs that are closed between 6pm-6am. Very unique indeed. Must be a Midlands thing? After, we made it up towards the exit and found the targets. The reunion was in full swing.

I must state this now: Nottingham is actually one of the nicest cities I’ve seen (in the bits I saw, of course. I’ve heard strange things about St Ann’s). To me, it felt like a hybrid of Liverpool and Manchester and some elements of Warrington architecture in regards to some street layouts.

Once we reached the accommodation, the experience felt so immersive that part of me wishes I wasn’t commuting every day to UOL; the sense of camaraderie, safety and authenticity in the kitchen felt almost euphoric. I mean, it’s not every day you can have some cheeky Malibu and Coke whilst getting annihilated in Blackjack, is it?

While we’re here, can we just address the huge difference between Squashies in Nottingham and anywhere in the North West? For £1, you get the most delicious things I’ve ever had and I have NO idea what they’re pumping into them. Meanwhile, you’d be lucky to get a half decent bag back home. May honestly be worth a future train ride for those alone.

We also played a cheeky game of Spin The Wheel and tried to manage a rogue Alexa, who had a strange addiction to putting on London Bridge. Not the actual good version by Fergie. Oh, no, she thought we were much more interested in the nursery rhyme, because that’s what truly gets one to rise up and vibe to some good tunes. London Bridge. Oh my lord. ANYWAYS.

After sleeping like a street urchin on the worst couch EVER (they’re gonna kill me if they see this-), the next day began with nothing but whimsy and giggles, courtesy of the TikTok and Instagram algorithms. There’s just something so captivating about POV memes and watching Cynthia Erivo be on absolute smoke at 9 in the morning. Although, I did have to deal with the judgemental gaze of gingerbread men who I’m convinced were plotting against me. Regardless, we did have a lovely morning recovering from our hangovers from the night before.

We went out around 12-ish, where we went to the shopping centre (very much reminded me of Old Trafford but more condensed, quite bigger than the Warrington shopping centre). We got a little bit silly and tried on some hats and whatnot, with me actually buying some non-prescriptive glasses because they were actually pretty nice. I may not be blind (yet) but I can try and gain some aura I suppose.

Went into a toy shop and I got baited by Top Trump cards. I’ve not had trump cards since I was in primary school but I used to collect Transformers and remember lots of my friends had football ones. We were also subjected to the annoyance that is navigating large crowds, but it wasn’t as bad as the heavy crowds of Liverpool and Manchester.

After, I split from Lucy and Cal with Sofia and Daniel to get Wing Stop (my first time getting it and it SLAPPED) and reunited with them after they had gotten Taco Bell. I got some cheeky chicken pieces coated in sticky BBQ (a bit TOO sticky for my liking but BBQ is BBQ) and Cajun fries, which was incredibly delicious. Later on, we ended up chilling in the flat for a little while we waited for Grace and then ended up going to the Christmas markets. Or as I call it, heaven on earth.

After I took that shot above, I just knew I was in an environment which I felt very comfortable and proud to be in. Despite me editing the photo, the brightness of those lights aren’t as exaggerated as they may seem. Especially that circular ray on the left, which felt like a true spectacle. This experience was supported by live performers (which, yes, we did dance too even though most were just idly stood by), custom Lego mini figures of pop culture icons and a yearning for fun. Me and Grace ended up going on the Ferris wheel, which was actually not as scary as we initially thought (although, we were just yapping together and probably would’ve been even more petrified if not).

Once we finished at the markets, we returned to the flat (before this, I just HAD to get a hot chocolate and ended up getting a caramel one, it was chef’s kiss). I ended up ringing Pheobe for a quick catchup and doomscrolled for a little bit. Eventually, I became tired and went to bed. The next morning (which is today, as I have started writing this on the 23rd), me and Cal had to be up early to catch our 11:42 train. We walked to the station with the others and then said our farewells. The train back was much more smooth sailings compared to our journey to Nottingham, where we learnt there’s a TMNT vs Batman crossover film from 2019?? We made it back to Widnes at around 14:00 and I eventually made it back home, where I am here now typing and reflecting on my experience.

Conclusion

So, that was my weekend away at Nottingham, reuniting with 2 friends I hold very dearly and managing to make some new ones. To me, this isn’t a one-done thing but a chance to maintain contact and get to visit one of my new favourite cities. Anyway, yap over.

Any questions? Feel free to contact me via johnjoyce4535@gmail.com!

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