Hi girls,
some of you may remember my post about my plan for the first public outing as Stephanie in Manchester recently. The wife, stepdaughter and myself left home at about 7am with me driving in male mode. Stopped after about 1.5 hrs for breakfast at a service station and changed in the car after ( not the easiest thing to do ) into a skirt and blouse and flat sandals. I was really stressed that someone would see me changing but nobody did. Within 10 minutes I was comfortable driving as Stephanie and started to enjoy the drive. We arrived in Manchester about 2pm and found the city a bit hard to drive around with so many one way systems. But after a few minutes found the hotel "The Velvet" parked in the rear ?21.50 for 24 hours and unloaded the cases. Walked in the rear entrance and I was feeling fairly comfortable dressed. I had decided to just own it and we all talked to the lovely receptionist as we couldn't book into the room until 3pm and left the cases with reception and went for a stroll around the village which was pleasant in the afternoon sun. We had few drinks sat outside the hotel and I was feeling really chilled and enjoying it. My make over was booked for 4pm so we get a taxi to the Arndale Centre, I sat in the front of the car and chatted to the driver ( wife said after that he had been looking at my legs all the time lol ). Got to the No7 counter and introduced myself to Hanna, a lovely lady who asked what I wanted to get from the make over. i explained that I wanted to look natural and age appropriate. And learn how to apply the makeup and the best cosmetics to use. She explained everything, as she was making me up and what she was using, and why. My stepdaughter was taking photos while she did her magic. I was actually very pleasantly surprised how good she made me look when finished. I bought everything she used and with an offer I paid ?42 but actually got ?80 plus worth of products. And the wife got the points on her Boots card. I think I may have to get my own soon LOL. We had a wander around China Town and by now I was just Stephanie and full of confidence with no worries at all. Back to the hotel to change for the evening out and a meal. We had planned to return to China Town but there was what appeared to be a newish Chinese restaurant which looked nice opposite the hotel called Yum Cha. So decided to try it as by now we were quite hungry. I couldn't believe how normal I felt just walking around in a pretty dress not in the least nervous at all. It was just me, Stephanie, being me now. The meal appeared on the table in super quick time and was one of the best Chinese meals I have had, and it was very reasonably priced.
Time for another stroll around the village which was very quiet but a few interesting people about. Drinks again outside the Velvet by the canal. Whilst in the bar getting drinks there were 3 men talking about their shirt material and one said to them and included me that his shirt was similar to "that ladies dress" lol. And I happily joined in the conversation and jokes about shirts. I don't pass as female I know that especially with my voice but it was amazing to be accepted. I told the wife and daughter and they had a good laugh too. We started to take some photos later and one of the men kindly offered to take some of the 3 of us together. It was all just nice and relaxed. As it got a bit chilly later we moved inside to the bar for more drinks. Needed the toilet after the drinks but found the toilet was gender neutral, or men's so no problem there. Then back to the room tired but very happy, it had been a long day. The rooms in the hotel were amazing very nice with huge beds. The daughters was amazing I have never seen anything like it ( photos to come later ). Goodnight sleep, only continental breakfast at the hotel so decided to return to the centre for breakfast and shopping. Once again I was completely at ease as Stephanie hardly anyone even glanced at me, shop assistants greeted me and asked if they could help, I was just a person, not a crossdresser or some weird bloke. Everyone was nice to me. I didn't try on any clothes but I would have if I had wanted too as I knew there would not be any problems. Needed the toilet so I used the ladies with no problem, bit nervous but it was fine. it was just a dream come true for me I loved every minute of my time in Manchester, and can't wait to do it again. Next time we will come for a Saturday which will be a bit more lively in the evening. But this trip was just to dip my toe in the water to find out if I could swim, next time I'm diving off the board so to speak lol. Sadly then time to drive home but still enjoyable as dressed most of the way back, then struggle to change in the car again. A long journey, 560 mile round trip but what an experience. You may remember a post in which I had confessed to my wife's best friend about me being a crossdresser and how supportive she was. Well she has said she really wants to come with us next time lol. I am so blessed to have such wonderful people in my life. Non-judgemental people who see me as a person, I am so lucky.
I hope that I haven't rattled on too long with this post and that you haven't fallen asleep part way though it. I have had so much help and advice from the girls on this site, thank you all for helping me on this journey and reaching this milestone in my life.
