First Time Shopping,and a Big Wheel

I met up with Diana down in Manchester. Strangely we were checking in to the same hotel at the same time and didn't recognise each other initially. Being in bob mode the only thing that was a give away was our voices.
That night we went to the Manchester Concord meeting where we we met the 2 Kates and Jane.
3 girls were playing live, one was Marianne who I had met at Sparkle with her wife who I don't think was there. It was great to say hello again and I really enjoyed her version of Bruce Springsteen's The River. Diana finally won the raffle she always seemed to be 1 number out.
Afterwards we went to Naps where Mrs Kate had us all dancing. Something I noticed was the 2 Kates and Diana looked fantastic. I felt quite dowdy, I think thats the expression.
The night came to an end and it was time to get some sleep before embarking on our adventures in the city centre.
In the morning I ready before Diana so I went for a walk round the village. I was really nervous about going shopping as I never done it in K mode.
Diana turned up and looked fab in a white top skirt and heels she also had her sunglasses to hide behind. This was a first for her as well. I thought the sun glasses were a good idea and resolved to get a pair.
We went off down King St looked in a few shops and then we came to Monsoon. There was a silk dress in there I wanted. Now dress size I usually take a 16 top and 12 down below. They didn't have a 16 so I asked if I could try the 14 on. No problem, so off I went into the changing room . It fitted perfectly and another first. I got an overwhelming sense of being feminine. I don't know if that makes sense, but it's the only way I can describe it.
I bought the dress and to say I felt great is an understatement. Diana took a picture of me outside. The shop assistants were great and it felt like I had passed through another barrier.
We spent hours going round the shops.
A coffee in Fraser's, I also bought a couple of eye shadows, blusher and mascara at the MAC counter. I love their products and it was great being treated as just another woman despite my voice. It was quite busy, but nobody was taking any notice of us as far as I could tell not that I probably would have noticed, I was to busy with the assistant.
We went on the big wheel outside Selfridges. You get a great view of Manchester up there. The photo above I think gives a sense of how high up we were.
It came to the time when we had to head back to the hotel. I had to get ready for a make up lesson with Nancy at Make up Manchester.
I planned to have a shave, change back to bob and then change again after the lesson in to K mode.
On the way back Diana was attacked by a pigeon, lucky she had her sunglasses on it could have taken her eye out. I've been ribbing her about ever since. It brought a smile to a lot of people faces and a few laughs, but the classy lady that she is, she handled it beautifully.
In the end after a drink at AXM time was getting short so I decided to go as I was.
This meant going near the city centre on my own. Totally different than being with someone else. I didn't have any problems.
Nancy was fantastic. During the lesson she would do one side of my face and I would copy what she did on the other side. I was pleased I didn't make to many mistakes and picked up a lot tips. I found out what foundation to use and how to blend two which was really bugging me. I got a wealth of information and will be off to buy the brushes I need. I've gained a basic understanding of what to do. The two hours passed very quickly and was worth every penny. I really can't recommend her highly enough.
I'll put a link to her site on my list.
I walked back, the nerves I felt being out on my own long gone. It was still busy, but I felt like just another woman heading home well back to my hotel. I had no problems. I guess they see a lot of tranny's in Manchester so we are not an uncommon sight if your not passable, which I'm under no illusions about.
Back at the hotel I changed into my new silk dress. I think Diana was impressed. I know I felt fantastic not dowdy anymore. I think I had caught up a bit with Diana who looked beautiful and very classy.
We had a lovely meal at Villagio and spoke to a really nice Spanish couple over on holiday. We had a great night although it wasn't a busy night. We saw a cabaret, can't remember where. A girl out with her boyfriend looked me up and down and said wow. I wondered if she had sight problems, but it made me feel good. We spoke to a couple in Naps. Apparently I'm better looking than most of the women in Rochdale, I was told, which I don't believe for a second.
The night came to an end. Diana headed home and it was back to the hotel for me.
A wonderful 2 days came to an end and Diana if your reading this thank you for your friendship and company. I'll be down again as soon as I can for hopefully another shopping trip.
I know I've crossed a line, what's next I don't know. The feminine feeling I got was intense and I can see how this becomes addictive. Also I got a tremendous sense of freedom and a fantastic boost in confidence.
I would like to be confident enough to travel on public transport. The tube in London might be a good start, so a trip there might be on the cards, but thats for the future.
I've made some good friends in Manchester and that is priceless.

Oh, I never did buy the sunglasses to hide behind I forgot all about them.