h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

The ^gay Village^, Canal Street in particular, and Fossa, erstwhile Via Fossa, (which is my "pet name" for my partner as he proposed to me up on the gallery in Via Fossa)has to rank amongst the highlights and greatest ASSETS of Mancunia...
WE are in our late 50's and totally monogamous, hetero-sexual and a tight unit...but before I met *fossa*, this was my single woman out in the world alone BEST, SAFEST and most BELOVED place to be alone.

As a victim of serious crime in the late 90's/early 2000's I was so scared to go out of my door by myself...but once I discovered Fossa, and the lads who work there! (mostly Gay if not exclusively so) my self-esteem returned slowly, my confidence in public places although still now a problem, grew - even more slowly - and I began to "evangelise" to other sexual and physical abuse victims in my "crowd" how safe, how warm and how very welcoming The ^Gay Village^ is to women, and men, hetero or bi, or celibate (which I was for many years!)...
So close to ChinaTown, the "buzz" is exhilerating! the friendliness of everyone, in and outside the city centre is amazing! and it does not matter where you come from, how you speak, or what your sexual preferences are/are not...you are treated with the utmost respect and dignity, and made to feel more than EQUAL, you are VISIBLE and WANTED.

(tweren't me, yer 'onner...I bin framed)

So, I love MANCHESTER! know Eccles relatively well (used to know the Mayor and his staff) and WE would live there if we could afford to do so, with no hesitation whatsoever.
As that is not likely, we will continue to RAVE about the "Lock Building" ( apartment hotel) one of Dandara's gems, in which a 2 bedroom +2 bathrooms( one is en-suite)+ living-kitchen-diner with balcony overlooking the CANAL is only £174 per night, and can sleep 4 people easily, 5 at a push!?
(depends how up close and personal you care to get?) lol
They even provide food and milk in the kitchen, soft cushions, rugs and throws - and there are a few CD's around in case you fancy some light music!! (well, in our's there was) even a fresh loaf of bread, little butters, floras, and jams!! how good is that?
Well impressed.
Going back during the festive break, because we just adore the place.
(not *The Place* close to the Station) that is very different...can't compare, compete or keep up with *The Lock*.
My pennysworth said.
God Bless Manchester! and all who sail their own boats in her..
Viva la difference we say.::}}

True, the village is a very safe place to go out. I know Via Fossa and have been there a couple of times with friends of mixed orientation. Was there at Mardi Gras a few years ago and was very surprised how relaxed it was.