ビートルズもびっくり？！生まれ変わった港町

By Lucas Vallecillos, Photojournalist

「ピアヘッドと三美神」と呼ばれるリバプールで最も美しいと言われる風景

　Even George, Paul, John and Ringo might not recognize the famous English port town that gave birth to the Beatles.

　Historic and colorful Liverpool is celebrating its title as the European Capital of Culture, with some 350 cultural events on tap during 2008. For the celebration, the city is undergoing a dramatic transformation, which should be complete by the summer.

　"If you have visited Liverpool during 2006 or 2007, come back in 2008, you're not going to recognize it," says Mike Storey, one of the executive members of Liverpool's remodeling committee.

　In Liverpool's town center there are new public spaces, buildings, shopping areas and hotels, which have added a breath of fresh air to the city.

　Another area that has been given a new face is the seafront, with the project "Kings Waterfront," which features the Convention Center Arena, a futuristic building equipped with the latest technology to host conventions and concerts.

　In early January, the events kicked off with a festive weekend that included the scheduled appearance of one of Liverpool's favorite sons, former Beatles drummer Ringo Starr.

　Other activities in 2008 include the Requiem Taverner, a peace concert scheduled for Feb. 28, where the four major religions will be showcased, with the goal of invoking worldwide concord.

　And on June 1, in Anfield Stadium, Paul McCartney and other top rock stars are scheduled to perform, to showcase Liverpool's place in contemporary music. For a detailed list of planned events and dates, visit www.liverpool08.com.

　Along with its colorful recent past, Liverpoolians are also reflecting on a shameful part of their history, when the city prospered on the slave trade.

　Huge ships once set sail out of Liverpool for west Africa, where they exchanged manufactured goods for slaves, who were transported to America to be exchanged for products such as tobacco or sugar, which were then brought back to Liverpool ports.

　 In this shameful trade triangle, Liverpool benefitted economically, which has been reflected in the buildup of its powerful waterfront, its buildings and docks, which are now a World Heritage Site.

なんといってもビートルズ

　"In order that history doesn't repeat itself, the International Museum of Slavery at Albert Dock was opened last summer," reported a woman who welcomes visitors at the entrance of the museum.

　In addition, the impressive port hosts a lively social life, with a large number of restaurants, bars and museums, including the Tate Liverpool art museum, and the Maritime Museum, which showcases the historical importance of the city as a port.

　But undoubtedly, most tourists are first drawn to Beatles historic sites. From John Lennon Airport to the touristy Mathew Street, the city is full of elements that make reference to the legendary quartet.

　A must-visit is the Beatles Story, a museum which houses relics of the group, including George Harrison's first guitar and John Lennon's glasses. If you are a Beatles fan, you should not miss the Magical Mystery Tour; for two hours a bus will take you to sites that have a connection to the Fab Four, such as Penny Lane and Strawberry Fields.

　The culmination of this musical travel to the past of the city takes place at the Cavern Quarter, where the mythical Mathew Street is located. At the entrance to the Cavern Quarter, stands a beautiful statue of John Lennon, and opposite it is the legendary Cavern Club.

　Between March 1961 and August 1963, the Beatles performed at this club 292 times. Currently live bands still play in the club. On weekends, Mathew Street is the most lively and entertaining street in Liverpool; the bars are full of people drinking and dancing.

　Besides the Beatles, Liverpool is home to another beloved institution: the Liverpool FC soccer team.

　On days when the team is playing, a festive air envelops everything, and from the morning you can see strolling fans wearing the red shirts of Liverpool FC. In Liverpool, Anfield Stadium is a veritable cathedral of soccer. When the spectators sing the team's anthem, the old Gerry & the Pacemakers hit "You'll Never Walk Alone," the stadium emanates an indescribable kind of magic.

　"There's nothing like eating a hot dog with a good beer, and afterwards going to enjoy the Liverpool FC," says Owen, a friend who accompanies me to the soccer stadium whenever I visit Liverpool.