tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34294824698968150502024-03-18T10:50:03.757+00:00mwtrips - Mark's Rail AdventuresWe have enjoyed several trips in the UK and Europe by train and they seemed too good to keep to ourselves. These are all real reports of our own experiences and none is sponsored by any of the businesses mentioned in them; all views are my own. Do feel free to comment and ask questions! #flygskam #trainbraggingMark at mwtripshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10503658158339712260noreply@blogger.comBlogger277125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3429482469896815050.post-68128977744177213522024-02-15T11:05:00.000+00:002024-02-15T11:05:00.570+00:00Don't Drink and Drive!<h2 style="text-align: left;">A Christmas Party by Bus</h2><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiw5y2BFUyII6tRZ8nOAnRRKtvb1L1EhpbinI7sp6A3nrOk9baHXrv8UDejO74UOcqR0ANs7THbfxSIcOqiWoc3cwmV5jO8kCjSfTqUqPyPn5QnYlw2YyCEapCfIKTXYYGZb_0IK1eK-MWJ0ZU375tIUOLAlXnHcrPmQBXh5yu1m1EvG0Hi_JfImZ1TWas" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiw5y2BFUyII6tRZ8nOAnRRKtvb1L1EhpbinI7sp6A3nrOk9baHXrv8UDejO74UOcqR0ANs7THbfxSIcOqiWoc3cwmV5jO8kCjSfTqUqPyPn5QnYlw2YyCEapCfIKTXYYGZb_0IK1eK-MWJ0ZU375tIUOLAlXnHcrPmQBXh5yu1m1EvG0Hi_JfImZ1TWas=w150-h200" width="150" /></a></div>Each winter holiday some friends come and stay with us for a few of the twelve days of Christmas, arriving soon after Boxing Day and returning on or soon after New Year's Day. The last couple of years we have all travelled together to a relative's home in Helpston, a village between Peterborough and our home in Stamford. (The Helpston which was <a href="https://www.clarecottage.org" target="_blank">the home of the poet John Clare</a>, very popular in these parts.)<p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhnlz2hXTP2KEjNLZGiYlrwVw8OkWXxS0H_M755avI-9VNvKQJ1b1BmHKRc94owDQct58mTHC1xFqavwlK4ucfm3vF8CwG569LX9gGJiSnUzDFhBoMYyilCIy7OnOX7OKXDLksmPbBCHuQxmoFdmhWLc4oYYka7zx1UjCyf6QfOVQD0QYGh00qxecVoU10" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="2736" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhnlz2hXTP2KEjNLZGiYlrwVw8OkWXxS0H_M755avI-9VNvKQJ1b1BmHKRc94owDQct58mTHC1xFqavwlK4ucfm3vF8CwG569LX9gGJiSnUzDFhBoMYyilCIy7OnOX7OKXDLksmPbBCHuQxmoFdmhWLc4oYYka7zx1UjCyf6QfOVQD0QYGh00qxecVoU10" width="180" /></a></div>We go for lunch which is a drawn out affair with plenty of fun ... and no-one wants to be "Des," the designated driver, but that is fine because there happens to be a bus service between Stamford and Peterborough which serves Helpston, and, indeed, stops very close to the end of the road where our relative lives (not so close to our house, but that is not a problem because we do need exercise with all the feasting that happens at that time of the year). Indeed, I have long maintained that one of the big advantages of using public transport is the incidental exercise you get compared with the "door-to-door" service expected of car travel: I do not need to spend time and money on gym membership!<p></p><p style="text-align: left;">This year our local bus company, <a href="https://www.delainebuses.com" target="_blank">Delaine Buses</a>, has slightly improved its Saturday timetable by adding one more service at the end of the day to match the weekday service, which made a difference to us because on those days between Christmas and New Year the Saturday timetable was being used every day on our route and so we were able to return home an hour later than we have done in previous years. As I have often remarked concerning service changes: if a bus or train runs we shall use it; if it doesn't we can't! Our bus out to Helpston was pretty busy (well, five of us helped!), and the last bus back was fairly well loaded, too. This is a popular route linking several villages to Peterborough and to Stamford, and a pleasant ride, too, during daylight. (I am sure it could stand an even better service, with later buses and peak-time frequency enhancements, but this is something that Delaine do not seem to do.)</p><p style="text-align: left;">We had a great time and we returned home happy and content - with no-one concerned about their driving and without having to cram five of us into the confines of our car. Four of us travelled free of charge on passes of various kinds, too, which was a bonus.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /><br /></p><div><br /></div>Mark at mwtripshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10503658158339712260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3429482469896815050.post-68593118460031763722024-01-16T21:02:00.004+00:002024-01-16T21:02:23.158+00:00Three New Homes to Visit - and a Couple of Great Exhibitions<p style="text-align: left;"></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSgpBs9oofNZnS5b7p0sXGPG2CwIpf1jBEkL548Ou2BwT8MJh1vVJFOD_zyQJOYDLQqSIg_xyNR_qjv5_lKqTctvrNi4B9z5zHFHh3EduPl_Wr9gBHT5ojYXmA7EEpsRXyiQNnk7QalXKjiTAEX0Epa32uGT9vY_uFLJDQyJXfPBXTTH44kfWUbIhgUUo/s3088/IMG_6511.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2316" data-original-width="3088" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSgpBs9oofNZnS5b7p0sXGPG2CwIpf1jBEkL548Ou2BwT8MJh1vVJFOD_zyQJOYDLQqSIg_xyNR_qjv5_lKqTctvrNi4B9z5zHFHh3EduPl_Wr9gBHT5ojYXmA7EEpsRXyiQNnk7QalXKjiTAEX0Epa32uGT9vY_uFLJDQyJXfPBXTTH44kfWUbIhgUUo/s320/IMG_6511.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Well, R2D2, fancy seeing you here!</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Trains here, trains there ...</h2>As I mentioned in <a href="https://www.mwtrips.co.uk/2023/08/this-could-be-last-time-i-dont-know.html">This Could Be the Last Time ...</a>, my friends who lived for years in Croydon have moved to Chichester. My wife and I had an invitation to visit them and see their now home, and we arranged a mutually convenient date for the diary. Meanwhile, our son in west London had moved with his family to a house just a few streets away from where they used to live, and we had, of course, an invitation to come and see their new home, too. By bringing forward by one day our trip to Chichester we were able to call on them in London on our way home! Great. Time to look at some train times and book some tickets.<br /><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">The fastest way to Chichester remains Cross Country to Peterborough, LNER to London Kings Cross, Underground to Victoria then fast Southern train to Chichester, but much the easier way, and the way we chose because we were not in a hurry, was to take Cross Country to Peterborough and then Thameslink straight through to East Croydon from where a Southern train would take us to Chichester. It was a smooth, easy journey and we travelled Standard Class on through Super Off-Peak Single tickets, but we had a “cunning plan” for an even better journey! On the other hand, because these included Southern, electronic tickets were not available and we had to pick them up at the station: I did not risk buying them at the station because so often our local ticket office is closed</p><p style="text-align: left;">We left Stamford on the train to Peterborough just before noon, taking a packed lunch with us. Connecting with Thameslink at Peterborough is simple, and because trains are half-hourly there is not a problem even if there are delays, unless they are very substantial, because there will always be one soon. As it happened we caught a train earlier than we anticipated because a late one was standing there about to depart when we got to its platform, so on the "bird in the hand" principle we boarded it. When we take these trains we always travel in the rear coach from Peterborough, because there is a First Class section there which is always (well, whenever I've been there, anyway) declassified for Standard Class ticket holders, and our cunning plan was to move to that section as soon as the notice went up on the information display to show that it was so. And there we sat in First Class comfort on our dead cheap tickets and enjoyed our packed lunch, there being no catering at all on these trains in spite of the long distance they cover (all the way to Horsham!). a corollary of this dodge is that if you have paint for a First Class ticket on Thameslink, go to the front of the train southbound because if you travel in the rear you'll have to mix with hoi polloi like me on super off-peak standard dead cheap tickets!</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi2dW4TNLKBsGZfsQfxqEij0GmM_hKARlP_6kc9bdggSaMA4hmMW9tbl7YVTRx4TuFfC7sfZgjAQZzBHRgBOtFhpmpYGbHjLqCeibrXavtwZpOhPFy9FEgkn96Bk7yRPWgvLcjJ95uCKmSBWr-04acPwwlBnS1FyMbJieTtS5Uopan4E9zf946qDl-Whpw" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi2dW4TNLKBsGZfsQfxqEij0GmM_hKARlP_6kc9bdggSaMA4hmMW9tbl7YVTRx4TuFfC7sfZgjAQZzBHRgBOtFhpmpYGbHjLqCeibrXavtwZpOhPFy9FEgkn96Bk7yRPWgvLcjJ95uCKmSBWr-04acPwwlBnS1FyMbJieTtS5Uopan4E9zf946qDl-Whpw" width="320" /></a></div>So we rushed down to London. Even these stopping trains have fast top speeds and do miss the suburban stations in London. Then the train takes the new tunnel across to the "basement" platforms at St Pancras International and crawls through central London stopping everywhere until London Bridge, affording some great views along the River Thames from Blackfriars, where the station now stretches right across the bridge. After London Bridge the next stop is East Croydon where we were to change trains. The friends we were visiting in Chichester used to live in Croydon and here is where we used to transfer to the tram for the last couple of miles to their former home. Now we did not even have to change platforms because the train to Chichester followed ours into the same platform. At least, it would have done but for the signal failures that had caused our train to be late and were leading to congestion at such a busy junction. In the event a few other late trains had to squeeze through before our connection could get in, but it was only three minutes late in the end and hardly a big deal. The wait for it gave us time for coffee in a platform coffee bar, which had been a factor in the plans, but what I hadn't bargained-fr was the 50p surcharge for decaffeinated coffee, on top of the expensive London price. In many cafés there is no surcharge at all, and where there is it is usually only 10p. Still, it was good coffee, freshly made and we sat and enjoyed it until our train came in. The trip down to the south coast is always a pleasure, very different scenery from our home area, and as we pass Arundel and see the castle and cathedral on the hill we know we are somewhere very different: indeed, Arundel Cathedral looks more like those across the English Channel in France than any other English cathedral, Anglican or Roman Catholic. Then along the flat coastal plain to Chichester where our friends met us at the station and took us to their new home, much the size of our own, into which we moved five years ago when I retired.<p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIs2t9_uwbceJc5Oayg2N7Aqqfwu7Tx9UpYT7kVccuQJVf020Tj3OmY231ET_LJgjP8kfre4FpFgSVsVU2WT1gBX29hp0TF3TFpyBbKBj5rSbfn1catXCf8G-iXMw5rXCh9IgFLTUt2KNnoj1Rs_Y9bmp5RpsTBphOZgiSVseBgFR6UTI9ZdN8eFsFsSI/s4032/IMG_6495.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIs2t9_uwbceJc5Oayg2N7Aqqfwu7Tx9UpYT7kVccuQJVf020Tj3OmY231ET_LJgjP8kfre4FpFgSVsVU2WT1gBX29hp0TF3TFpyBbKBj5rSbfn1catXCf8G-iXMw5rXCh9IgFLTUt2KNnoj1Rs_Y9bmp5RpsTBphOZgiSVseBgFR6UTI9ZdN8eFsFsSI/s320/IMG_6495.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">At Chichester Cathedral there was an interesting art installation, <a href="https://www.chichestercathedral.org.uk/events/peace-doves" target="_blank">Peace Doves</a> by Peter Walker, made up of fifteen thousand individually handmade paper doves which are suspended above the Cathedral’s historic Nave. Each dove contains a message of peace, love and hope, written by local community groups, schools and members of the public. All white, they are uplit by violet lamps and are quite captivating as they hover over the nave.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">We enjoyed our friends' new home, meals out and drinks by the sea at Felpham (a bit breezy even in the south in October, so the visit to the beach was short!), and we also visited their daughter's new home at Havant. Everyone seems to be on the move. </p><p style="text-align: left;">On our last day in Chichester I visited an exhibition at the <a href="https://www.thenovium.org.uk" target="_blank">Novium Museum</a> which displayed the toys, books and posters which were associated with the Star Wars films. This made an interesting addition to the Star Wars costume and merchandise exhibition I had seen at Peterborough Cathedral just a few months before.</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiMhj7mveSwJeZIz_MBY23VX1IUewy1oRdsx8WjbMpSuw3aRf-TAtRsZHDRW9G_iZEFqFLXrnpFsOfLcx8E8vCT3Ww3MaKIJSzFSKzBPByoY2T2HKf-uAqd2WdAZAyksekvn-1EzT5XpcV7FirtOY_ysSuzEMMji7c0Dy0eampwabW0eMNqBcMxUTwUiNg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiMhj7mveSwJeZIz_MBY23VX1IUewy1oRdsx8WjbMpSuw3aRf-TAtRsZHDRW9G_iZEFqFLXrnpFsOfLcx8E8vCT3Ww3MaKIJSzFSKzBPByoY2T2HKf-uAqd2WdAZAyksekvn-1EzT5XpcV7FirtOY_ysSuzEMMji7c0Dy0eampwabW0eMNqBcMxUTwUiNg=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhD8AJ3SaNqku0BL9YpOXFP6coQea6LySm68tB_r_lFO1ZAN_xoCPpTAgbQpeKweCYFdcTa_YpygQHeRkIynDKfD53PiB5J4ttDE_BURpC_OrbRm1AK3KVcKpcO_Rwsvf9agvuA52WTSWk891jHiTCT8Tw572qX6MvOhXw7R5SDdPR8ocjmvRBXMwoLnpk" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhD8AJ3SaNqku0BL9YpOXFP6coQea6LySm68tB_r_lFO1ZAN_xoCPpTAgbQpeKweCYFdcTa_YpygQHeRkIynDKfD53PiB5J4ttDE_BURpC_OrbRm1AK3KVcKpcO_Rwsvf9agvuA52WTSWk891jHiTCT8Tw572qX6MvOhXw7R5SDdPR8ocjmvRBXMwoLnpk" width="180" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: left;">Soon the time had come to wend our way home from Chichester, but first, the too-long delayed visit to our son's new family home in west London!<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">We were driven back to Chichester station on our last morning and caught a train to London Victoria, beginning much the way we had come - this is probably the service we had used between East Croydon and Chichester on our way down - but there was no need to change trains to get north of London this time. It was Saturday morning and you can never be sure what Underground lines are working at weekends, but all was well in the direction we were going, and by changing stations at Hammersmith we were soon in the familiar streets of Shepherd's Bush for they had not moved far and their nearest Underground station was still the same one, the children at the same school, but a lot of work to be done to get the house into the great condition that they'd left the previous one. To get a house with a garden in London, though, some compromise is necessary.</p><p style="text-align: left;">After lunch with the family we left by our familiar route (albeit with a longer walk to the Underground) of Hammersmith and City Line to Kings Cross, LNER First Class to London and the Cross Country Trains connection home to Stamford. Not the most exciting trip to write about, but exciting for us to see our friends' new home and our son's new home, with Chichester Cathedral's Peace Doves and the Novium's Star Wars thrown in for good measure, together with some very pleasant train rides. </p><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhuoCkpq_JL7ZRgz1289K7DvI9w1B28rd3g93HeaboEuSzPEku0MdiBTdEQ5mbWL91rUngswj86hYmjsPQEIWNGplmgQko0zjZ5YYYGCAX2JHDST7GbyMnIDbt2yCpPZmFyGrsxWe4tsDjJ2W_na9Cgw-K5sLOklen6-r2vCLFA-0i5cTZbuMxXiewuqok" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhuoCkpq_JL7ZRgz1289K7DvI9w1B28rd3g93HeaboEuSzPEku0MdiBTdEQ5mbWL91rUngswj86hYmjsPQEIWNGplmgQko0zjZ5YYYGCAX2JHDST7GbyMnIDbt2yCpPZmFyGrsxWe4tsDjJ2W_na9Cgw-K5sLOklen6-r2vCLFA-0i5cTZbuMxXiewuqok=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><p></p></div></div>Mark at mwtripshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10503658158339712260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3429482469896815050.post-50041881221846009542023-11-23T15:37:00.000+00:002023-11-23T15:37:03.154+00:00How to Visit Frankfurt Without Leaving the English Midlands<h2 style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAEOHHsXO5pWZKrOlcJUPmU694MfEnXlLbN1TFbEgRx0wz6oxqZYwkhkDLvlGWxmXzFyUACmZS4HmmqqJyhHwUieyKYMD2pySjIEk1OVG91ao1yEzZTn9QLh0ry6iGWX3rvg7R5PE-qv58BsZHy4BS0BjwHSNkPVgLDtY75EjbnnGIJLEIPMmXOMZG5_k/s3088/IMG_6629.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAEOHHsXO5pWZKrOlcJUPmU694MfEnXlLbN1TFbEgRx0wz6oxqZYwkhkDLvlGWxmXzFyUACmZS4HmmqqJyhHwUieyKYMD2pySjIEk1OVG91ao1yEzZTn9QLh0ry6iGWX3rvg7R5PE-qv58BsZHy4BS0BjwHSNkPVgLDtY75EjbnnGIJLEIPMmXOMZG5_k/w150-h200/IMG_6629.jpeg" width="150" /></a></div>Day Trip by train to the Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market</h2><p>We have visited a number of Christmas Markets since we began our "adventures" by train a few years ago. There were the <a href="https://www.mwtrips.co.uk/2021/12/christmas-market-rhine-cruise.html">real German ones on the Great Rail Journeys Christmas Markets Rhine Cruise</a>, the <a href="https://www.mwtrips.co.uk/2015/12/so-here-it-is.html">big local one in Lincoln</a> and those in <a href="https://www.mwtrips.co.uk/2017/12/relaxing-at-spa.html">Bath and Bristol</a>. I had also taken <a href="https://www.mwtrips.co.uk/2018/12/birmingham-german-market.html">a group by train to the Birmingham one</a> a little while ago, but it was so cold that day that I did not see much of the Christmas Market that time! The Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market lasts almost two months (Lincoln's, now ended, was just two days but was very much bigger), from the beginning of November until Christmas Eve, and occupies New Street and Victoria Square in the heart of the city of Birmingham with German-type stall selling German and German-influenced gifts, food and drink. There is a more locally-inspired market in the Cathedral grounds with smaller stalls selling local crafts, food and drink, and some of the shops join in the Christmas theme or the German theme as well. My wife had never been to the Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market but has always been a fan of German culture, and so, Birmingham being an easy trip by train from our home in Stamford we decided to visit it this year. My adventures are having to be a bit simpler at present for health reasons, so a day trip with no change of train fitted the bill nicely: it is quicker and easier to visit Birmingham, several counties away, than to visit our own county town of Lincoln!</p><p>Looking at the train timetable and the peak and off-peak fares, it seemed that a good day out, giving enough time for all we wanted to do, could be had by taking the 10:07 train to Birmingham, returning by the 15:22: if we stayed later than that, the next train on which an off-peak ticket could be used would be the 18:22, three hours later. Looking at our diaries, there were not many days when we could do it! In between our voluntary jobs and our family commitments, and not wanting to leave it to near Christmas we thought that this Tuesday would do nicely and so we kept the date free. I did not actually buy the train tickets until the day so that we could change our minds if the weather forecast were poor.</p><p>All was well and we set off for the station. Although I could have bought the tickets at the ticket office for a trip like this, the last two times I had been to the station the ticket office had not been open and so I used the Cross Country Train Tickets iPhone app which gave me our tickets on my smartphone. We had to remember to take our Senior Railcards with us! In the event the ticket office was open, a corollary of which was that the waiting room was also open and heated, which was just as well because the weather in Stamford turned out to be both colder and damper than expected, and the train was late. It had been delayed by "operational issues" around Cambridge or Ely and the slippery rails made making up for lost time impossible. You could hear and feel the wheels slip as the train pulled away from each station. There did not seem to be a catering trolley on the train, but our intention in any case was to have coffee in Birmingham.</p><p>Like all east-west lines in central England, this is not a fast line (and not a straight one, either!) but the trains are quite quick, when they can get a grip, and comfortable and the time soon passed. Fifty years ago I used this line to and from university and it was much slower and less comfortable then. We were soon in Birmingham, and New Street station is right in the thick of things in the city centre, so we were straight into the Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yoVBlQOg7N8" width="320" youtube-src-id="yoVBlQOg7N8"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhlZZj6doebItKPbDqhmDX3ma1eGioYkypQgqWywrWHMmE32MfGRgAflHPUByPsiQ7nrZ1jHaSCuwElXn30CszW6Oc8VRad_AKdowXPFQn52aM5cnu3S1BOxe0HR2P_bBYgZeicwUClUVIhaeDNlXsxy6IE8-BlcgEHIJCJd-65QutbW9WOw020BvwE1J8" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1156" data-original-width="3408" height="109" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhlZZj6doebItKPbDqhmDX3ma1eGioYkypQgqWywrWHMmE32MfGRgAflHPUByPsiQ7nrZ1jHaSCuwElXn30CszW6Oc8VRad_AKdowXPFQn52aM5cnu3S1BOxe0HR2P_bBYgZeicwUClUVIhaeDNlXsxy6IE8-BlcgEHIJCJd-65QutbW9WOw020BvwE1J8" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>We walked along New Street towards Victoria Square, looking cursorily at the stands we passed while seeking an indoor café for our morning coffee. We ended up at <a href="https://www.albertsschloss.co.uk/birmingham/" target="_blank">Albert's Schloss</a>, and Alpine-inspired restaurant beyond the Town Hall: we had sen this place when we visited Birmingham in the summer but had not been inside. Seeing the menu and enjoying the service and the "German" and "Austrian" atmosphere we thought we'd have to return some time for a meal, but today we wanted to eat from the Frankfurt Christmas Market - it would have to be a frankfurter, wouldn't it?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQxPqRHi8zOR6m-noRVLgfwqZg6nki02U2Ld60S0tjS63Bmkt8EK7EIr__lcKPAbGsMnwOMwrHsFiZLvCENYclof4mD09jXlGLwVRT583MkchZLqKZ7KkfgXHJ41FEzLn-GDgCx0H0789OU6mCtvnC3zSin2_jS81ykXC0wJ5jB9kmz9zCpWA0hMHHYME/s4032/IMG_6638.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQxPqRHi8zOR6m-noRVLgfwqZg6nki02U2Ld60S0tjS63Bmkt8EK7EIr__lcKPAbGsMnwOMwrHsFiZLvCENYclof4mD09jXlGLwVRT583MkchZLqKZ7KkfgXHJ41FEzLn-GDgCx0H0789OU6mCtvnC3zSin2_jS81ykXC0wJ5jB9kmz9zCpWA0hMHHYME/s320/IMG_6638.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>We looked around the food and drink outlets in Victoria Square and decided where our frankfurters would be bought at lunchtime and then walked off to the Cathedral grounds where there were smaller stands selling more local things, and we bought a glass Christmas tree decoration from a local craftswoman before returning to Victoria Square for lunch, "serenaded" by a singer singing many of the usual Christmas pop songs. It was all very atmospheric, and although it did remind us of our time in the real German Christmas markets a couple of years ago it was a very English interpretation! After our sausages we moved on to gluhwein. The bar we chose served gluhwein in very good glass mugs, for which we had to pay a hefty deposit, so it was much easier to drink than in thin wine glasses too hot to hold. We could take our time drinking it and then we moved on to New Street, buying some chocolate-covered marshmallow on the way. <p style="text-align: left;">We walked the length of New Street, studying the stalls in much more detail now. These are much bigger than the stall you find at most Christmas markets and sell a wide range of goods as well as a lot of German and German-inspired food and drink. We had all we now wanted to buy from the market and were close to the Bull Ring shopping centre, so we paid a brief visit to Selfridges and Marks & Spencer and then it was time to make our way to New Street station to take our train back to Stamford. We bought take-away coffee at the station and it was just as well because there did not seem to be a refreshment trolley on the train home either! If these facilities are not reliable they will be underused because we shall all make other arrangements and buy little if anything from the trolley on the train. We found some good seats together again and had a comfortable ride home, leaving Birmingham on time but arriving in Stamford a couple of minutes late.</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRwE1zqZNGAoi5Td8H836ZNjeoeA0R53zs6U0086JmqsUQPgwcZ2ZfX7Vs_IdIrceqk2LP5p9DerokgSlTit56CSgM2siFEYWE2kz0huz6SRCdM-c-oaRSaxuXRS48g28Aj63pNhqQ0H0wp8CdCohsAT-VAWP_qIDGdZr6cZH8f-1Ig3uKmap7MXPpZC0/s2894/IMG_6630.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2894" data-original-width="2139" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRwE1zqZNGAoi5Td8H836ZNjeoeA0R53zs6U0086JmqsUQPgwcZ2ZfX7Vs_IdIrceqk2LP5p9DerokgSlTit56CSgM2siFEYWE2kz0huz6SRCdM-c-oaRSaxuXRS48g28Aj63pNhqQ0H0wp8CdCohsAT-VAWP_qIDGdZr6cZH8f-1Ig3uKmap7MXPpZC0/s320/IMG_6630.jpeg" width="237" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">It had been a really good day out and we needed very little for supper after our small but sustaining "German" feast at lunchtime. The train to and from Birmingham really is very convenient for us and everything is so close to New Street station that a day out is so easy. We really must do it again.</p><p style="text-align: left;">There is, of course, no other city like London, but when I look at Birmingham now it is so much more London-like than it ever was fifty years ago when I was studying there and it felt like an overgrown market town. I am not sure that the city has caught up with its own new image, though, and it does not live up to its Second City status as I think it could. I intend to return in the spring or summer to hear a concert at its world-class <a href="https://bmusic.co.uk/your-visit/symphony-hall" target="_blank">Symphony Hall</a> and, if it is open after its repairs and refurbishment, visit to world-class <a href="https://www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/birmingham-museum-and-art-gallery" target="_blank">Museum and Art Gallery</a>, too.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.co.uk/mark6964/travel/birmingham-for-me/" target="_blank">Birmingham Pins</a></p><p></p>Mark at mwtripshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10503658158339712260noreply@blogger.com0Birmingham, UK52.486242999999988 -1.89040124.176009163821142 -37.046651 80.79647683617884 33.265849tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3429482469896815050.post-77550945836563535722023-11-20T10:59:00.003+00:002023-11-20T11:05:00.366+00:00Leicester Feels a Bit Closer Than It Did<h2 style="text-align: left;">A train trip we now do rather more often<br /></h2><p>The train operating companies, and indeed the Government, talk about "changed travel patterns" since the pandemic as <strike>a reason</strike> an excuse to <strike>adjust</strike> cut train services, but for me there are two reasons why my travel patterns have changed since the pandemic: one is that train services have been cut and I cannot travel on trains that don't run (!) so I have to travel at other times or even, if I cannot change my timing, drive my car (which makes them think I am not travelling and reinforces the cut). The other is that some shops did not reopen after the lockdowns, among them our nearest department store, <a href="https://www.johnlewis.com/our-shops" target="_blank">John Lewis</a> in Peterborough. There are now very few shops in Peterborough that are any use to me at all and for major comparison shopping I now have to look to Leicester, so my "changed travel pattern" now includes getting a train to Leicester and back for shopping rather than to Peterborough and back - a much longer journey at a higher fare, so the <a href="https://www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk/our-routes" target="_blank">Cross Country train operating company</a> does rather better from me than it did ... Fortunately the withdrawn train services do not affect a day trip to Leicester.</p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnHU3GoXvmWxGv1mqgsCLap4TfRCjAF-52rf9Pr470laBSlraIDuQEN6yFmlTioCquPBXX9TNBdM9YGwm-kc3G-IhGoYSHxyTnkbBb0tkiloIFo2uUMBPjtbMHXRJ6oWfZlkKt8TUmYVS7ir5qtS7FXLSnTy6AKQ7NvlIS6z1_-sIQwjEqXpWyhFK5EpA/s4032/IMG_6133.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnHU3GoXvmWxGv1mqgsCLap4TfRCjAF-52rf9Pr470laBSlraIDuQEN6yFmlTioCquPBXX9TNBdM9YGwm-kc3G-IhGoYSHxyTnkbBb0tkiloIFo2uUMBPjtbMHXRJ6oWfZlkKt8TUmYVS7ir5qtS7FXLSnTy6AKQ7NvlIS6z1_-sIQwjEqXpWyhFK5EpA/s320/IMG_6133.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The starter!</td></tr></tbody></table>Most recently my wife and I took the train to Leicester to visit John Lewis in order to research induction hobs in preparation for a kitchen refurbishment at home. We caught the 11:07 Cross Country train from Stamford to Leicester and walked straight through the city centre to the <a href="https://www.johnlewis.com/our-shops/leicester" target="_blank">department store</a> where we had some excellent advice from a young salesman and made some notes (basically photographing the information labels on the devices that interested us!). On previous shopping trips by train to Leicester we have had coffee and/or lunch at the <a href="https://www.merchantofvenice.co" target="_blank">Merchant of Venice</a> restaurant opposite the station, but this time we discovered that they had opened another branch at the other side of the city centre, near to where we were shopping, so we tried that instead for our lunch. It had the same quirky atmosphere, an Italian restaurant and coffee shop with a Shakespeare theme, even down to having a table with swinging seats in the front window - which we just had to try after using them at the original branch.<p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3dPJcBWnG66bqW819mbgMclBrF5oq1Id7aoXF43KpRhTeNvvuJgxZjV-sNwqW3ysGtBmHFeWiode7d11-5jG9bUueVM8NJBOUn6Vj6xh9LYfaUvweeP-Lk5N2ux_BEFFgblZt5-DpXjRRZU7Cz7w-aSkilc-lKGFnViU1jqvpgD8u6nrlWmtoOE0Li4g" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2163" data-original-width="1852" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3dPJcBWnG66bqW819mbgMclBrF5oq1Id7aoXF43KpRhTeNvvuJgxZjV-sNwqW3ysGtBmHFeWiode7d11-5jG9bUueVM8NJBOUn6Vj6xh9LYfaUvweeP-Lk5N2ux_BEFFgblZt5-DpXjRRZU7Cz7w-aSkilc-lKGFnViU1jqvpgD8u6nrlWmtoOE0Li4g" width="205" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Main courses</td></tr></tbody></table>The walk back to <a href="https://www.eastmidlandsrailway.co.uk/trains-stations/at-the-station/station-facilities/lei" target="_blank">the railway station</a> was essential to walk off the lunch, the starter for which was as big as some main course: it was as well that we were sharing the starter.<p></p><p>And so to the train home. The train rides each way were unremarkable, which for a trip such as this is all we require, really. Cross Country have acquired more centre cars for the Turbostar trains they use on this route, so there is now usually plenty of space, and although the trains are beginning to show signs of wear after a busy life the seats are still comfortable, the heating and air conditioning still works well and the <a href="https://www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk/on-board-with-crosscountry/food-drink" target="_blank">refreshment trolley service</a> is still operating. Timekeeping could be a bit better but the trains are often on time and seldom more than a couple of minutes late, so it could not be a lot better.</p><p>And now today the kitchen refurbishment begins. We have not actually chosen the induction hob yet because we need to take advice from the kitchen fitter once he has the worktop removed and can see how much clearance he has above the built-in oven below where the hob is to be installed. But at least we know what the range is and where to order it once the decision is made. The gas fitter arrives this afternoon (pity: it should be on a Monday <b><i>morning</i></b> that the gas man comes to call ...) to disconnect the gas hob. Then as soon as we approach the end of our energy contract we can have the gas supply removed and stop paying the standing charge. This will be the first time in my life that I have been without a gas connection.</p><p></p>Mark at mwtripshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10503658158339712260noreply@blogger.com0Leicester, UK52.6368778 -1.139759224.326643963821155 -36.2960092 80.947111636178846 34.0164908tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3429482469896815050.post-79286116467876528542023-11-06T10:48:00.003+00:002023-11-06T11:21:00.645+00:00Delays and Cancellations - and that's just me ....<p></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEirUToexfMmMQ0ORzV7-C4PS52xMo-7hdwGieW0VfLv-dMBQHPFqvJj5bXD8v-lI93oVxiwLWAE4RJcqUt4T88jXOmnyoCzx83rsKRA_f8IawnEfxml-BTWLBeZDbawYX9Fp5D-puUAFDBkZR2eYYtokkqzgPqC5XYft03c0x5N_IejrW9CEU3XCHG_tuw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2316" data-original-width="3088" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEirUToexfMmMQ0ORzV7-C4PS52xMo-7hdwGieW0VfLv-dMBQHPFqvJj5bXD8v-lI93oVxiwLWAE4RJcqUt4T88jXOmnyoCzx83rsKRA_f8IawnEfxml-BTWLBeZDbawYX9Fp5D-puUAFDBkZR2eYYtokkqzgPqC5XYft03c0x5N_IejrW9CEU3XCHG_tuw" width="320" /></a></div>Severn Valley Railway</h2><div><br /></div>By this time of the year I usually have a few winter trips arranged and one or two in the summer and autumn of next year, too. This time I only have one booking in the diary, a Great Rail Journeys escorted tour in Switzerland by way of celebrating my forthcoming 70th Birthday (although it will take place some months after the date, which is just as well in the circumstances). I write from a Thameslink train on my next adventure, for which I bought the tickets on departure, and we are planning a visit to the Birmingham Christmas Market but do not yet have a date. The vagueness in the planning is a result of some medical issues I am currently experiencing, but the way forward is now a little clearer and I hope that some plans will soon take shape. I have been a little cautious about announcing any <a href="https://www.mwtrips.co.uk/p/tours.html">group days out</a> until I know my own availability and until the industrial relations in the rail industry become more stable, hopefully soon.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioP-ZBUehQcdHtD9j0D56A95RSyxYMgR_KbR_w4bHybb9-KSvHlOxfLdIi6VEHlSHkwFVsJdgp-Tx9iAh0oAG7Klevi0WszApeseXpr2TloHwGZBUzB2ajyYeH0Fgj5jBWq8ZUPJsvZ_nDJ0QoHOWxqnuXwnKBS8jA3200F9M6DoRQZzwTzWLBQqmO2ag/s4032/IMG_6273.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioP-ZBUehQcdHtD9j0D56A95RSyxYMgR_KbR_w4bHybb9-KSvHlOxfLdIi6VEHlSHkwFVsJdgp-Tx9iAh0oAG7Klevi0WszApeseXpr2TloHwGZBUzB2ajyYeH0Fgj5jBWq8ZUPJsvZ_nDJ0QoHOWxqnuXwnKBS8jA3200F9M6DoRQZzwTzWLBQqmO2ag/s320/IMG_6273.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Meanwhile a recent road trip did include a day exploring the magnificent <a href="https://svr.co.uk" target="_blank">Severn Valley Railway</a>, so I'll take the opportunity of my current train ride to bring the blog up to date with a description of the day on the SVR.<p></p><p>The Severn Valley Railway Adventure began with the <a href="https://mdmrc.org" target="_blank">Market Deeping Model Railway Club's</a> annual summer lunch party at which a raffle was held and my ticket was drawn. One of our members had a couple of shareholders' First Class Freedom of the Line ticket vouchers left which he would be unable to use and had given them as a prize in the raffle, and they were still available when I went to claim my prize ... </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjMJjP8Dky6kjH3B3mXlydDcKXNq-ckyXl99CYxq6Pk7Bzz2Qxy42O4PsnRK0XW5Y1eFZvGFPMKh8uxTZZRp-v3NkEYH98gSvJFCSrO7z4VeK2blpPCo1bu7KyMwRNRO7n0dkeA4-MmqOi9Krpzhrgl7y2Q-4Ap0LdGhveKD4cdHfc1wN6fRzgDb1MHmG4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjMJjP8Dky6kjH3B3mXlydDcKXNq-ckyXl99CYxq6Pk7Bzz2Qxy42O4PsnRK0XW5Y1eFZvGFPMKh8uxTZZRp-v3NkEYH98gSvJFCSrO7z4VeK2blpPCo1bu7KyMwRNRO7n0dkeA4-MmqOi9Krpzhrgl7y2Q-4Ap0LdGhveKD4cdHfc1wN6fRzgDb1MHmG4" width="320" /></a></div>We were staying in a <a href="https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/england/worcestershire/kidderminster/kidderminster.html" target="_blank">Premier Inn in former industrial premises</a> in the centre of Kidderminster and walked across the town centre to Kidderminster station on the Severn Valley Railway on a sunny autumn morning, via breakfast at Caffè Nero. The idea was to catch the first SVR train of the day to the other end of the line at Bridgnorth and then wander back to Kidderminster on various trains, ending with the penultimate train of the day in order to allow some slack in case of a problem: with our car parked in Kidderminster we had to be back there in order to get home. At Kidderminster we went to the ticket office window of the Severn Valley Railway station with our Freedom of the Line vouchers which were converted into First Class tickets by the simple process of stamping them with the date. The first train of the day according to the timetable was at 10:00, but while I was having the tickets stamped an announcement was made that there would be an additional train at 09:40: experience had shown that he first train of the day was overcrowded so by adding an extra one twenty minutes earlier they were more easily able to cater for the crowds - a Good Sign. We boarded the train, composed of 1940s-50s maroon coaches hauled by a BR standard steam locomotive, the sort of train that would have been the latest technology when I was a toddler travelling with my parents! We sat in the buffet car (which was not serving: we'd have had to travel in the scheduled 10:00 train for that, but we'd just had breakfast so that was OK) and we almost had the space to ourselves.<br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDt2TTMDiiX1_JHJZ5rAneKNpMU9Q41asXtoIW2n7OyF_65JQrZfMTSt0cLN3yoptT0ViGTag0Niyk3TTPagr-8AGLWgiNa2XrDk_eFZzqYcIF0r9xJm-xh_vZIsogIL1SjsheszRnHiJWbTiIWzR4OgF0tnLNAYS8bneNQV7Or9zfHxIXZ4ub7G3v40k" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDt2TTMDiiX1_JHJZ5rAneKNpMU9Q41asXtoIW2n7OyF_65JQrZfMTSt0cLN3yoptT0ViGTag0Niyk3TTPagr-8AGLWgiNa2XrDk_eFZzqYcIF0r9xJm-xh_vZIsogIL1SjsheszRnHiJWbTiIWzR4OgF0tnLNAYS8bneNQV7Or9zfHxIXZ4ub7G3v40k" width="320" /></a></div>At Bridgnorth I watched the locomotive run round the train for its (unscheduled extra) trip back to Kidderminster and then we walked into the town to explore. There we had coffee and visited the local museum. <a href="https://www.mwtrips.co.uk/2018/04/a-transport-heritage-holiday.html">We had been to Bridgnorth before</a> and did not need to see much, and had plenty of time for what we did do! Back at the station there was time to buy a pint and crisps before boarding our next train: the plan was to visit most of the stations on the line by travelling back and forth, also using most of the vintage trains that were in use that day. One of the great things about the Severn Valley Railway is that it has several complete rakes of coaches of more-or-less matching vintage and style, so it is not simply a steam locomotive with random coaches. We drank our beer and ate our crisps on this train, which took us to Arley, a two-platform country station on the river bank.<br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCFor_NxcqMs13lz_Ccwr2hBxwZ1-SQPTGwh8A1C0DXsks_g1xQ8JGZu5S5UUvOMAwhsxEV4PTHjwWPPVAKrN1PwC4YMr99HmwQJfcGPVuzgF27ZeO3L8-KYjcHPOLpx-ltUlADx0n8G__UaZsXDE2Nn6npvNFc1VBb1zke9sZyDno9zWBoVP5W9omA6k/s4032/IMG_6272.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCFor_NxcqMs13lz_Ccwr2hBxwZ1-SQPTGwh8A1C0DXsks_g1xQ8JGZu5S5UUvOMAwhsxEV4PTHjwWPPVAKrN1PwC4YMr99HmwQJfcGPVuzgF27ZeO3L8-KYjcHPOLpx-ltUlADx0n8G__UaZsXDE2Nn6npvNFc1VBb1zke9sZyDno9zWBoVP5W9omA6k/s320/IMG_6272.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>At Arley we had (just!) enough time for a country walk to see <a href="https://www.svrwiki.com/Victoria_Bridge" target="_blank">Victoria Bridge</a>, an impressive cast-iron bridge which carries the Severn Valley Railway over the River Severn, which we remember seeing used as a Scottish bridge in the film <a href="https://www.svrwiki.com/The_Thirty_Nine_Steps" target="_blank">The Thirty-Nine Steps</a>.<p></p><p>Back at Arley station we caught the next train back to Highley, a delightful country station where for those who have more time there is an opportunity to visit the locomotives and other historic items on display nearby. Here there was a short shower of heavy rain for our visit, and the station is not blessed with a lot of shelter, but there was just enough for the crowds awaiting the next train, and the rain soon stopped. From there we took the train to Bewdley, where we had allowed ourselves a bit of time to explore. Being honest, arriving at 15:47 the exploration consisted almost entirely of selecting a place for tea and cake and consuming it (The Courtyard Bar - stunning cakes and friendly service, and on the Severn riverside). I could imagine that in summer this would be a glorious place to spend some time at the riverside bars and restaurants. We walked back to Bewdley station to await our last train of the day, back to Kidderminster.</p><p>It is a short ride from Bewdley (once the southern terminus of the Severn Valley Railway until the station at Kidderminster was built), past the West Midlands Safari Park with some of its exotic animals visible, to the SVR terminus at Kidderminster. We had had a wonderful autumnal day out which had mostly felt like summer, if a little cool, and with just one short shower. The Severn Valley Railway was as busy as ever, with a decent service of interesting vintage trains and good service at its many refreshment facilities, and the Severn Valley countryside and the town and villages were wonderful to visit. I thoroughly recommend a visit to the Severn Valley Railway: by rail to Kidderminster it is an <a href="https://www.mwtrips.co.uk/2015/07/dont-you-know-theres-war-on.html">easy day trip</a> from much of England and Wales, or makes an <a href="https://www.mwtrips.co.uk/2018/04/a-transport-heritage-holiday.html">easy day excursion from Birmingham</a> (trains from Moor Street or Snow Hill) as part of a longer break.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV1B_WfA3kH0G6i-aoyFX_WOp85Gv3gRHMBGpIJPobdkUMB1DCl2nu4VjOucz-LjY5FBDJi_iuYMEQ12TzWlH2Q_m9hhEAh6Lo8FeuFm7d5FopfCnirnlZj1RcQNcAEsuPCGTd-ZakNLSy_PJBrkI8JGtnZG17OZHVGJEY5YsO8lChv-1VHVq81oyOwXA/s4032/IMG_6267.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV1B_WfA3kH0G6i-aoyFX_WOp85Gv3gRHMBGpIJPobdkUMB1DCl2nu4VjOucz-LjY5FBDJi_iuYMEQ12TzWlH2Q_m9hhEAh6Lo8FeuFm7d5FopfCnirnlZj1RcQNcAEsuPCGTd-ZakNLSy_PJBrkI8JGtnZG17OZHVGJEY5YsO8lChv-1VHVq81oyOwXA/s320/IMG_6267.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Mark at mwtripshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10503658158339712260noreply@blogger.com1Kidderminster, UK52.388596 -2.249683924.078362163821154 -37.4059339 80.698829836178845 32.9065661tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3429482469896815050.post-88580260862153379382023-09-14T16:38:00.004+01:002023-09-14T16:38:51.501+01:00The Italian Lake District<h2 style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidwA3B2aZB1ANKx6EQTOvnnXnyzBZZJt1pJaE6lflGidMDLUo9UWRlPko0lOp8cSvZc7oAKYUJEgiarhzFoiiXAIKRYDxtRgsKmnpxAo3fgfmQw-2z3gNMpE-ePfg_cI9X0863czeMpoRV2-zg_Bcv163Ju-O_JtaICAecHJ0W1jrxjpASs84CAI13PEQ/s4032/IMG_5820.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Lake Maggiore by Train via London and Colmar<br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZmSjKhiYUp2u5oqjjtj6QqVcOrI5QNqOe5cIldguVS2E3bWkfaS5IDzgiq7sPaeJ-Zd-VeQr7Kp5DVmAybI4NBk5BcuzFl9T07qLF88AQHca6ZysRqI4Qu6A0V6Q9zFhkkRDQhH3hx83VqDeLdcQXfjkK_WiaCrPzl_PvjJJPWFhTASwR-0l603SRU80/s3648/P9060037.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZmSjKhiYUp2u5oqjjtj6QqVcOrI5QNqOe5cIldguVS2E3bWkfaS5IDzgiq7sPaeJ-Zd-VeQr7Kp5DVmAybI4NBk5BcuzFl9T07qLF88AQHca6ZysRqI4Qu6A0V6Q9zFhkkRDQhH3hx83VqDeLdcQXfjkK_WiaCrPzl_PvjJJPWFhTASwR-0l603SRU80/w400-h300/P9060037.JPG" width="400" /></a></p></h2><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Our third (and possibly last) holiday based in Italy was booked almost as soon as we were home from <a href="https://www.mwtrips.co.uk/2022/10/rome-and-campania.html">the previous one</a>, and again it was a Great Rail Journeys escorted tour. They offer a selection of holidays by train in the Italian Lakes but the one that stood out for us was a week or so in Stresa, on Lake Maggiore, because it included a trip on the <a href="https://www.vigezzinacentovalli.com/en/" target="_blank">Centovalli Railway</a> which we had done once before in poor weather and wanted to visit again in the summer. It also included a stopover in Colmar (where we have stopped before and enjoyed) on the way there and Dijon (which we have never seen before) on the way back. It also included quite a lot of free time and would therefore be quite a relaxing holiday as well as a further exploration of Italy and eastern France. And although we would not be stopping there, a passage through the Alps would be good to do in a year in which, for once, we had not visited Switzerland!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">We had tolerated a cool, fairy wet, summer and had been looking forward to getting away to some sunshine, and as we were about to leave the sunshine suddenly resumed, temperatures rose and England started enjoying summer at last, although, if anything, it was a bit too hot and we began to look forward to the slightly lower temperatures on the lake shore in Italy!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">We began with London, as always when bound for the continent, but this time instead of going late in the day (Sunday, when we have no local trains until lunch time) simply to stay overnight we went earlier so that we could take the chance to see the King's and Queen's <a href="https://www.rct.uk/collection/themes/exhibitions/coronation-display/buckingham-palace" target="_blank">coronation robes on display at Buckingham Palace</a>. In order to fit this in we asked both of our sons for favours: one to drive us to Peterborough to catch a Sunday morning train to London, and the other, in London, to look after our baggage while we visited the palace: it is always nice to see the family anyway, especially those in London whom we see only occasionally.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">We had our usual breakfast at home before leaving by car for Peterborough station, but on boarding the train the smell of bacon rolls required me to have another breakfast on board the train! With orange juice and coffee this was a very satisfying start to the day. Sunday engineering work had closed the Hammersmith & City Line, so our journey to Shepherd's Bush for the personal left-luggage facility was more complicated than usual, but the Underground still delivered and we arrived there via a short visit to the Westfield shops where my wife had some pending business ...</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Free of encumbrances, then, we made our way to <a href="https://www.rct.uk/visit/buckingham-palace" target="_blank">Buckingham Palace</a>, via an ice-cream break in The Green Park, and although we were half an hour early for our ticket time we were admitted and after the security check we were handed our audio-visual personal guides and began the tour of the Palace state rooms, which included the coronation robes displayed in the ballroom and quite a lot of information about the coronation service, the work of the monarchy and the life of King Charles III. It was all very well done but slightly amusing that the commentary spoke several times about what His Majesty normally or usually does each year, but he has not been doing it for a year yet! Clearly it is a description of what the monarch normally does, based upon what Queen Elizabeth II had established and often what the King has done just once.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">We had <a href="https://www.rct.uk/visit/buckingham-palace/buckingham-palace-garden-cafe#/" target="_blank">tea with cake and sandwiches</a> before leaving the Palace and returning to our son's home. We stayed a short while and took up their offer of dinner, although we did not need a lot after our royal tea.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">For our overnight accommodation in London we try to get as close as possible to St Pancras International station and have often stayed in the Premier Inn opposite the British Library in Euston Road, but even the Premier Inn can be expensive in central London, so this time we tried <a href="https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/england/greater-london/london/hub-london-kings-cross.html" target="_blank">The Hub (by Premier Inn)</a>, an even more budget hotel, and slightly further away, on York Way, east of Kings Cross station. Our room was two floors below street level but it had all we needed just for a night's sleep: a bed and an ensuite shower/wc, with space beneath the bed for two cases. There were mains and USB sockets for charging our devices (interestingly, continental as well as UK mains sockets), air-conditioning (no window, of course) and huge towels. We did not book breakfast and from getting up on Monday at 6am we were at St Pancras, after a ten-minute walk, just after 6.30 to check in with our tour manager before making our way to the Eurostar departure area.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">I could not believe how efficient the operation at St Pancras had become! There was no queue at the ticket gates and I was caught off guard, not having bothered to have my ticket ready because I am used to taking five minutes to get to the barrier: still, with no-one behind me it did not matter that I had to ferret for my ticket before scanning it at the barrier. The security check was only slow owing to the need to put all my metal stuff, including my belt, onto the tray and then take it all back again after passing through the scanner. Then before I has time to get my passport ready I was being ushered towards the UK border post, fumbling now for my passport, for there had always been a queue here in the last few years, plenty of time to get ones passport ready. Once through the UK check at least I was now ready for the French border police who inspected<span> </span><span>and stamped my passport quickly and efficiently All done in less than ten minutes from turning up to being ready to go - with still an hour before departure. My wife had come through even faster and had found a couple of seats in the waiting area and then I went to buy coffee and we had our first breakfast: coffee and the apples we had brought from home, and in my case a croissant from the coffee shop.</span></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidwA3B2aZB1ANKx6EQTOvnnXnyzBZZJt1pJaE6lflGidMDLUo9UWRlPko0lOp8cSvZc7oAKYUJEgiarhzFoiiXAIKRYDxtRgsKmnpxAo3fgfmQw-2z3gNMpE-ePfg_cI9X0863czeMpoRV2-zg_Bcv163Ju-O_JtaICAecHJ0W1jrxjpASs84CAI13PEQ/s320/IMG_5820.jpg" width="320" /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">We made our way early to the travelator up to the platforms, our tour manager having had a tip-off about the platform number. We were the first people up to the platform when the train was announced: never done that before, although we have been the first off when arriving.</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">The train left London on time and our second breakfast was soon served, the usual Eurostar light meal on an early train, included in the price of our Standard Premier tickets. Engineering work in France made us just a few moments late into Paris, but that was not significant as we had a couple of hours there to walk to Gare de L'Est, have some lunch and board the train to Colmar where we were to spend the first night of the escorted tour. </span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Bob the tour manager asked me to walk at the back of the group as I happened to have hat like his and he would know where the rear of the group was if he looked back and saw me, and he could tell the group to stay between the two hats! I have been chosen for many things in my life, some more pleasurable than others, but this is the first time that my headgear has been the criterion of selection ...</span></p><div><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9tSN_82OEj5l5mqdtkrjE0HhWBEzhCeMOG1NMp-fkvfPq7oavPTh1L31RnGHzp8hjqdyiSBIEw24a6B20mrLljizoIH8A1lv6fEN8Moi_oASWiFys6EkrRRx986WTc1tWdZJ0VfjeA-P5yENA2gW38JXEs4aeMm8ZKMiwFpjTTmkTYL1M6x0XCyDVagM/s4032/IMG_5825.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9tSN_82OEj5l5mqdtkrjE0HhWBEzhCeMOG1NMp-fkvfPq7oavPTh1L31RnGHzp8hjqdyiSBIEw24a6B20mrLljizoIH8A1lv6fEN8Moi_oASWiFys6EkrRRx986WTc1tWdZJ0VfjeA-P5yENA2gW38JXEs4aeMm8ZKMiwFpjTTmkTYL1M6x0XCyDVagM/s320/IMG_5825.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">The TGV to Colmar was very comfortable, as TGVs generally are, but it was very disappointing that the bar car was not open ("il y a une problème"), so no after-lunch coffee. Colmar is a place we have stopped overnight a few times before, and it was good to have a chance to walk round for a bit before dinner. Just as on the last few visits the weather was very hot. In one shop we even managed to do a very little very early Christmas shopping! Colmar is a lovely town, and one of the great benefits of overland international travel over flying is that you do get the chance to see other interesting places on the way to you main destination.</p><p></p><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">Dinner, a good night's sleep and a decent breakfast completed our stay in Colmar and then we met the rest of the group and crossed the road to the railway station for the train into Switzerland on Tuesday morning. This was a local train to Basel (Bâle in French) and we were all together in the First Class coach at the rear of the train. We had about an hour between trains at Basel, a station we have used several times in the past, both on group tours and on our own: it is really two stations in one, a French section and s Swiss section. We sat in the sun for a while outside the station and then joined the next train which would take us on through Switzerland to Domodossola in Italy. The original plan has been to stay on this train all the way to Stresa, but engineering work on the line had cut this particular train service short and so we had to take a coach for the few kilometres to our hotel on the lake shore in Stresa, but not before we had seen the beautiful Swiss Alps and several towns we have visited in the past, including Brig which was <a href="https://www.mwtrips.co.uk/2014/03/climbing-swiss-alps-part-1-from-london.html">our first Alpine destination</a> almost ten years ago.</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDpXc_OBYU-QVt-UK89SRyxGBWl_8TXZEyiYaIevbuSjyJ91_5bmZIImuAdFQZDzrIFKCJp0G6b4IXL5dX-z_ghjaMNFGyfXreKOoqWE9IPg3wGaBmwJMmpTM2sPWOs60HgA5qjLiULQeXDnQ9YzwyQRzFYCA7zKXMm8DL-MHzDKECDXCNyXY5AiPRIaQ/s4032/IMG_5845.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDpXc_OBYU-QVt-UK89SRyxGBWl_8TXZEyiYaIevbuSjyJ91_5bmZIImuAdFQZDzrIFKCJp0G6b4IXL5dX-z_ghjaMNFGyfXreKOoqWE9IPg3wGaBmwJMmpTM2sPWOs60HgA5qjLiULQeXDnQ9YzwyQRzFYCA7zKXMm8DL-MHzDKECDXCNyXY5AiPRIaQ/s320/IMG_5845.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>We had a beautiful hotel room on an upper floor with a balcony (where I am sitting typing this post!) overlooking Lake Maggiore and the islands we would be visiting the following day. We went for a walk around the town and then returned for a shower and dinner with the rest of the group at the hotel. And so to bed. It had been a fairly murky evening after a sunny day, but the sky was beginning to clear by sunset and held some promise for the morning, but with very thick curtains to our room we would not see the weather until we opened them after a good night's sleep ...</div><div><br /><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Dazzling Sun, and A Dazzling Palace</span></h2><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Our room had very thick curtains and when we finally awoke, on our alarm at 07:30 on Wednesday I opened the curtains and immediately had to close my eyes and back off as the sun was shockingly bright, straight across Lake Maggiore and into my face! Once I had recovered my composure and my eyes had adapted to the light I could see that it was a wonderful sunny morning and a brilliant day was beginning. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;">The morning and early afternoon were completely free and so after breakfast I spent some time in the morning writing my weblog on the balcony and then we walked into town again did some of the Town Trail of interesting buildings, with a stop for a gelato at a place where we bought one last time we were in Stresa, but to be honest, not many of the buildings were particularly interesting ... then we sat by the poolside (or, rather, I did: Alison swam, after much grimacing at the cold, in the pool) at the hotel until it was time to get showered and dressed ready for our first included excursion.</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilmi7gkP89WNAXJbRGUuXoZKv3tvuMo9ICzcf433Yn1bdPFLYHldm5g-iIRFgJoHJd0Lhej_6dqCRUh1OTSULKehgR0EMUInEEQSMrlzp_R8zxk35uNudstMyrXDOhJ8M5Ma6fCaU-4WFXusqpKsI-gj9L4-ikVgBHSzVwHuawNnvtlJs3iI3I1zicacE/s3648/P9060030.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilmi7gkP89WNAXJbRGUuXoZKv3tvuMo9ICzcf433Yn1bdPFLYHldm5g-iIRFgJoHJd0Lhej_6dqCRUh1OTSULKehgR0EMUInEEQSMrlzp_R8zxk35uNudstMyrXDOhJ8M5Ma6fCaU-4WFXusqpKsI-gj9L4-ikVgBHSzVwHuawNnvtlJs3iI3I1zicacE/s320/P9060030.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>We all gathered in the hotel reception and Bob the tour manager led us out to the landing stage opposite the hotel where, a few moments later, a hired launch arrived to take us to Isola Pescatori for a brief visit - we had been there before for a slightly longer visit, but it was good to see it again - and then we were taken by another launch across to Isola Bella, the island we could see from our balcony and which we had never visited before. Isola Bella is the island on which the Borromean Palace stands. We had a swift guided tour around tha palace, which is still in use by <a href="https://www.borromeo.it" target="_blank">the Borromeo family</a> and in which the current Princess was actually in residence when we visited. The place was stunning. Buckingham Palace was still in our minds as we had been there just a couple of days before, but although the Borromean Palace was a lot smaller it beats anything else I have ever seen for decoration - except possibly some of the rooms at Burghley House ...<p></p><p style="text-align: left;">After the tour of the palace we visited its gardens and were served Prosecco and nibbles there before returning by another boat to our hotel for a later dinner and straight to bed to recover from the day: it did not seem that we had done a lot, but it all added up to some miles of walking and a lot of sunshine.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Freedom and Adventure</h2><p style="text-align: left;">Normally on a Great Rail Journeys tour the free days are interspersed among days with included activities but for various reasons of non-availability on certain days it turned out that our two completely free days fell together, and immediately followed the first full day in Stresa when there had been only the island tour beginning late in the afternoon. Unfortunate in some ways but a free day is a free day and there was plenty we could do to fill them, or we could sit and do very little as I had tried in vain to do on Wednesday morning! We had toyed with the idea of visiting another lake, but the railway works which had caused us to use road transport for the last stretch to Stresa would also make reaching another lake rather long-winded, and in any case, there is much to see around Lake Maggiore without travelling so far. We decided to go to <a href="https://www.summerinitaly.com/guide/verbania" target="_blank">Verbania, the largest town on the lake</a> and just across from our hotel. It could be reached easily by public boat service, by bus or, according to the timetable, by train. We decided to take the train, although I soon realised from the map that Verbania station was some kilometres from the town centre, indeed from the town, and even then I was daft enough to buy return tickets ...</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS7KzMPSt_s8SiPRIh6hkJch3kRAHr3-RP9MiaUb7iqE9DNDNs6-Rx1s1jO1HbyORV5T5Mk-Fxj0EmtLgL5GTZ04IfCr3LC2l90Kt1zgxv_zr9q90HVZ-mCHT52tfiko7QVKDQiQ_OaPZZRKO4umE1WK-WYk6gU87VzTT7XXBBS4FOakuhCrNyl8yfn7M/s3648/P9070072.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS7KzMPSt_s8SiPRIh6hkJch3kRAHr3-RP9MiaUb7iqE9DNDNs6-Rx1s1jO1HbyORV5T5Mk-Fxj0EmtLgL5GTZ04IfCr3LC2l90Kt1zgxv_zr9q90HVZ-mCHT52tfiko7QVKDQiQ_OaPZZRKO4umE1WK-WYk6gU87VzTT7XXBBS4FOakuhCrNyl8yfn7M/s320/P9070072.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Stresa station was about a ten-minute uphill walk from the hotel, pleasant enough, and although a little tatty in places with a faded splendour, a nice little station. We bought our tickets and went via the subway to the opposite platform to await the train. With a minute to go I remembered that the tickets had to be validated before travel so I nipped back and inserted them in the validation machine and returned to the platform just as the train was drawing in. No-one checked the tickets in any case. Our train was a semi-fast from Arona to Domodossala, the first stop being Verbania. The station there was modern and pleasant but now we needed a bus to the town. Apple maps showed a bus stop on the main road nearby with a bus in a few minutes' time. It took a while to find the stop, but find it we did: nowhere to stand but the newly-mown verge (which must have resembled a meadow before mowing. The bus picked us up and then took us via a stop right adjacent to the railway station, but on the other side of the tracks and which we had not noticed, and would have been much more convenient. It was about twenty minutes into town and we were pleased we had not attempted to walk. We were already beginning to reassess the value of the return halves of our train tickets, the distance from the station to Verbania being roughly the same as the distance we had travelled on the train! I am not complaining: this is supposed to be an adventure, and an adventure it was! <p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdvVJQtHb-GdsIg3IiyurWW5R_3IU4BONfTKjC-1TC7sGwvg43BCoDjso2VjGVWxaZsdhXAMYiiJBUkk0u2UDU5uLW5tH_OZ0buu7rKu337WG7Qu6_TdgLXXkDDLG6Soxn0UbvLPD-6hpeZyOOkv-5wn9X5ht1BkQYUVMQtGDDxXBGfXLpST_lFo-k9VA/s3648/P9070074.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdvVJQtHb-GdsIg3IiyurWW5R_3IU4BONfTKjC-1TC7sGwvg43BCoDjso2VjGVWxaZsdhXAMYiiJBUkk0u2UDU5uLW5tH_OZ0buu7rKu337WG7Qu6_TdgLXXkDDLG6Soxn0UbvLPD-6hpeZyOOkv-5wn9X5ht1BkQYUVMQtGDDxXBGfXLpST_lFo-k9VA/s320/P9070074.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>We had coffee at a café at the town hall and then went for a long walk along the lake shore, enjoyed a cold lemon drink overlooking the lake and then walked back into the centre of Verbania for a gelato and a <b><i>bus</i></b> back to Stresa. For our evening meal we had promised ourselves a cocktail and a pizza at <a href="https://marconibeach.hubblecoffe.com/stresa.html" target="_blank">a lakeside pizzeria near our hotel</a> and that was what we did. While we were there two other pairs of people from our Great Rail Journeys group turned up, and we had seen another couple there earlier in the day. I hope they all liked it as much as I did. A good meal for two, with cocktails and coffee, €53.00, that's under £50: brilliant.<p></p><p style="text-align: left;">Friday was the last of the free days and we had decided to take a bus in the other direction to Arona, farther south along the lake. Buses around Stresa were not a big tourist thing and it was not easy to find all the information we needed; stops were not always easy to find and the online data available to Apple Maps and CityMapper, our usual public transport information sources, was patchy and difficult to understand, but we were able to get a timetable and information from the tourist office. The buses were actually quite useful once we found them and stops included one at the rail station (we'd alighted there on our way home from Verbania) and one by the lake boat terminal, so there was some effort at integration, but not a lot. After a quick look around Stresa Friday market, we waited at the (unmarked) stop by the boat terminal, soon encouraged by local people turning up to wait for the bus, too. It was a little late which would have made us concerned if it had not been for the others at the stop. The vehicle was more like a coach than a bus and was very comfortable. Like the buses we had used the day before, they did not take card payment as we were used to in Britain, but only cash, although they did offer change so were able to pay with no difficulty.</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqA1Bwx1H9SbIqmS78mwvKXw3uy0oTwehyhuwBJey9TATPZuIBp616FSlmj4pg6QSgrUByuV7gW-5XiXaKBV7uWrtlUaf1ANR3P1X6VAglJ39fqsBeXMdWuqo0DCTnscazoWuwUlLOH8hz-or6rBMGv-0ewwsT6588qB5S6Lhyd_be5PhukY42Rcqg-kA/s3648/P9080086.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="2736" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqA1Bwx1H9SbIqmS78mwvKXw3uy0oTwehyhuwBJey9TATPZuIBp616FSlmj4pg6QSgrUByuV7gW-5XiXaKBV7uWrtlUaf1ANR3P1X6VAglJ39fqsBeXMdWuqo0DCTnscazoWuwUlLOH8hz-or6rBMGv-0ewwsT6588qB5S6Lhyd_be5PhukY42Rcqg-kA/s320/P9080086.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">Arrival in Arona was by the rail station in the centre of the town, by the boat terminal there, where there was also a tourist office where we were able to pick up a map of the town. Again we walked along the lake shore and stopped for our morning coffee at a little restaurant that was just opening for the day. We decided that from there we would walk up to the <a href="https://www.statuasancarlo.it/the-statue/" target="_blank">statue (described as a "colossus"!) of St Charles Borromeo</a>, a member of the ruling Borromeo family who had become a Cardinal and Archbishop of the Counter-Reformation and was very popular locally. When you read of his reforms to the Church in his diocese you wonder if he had come a little earlier in history the Reformation, with its great divisions in the Church, might never have happened. It was a long, uphill walk to the church and the great statue, sometimes along the roadside, sometimes a long stepped footpath, sometimes on the road itself. It was hot and sunny, but we got there! Apparently this is second in size only to the Statue of Liberty in New York of the type of statue that one can climb up inside: I did not try that ... We returned to Arona town centre by a different route which was a lot easier going but just as hot and sunny and with much more walking on the carriageway. On arrival in the town a gelato was the most urgent thing to find, and we sat looking over the lake and recovered from our exertions of the morning before taking the bus back to Stresa - once we had found it! We knew it would go from the rail station forecourt but did not really know exactly where: a bus in the right livery stood among about ten others but with its engine running, so we walked to the front and saw that the destination was, among other places, Stresa, and the door was open. So we asked the driver, paid him and sat down. About three local people were already aboard and one more joined us. It was not at a bus stop but just among a pack of coaches and would have been easy to miss! The adventure continued ... back in Stresa we bought salad and fruit for our evening meal at our room and one to relax. We would be up a little earlier the next day for what would be, for me, the centrepiece of this exciting holiday.</p><p></p></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">The Centovalli Line in Sunshine at Last - and in Its Centenary Year</h2><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.mwtrips.co.uk/2014/04/climbing-swiss-alps-part-2-italy-and.html">We last rode the Centovalli Line</a> almost ten years ago, but it was in winter and on a wet and murky day. Winter is not a bad time to travel a scenic line, actually, when the deciduous trees are bare and there might be snow highlighting some features, but the rain and mist were, well, a dampener. We looked at doing it again one summer but on that particular day the forecast, although warmer, was not much sunnier, so we didn't even try. Third time lucky: the inclusion of this scenic line in Great Rail Journeys' itinerary for this holiday was one of our reasons for booking it, and it was sunny. Along with the rest of the group we walked up to the station from the hotel and awaited a train to Domodossala where we had just under an hour before taking the Centovalli Line train, just right for the morning coffee break. The station buffet operated the traditional Italian coffee bar system where you pay at the till and take the receipt to the barista who then makes the drinks listed on the receipt. We had become used to the concept on out earlier visits to Rome and other cities, but it was the first time we had come across it on this trip, the first time, I suppose, that we had been at a bar not specifically aimed at foreigners. The entire transaction was conducted in Italian; we are getting there.</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGyQcl1QEZZRhWoOPWqNwEEv5PWD56j_YsKyEQ0JsMcMKijsZUc_zqnJWmuwBvaCSAtzgzBppbyc1ejC-WQLc4-Zg3xQjo5Irn58BHNZ068krXcQgksR9RNIl5EApISrnPKVuLgZICIGal25cS0sJTqNQGWZJaDXSebSvuJBMPZM-2s5pZp3fFUR8VeTs/s4032/IMG_5901.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGyQcl1QEZZRhWoOPWqNwEEv5PWD56j_YsKyEQ0JsMcMKijsZUc_zqnJWmuwBvaCSAtzgzBppbyc1ejC-WQLc4-Zg3xQjo5Irn58BHNZ068krXcQgksR9RNIl5EApISrnPKVuLgZICIGal25cS0sJTqNQGWZJaDXSebSvuJBMPZM-2s5pZp3fFUR8VeTs/s320/IMG_5901.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>The group had a block of seating reserved on the <a href="https://www.vigezzinacentovalli.com/en/" target="_blank">Centovalli train,</a> Second Class in this case: I suspect there would not have been enough First Class seating on the four-coach multiple unit that comprised this train. It is a two-hour ride to Locarno on the express service we were on, and it is scenic for all but the first and last couple of kilometres. I did not take photographs because they would never do justice to the scenery: if you want to see it you'll have to travel the line yourself, well worth doing!<p></p>There was a party atmosphere in Locarno when we arrived, with a large music festival happening in the streets, a sort of urban Glastonbury.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfEoOvP1i4S15xH46QljSS1sa51qxfpL9X6S_jvtnZRvOB_ThLMCK6nhHjG9TiP35VNfZi5-UXpObMaTgZZHg3DMNUrkGH_e9jJibOo4so1r29paukPj1Jo7W69BUTU24nAEmw3uuxtXEcRzAtZ9TaE6dPwoIqFAvC9dqCx9sAqa419KJ57qI8XYeF7Zo/s280/IMG_5902.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="210" data-original-width="280" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfEoOvP1i4S15xH46QljSS1sa51qxfpL9X6S_jvtnZRvOB_ThLMCK6nhHjG9TiP35VNfZi5-UXpObMaTgZZHg3DMNUrkGH_e9jJibOo4so1r29paukPj1Jo7W69BUTU24nAEmw3uuxtXEcRzAtZ9TaE6dPwoIqFAvC9dqCx9sAqa419KJ57qI8XYeF7Zo/s1600/IMG_5902.jpeg" width="280" /></a></div><i>Above: Locarno market place this summer</i><div><div style="text-align: right;"><i>Right: Locarno market place on our previous visit</i></div><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">In Locarno we revisited the <a href="https://www.ascona-locarno.com/it/restaurants/details/Ristorante-Pizzeria-Portico/75197" target="_blank">pizzeria Al Portico</a> where we had had lunch the last time we were there, but this time we could speak to the staff in Italian. On my iPhone I showed the waitress my blog post with a photograph of the restaurant. It had barely changed, although we did notice that the menu now had a German translation of each item - not that that was any use to me. By the time we had eaten our salads and enjoyed the coffee it was the to wander back to the rendezvous with the group to await the boat ride back to Stresa. Our tour manager was keen to ensure that we boarded the boat fairly early in order to give us the best choice of seating, and as it was so hot and sunny we chose a shaded area on deck, bt eventually moved under cover with an iced drink from the on-board bar. It was a three-hour journey back to Stresa, the boat calling at several places on both sides of the lake on the way, including two stops in Verbania, which it was nice to see again from a different angle. By then the sun was much lower in the sky (we arrived at Stresa at seven o'clock), so we were out on the sundeck for the last part of the voyage, from which we could see the side of the Borromean Islands that we not visible from Stresa, and could spot our hotel among the buildings as we approached the town. Dinner was back at the hotel after a very quick shower.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Another Lake</h2><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnN4cFdnYJOyc0mBsUz8WikYBoMy7ZqurLZdPfINwg3HmnTx8wAcXmti1gvlV4q0crvZZFBtG5kT4Fd6Jf4-JjSbex3SnyUcLoVk94oygxuc7Y5F2CHVKCQwWueGj2jNfTK6hz4n-gGECdelrffMDSpmIRvAx96JiW7ORFktzvQgmQLH1IvpUiGw7XOKE/s4032/IMG_5905.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnN4cFdnYJOyc0mBsUz8WikYBoMy7ZqurLZdPfINwg3HmnTx8wAcXmti1gvlV4q0crvZZFBtG5kT4Fd6Jf4-JjSbex3SnyUcLoVk94oygxuc7Y5F2CHVKCQwWueGj2jNfTK6hz4n-gGECdelrffMDSpmIRvAx96JiW7ORFktzvQgmQLH1IvpUiGw7XOKE/s320/IMG_5905.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>Sunday dawned with another sunny morning but we had a chance to recover from the three preceding days' adventures in the heat as the included tour to <a href="https://www.lagodorta.piemonte.it/en/" target="_blank">Lago Orta</a> did not start until 13:30. After a snack lunch in our room we joined the rest of the party for the coach trip to the small town of <a href="https://www.italythisway.com/places/orta-san-giulio.php" target="_blank">Orta San Giulio</a>: it was not far as the crow flies, but was in the next valley and so further by road (and would have been even further by rail!). From the coach park we took a little road train down to the town centre and lake shore where we had a few minutes (another gelato stop!) before we all boarded a boat to visit the tiny <a href="https://www.italythisway.com/places/lake-orta.php" target="_blank">island of San Giulio</a> on which stands a church founded by Saint Julius and in which his body is buried. The church is beautifully decorated with wall paintings throughout and well worth a visit. The island is densely packed with homes and a large Benedictine convent and there is a walk around the island, the "Walk of Silence" in one direction, with plaques about the value of silence, and the "Walk of Meditation" in the other direction with plaques of platitudes which really did not make a lot of sense to me. Either way round, though, and we had ample time to do both, was a very pleasant walk. Lake Orta itself is much smaller than Lake Maggiore, much more the size of the lakes we know in England and Scotland. The boat to the island took us the long way round so that we could see something of the lake and the island's numerous boathouses where the residents keep their boats. The boat back took the shortest route and we were soon walking back to the little road train and our coach back to the hotel for dinner and bed.<p></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Food and Wine</h2><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQVrXiz1gU_pJ607iHTFsz9NBA1s08hbJL_l8h5XP2IxgsmtnA4g3ubZ3gaejR41GefiVtXvy48-uAgtvlFJgRp1klycuN8Hcxi4DxIptf7HFw1nRBEAbGeEf1JWlJUft-BvRhvOsFZpLDlLD-MKioUwFU3PTt8WWHGOn3mEwxPrz6KsqIuhGBSNT8bp0/s3648/P9110174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQVrXiz1gU_pJ607iHTFsz9NBA1s08hbJL_l8h5XP2IxgsmtnA4g3ubZ3gaejR41GefiVtXvy48-uAgtvlFJgRp1klycuN8Hcxi4DxIptf7HFw1nRBEAbGeEf1JWlJUft-BvRhvOsFZpLDlLD-MKioUwFU3PTt8WWHGOn3mEwxPrz6KsqIuhGBSNT8bp0/s320/P9110174.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Bob the tour manager had warned us to have a light breakfast on Monday morning because we would be fed amply during the day! It was quite a long day out by coach into a wine-producing area some way south of Lake Maggiore, and began with <a href="https://www.wine-searcher.com/regions-ghemme" target="_blank">a visit to Ghemme</a>, including a tour of the <a href="https://www.rovellotti.it/?lang=en" target="_blank">Rovellotti winery</a>, which must be unique, followed by a tasting, with accompanying nibbles. The winery is situated in the town centre in a collection of building which began as a fortress in which the citizens could try to hold out in the event of an attack on the their town when it was situated between two warring dukedoms but which become surplus to defensive requirements when peace broke out between those families. We were shown around by a young member of the Rovellotti family who have had premises in the former fortress since its founding in the medieval period Two generations of the family and a couple of other employees currently run the wine-making business and we sampled four varying wines accompanied by light bites to suit them - trying to keep consumption of food as low as possible because of what was to follow ... but needing something to stop this being nothing but wine, and before noon, too!<p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_wqLrWhuinpJ1h3VvppS6l5x0UzsEJNmIfCrxoe1ylaarcA1gYv2eFuacB9MyyyO9Sxs9is-bFtyobfcM41i4dpjI2QadLZ4-FKuOzmKuINgqRRWgm5zAU8jGu1rVg_BWUlPLbkPHerHxcIzzRvR10rIWluW-zw8vSeBizbYw-ro31B8IfbGz0gy4xLM/s3648/P9110183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_wqLrWhuinpJ1h3VvppS6l5x0UzsEJNmIfCrxoe1ylaarcA1gYv2eFuacB9MyyyO9Sxs9is-bFtyobfcM41i4dpjI2QadLZ4-FKuOzmKuINgqRRWgm5zAU8jGu1rVg_BWUlPLbkPHerHxcIzzRvR10rIWluW-zw8vSeBizbYw-ro31B8IfbGz0gy4xLM/s320/P9110183.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>This followed by a drive through the countryside (which was possibly gorgeous but most of us slept through most of it after all that wine) and lunch, a generous lunch, with wine, at <a href="https://www.moncucchetto.it/agriturismo.html" target="_blank">Cascina Monchucchetto</a>, an agriturismo even farther south. The views from the agriturismo were fantastic but it was so hot in the sun that we did not want to enjoy the sun for long. It was necessary<span> to go a bit steady on the food and wine as well after the morning's indulgences at the winery. No dinner was necessary that evening.</span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span>We spent some time that evening packing our bags, for this was our last night in Stresa: the next day we would begin the journey homeward, and although it would be quite possible to get home in one day (as we have done from, say, Neuchâtel when travelling on our own), we still had one more interesting place to see.</span></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSHXQC1aa7lsqMT1nU2aBh_pqkQ3n_azb_gibtC4MxfWfiYINqj0LnG-RI6_U4qE0ELN8O3PpLke29XKODLsMjYP-AyjugjzIlhEPbyjpJmxo0NhrPykjht71plWQKiA86rbeQ3iPe2ql_DhRGjVCjRm-B9Lj-vK_raTdaGHxFQdZFYGMLDhtr425EAMs/s3648/P9120192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSHXQC1aa7lsqMT1nU2aBh_pqkQ3n_azb_gibtC4MxfWfiYINqj0LnG-RI6_U4qE0ELN8O3PpLke29XKODLsMjYP-AyjugjzIlhEPbyjpJmxo0NhrPykjht71plWQKiA86rbeQ3iPe2ql_DhRGjVCjRm-B9Lj-vK_raTdaGHxFQdZFYGMLDhtr425EAMs/s320/P9120192.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span>Burgundy</span></h2><p style="text-align: left;"><span>We were all taken by coach with our luggage to Stresa railway station where we caught a Geneva-bound express through the Alps to Lausanne where we changed trains for a Paris-bound TGV as far as Dijon, a city we had never visited before. We arrived in Dijon on-time mid-afternoon and after finding our room at <a href="https://www.oceaniahotels.com/oceania-le-jura-dijon" target="_blank">the hotel, the Oceania le Jura</a>, a short walk from the rail station, we set off for a stroll in the city centre. We bought a gift, mustard, of course, for our kind neighbours who have kept our plants watered in our absence, and by then a little rain had begun, so we started back in the direction of the hotel, past the miniature version of the Arc de Triomphe which graces the city centre, and went for a drink in the hotel bar. By the time I had ordered the rain was very heavy and we were soon joined by other members of the tour who had baled out of walks around the city centre, looking considerably more bedraggled that we were. Later we heard tales of those who had ventured farther and who developed a sudden need for coffee or for prayer, sheltering in a café or the cathedral ... </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCG4nNa4UsLaOyZ1Qn09yMuc9PFzXVCNQawXpedp5MLkZxeHwP6DryCEIOGwcC32OZ9ycgOVOKtZ1A9BP_mL07IqIdrvEwL_6s8jileKGYJLHonA6QwcwYLoPiCDJeNdTixgYRNeUM7pk8pzSlELCZ61cL29ZMowEVfhGo3RyQuOwchPUQtFHD5XofJ4o/s3648/P9120194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCG4nNa4UsLaOyZ1Qn09yMuc9PFzXVCNQawXpedp5MLkZxeHwP6DryCEIOGwcC32OZ9ycgOVOKtZ1A9BP_mL07IqIdrvEwL_6s8jileKGYJLHonA6QwcwYLoPiCDJeNdTixgYRNeUM7pk8pzSlELCZ61cL29ZMowEVfhGo3RyQuOwchPUQtFHD5XofJ4o/s320/P9120194.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span>The evening meal was a fixed menu of local specialities at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RestaurantPorteGuillaume/" target="_blank">a nearby restaurant</a> and the eggs in a burgundy sauce were especially good in my opinion, as was the cassis-flavoured sorbet with which we finished. Unlimited water, and coffee, were included but we had to buy the wine and I must say that for a cheap house red the wine was magnificent. My opinion of Burgundian cuisine and wine has been enhanced by this visit. We brought a selection of mustards home for ourselves, too.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;">The rail station at Dijon has a large cylindrical booking hall very reminiscent of Charles Holden's inter-war designs for the London Underground, in white concrete rather than brick as in London. We were back there in the morning to take a TGV train to Paris (it was the same service, earlier in the day, as the one on which we had arrived the previous afternoon from Lausanne). This time we arrived at Gare de Lyon and Great Rail Journeys had provided a coach to take us through the streets to Gare du Nord, where we arrived neatly in time to check in for our Eurostar train to London. By the time we had all been through passport and security checks (and, like London, this all seems to have become much slicker now) it was almost time to board: I don't think I sat down in the departure lounge at all!</p><p style="text-align: left;">Taking a seat on Eurostar now I almost feel like I'm already home even though I still have two more train rides after this one and a time zone to cross! The light meal, lunch to us, was soon served and we had our final conversations with the people who had shared (some of) our adventures of the past week and a half and before we knew it we were in the familiar space of St Pancras station. It was a long walk from the last coach of the train to the exit, but that did mean that we got to enjoy the vast and glorious railway station that London St Pancras has now become. We walked across to Kings Cross and although I had booked seats on a train to Peterborough at 16:06 we had a look at LNER's app and saw that pairs seats were still available on a train that would be leaving in about twenty minutes, and hour earlier than that, so I reserved a pair of seats on that, cancelled the ones I already had and by then its platform was announced and we took our places. Again, a light meal was served, although I kept the pudding course to eat later at home since it did not seem long since Eurostar had fed me! There were only four minutes in the timetable between the arrival of this train at Peterborough and the departure of the train to Stamford, so we knew we might not make that connection. The idea was that we would shop at Waitrose in Stamford if we got it and in Peterborough (it's right by the station) if we didn't! As it happened our train from London slowed down to a crawl on approach to the station and we began to give up hope of getting the tight connection (so tight it was not advertised) but by being first at the door, and choosing a door near the footbridge steps we were able to get over the bridge and be going onto platform 7 for the Stamford train just as the whistle blew, and the kind dispatcher had the doors opened for us to board. For whatever reason it was still held at the platform for several more minutes, so perhaps the haste was not necessary after all ...</p><p style="text-align: left;">Back in Stamford we took the familiar walk across the Meadows and stopped for tea at the open-air Italian restaurant at the Sheepmarket square, a last little glimpse of Italy as we made our way home. While we had been away there had been a heatwave at home, and we were actually less hot (high twenties Celsius) than England, and specifically Lincolnshire, had been. Now both places were beginning to cool down and autumn looked like it was coming at last!</p></div>Mark at mwtripshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10503658158339712260noreply@blogger.com228838 Stresa, Province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, Italy45.8882031 8.525866733.623370828541809 -9.0522583 58.153035371458188 26.1039917tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3429482469896815050.post-78656809865236408312023-08-11T15:13:00.002+01:002023-08-11T15:13:24.157+01:00This Could Be the Last Time, I Don't Know ...<h2 style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPpYUPVr-v-GUHJq4s7p9VvOYmjDBjvlbPd0Z4fFKMNE5kZ2LKUDMOn2vDMPqEbqiO-EyahihiuM7mon177yUX2x2l1c_740E7nav3rqTr2cUzIV_unwVqSnEuVgulCkMvWsl5c5lzH8Dwmr2SZKpoAwLv2CiVeOFTIiR3aN5ZoWgTFwdvDuyhkupFusU/s4032/IMG_5422.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPpYUPVr-v-GUHJq4s7p9VvOYmjDBjvlbPd0Z4fFKMNE5kZ2LKUDMOn2vDMPqEbqiO-EyahihiuM7mon177yUX2x2l1c_740E7nav3rqTr2cUzIV_unwVqSnEuVgulCkMvWsl5c5lzH8Dwmr2SZKpoAwLv2CiVeOFTIiR3aN5ZoWgTFwdvDuyhkupFusU/w400-h300/IMG_5422.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>Holiday by Train on the South Coast of England<br /></h2><p><a href="https://www.networkrail.co.uk/communities/passengers/our-stations/london-waterloo/" target="_blank">Waterloo station in London</a> has seen many an excited departure for seaside holidays on the south coast and the west of England, and in recent years some of these have been mine. The trains themselves are not very exciting these days, and the <a href="https://www.southwesternrailway.com/travelling-with-us/onboard/first-class" target="_blank">First Class seating</a> was downgraded at the last franchise award, although it is still excellent value for money if booked in advance. Waterloo is a busy station with many local and suburban services but also with some significant long-distance trains serving several holiday destinations all along the south coast, although it has been many years since it served the Devon and Cornwall resorts. our holiday this year began at Yarmouth, on the Isle of Wight. Fast trains normally leave Waterloo every half-hour on the route to Bournemouth and Weymouth, and there is a simple cross-platform change of train at Brockenhurst in the New Forest, from where a local branch-line train connects with a <a href="https://www.wightlink.co.uk/plan-your-journey/trains-to-the-isle-of-wight" target="_blank">ferry direct to Yarmouth</a>.</p><p>We had used this route twice before and I worked out a schedule that fitted our needs, taking us to London via Cross Country and LNER trains from Stamford, with a change of train at Peterborough, in plenty of time for the 13:35 departure from Waterloo. All our travel was booked in advance as soon as Advance tickets became available, and the hotels both at Yarmouth (very expensive) and Chichester (just expensive) where we were stopping next. I also booked the restaurants for dinner on the Isle of Wight as we have had difficulty finding places in the past. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggFxOzoOCCSifkXBb0Sz0vgnRSMojfJMovYkP2QgqfJze_SaGWDWTJTpDMFL72s5QCtacS3ieePgZfuFC0GtVsictrdbUxn-7KnJtSjESc4D0EXvwRiM2MKbKf0Fotw3eRU8CD76Bs5yuxSQC_is3K11pDmDeudQaqw9TMLYZ8nu_J6VlgEHq78yTWPj8/s4032/IMG_5409.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggFxOzoOCCSifkXBb0Sz0vgnRSMojfJMovYkP2QgqfJze_SaGWDWTJTpDMFL72s5QCtacS3ieePgZfuFC0GtVsictrdbUxn-7KnJtSjESc4D0EXvwRiM2MKbKf0Fotw3eRU8CD76Bs5yuxSQC_is3K11pDmDeudQaqw9TMLYZ8nu_J6VlgEHq78yTWPj8/s320/IMG_5409.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>The weather had not been good all through July, dull, cloudy, showery, and cool for the time of the year, but on our day of departure the sun was shining when I woke up and stayed out until well after we had left home, making the journey to London much more pleasant than I had anticipated, helped by the trains being on time and clean. I had allowed plenty of connection time at Peterborough and we enjoyed the coffee and biscuits from the "<a href="https://www.facebook.com/thebikebarista/" target="_blank">Bike Barista</a>" which are free for LNER First Class ticket-holders. On the train, the 10:50, brunch was served from LNER's Dish menu and I had the blueberry porridge and an orange juice. It really was a very good trip, arriving at Kings Cross on time. At Kings Cross Underground station we spoke to a member of staff to have my wife's renewed Senior Railcard linked to her Oyster Card to gain the Railcard discount on Underground travel in London, then we made our way to Waterloo.<p></p><p>Kings Cross to Waterloo is not a <b><i>difficult</i></b> journey by Underground, but the route is not that obvious! We have done it several different ways, and also by bus (takes ages) and many years ago I used to do it on foot. This time, which may be the last time, we took the Victoria Line to Warren Street and from there the Northern Line straight to Waterloo: in both cases a train came into the station as soon as we arrived on the platform, so the cross-town change of station was pretty quick, although the Underground trains were both very busy, for the middle of a weekday in summer. </p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Something Funny Happened at Waterloo</h3><p>The idea was get to Waterloo in good time, buy a simple lunch and wait for the train while eating it. There is a Marks and Spencer Food Hall and that is where we bought our lunch, but there is also a Benugo café (I did get coffee there) and many other food outlets, all of which looked quite good. Tip: go and sit on the balcony overlooking the concourse: it is much less busy and frenetic there, and Benugo is there, too, with interesting views of the activity below.</p><p>While eating, knowing I had plenty of time, I looked idly across at the departures board to see if our train was posted yet. Not only was it not there yet, but neither did it appear in the "subsequent departures" section even though several trains timed after it did appear there ... "13:35" was clearly printed on my Advance ticket, and LNER, through whom I had made the booking, sent me the automatic reminder stating 13:35, but there was no 13:35 departure! Live Train Times on the LNER app came to the rescue: I looked up live departures from Waterloo to Brockenhurst and found that it was retimed to 13:30 owing to some alterations to the timetable to reduce the number of trains operating. That was fine, no need to ask anyone for help. Soon the platform for the 13:30 to Bournemouth and Weymouth (also holiday destinations, of course) was indicated and we made our way to platform 12 and boarded.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Delayed, Not Delayed</h3><p>We left Waterloo station on time, but by Southampton our train was four minutes late for some reason (even though the retiming had given it an extra five minutes ...), and as it made its way through the New Forest the train became later and later, not by a huge amount but by enough to miss the connection at Brockenhurst for Lymington Pier for the ferry to Yarmouth. Disappointing, but not tragic. The next train to Lymington Pier was just half an hour later and was on time, giving us seven minutes to board the ferry, and, of course, the ferry staff were expecting a last-minute influx because they had noticed that not many arrived on the preceding train ... so in spite of a half-hour delay we arrived at Yarmouth exactly on time, but we waited at Brockenhurst station rather than at Lymington ferry terminal. Our afternoon cup of tea was on board the ferry instead of while waiting for it!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSOcYI0a10njwwnD-EO2kU0l1Kutz_4X_akA83we1-XoytRShKwoWuiEjxoYf8YEwJ2GtuKvCjX9-b-QUyz16yictf9gygUgufndtES0OBk0p-NfQEcmwOtBZQEGRSj25YLwWkTO5as7sKPC0kYv_BmgmazeVQ4CAxNlnCSsegWvsS1z7QBGyI1duMbGY/s4032/IMG_5414.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSOcYI0a10njwwnD-EO2kU0l1Kutz_4X_akA83we1-XoytRShKwoWuiEjxoYf8YEwJ2GtuKvCjX9-b-QUyz16yictf9gygUgufndtES0OBk0p-NfQEcmwOtBZQEGRSj25YLwWkTO5as7sKPC0kYv_BmgmazeVQ4CAxNlnCSsegWvsS1z7QBGyI1duMbGY/s320/IMG_5414.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>We checked in at <a href="https://www.thegeorge.co.uk" target="_blank">The George Hotel and Beach Club at Yarmouth</a>, went for a stroll around the town and then took up our reservation for dinner at <a href="https://www.theterraceiow.co.uk" target="_blank">The Terrace, the rather splendid restaurant above the ferry terminal</a> at Yarmouth. Nothing in Yarmouth is cheap - indeed it did occur to me that this place is similar to Switzerland in the cost to visitors, but it is a very small town and we were here at the peak of the holiday season, so we could not expect a bargain.</p><p style="text-align: right;"><i>Our drinks lined up for dinner!</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">We did have a table indoors, although the weather was very considerably better than <a href="https://www.mwtrips.co.uk/2021/08/always-more-to-do-on-isle-of-wight.html" target="">last time</a>, but still not really right for overlooking the harbour. The cocktails, the food (I had fish and chips!) and the beer were great, and we were greeted by a fantastic sunset (see header photograph) as we left. Back to The George, bath and bed ready for the morning.</p><p style="text-align: left;">When planning the holiday I had left the first full day vague, to put it mildly, thinking that in suitable weather we might visit a beach and just take the day easy, then visit <a href="https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/osborne/" target="_blank">Osborne House (English Heritage)</a> on the next day. The weather forecast, however, showed that the next day, Saturday, was to be the only wet and windy day (Storm Antoni, as it turned out, yellow weather warning throughout the south of England!), so we rescheduled Osborne to the first day, Friday, and left Saturday as the vague day but no longer expected to visit a beach!</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">On the Rocks and Off the Rails, but Nothing is Wrong</h3><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJValFUlNC69aOygW_X0IDgUTrv4YpoGBqyyTKaBG0SloUkhuFFC5FgmxiuTFJubb-lZ7z8nkoV4wj8YJ5ynIr7-GHY_eMcbmfJZ3VX12g7Cl7lg_UbeyYlClLDgkGceDkyGqKvaxiGJ_3rRxz0FWh6bE7SzFPDZ2SHefMBLOEbLpkVSyLKZ6-o306bfc/s4032/IMG_5433.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJValFUlNC69aOygW_X0IDgUTrv4YpoGBqyyTKaBG0SloUkhuFFC5FgmxiuTFJubb-lZ7z8nkoV4wj8YJ5ynIr7-GHY_eMcbmfJZ3VX12g7Cl7lg_UbeyYlClLDgkGceDkyGqKvaxiGJ_3rRxz0FWh6bE7SzFPDZ2SHefMBLOEbLpkVSyLKZ6-o306bfc/s320/IMG_5433.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>We took a bus to Newport on Friday morning and changed for Osborne House. The wonderful <a href="https://www.islandbuses.info" target="_blank">Southern Vectis</a> buses from Newport to East Cowes stop at the gates of Osborne House and so we were soon there, showing our English Heritage membership cards and breezing in. First stop was for coffee and then we toured the house itself. While we have done this several times before, there are often new things to see, and in any case one does not take in everything each time. <div><br /></div><div>From there we strolled down to the beach, once Queen Victoria's private beach, where we enjoyed an ice-cream, and then we walked through the woods to the Swiss cottage and children's garden plots where the young princes and princesses learnt their life skills under the care of Prince Albert. we took the courtesy bus back to the house and then, having seen enough, walked into East Cowes, which we'd never done before, and from there took the bus back to Newport and thence to Yarmouth. Dinner that evening was at <a href="https://ontherocksyarmouth.com" target="_blank">On The Rocks</a>, a "hot stones" restaurant where we cooked our own steaks on hot stones, accompanied by unlimited salad and chips, and glass of Malbec, of course.<p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH-e2KLuz7Xl2YRpAl1Y8MpuwzqtdrukDCR7yqBNGxvonKK56jIHDBZpoF6MM0hPI5SaXaQrl70mAEqVGDol76WnxeAkfs5jPG6EkYGeEliXMhzC9T_GqHomC6B_3l322W-fSgSPQzUsmmB1PtVyU-Ab1ojNNWPzE7xGa0K-8b6N8ETUAtccL66Riyk1Q/s4032/IMG_5441.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH-e2KLuz7Xl2YRpAl1Y8MpuwzqtdrukDCR7yqBNGxvonKK56jIHDBZpoF6MM0hPI5SaXaQrl70mAEqVGDol76WnxeAkfs5jPG6EkYGeEliXMhzC9T_GqHomC6B_3l322W-fSgSPQzUsmmB1PtVyU-Ab1ojNNWPzE7xGa0K-8b6N8ETUAtccL66Riyk1Q/w300-h400/IMG_5441.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>We woke on Saturday morning to the sound of rain. We had breakfast on Saturday morning watching the rain as it eased off and came back. By ten o'clock it was much lighter and the sky much brighter and we set off on the 10:25 bus to Newport where this time we changed for the bus towards Ryde, alighting at <a href="https://quarrabbey.org" target="_blank">Quarr Abbey</a>. I had long ago heard of this Roman Catholic Benedictine abbey and on the ferry from Lymington its various facilities for visitors had been advertised, so we thought we'd use this free day to have a look. Quarr is set in beautiful countryside and woodland, near to the ruins of its pre-reformation predecessor which was dissolved by Henry VIII. The abbey is an unusual design in brick, and very peaceful, and for visitors it offers a café, a farm shop and a more general gift shop and plenty of opportunity to walk. Visitors are welcome to attend the chapel services (but to leave the singing to the monks!), although we were not there at the times for any of those. We were in the café when a shower of rain occurred and did not encounter any other wet weather until we arrived at Newport bus station on the way back, but all the bus stops there have shelters so we managed to take cover while waiting for the connection onwards to Yarmouth. By the time we left the weather was dry again, although we did pass through more showers on the way. Back at Yarmouth we returned to our hotel and changed ready for our evening out: this was a meal at <a href="https://www.offtherailsyarmouth.co.uk" target="_blank">Off The Rails, the restaurant with a railway theme</a> located in the former railway station building on the edge of Yarmouth. This was about a ten-minute walk away and, as on our previous two visits, the food was <b><i>different</i></b> (I think "quirky" the word for the menu) and both delicious and filling.<p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCF7tIXuvwXxLyhQBcMO8-E-EvIrvSlxSyjxhFZqm5M_gRyYCnKo90n0dPyRV2JQ-78Cz9alJbidLyyB4Tj-cS5jJBSJEFU3VUUq1UmBuWbfWY9NStX8h1dBLVCipjkmwq9GVmMPvyDMFhJnhVMCu3PGfaEviUcn38k57CqTGNEG6HGvlfztVa9Pvaq-M/s4032/IMG_5459.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCF7tIXuvwXxLyhQBcMO8-E-EvIrvSlxSyjxhFZqm5M_gRyYCnKo90n0dPyRV2JQ-78Cz9alJbidLyyB4Tj-cS5jJBSJEFU3VUUq1UmBuWbfWY9NStX8h1dBLVCipjkmwq9GVmMPvyDMFhJnhVMCu3PGfaEviUcn38k57CqTGNEG6HGvlfztVa9Pvaq-M/s320/IMG_5459.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div></div>Sunday was the day to move on and we said farewell to our hotel at Yarmouth and left for Newport on the same bus departure as on Saturday morning, but this morning was sunny and much warmer, and we had luggage. Even with our cases, which are not huge, we travelled on the top deck of the bus. This ride, scenic as it is, was a lovely end to our three-night stay on the Isle of Wight. We had not explored much the time but we had rested a lot, which was what we needed more than anything. We were making our way to Ryde, by changing buses once more at Newport bus station, a place we had begun to know quite well, for from Ryde we were to cross back over the Solent for the next stage in our week's holiday. Buses to Ryde are "only" every fifteen minutes on Sundays but soon enough we were on our way, past Quarr Abbey where we had been the day before, and into Ryde. We had coffee at an Italian coffee shop we have visited before and then it was time to make our way to the Hovertravel check-in for the flight across to Southsea.<p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Festina Lente</h3><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglHhijPaQqWs0DicA6Gi7KpR0w2pjS2dIBm29whxmqChVgBuLtzj06Ri7zDqTSXO42uCkCHKBZtqoRW8sTXXlkZNKKBh2ADT8SbED2qd5p9HGJF3TOX9EEWFZsm4kRghC26UhGJxAzTdkCho5ZXItDf3tAzW75wRUCW6dy5PQdjZsv4l5fzTV-UdmG-rI/s4032/IMG_5460.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglHhijPaQqWs0DicA6Gi7KpR0w2pjS2dIBm29whxmqChVgBuLtzj06Ri7zDqTSXO42uCkCHKBZtqoRW8sTXXlkZNKKBh2ADT8SbED2qd5p9HGJF3TOX9EEWFZsm4kRghC26UhGJxAzTdkCho5ZXItDf3tAzW75wRUCW6dy5PQdjZsv4l5fzTV-UdmG-rI/s320/IMG_5460.jpeg" width="320" /></a>We had never used the hovercraft before, but when I was booking the train tickets this was the route I was offered. They were open tickets via "any permitted" route but the itinerary I was given was for the hovercraft and its <a href="https://www.hovertravel.co.uk/hoverbus" target="_blank">integrated bus link</a> to Portsmouth and Southsea station. So we gave it a try. <a href="https://www.hovertravel.co.uk" target="_blank">The Hovertravel website</a> urges everyone with a <a href="https://www.hovertravel.co.uk/connections/national-rail/" target="_blank">through rail ticket</a> to book a specific flight in advance and I had done this and had to show my rail tickets and quite the booking number on check-in: we were a touch early and were allowed to board a flight 30 minutes in advance of the one I had booked, since it was far from full. The flight is just ten minutes and the bus is waiting by the terminal at Southsea, but it was straight into heavy traffic. All the time gained in charging across the Solent so much faster than the catamaran we have normally used was used up poking our way slowly around Portsmouth city centre to transfer to Portsmouth and Southsea railway station - the catamaran used to take us direct to Portsmouth Harbour station, but I am not sure that direct trains to Chichester now operate from the Harbour, so perhaps that is why we were sent the long way round via the hovercraft to Southsea. Another "disimprovement" in our national rail network which is now run more for the convenience of the operators than the passengers, it seems. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFrLkn6EkNeOHICfqwKMea8wx7RGoY2cwHeai2txpyduKroYDosIGSEQ0wKpZ3Pu1i4k7RndhS-aeWlDHx7aNqEaTbK3vETxJGI3G92XuYOfkmQTYyoqP-RrMzfq29e2zEZQAZMqkZL7UgR02_iUBGfSw1oq55FCKuwnD_Bywvl1FVEOwod_tmNBfeQIY/s4032/IMG_5462.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFrLkn6EkNeOHICfqwKMea8wx7RGoY2cwHeai2txpyduKroYDosIGSEQ0wKpZ3Pu1i4k7RndhS-aeWlDHx7aNqEaTbK3vETxJGI3G92XuYOfkmQTYyoqP-RrMzfq29e2zEZQAZMqkZL7UgR02_iUBGfSw1oq55FCKuwnD_Bywvl1FVEOwod_tmNBfeQIY/s320/IMG_5462.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>We had about forty minutes to wait for our train - perhaps Sunday is not the brightest day to choose to travel - but there were ice-cream parlours nearby so it was not difficult to pass the time! Soon enough we boarded a semi-fast train bound for London Victoria which whisked us swiftly to Chichester station from which we walked to our hotel, the <a href="https://www.harbourhotels.co.uk/chichester" target="_blank">Chichester Harbour Hotel</a>, a bit of a way from the station but very handy for the theatre which we would be visiting in a couple of days' time.<p></p><p style="text-align: left;">According to established tradition, that evening we met our friends for drinks: it is their holidays, for many years spent at nearby East Wittering, that have drawn us here each summer to join them for a day at the beach and an evening at the theatre. The reason why this could be the last time is that they had just (last week) moved to Chichester and will no longer be taking their holiday at East Wittering. This year they were doing it, one last time, as it was the easiest thing to do with having only just unpacked their possessions. We shall doubtless continue to visit, but not as a summer holiday in the same way. Dinner the first night in Chichester was at Côte, only because that's where we went the very first time we came and we've been there on the first evening ever since!</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCpVNu56rcbIXK6k6whZy5CclRGdXm3zouVHL--mMlqUxl-NADdzjYTusDsUdbXmEwz127xKkE045806O8psNy45o_7IrrJ0hGJRRAZkh2LSaVfXgZGjL9Vodis46hl_lySobNCw7TeVE02L_U8osquYuOULnSXcIsu9mcr1bHr9zIJevLCqa6Zz2Qk3g/s4032/IMG_5476.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCpVNu56rcbIXK6k6whZy5CclRGdXm3zouVHL--mMlqUxl-NADdzjYTusDsUdbXmEwz127xKkE045806O8psNy45o_7IrrJ0hGJRRAZkh2LSaVfXgZGjL9Vodis46hl_lySobNCw7TeVE02L_U8osquYuOULnSXcIsu9mcr1bHr9zIJevLCqa6Zz2Qk3g/s320/IMG_5476.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">Our first full day staying in Chichester was spent exploring. We took a <a href="https://www.compass-travel.co.uk" target="_blank">bus to Arundel</a> which we'd only visited together once before, over thirty years ago! The obvious way to Arundel would be the train, but it was fun to try the bus, an infrequent service and so needing thought and discipline (though good to have the train in mind as a back-up in case we decided to stay longer). It was a very pleasant ride through the Sussex countryside and we visited the splendid Roman Catholic cathedral there and wandered among the shops, having lunch at a very individual place called Green & Coal. The bus back took a slightly different route through some different villages and then we had a relaxing evening, with a takeaway salad in our room.</p></div><div><h3 style="text-align: left;">The Hills Are Alive</h3><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHHBY9GNFPAh_jZ-iEtBKidkD5VSPFPkpKDf6IKUCjXee9FKwBvxQ5VFNe6fRd6DZzuDgYD_obihoQ-opIJw2wr9iKKCEaC4msDgGhrUSa-nSReguY29V8cJNKAqhdB40vVDmEtCZ1dXV9YBQMW2lv6d340PniDXU3mf9k_KByq9LNzaJ_kn8P1t2Rggk/s4032/IMG_5485.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHHBY9GNFPAh_jZ-iEtBKidkD5VSPFPkpKDf6IKUCjXee9FKwBvxQ5VFNe6fRd6DZzuDgYD_obihoQ-opIJw2wr9iKKCEaC4msDgGhrUSa-nSReguY29V8cJNKAqhdB40vVDmEtCZ1dXV9YBQMW2lv6d340PniDXU3mf9k_KByq9LNzaJ_kn8P1t2Rggk/s320/IMG_5485.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">The second full day was the day we were booked at the theatre (The Sound of Music this year), with a pre-theatre dinner booked at The Bell at 5pm: the dinner arrangement has become earlier and earlier over the years as we've feared missing the start of the play - although last year we were served so expeditiously that we had time to kill before the theatre! That still gave us some time, though, and in indifferent weather we took a bus to explore Midhurst, a few miles to the north, where we've never been before. No longer on the railway, Midhurst has a half-hourly bus service so we had no need to plan our travel. Among other things we discovered that the administrative centre (and the information office) for the <a href="https://www.southdowns.gov.uk" target="_blank">South Downs National Park</a> is right opposite the bus station in Midhurst and we picked up lots of information for potential future visits. We had coffee and croissants at the local bakery, served by the French owner of the business and his Italian assistant - good coffee, good pastries and a chance to speak French and Italian!</p><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">Back in Chichester we changed and prepared for our evening out ... Now we have been enjoying musicals at <a href="https://www.cft.org.uk" target="_blank">Chichester Festival Theatre</a> for many summers and have seen some fantastic productions, but I have to say that this year's <a href="https://www.cft.org.uk/events/the-sound-of-music" target="_blank">The Sound of Music</a> was the best we have seen. The performances by some of the child actors, some of them in their first major production, were superb. Before the theatre we had dinner (if you can call it that when starting at 5pm!) at the <a href="https://www.thebellinnchichester.com" target="_blank">Bell Inn</a>, opposite the theatre, as we have for several years.</p><p style="text-align: left;">The following day, weather much improved, fortunately, was our day at the seaside, so we set off for the bus stop, via Tesco to purchase a contribution of wine towards the day's catering. Our <a href="https://www.stagecoachbus.com/routes/south/52/chichester-east-and-west-wittering/xpao052.o" target="_blank">bus ride to East Wittering</a> was much quicker than we have ever experienced before, with less heavy traffic, and also we had a double-deck bus for the first time and so had a very different view of the countryside, and West Wittering as we passed through it, than in previous years. We walked from the bus stop to our friends' holiday home and so began our probable final visit to East Wittering. We walked along the beach, we ate and drank with our friends, we walked again, visited an inn of the shore of Chichester Harbour and an ice-cream shop on the beach at East Wittering and spoke of old times spent together. After what seemed all too short a time we were driven back to our hotel and prepared for the following day's train trip home.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Homeward Bound</h3><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN9WHdDd63arf195EEUeCiGbjKYdt0OsovPUnlVP3ZrWJY7oSTJbtKZwD3R563CkmrHrNxHEpGw1dLCKOQV6Pr3FL7To7n-DMVK5yVT1kq_W5JlUerIDWbuzeaBaeLMS2CXyD8gmye_t4D_WQmIct5DhOpFkGIT0aIqPDOmC_tA3Y4vJVPVGlpAItxBtU/s1024/88c82bdf-0521-45f6-8d06-1a42a0f8ac9e.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN9WHdDd63arf195EEUeCiGbjKYdt0OsovPUnlVP3ZrWJY7oSTJbtKZwD3R563CkmrHrNxHEpGw1dLCKOQV6Pr3FL7To7n-DMVK5yVT1kq_W5JlUerIDWbuzeaBaeLMS2CXyD8gmye_t4D_WQmIct5DhOpFkGIT0aIqPDOmC_tA3Y4vJVPVGlpAItxBtU/s320/88c82bdf-0521-45f6-8d06-1a42a0f8ac9e.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">Having breakfasted in our room for three mornings on fruit salads from M&S, we pushed the boat out with breakfast at <a href="https://ivycollection.com/restaurants/the-ivy-chichester-brasserie/" target="_blank">The Ivy</a> on our final morning. We packed our cases and checked out of the hotel, asking them to keep the luggage until we were ready to catch our train. We had booked a table at The Ivy along with all the other bookings when the holiday was planned, but I don't think it would not have been difficult to find a table on this morning if we had not booked. It was warm enough to sit outside on the pavement: the restaurant faces north so it needs to be a warm day as the sunshine does not reach the outside seating until late in the day. After a really great breakfast I visited an exhibition at <a href="https://www.thenovium.org" target="_blank">The Novium Museum</a> on <a href="https://www.thenovium.org/magicofmiddleearth" target="_blank">JRR Tolkien's Middle Earth fantasy novels</a> and the art, music, TV and film adaptations from them, and then it was time to collect our luggage and make our way to the railway station to begin our journey home. </p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo8I54S9917a-HpZqe931gHuZjMG5PV9kymqxGc_jnkqh7KnbEDD1LuZqWvl0XXFWwRuK16wD-Hc2kzgmZwZIwJ_hqOmVE4QWNC7A-_DvhPuj0FgzaQsUJZLnxN63oTYju4bLY5mCryqgEbEoUrcIvhvArg2fhVivWRliMAJn_QVso3mfEM8kJC1-UT8s/s4032/IMG_5511.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo8I54S9917a-HpZqe931gHuZjMG5PV9kymqxGc_jnkqh7KnbEDD1LuZqWvl0XXFWwRuK16wD-Hc2kzgmZwZIwJ_hqOmVE4QWNC7A-_DvhPuj0FgzaQsUJZLnxN63oTYju4bLY5mCryqgEbEoUrcIvhvArg2fhVivWRliMAJn_QVso3mfEM8kJC1-UT8s/s320/IMG_5511.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjncqukh0_8Gvsg-Ej4tZjpu78gkyhhst4tFjJGe3OHFPTET2hVj452FK9e5K1h_53A2WYSoRPVrppYhiQPK5ghJHI_eDd5aRZ0f79u1DtiLmKnih-57D0QaSxaAFnfIwqOoHWpbHema2OhBFlgrrrQU4AuIK6IxyKJMSz_cDWzwB8xC7KUdwbqE3FkKg8/s2320/IMG_5520.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2320" data-original-width="1927" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjncqukh0_8Gvsg-Ej4tZjpu78gkyhhst4tFjJGe3OHFPTET2hVj452FK9e5K1h_53A2WYSoRPVrppYhiQPK5ghJHI_eDd5aRZ0f79u1DtiLmKnih-57D0QaSxaAFnfIwqOoHWpbHema2OhBFlgrrrQU4AuIK6IxyKJMSz_cDWzwB8xC7KUdwbqE3FkKg8/s320/IMG_5520.jpeg" width="266" /></a></div>We had booked Advance First tickets for the 13:09 train to London Victoria, but because of an overtime ban this train was not running and we opted to take the 12:39 instead, running half an hour ahead of our schedule rather than half an hour behind. We did not need lunch after the late an substantial breakfast, and in London we went straight to Kings Cross (easy on the Victoria Line from Victoria, and all step-free, so easy with luggage, too). We had coffee at <a href="https://notescoffee.com" target="_blank">Notes</a>, which we had visited once before, many years ago when it was surrounded by building sites, and then waited in the First Class lounge at Kings Cross until our train was ready to board.<p></p><p style="text-align: left;">The train journey from Kings Cross to Peterborough went smoothly but by the time the catering trolley reached us we had to take our food and drink with us to eat later as we were almost in Peterborough. Not to self: travel in coaches M or L next time rather than K - that way the food will come sooner! At Peterborough we popped to Waitrose for milk and then caught the connection, on time, for Stamford and walked home. It was a lovely, warm, sunny evening and the town was full of people enjoying themselves, many of them having a drink after work. We'd had a great week and it was good to be home: washing on, LNER supper consumed at home, shower and bed. Now the question is: was this the last time? What will replace this staple of our summer holidays? </p><p></p><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p></div>Mark at mwtripshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10503658158339712260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3429482469896815050.post-58396324172795244332023-07-28T21:29:00.002+01:002023-11-06T09:01:12.974+00:00Exploring The French Riviera, Monaco and the Rhône Valley by Train, part 2<h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5uLAG8zje0HNoo_Yh7XvDl1Zm_xTo-CD0O6Ag4i26W_XErWZn1IGaX5A4YB2d05AMx2Ai6ukrjb3UC8GTcNNmlyznd5lQkGuGsAuOmmj6JU48QyhstwQ5pezbJToZFAPn4WA-wO1YduE8psk-sNTiMB_9HN2_HuQ0o5gkT5f0nDMAoIECP7qDsGxOSOo/s4032/GRJ%20Nice%20and%20Rhone%20Adventure%20254.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5uLAG8zje0HNoo_Yh7XvDl1Zm_xTo-CD0O6Ag4i26W_XErWZn1IGaX5A4YB2d05AMx2Ai6ukrjb3UC8GTcNNmlyznd5lQkGuGsAuOmmj6JU48QyhstwQ5pezbJToZFAPn4WA-wO1YduE8psk-sNTiMB_9HN2_HuQ0o5gkT5f0nDMAoIECP7qDsGxOSOo/w400-h300/GRJ%20Nice%20and%20Rhone%20Adventure%20254.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>Great Rail Journeys Tour and Cruise in the South of France: <br />The Rhône and Saône</h2><p>Our TGV from Marseille brought us into Lyon Part Dieu station, some distance from the quayside at which our river cruise ship, <a href="https://www.amadeus-rivercruises.com/our-amadeus-fleet/detail/amadeus-provence.html" target="_blank">the Amadeus Provence</a>, was waiting, and we were met by a coach which took us through the busy streets of this fascinating city to join the ship. The whole ship was hired by <a href="https://www.greatrail.com" target="_blank">Great Rail Journeys</a>: there was our group and the standard class group who had been with us on the Riviera, plus a couple of groups who had gone direct to the cruise, one by rail and one by air, I think. All of the excursions were included for members of all four groups, as well as optional activities on board the ship. Our Tour Manager Kevin said farewell and handed over to Judith the Great Rail Journeys Cruise Manager, who had been our cruise manager last year on <a href="https://www.mwtrips.co.uk/2022/09/bordeaux-and-its-wine.html">our tour of the Bordeaux vineyards</a> - it had been less than a year since we had last seen her. She was joined by another Kevin as a helpful colleague and Andreea, the Amadeus Provence's own Cruise Director.</p><p></p>Once we were all on board and being welcomed, the ship set sail up the River Saône for Beaune where we were to enjoy the first excursion of the cruise. Our cabin for this trip was stunning. Generally we choose an ordinary cabin on the top deck, giving a good view through a decent window and a reasonable amount of space. There are just a few "suites" available at a considerably higher price and we have never considered these worth the extra money, but a couple of months before departure I had received a letter out of the blue from Great Rail Journeys offering the upgrade to a suite for just half of the normal price. It was still a lot but we decided to take this opportunity, which we might never get again, to experience the top grade of cabin. I presume they must have had unallocated suites on their hands and continuing demand for cabins and so offered the suites to regular customers such as ourselves, but, how ever it worked, we had the best accommodation on the ship, with a lounge area and a balcony as well as all the usual excellent facilities we have come to expect on an Amadeus ship. Indeed, this was the most spacious and best equipped river cruise boats we have ever used, with lots of power sockets in our cabin and even a small (well, tiny) swimming pool aft of the sundeck.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7HZD5SbmfltXyFxFP0xwR0UsB1PACiURgPY19awMvZOSXazldRk3rRU7ikQLEL5MXt2ohBCwBkjFKDegSy8bD2-4LZSh6lu1IXmV85C0dDQu3f9cdOYVTP6rVRwzsakAwXxctZuI-I8MI31Oi_4d8ymbFTmrEX_nZhfzVyE_XS5WaQF-X2JfZIJZquNA/s4032/GRJ%20Nice%20and%20Rhone%20Adventure%20149.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7HZD5SbmfltXyFxFP0xwR0UsB1PACiURgPY19awMvZOSXazldRk3rRU7ikQLEL5MXt2ohBCwBkjFKDegSy8bD2-4LZSh6lu1IXmV85C0dDQu3f9cdOYVTP6rVRwzsakAwXxctZuI-I8MI31Oi_4d8ymbFTmrEX_nZhfzVyE_XS5WaQF-X2JfZIJZquNA/s320/GRJ%20Nice%20and%20Rhone%20Adventure%20149.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgetJxjU1rU4VgSCGA-RkM0KWQg5TW01R0jAbIqlJ4VQLIF3Nw9vutmycJJm_IhQvhoWSFkilubgyiy2yfLEJFZkPI8sE56OA4zLdVFca0MZyVfr94GUHcJH2bnqh3lNuLN_rNjPzTptmweJBVKyNOv1uroGpja7FMxcxpALpRTWfmxJ4u2lQ73qZFuTzI/s4032/GRJ%20Nice%20and%20Rhone%20Adventure%20150.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgetJxjU1rU4VgSCGA-RkM0KWQg5TW01R0jAbIqlJ4VQLIF3Nw9vutmycJJm_IhQvhoWSFkilubgyiy2yfLEJFZkPI8sE56OA4zLdVFca0MZyVfr94GUHcJH2bnqh3lNuLN_rNjPzTptmweJBVKyNOv1uroGpja7FMxcxpALpRTWfmxJ4u2lQ73qZFuTzI/s320/GRJ%20Nice%20and%20Rhone%20Adventure%20150.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA26cxik4_kzNI5E_USXDTZ8_KrnMicjKfCmCIxZ7kVKxedsG6vYBLpAhcaV8VOkabzFNzuejGVgQQaly7lci8WdcjcR4UjlHI6Dzh-rnspKxZWYGGtlSOJlW_5wo6F6KK4jzTm2HQ-0CluMfSCB8JLzFDEQWv4wmRESd5JBaqtjwuxN6vK8QSIk3bUK8/s4032/GRJ%20Nice%20and%20Rhone%20Adventure%20152.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA26cxik4_kzNI5E_USXDTZ8_KrnMicjKfCmCIxZ7kVKxedsG6vYBLpAhcaV8VOkabzFNzuejGVgQQaly7lci8WdcjcR4UjlHI6Dzh-rnspKxZWYGGtlSOJlW_5wo6F6KK4jzTm2HQ-0CluMfSCB8JLzFDEQWv4wmRESd5JBaqtjwuxN6vK8QSIk3bUK8/s320/GRJ%20Nice%20and%20Rhone%20Adventure%20152.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Docked at Chalon-our-Saône, we were divided into three groups and taken by coach for a short guided tour of the town of Beaune and for a wine-tasting at a cellar in the town centre. This is in the heart of the Burgundy wine area with its rich red wines. But there is more to Beaune than wine: it is a fascinating medieval town with a rich heritage and some interesting buildings. After some free time we were taken back to the ship for lunch. As always on these cruises, the meals are all on board and included in the price of the holiday. We opt for the light buffet lunch in the lounge bar rather than the main meal in the restaurant, reserving that for dinner: it would be all too easy to put on a lot of weight on a cruise!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh76z8htnRp3-RXO8_Y6Axov7TOrpvbZviiVQJaqAc_yExpuA0VM_01XH26FpcxJzXJvTGSp4LP50o1C0G4MdZEWSFpLH9aP73aS4bPpfG9mJg90Z2iKZpz0GfvzugRLr3aV_Dmp1DsTsalHz4cUgtJAQH2DOej3n2vqMZO9dcgmVhIu1X98zEoJEmQMtU/s3648/GRJ%20Nice%20and%20Rhone%20Adventure%20156.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh76z8htnRp3-RXO8_Y6Axov7TOrpvbZviiVQJaqAc_yExpuA0VM_01XH26FpcxJzXJvTGSp4LP50o1C0G4MdZEWSFpLH9aP73aS4bPpfG9mJg90Z2iKZpz0GfvzugRLr3aV_Dmp1DsTsalHz4cUgtJAQH2DOej3n2vqMZO9dcgmVhIu1X98zEoJEmQMtU/s320/GRJ%20Nice%20and%20Rhone%20Adventure%20156.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzbgPPA8LfSbp5Er_PjeAUbezDbyhoDHVbQaJvoL2yym3YpAbWeTWLshRf5M5e_ThfFzf5rc4O6kFswJeY8mEEpNPUgba7V95l6p4LYPWbS8UAMJf8flVdT8XPvUsf4jar9MSMz3AYIjzrF4S7TKI_9V9oGLfxmtARgzM2bpXbtV-G95lN-AvIDceid4Y/s3648/GRJ%20Nice%20and%20Rhone%20Adventure%20165.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzbgPPA8LfSbp5Er_PjeAUbezDbyhoDHVbQaJvoL2yym3YpAbWeTWLshRf5M5e_ThfFzf5rc4O6kFswJeY8mEEpNPUgba7V95l6p4LYPWbS8UAMJf8flVdT8XPvUsf4jar9MSMz3AYIjzrF4S7TKI_9V9oGLfxmtARgzM2bpXbtV-G95lN-AvIDceid4Y/s320/GRJ%20Nice%20and%20Rhone%20Adventure%20165.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW93nFI7dJM93xcB4_6MxMeMppp5DiLOwbOXU8tm2c46n2FxqZqEdRQkx1PlYgjOSVJIU_lgFk2J17pKE55azJabLFdk86kSKxu3_0eUa9Z-2n0Fx4nHMCjXZ4IdO567wjYY8RUOujjlufq27tQ3GqE2u_tlpnFbEoXrgPOByoiC_ZEyDg8CSg5IVRJ3E/s3648/GRJ%20Nice%20and%20Rhone%20Adventure%20189.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW93nFI7dJM93xcB4_6MxMeMppp5DiLOwbOXU8tm2c46n2FxqZqEdRQkx1PlYgjOSVJIU_lgFk2J17pKE55azJabLFdk86kSKxu3_0eUa9Z-2n0Fx4nHMCjXZ4IdO567wjYY8RUOujjlufq27tQ3GqE2u_tlpnFbEoXrgPOByoiC_ZEyDg8CSg5IVRJ3E/s320/GRJ%20Nice%20and%20Rhone%20Adventure%20189.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>The ship returned to Lyon through the pleasant scenery of the Saône valley and that evening we enjoyed a welcome dinner, slightly more formal than most, and were introduced to the ship's officers who were to look after us. </p><p>After breakfast the following morning we were taken on a tour of Lyon by coach and on foot. We began at the basilica of Notre Dame de Fourvière, high on a hill overlooking the city centre, which gave us not only an interesting building to visit but also the opportunity to se the way the city is laid out, beginning at the confluence of the rivers Saône and Rhône and growing in stages. We reboarded the coaches and then back down the hill explored one of the oldest parts of Lyon, along the right (west) bank of the Saône. Here were narrow streets and even narrower passageways between them connecting a myriad of apartments behind the shop fronts.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb24tSx1Xudqbmb-f0vEHHGS8239G_Y5dLWBytQt0-YoO0j_9349yrEWOVKGZPlFFqwDIeU_unR3bU-Lf4XwETzsCywBZo9c52qmocQiAuSivwE4ys76smN00yz6IC3VtS-3rwrO-4Wkrxj_9MskUp608X51zIsP_401kEn1RdjzzQ0IpCGRHJCI4yVT4/s3648/GRJ%20Nice%20and%20Rhone%20Adventure%20203.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="2736" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb24tSx1Xudqbmb-f0vEHHGS8239G_Y5dLWBytQt0-YoO0j_9349yrEWOVKGZPlFFqwDIeU_unR3bU-Lf4XwETzsCywBZo9c52qmocQiAuSivwE4ys76smN00yz6IC3VtS-3rwrO-4Wkrxj_9MskUp608X51zIsP_401kEn1RdjzzQ0IpCGRHJCI4yVT4/s320/GRJ%20Nice%20and%20Rhone%20Adventure%20203.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnBT_b-SASdY3db1RIYhQfnyMgZu9Pc-1pfr5nbgZ1_6zTKQHcZuZaBw_S1qrFWGffcOn_dQa0HCLkKNsEvkpdMG4ynXvI88aWlFJCVDaPESOfDbveh6LJ5qI7EcajgHkinJqacxsGyvytPV9qGSN5-FA8KzVG4XS2uOoa9NCNUGgC0iYOFn2k6j0h10w/s3648/GRJ%20Nice%20and%20Rhone%20Adventure%20213.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnBT_b-SASdY3db1RIYhQfnyMgZu9Pc-1pfr5nbgZ1_6zTKQHcZuZaBw_S1qrFWGffcOn_dQa0HCLkKNsEvkpdMG4ynXvI88aWlFJCVDaPESOfDbveh6LJ5qI7EcajgHkinJqacxsGyvytPV9qGSN5-FA8KzVG4XS2uOoa9NCNUGgC0iYOFn2k6j0h10w/s320/GRJ%20Nice%20and%20Rhone%20Adventure%20213.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIltm03dcnUSjFHyyMZPkHuCD6bTaA8n2IMpVUYhMi9u5seEBXDzlPuX1tEbSRjcIn7qy--cyR4jKgofYeNwrQ-gNxTDXmvuZ_Nor2_7fEXfw8f_GjknJPSeghYqXQMjh0shgQMYAvvir6VYmhgeclYXJUuYxyFqVWmHNW3CPZ_AmzKKeKhp17_uMCfAg/s3648/GRJ%20Nice%20and%20Rhone%20Adventure%20214.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIltm03dcnUSjFHyyMZPkHuCD6bTaA8n2IMpVUYhMi9u5seEBXDzlPuX1tEbSRjcIn7qy--cyR4jKgofYeNwrQ-gNxTDXmvuZ_Nor2_7fEXfw8f_GjknJPSeghYqXQMjh0shgQMYAvvir6VYmhgeclYXJUuYxyFqVWmHNW3CPZ_AmzKKeKhp17_uMCfAg/s320/GRJ%20Nice%20and%20Rhone%20Adventure%20214.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><i><div style="text-align: right;"><i>The Cathedral of Saint-Jean seen from Notre Dame de Fourvière</i></div></i><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg25LQaqRnueQzsrRaK0NzYQGRTtEbeyFQix27zyx0x9VWs2raohGDZgANFCbVvfran4e-tYil-SNmtxtDLVC-yIX9j31xOJdPnU0FYBc5PpVr7sY-Dzh9tH2ffHGBvDwY9Qf9dpcszDcR4qhg4r8giuWC_D4rL5MSsxvKoBIO3pWfUScvhS5zqbAzDyiM/s3648/GRJ%20Nice%20and%20Rhone%20Adventure%20225.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="2736" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg25LQaqRnueQzsrRaK0NzYQGRTtEbeyFQix27zyx0x9VWs2raohGDZgANFCbVvfran4e-tYil-SNmtxtDLVC-yIX9j31xOJdPnU0FYBc5PpVr7sY-Dzh9tH2ffHGBvDwY9Qf9dpcszDcR4qhg4r8giuWC_D4rL5MSsxvKoBIO3pWfUScvhS5zqbAzDyiM/s320/GRJ%20Nice%20and%20Rhone%20Adventure%20225.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSTrxF797yK2CUOpOxnlHn6CN5UHL4TU2qRPbja0wDfESVOYUiPV24NmGhObTTarl6YZoM6SYgLqiZJMpmnaydw_2Cp05eSQmY4LGbuIElthq6YvmVhFLTQeDVV2WfrdqMmKPo6QkrWuaZ0X6LCQ7erEuvM1KP2l6nG1swWkjL4aEhjchwO9SU-BZ2owc/s3648/GRJ%20Nice%20and%20Rhone%20Adventure%20234.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="2736" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSTrxF797yK2CUOpOxnlHn6CN5UHL4TU2qRPbja0wDfESVOYUiPV24NmGhObTTarl6YZoM6SYgLqiZJMpmnaydw_2Cp05eSQmY4LGbuIElthq6YvmVhFLTQeDVV2WfrdqMmKPo6QkrWuaZ0X6LCQ7erEuvM1KP2l6nG1swWkjL4aEhjchwO9SU-BZ2owc/s320/GRJ%20Nice%20and%20Rhone%20Adventure%20234.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA8vnRQbr6WsXTTR1GkmYSvFlFp7Rht_RxsiKRJeT-27Sr5VLpIFYOwruZWJCsoUIsEo07tD4fJpaLs1IyL6r-xSKpJckQQiZJDH6URblUF5P-Y0tfBMeo3Ez2JzgKbi4dIKC584i5PJzkYxddzcIaE7vBryL7qz0gbpLJ0-paQhsriyTuEbZsAz4l22I/s3648/GRJ%20Nice%20and%20Rhone%20Adventure%20237.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA8vnRQbr6WsXTTR1GkmYSvFlFp7Rht_RxsiKRJeT-27Sr5VLpIFYOwruZWJCsoUIsEo07tD4fJpaLs1IyL6r-xSKpJckQQiZJDH6URblUF5P-Y0tfBMeo3Ez2JzgKbi4dIKC584i5PJzkYxddzcIaE7vBryL7qz0gbpLJ0-paQhsriyTuEbZsAz4l22I/s320/GRJ%20Nice%20and%20Rhone%20Adventure%20237.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>We had time for coffee and some personal exploring before returning to the ship for lunch. The ship set sail down the Rhône towards Tournon sur Rhône where we arrived by evening with time for a stroll before dinner on board.</p><p>The following day was Sunday and breakfast included sparkling wine, although it was German, not Champagne! Indeed, considering that we were largely a British group of passengers on a tour of France, there were no British crew and only one French person that I noticed, the First Captain, who spoke only French and had to have the Romanian Cruise Director translate for him when he spoke to us. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj-_Qrk6oobpo370xBOzUYThnbNTEjZn54vTe8uHWepgJXfChK-rFPzti16R9dfDy_MZCV4abcWv3PD40QL9h1EXRarqk2B2WanwQweCX8PaUNP9QEs_c3ZC78GncNQ0KIlIv2kPxc-M-VQ5v9aRt2PjJaHdk0gT2EEuRsIpUOfLsSWDhinJWfh31LpX4/s1024/GRJ%20Nice%20and%20Rhone%20Adventure%20258.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj-_Qrk6oobpo370xBOzUYThnbNTEjZn54vTe8uHWepgJXfChK-rFPzti16R9dfDy_MZCV4abcWv3PD40QL9h1EXRarqk2B2WanwQweCX8PaUNP9QEs_c3ZC78GncNQ0KIlIv2kPxc-M-VQ5v9aRt2PjJaHdk0gT2EEuRsIpUOfLsSWDhinJWfh31LpX4/s320/GRJ%20Nice%20and%20Rhone%20Adventure%20258.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Our coach took us a little way out of Tournon sur Rhône to the terminus of the Petit Train d'Ardèche, a preserved section of the once extensive Ardèche narrow-gauge railway system that first brought transport and prosperity to this region. We only had time to travel half way up the line, through spectacular scenery, before enjoying and included local drink and nibble and being taken back through the narrow lanes by coach to the riverside and our ship for the usual buffet lunch.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIOZB-hc9o4HQG1s8iKbxS7WyHp9FHcIyeFpemWelrAAYzAv59jBnlRcSCjj83SgqPIgnghJR4NhrT6SmAcQmFX9mQ2h1hvjU2ZxEjwGs3cOIlEzt1D2w3Gt0DbjY6uv2sUkkzJf4h1uSirG8j9h6nuZSYuX2GXsW-XzvQKb0BTjl7stAsqXpT6OKDOQw/s3648/GRJ%20Nice%20and%20Rhone%20Adventure%20273.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIOZB-hc9o4HQG1s8iKbxS7WyHp9FHcIyeFpemWelrAAYzAv59jBnlRcSCjj83SgqPIgnghJR4NhrT6SmAcQmFX9mQ2h1hvjU2ZxEjwGs3cOIlEzt1D2w3Gt0DbjY6uv2sUkkzJf4h1uSirG8j9h6nuZSYuX2GXsW-XzvQKb0BTjl7stAsqXpT6OKDOQw/s320/GRJ%20Nice%20and%20Rhone%20Adventure%20273.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_xUfunEChHxV7cA13S2hQo5wy5pOSUZSBzgAkq0b6xBNRMas8j-WyhYG_XEFo_mF6kdPhpJz49-3K-kt0Bxp0SuJRwQxWYwx5_jZio6Fe-VCCocOujf9qVet7TD15U2o9_Rjk24H7rtECYvcuWUuxV9T1_GJH5gjSte1RPVnocaoTWhPYM-sJdhoaD8U/s3648/GRJ%20Nice%20and%20Rhone%20Adventure%20277.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_xUfunEChHxV7cA13S2hQo5wy5pOSUZSBzgAkq0b6xBNRMas8j-WyhYG_XEFo_mF6kdPhpJz49-3K-kt0Bxp0SuJRwQxWYwx5_jZio6Fe-VCCocOujf9qVet7TD15U2o9_Rjk24H7rtECYvcuWUuxV9T1_GJH5gjSte1RPVnocaoTWhPYM-sJdhoaD8U/s320/GRJ%20Nice%20and%20Rhone%20Adventure%20277.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN43pguBt65CX3dhSQt51FkF8jxUcYeGIpng-urh0qBL-NCAXqqFRofjeElmx3rRQpDE_OULuvgHuxndpDYeQhnn0hB1ujrZeYq1_aVarE7RLxPWdmBxBLJn5SFyJd0ghivpCo0To3O2sMCI24W1awUMVPyUWWZxJV2WzPs6Zd5bSCUawmQ3N_TDeY6Us/s4032/GRJ%20Nice%20and%20Rhone%20Adventure%20285.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN43pguBt65CX3dhSQt51FkF8jxUcYeGIpng-urh0qBL-NCAXqqFRofjeElmx3rRQpDE_OULuvgHuxndpDYeQhnn0hB1ujrZeYq1_aVarE7RLxPWdmBxBLJn5SFyJd0ghivpCo0To3O2sMCI24W1awUMVPyUWWZxJV2WzPs6Zd5bSCUawmQ3N_TDeY6Us/s320/GRJ%20Nice%20and%20Rhone%20Adventure%20285.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>All aboard, the ship set off for Avignon along one of the most scenic sections of the river. Spectacular views could be had from the sundeck, and from the pool deck at the stern and river terrace at the bow. For most of the time the canopies could not be erected on the sundeck because of the need to pass under low bridges and through locks with gateways over the river, but this did not affect the pool deck of the river terrace. </p><p>The next day we woke in Avignon and again we were split into smaller groups, each with a local guide, and we set off first of all on a tour of the town on one of those tourist road trains that you see in many tourist towns. Our guide was able to peak to us through the train's passenger address system and we were shown all round the town centre and the grounds to the Papal Palace, including many narrow streets that a coach would not be able to reach but which we'd never have had the time to visit on foot. <a href="https://www.mwtrips.co.uk/2016/11/mediterranean-sunshine-part-4-le-pont.html">Last time I was in Avignon</a> I visited the Pont d'Avignon but not the palace, and this time it was to be the other way round, for a guided tour of the Papal Palace was included in our cruise programme.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Ok2iffuc0z6kGP9JCnhKs5pk_j5uFsz7Mkkt-9pOpaVJ5EWM55V2FZxQZm_p9VX2HTpp5zilLbmmc0hrM5b0xhBvBay3DfW9ekRlzMwPcXYpTf5AX7tANz5LucrZBl2w-jda-8czZ_R4qvmoaDCsHAeo1rGq7vivNyWqTxZpBUWwQfAo5yC1DiYoFZs/s3648/GRJ%20Nice%20and%20Rhone%20Adventure%20305.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Ok2iffuc0z6kGP9JCnhKs5pk_j5uFsz7Mkkt-9pOpaVJ5EWM55V2FZxQZm_p9VX2HTpp5zilLbmmc0hrM5b0xhBvBay3DfW9ekRlzMwPcXYpTf5AX7tANz5LucrZBl2w-jda-8czZ_R4qvmoaDCsHAeo1rGq7vivNyWqTxZpBUWwQfAo5yC1DiYoFZs/s320/GRJ%20Nice%20and%20Rhone%20Adventure%20305.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQx5LvNkNBkFTDtrzK-t8yEk66V-q810rx8smCOutsyQUVozSrSm42X11dgb2avUmxfsAwKh0G0ipuUE47MAWGlvD1s3aJkMPfKo6D3uOrVi5zXpcXUTtA7I1yC_hPdm900kaLZyKzUov2nZMb0rkngh-uq1xv7CZ4T7cqHRbTqYXrsSgKBR2VVlFQJgc/s3648/GRJ%20Nice%20and%20Rhone%20Adventure%20308.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQx5LvNkNBkFTDtrzK-t8yEk66V-q810rx8smCOutsyQUVozSrSm42X11dgb2avUmxfsAwKh0G0ipuUE47MAWGlvD1s3aJkMPfKo6D3uOrVi5zXpcXUTtA7I1yC_hPdm900kaLZyKzUov2nZMb0rkngh-uq1xv7CZ4T7cqHRbTqYXrsSgKBR2VVlFQJgc/s320/GRJ%20Nice%20and%20Rhone%20Adventure%20308.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdCOQgq6cMz-EAegO95_uo8nc_qstHud5Dj_ReTlSLzSMWvbFo3zKpYYijnsNUDLNSJa4boF8jvJ1_NL72cFTTU-oYhSS7WID2_4LVuOdSNxoDuSSgGKfdeGCR6JsB1853LzTcgVAXXHJEQ1RUH7oshK_hWZfucsfCXRvDmXipe_WQTskBRY-bhfk-Ce0/s3648/GRJ%20Nice%20and%20Rhone%20Adventure%20313.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdCOQgq6cMz-EAegO95_uo8nc_qstHud5Dj_ReTlSLzSMWvbFo3zKpYYijnsNUDLNSJa4boF8jvJ1_NL72cFTTU-oYhSS7WID2_4LVuOdSNxoDuSSgGKfdeGCR6JsB1853LzTcgVAXXHJEQ1RUH7oshK_hWZfucsfCXRvDmXipe_WQTskBRY-bhfk-Ce0/s320/GRJ%20Nice%20and%20Rhone%20Adventure%20313.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><i><div style="text-align: right;"><i>Art exhibition in the palace: all this is made of cardboard, the artist's chosen medium</i></div></i><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>After the guided tour we walked around the town on our own for a while, mostly looking in shops, and then made our way back to the ship for lunch. The lunch menu this day was a special "Taste of Provence" menu with a selection of local and regional specialities. I think I tried everything, including that well-known (in England) dish, escargot (snails). The trouble was that so few people wanted to try the snails that those of us who did were served a generous portion and we did not know whether we'd like them ... Did I like them? They were OK: I did eat most of mine but I shall not be looking to choose them again. Maybe frying them might work ...</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJTBvtsenyYK1Ssf7G00y831hyvjPjnsaLiD4BdWjEUu3inFKdBP9lrjuRnTNkRfO78yshZD4zVIhpcPPuvV38UYock60-IDfAeeXGbJNNEoPxdZvHULSaume2_pd5__H4M7VZCN4Jf8jZ6RvEyQKuXsUSc_mCQ9KGzwr0isQ3rEuu3tpjRRe9lL3hV2Y/s4032/GRJ%20Nice%20and%20Rhone%20Adventure%20321.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJTBvtsenyYK1Ssf7G00y831hyvjPjnsaLiD4BdWjEUu3inFKdBP9lrjuRnTNkRfO78yshZD4zVIhpcPPuvV38UYock60-IDfAeeXGbJNNEoPxdZvHULSaume2_pd5__H4M7VZCN4Jf8jZ6RvEyQKuXsUSc_mCQ9KGzwr0isQ3rEuu3tpjRRe9lL3hV2Y/w400-h300/GRJ%20Nice%20and%20Rhone%20Adventure%20321.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Taste of Provence Lunch</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>The afternoon was free time and we opted stay on board and relax rather than spend a little more time in Avignon. Later the ship set sail for Arles and we were able to enjoy the scenery over dinner. Some effort was made to serve regional dishes all the time on the cruise, as well as regional wines. Wine, and water, is included on these cruises so you only need to buy drinks between or before and after meals if required, and we found that we really did not need to do that.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4iXWdwYBfa_ZagdJkJkA9hLTkgQN6nt_R_rcGAplseHoV1ceLj3wX9apKGgMV2Fd3AOb2xWgnpBO2lOXxFsIxQhHJXgKwczjID9V6aldedzcTClwgJK9v6xIvTvR9asynoU3KkrQhBvPUSTwaFJ6SplKiRT72aSuK2n2mMFjGlV3Ytk7AW2PFhR6IQ38/s3648/GRJ%20Nice%20and%20Rhone%20Adventure%20345.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4iXWdwYBfa_ZagdJkJkA9hLTkgQN6nt_R_rcGAplseHoV1ceLj3wX9apKGgMV2Fd3AOb2xWgnpBO2lOXxFsIxQhHJXgKwczjID9V6aldedzcTClwgJK9v6xIvTvR9asynoU3KkrQhBvPUSTwaFJ6SplKiRT72aSuK2n2mMFjGlV3Ytk7AW2PFhR6IQ38/s320/GRJ%20Nice%20and%20Rhone%20Adventure%20345.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Arles was stunning. I knew, of course, about its connection with Vincent van Gogh who lived there and painted scenes there, but I had no idea about it rich Roman heritage, some of which is no only still extant but still in use! The one disappointment was that van Gogh's "yellow house" is no longer there but the rest of the street in his painting of it is still recognisable. Real efforts have been made by some business owners to present their buildings in the way that they appear in the paintings, and many of the scenes have really changed very little since his day. I was very impressed by following the Vincent van Gogh sites with the local guide (who was actually British in this case but still struggled not to speak to us in americanisms!), but for me the highlight was the Roman ampitheatre which is still used for public entertainment to this day, including variations on animal sports that go right back to the Roman Empire (although these days neither the animal nor the sportsman is expected to die).<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiD_mrPnoMOOQIOzHLYngY72xmPNPCLclmTuI3tlr7HfVQpMaBAF1WBdMVJs7fwKUpqqa6EN6Duit9IM-U2zd-NtiQtSQ83dOelUmWeVgGGA8_JtxXVBPsoZqgPVsh5OnnAKGBCcHlOrTBs2BFeXV-1Oil71TY3ZnXd6cjYVV-pWxXtmKHy3gcG33tHac/s3648/GRJ%20Nice%20and%20Rhone%20Adventure%20352.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiD_mrPnoMOOQIOzHLYngY72xmPNPCLclmTuI3tlr7HfVQpMaBAF1WBdMVJs7fwKUpqqa6EN6Duit9IM-U2zd-NtiQtSQ83dOelUmWeVgGGA8_JtxXVBPsoZqgPVsh5OnnAKGBCcHlOrTBs2BFeXV-1Oil71TY3ZnXd6cjYVV-pWxXtmKHy3gcG33tHac/s320/GRJ%20Nice%20and%20Rhone%20Adventure%20352.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The games played at Arles Arena are "Courses Camarguaises" with Camargue bulls bred for the purpose, not the traditional violent games but ones where the men, usually young local men, attempt to remove ribbons from the horns of the bull - and it is the bulls who are the stars. They have famous names and large fanbases who follow their exploits and watch them play against anonymous human sportsmen ... and successful bulls are buried with great honour when they die (of old age). We were to see some Carmargue bulls later that day on the second stage of our stay around Arles.<p></p><p>There was a lot to take in at Arles and it is certainly well worth a visit. We finished the guided tour at the hospital where Vincent van Gogh was taken after the famous incident when he cut off his ear. It is now a great place to remember him and includes a café and gift shops.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2eh9CSyaCTCYBqcPvzRvI3_4Iz3LurYPADcVd-u1FLF3H4Ny2uEVVF7xltbuLKF--W6FNczKyO8LldBaFSLDjbA1H7VzeHDOSPVmnEKqvQKnrBJPqlPslBjUaiEqZPzx9ny0PRfSvYqgfrz1dk-jQ8oXpbMVxYtjoiH1PuRNeu6-tyktmpVPHvHUqHt4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2eh9CSyaCTCYBqcPvzRvI3_4Iz3LurYPADcVd-u1FLF3H4Ny2uEVVF7xltbuLKF--W6FNczKyO8LldBaFSLDjbA1H7VzeHDOSPVmnEKqvQKnrBJPqlPslBjUaiEqZPzx9ny0PRfSvYqgfrz1dk-jQ8oXpbMVxYtjoiH1PuRNeu6-tyktmpVPHvHUqHt4" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div>After lunch on board the ship we set off by coach for a tour of the Camargue Delta, seeing the Camargue bulls and the famous white Camargue horses along the roadside, along with distinctive style of houses with curved north ends to protect them from the Mistral winds which from time to time blight life in that part of the country. The coach took us to the Parc Natural régional de Camargue where we had a long walk around lakes to see thousands of birds native to this part of the Mediterranean coast.<p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9OIXasjKStjM490_eLCHUQe0i6taqqqDMCq4Jf4IOc8jv-aqMtfL0ccLYwhWTSXwcJ4AwFjidlJAS3Qay7HkkCwbc55JHK8byz23auIG2q59VxvI5Uj-dDTpWQXv_0tGMlhsT5j3_FkrhQN-HYDjiHltzDg_McEyoN0aT5_ary_e8mWErPLL69yVdbAM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9OIXasjKStjM490_eLCHUQe0i6taqqqDMCq4Jf4IOc8jv-aqMtfL0ccLYwhWTSXwcJ4AwFjidlJAS3Qay7HkkCwbc55JHK8byz23auIG2q59VxvI5Uj-dDTpWQXv_0tGMlhsT5j3_FkrhQN-HYDjiHltzDg_McEyoN0aT5_ary_e8mWErPLL69yVdbAM" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">We finished with a few minutes to look around the village of Saintes Maries de la Mare and its fascinating church with its legend concerning miracles and gipsies ...<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiumP411k6nT5LGvWu8PU4bD3ZWKtrzK5O8urfZq-IsedJdhYdAAt_HuSRx2IesxhXxtZrcOv0n-KInaIivvORw6XHaGoL_NhwAqn8OZBvXIuwJnOJmH79y7ta5qiHmHz1iT4PmltEpDWxZiD9TGnIe_5pvut-JgQ8VWI8WNVRbmo3SRWMg3BCEGDoA-kY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2908" data-original-width="1705" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiumP411k6nT5LGvWu8PU4bD3ZWKtrzK5O8urfZq-IsedJdhYdAAt_HuSRx2IesxhXxtZrcOv0n-KInaIivvORw6XHaGoL_NhwAqn8OZBvXIuwJnOJmH79y7ta5qiHmHz1iT4PmltEpDWxZiD9TGnIe_5pvut-JgQ8VWI8WNVRbmo3SRWMg3BCEGDoA-kY" width="141" /></a></div><br />We were welcomed back on board with a complimentary cocktail on the pool deck (taking care not to fall into the pool ... as the ship moved off for the next stage of our tour, back to the Ardèche region where we had enjoyed our vintage train ride a few days earlier but which now felt a very long time ago!<br /><p></p><p></p><p>On the morning of the last full day of our tour, the ship dropped us off and we were taken by coach to visit the Ardèche Gorge, well worth a visit if you are over this way by road.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM6gu1QvrfNCLQQPoTV9zOnTgfqLt_xSDvrBsQzv3KnGai2vrmE2jkXQy6H57ZtazR8c7ydFWjM1MWpJPq7MAmqoCWR5esvFYg1882rsTdAO908vXZjk08aDipJa41ntIP7ZtwVqUMjUZOIRGUsIiMw48UEBUBBZCJQuMq2z15EWESQdj1SmDXOyfNDPs/s3648/GRJ%20Nice%20and%20Rhone%20Adventure%20441.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM6gu1QvrfNCLQQPoTV9zOnTgfqLt_xSDvrBsQzv3KnGai2vrmE2jkXQy6H57ZtazR8c7ydFWjM1MWpJPq7MAmqoCWR5esvFYg1882rsTdAO908vXZjk08aDipJa41ntIP7ZtwVqUMjUZOIRGUsIiMw48UEBUBBZCJQuMq2z15EWESQdj1SmDXOyfNDPs/s320/GRJ%20Nice%20and%20Rhone%20Adventure%20441.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAJQm0YmKCuXV88fXH1K667NOFzL9TSTwPC-3AGO3u4pHQq8emAoASrrHctBhlcUTCWladw0GsPkZ42GTWwGM3BQvCg9RRanbEjtMZaOJ8Q30-BlivwBA8AdKdnwVEIbMJNGSO7eMyJ-kRAYOcrc2vHSqXAboiaPm0VxC3E_AqA_YBVBaru3MHIl7HXpo/s3648/GRJ%20Nice%20and%20Rhone%20Adventure%20447.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAJQm0YmKCuXV88fXH1K667NOFzL9TSTwPC-3AGO3u4pHQq8emAoASrrHctBhlcUTCWladw0GsPkZ42GTWwGM3BQvCg9RRanbEjtMZaOJ8Q30-BlivwBA8AdKdnwVEIbMJNGSO7eMyJ-kRAYOcrc2vHSqXAboiaPm0VxC3E_AqA_YBVBaru3MHIl7HXpo/s320/GRJ%20Nice%20and%20Rhone%20Adventure%20447.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitMnUR0fesHbV1Eh8ukPbiqV45JjCTtuslo2dcbpRtXBIsD06x81E4kb4mfzn2xPUVAoN7-w0tt5hfaeJsGoWmN_nzGEC9fBkdmu16F-FRMAKC6qhlpidtraPn9Ujx34WSL8_TBLeB8V_9gfcrKTG1UqNJflPCA01QuaYy_qzEpAFCZLjQ5zccy5KD4Ho/s3648/GRJ%20Nice%20and%20Rhone%20Adventure%20455.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitMnUR0fesHbV1Eh8ukPbiqV45JjCTtuslo2dcbpRtXBIsD06x81E4kb4mfzn2xPUVAoN7-w0tt5hfaeJsGoWmN_nzGEC9fBkdmu16F-FRMAKC6qhlpidtraPn9Ujx34WSL8_TBLeB8V_9gfcrKTG1UqNJflPCA01QuaYy_qzEpAFCZLjQ5zccy5KD4Ho/s320/GRJ%20Nice%20and%20Rhone%20Adventure%20455.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Highlights included watching canoeists making their way under a natural rock arch, seeing a meander which one day, in thousands of years' time, may become another such arch, and stopping a a view point to take in the grandeur of the entire spectacle - unfortunately slightly marred by rain which restricted the distance we could see, but not by a lot.</p><p>We were then taken to a lavender farm which was fascinating. We learnt a lot about the different varieties of lavender, and saw them growing, and the uses to which this plant has been put, medicinal as well as just perfume.</p><p>Back on board the ship we made our way back to Lyons to begin our journey home, and the evening meal was the gala dinner at which we met the rest of the crew and were able to thank them for their attention to our needs. The voyage itself was part of the holiday, of course, and there were many locks to pass through on the way.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="406" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3Hof1Ndk85U" width="489" youtube-src-id="3Hof1Ndk85U"></iframe></div><br /><p>A final night on board and we awake docked in Lyons and ready for the train home. We were carefully disembarked by party, there being several different Great Rail Journeys parties aboard this ship. Kevin our Tour Manager was there to gather us together and we boarded a coach which took us to the rail station to catch our TGV to Paris. The train was on time and the journey to Paris unremarkable, which I suppose is all you want a long train journey to be, really! We were spending our last day with people who had been with us for nearly two weeks. At Paris Gare de Lyon a coach was waiting to take our two groups to Gare du Nord and we arrived there in plenty of time for the train to London, passing easily through the ticket gates, the security screening (which is still not as slick as in London) and the two passport checks and then having time for coffee and a snack in the waiting area before our train was called for boarding. We left Paris on time and arrived in London on time, being served a light meal on the way. We made our way unhurriedly to Kings Cross and awaited a suitable LNER train back to Peterborough and onward to Stamford, an easy journey home.</p></div>Mark at mwtripshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10503658158339712260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3429482469896815050.post-61116430063358584212023-06-22T15:36:00.004+01:002023-11-06T08:56:32.506+00:00Exploring The French Riviera, Monaco and the Rhône Valley by Train, part 1<h2 style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibPXiSTUIr57ID0zGbF86wd8BP6sQj4jwFyrJ9BPhRHJonsGfbEQBD_OAPkQ_C_G6fE7d9lkDHN0FF3vYa8xBv1CvHKjeKqjGYUySgqKe5s3upnAMCYle_UYkvKvh86Rf5vxjxnIWZNd9ZYRAj9a7h2grkk6dnLQxgmAi_XPNRS-EZ9poVB_KDuRIa/s4032/IMG_4749.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibPXiSTUIr57ID0zGbF86wd8BP6sQj4jwFyrJ9BPhRHJonsGfbEQBD_OAPkQ_C_G6fE7d9lkDHN0FF3vYa8xBv1CvHKjeKqjGYUySgqKe5s3upnAMCYle_UYkvKvh86Rf5vxjxnIWZNd9ZYRAj9a7h2grkk6dnLQxgmAi_XPNRS-EZ9poVB_KDuRIa/s320/IMG_4749.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>Great Rail Journeys Tour and Cruise in the South of France: Nice, Monaco and Cannes</h2><p style="text-align: left;">When we briefly <a href="https://www.mwtrips.co.uk/2016/10/mediterranean-sunshine-part-3-cote-dazur.html">visited the French Riviera</a> a few years ago we had a list of things for which we wished to return in due course. I was leafing through a <a href="https://www.greatrail.com" target="_blank">Great Rail Journeys</a> catalogue last year when I spotted and escorted tour by rail which covered a good number of those ("ticked most of the boxes") and included a cruise on the Rhône as well. We did not hesitate to book, including the upgrade to First Class rail travel. Fortunately we had several other tours of various sorts to occupy ourselves so the wait for this exciting rail tour was quite bearable!</p><p style="text-align: right;"><i>The blindness of pure chance, the Casino at Monte Carlo</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">We packed our cases and then on a Saturday afternoon walked down to Stamford railway station to take the first of the trains of our rail adventure to France. It was a very hot and sunny day and so we were quite warm in the clothes we had kept back for travel, but it was a short downhill walk and we knew that the trains would be air-conditioned. Unfortunately our train from Stamford was running late, late enough to risk not making the connection we were intending to make in Peterborough for the next stage to London - we were in no particular hurry, and our international tour tickets were valid on any train, but I had chosen trains that I thought would be most comfortable and least crowded. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAKXuVwNvAVu33MmdnNdVr0WA-f6BJlyYkKVzXZoUofftDen3cBd2OITPFb2J6rnFFL6xgloIInnxe0fKe_SLy-X-d63AXF11LTCnERu8xYZCblkJqOIuOURN7pSwUg36CtrErkoTjWz7Sr3Msj1j-AEkVNaxV0NLyYBYsr56L5eP3JLPDCctP5RtV/s4032/IMG_4698.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAKXuVwNvAVu33MmdnNdVr0WA-f6BJlyYkKVzXZoUofftDen3cBd2OITPFb2J6rnFFL6xgloIInnxe0fKe_SLy-X-d63AXF11LTCnERu8xYZCblkJqOIuOURN7pSwUg36CtrErkoTjWz7Sr3Msj1j-AEkVNaxV0NLyYBYsr56L5eP3JLPDCctP5RtV/s320/IMG_4698.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>As it happened, though, the train to London was even more delayed. I did look into reserving seats on one that departed earlier than ours would, but no reservable seats were left and we decided it would be likely to be too crowded to be comfortable, so we waited for the train which we had first reserved and found that very few people had waited for it, so there was plenty of space, plenty of refreshments available, and the First Class hostess had plenty of time to serve us. A light meal from LNER's "Deli" First Class menu was served and we were soon in London where we checked in for a night at the Premier Inn in Euston Road which has been our "launch pad" for many a continental rail tour.<p></p><p style="text-align: left;">Our train to Paris was due to depart from London St Pancras International at 08:01 on the Sunday morning - hence the need to travel to London the day before - so with Eurostar check-in now being from 90 to 60 minutes before departure we were up early to meet our Tour Manager Kevin at the Great Rail Journeys office at the station at about 06:40. Down at the international departures area we went through the familiar routine of scanning out tickets, having our luggage scanned and showing our passport to both UK and French border police (now preceded by the familiar well-controlled queuing system which ensures that everyone gets through in a smooth and unhurried way without crushing at the barriers. The queue is partly a "Brexit benefit" owing to the longer time it takes to pass through French passport control but also arises from the sheer size of Eurostar trains which means that hundreds of people all want to arrive about the same time. As usual we had breakfast while waiting for the train, but this time I only needed to buy coffee as we still had pastries left over from the evening meal on LNER.</p><p style="text-align: left;">In Paris the tour group was gathered together and we had the usual Great Rail Journeys routine of walking to a coach which took us through the streets to Gare de Lyon for the next stage of the journey, the 14:08 TGV to Nice. There was time to eat a takeaway lunch from Monoprix outside the station before the group reconvened to go through the ticket barrier together and join the TGV: our seats were on the upper deck of this duplex train, a pair of side-by-side "airline" seats, comfortable enough for the five-hour run down to Nice. As usual on French trains, no refreshments were included in the fare but there was a decent buffet car and we were able at intervals to buy wine and snacks during the journey. It was possible to order for at-seat service but the bar was only two coaches away and it was nice to have a stroll and speak to a real human being to buy our refreshments.</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaymKqO4swPlyvXyCms9kIZbCCdC7dPb1LVj_P28zFE5Z1emwYfStaz9wCbbeyELc7WuEcJ2ZE1ojkIALYhONBAL1XhisIdZesf0w9SY7dPBVjmfLkoKeT1ctMs_S4koQr7NvUxFfswRM90gFd5Z1ME8h61h1_LXK3DP9qTAHYR1GZcfUqE9L2mNDb/s4032/IMG_4702.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaymKqO4swPlyvXyCms9kIZbCCdC7dPb1LVj_P28zFE5Z1emwYfStaz9wCbbeyELc7WuEcJ2ZE1ojkIALYhONBAL1XhisIdZesf0w9SY7dPBVjmfLkoKeT1ctMs_S4koQr7NvUxFfswRM90gFd5Z1ME8h61h1_LXK3DP9qTAHYR1GZcfUqE9L2mNDb/s320/IMG_4702.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>A coach met us in Nice to take us to the hotel, the Malmaison Nice, a pleasant hotel with some art deco features, although we'd have been happy to walk this distance if we'd have been travelling independently. We went for a stroll looking for a light supper but on this Sunday evening we found nothing really suitable and returned to our room for the apples we had brought with us - I really did not miss having a meal: perhaps I had overdone the snacking on the train, but at least we did get a good night's sleep ready for the first full day in Nice.<p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i>Our bedroom at the Malmaison</i></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcdJM_Ol3Pp2oPMJeg3STNBK30AEGvn7UpGOamqwdIqNZOWsLKZiDJZfV8-ye5Bn_TIPASHGOTypcMuP67Hlotl7TrqSXeK3nWqCpkO2qbhUM0aG8Qs23zFdQtb1tjXJ3lkpbxnWMiTE7SOa_W3rNQmb44qqp_WVdMe8wQ7yj5hvR9YhdN0vc-J9dV/s4032/IMG_4714.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcdJM_Ol3Pp2oPMJeg3STNBK30AEGvn7UpGOamqwdIqNZOWsLKZiDJZfV8-ye5Bn_TIPASHGOTypcMuP67Hlotl7TrqSXeK3nWqCpkO2qbhUM0aG8Qs23zFdQtb1tjXJ3lkpbxnWMiTE7SOa_W3rNQmb44qqp_WVdMe8wQ7yj5hvR9YhdN0vc-J9dV/w150-h200/IMG_4714.jpeg" width="150" /></a></div>The first day in Nice included a walking tour in the morning and an excellent local guide met us at the hotel and showed us around the city, which is divided by a large linear park along the course of a torrent - a stream which takes run-off from the mountains and hills overlooking the city - the original old city with its narrow streets and the markets, and the new city above with its tree-lined boulevards and expensive shops. Both sides are very pleasant places to be, as is the park which separates them: we had enjoyed our previous visit here but this time we also learnt the history of the place and why it is the shade it is. From the Promenade des Anglais we were taken to a bus stop where a coach had been provided to take us to visit Saint-Paul-de-Vence, a charming village in the hills just below the town of Vence, which is the twin town of our home town of Stamford. Now that we have tracked down Vence's location we may have to see about visiting it on a future adventure, but we did not have the opportunity this time. Several of the party took the chance of a game of Pétanques at Saint-Paul-de-Vence, but I opted simply to explore the village and take in the views, having played it quite lot in the past.<p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj05hzvvA0zpmd-hp2nofzSOS-tMLreMfMnF0GwJOIS_Q6IRf0aYM7SWHvflFC-hooBep8MhGmJgUIud3Vr_rVaa6VTRT0PeQoMhVlcRFEyzaz43nsJLMdTxjOmjtnYvT1BTBaWbXPXRuli3trOQTWS-wj-IgrU0st2_5CstriMuo2-m9xW6QCjxX3g/s4032/IMG_4733.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj05hzvvA0zpmd-hp2nofzSOS-tMLreMfMnF0GwJOIS_Q6IRf0aYM7SWHvflFC-hooBep8MhGmJgUIud3Vr_rVaa6VTRT0PeQoMhVlcRFEyzaz43nsJLMdTxjOmjtnYvT1BTBaWbXPXRuli3trOQTWS-wj-IgrU0st2_5CstriMuo2-m9xW6QCjxX3g/s320/IMG_4733.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Back at Nice that evening we went to the old part of the city to find a restaurant that offered salad Nicoise, ending up, rather curiously, at <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g187234-d2622731-Reviews-Carpe_Diem-Nice_French_Riviera_Cote_d_Azur_Provence_Alpes_Cote_d_Azur.html" target="_blank">Carpe Diem</a> an Italian restaurant, run by Italian staff but among other things offering this local salad. Ordering in French, Italian and English led to a few misunderstandings but we got it all sorted out in the end and thoroughly enjoyed the salad, the wine and, in my case, a crème brulée. Although we would look around for other local dishes the following day, we kept Carpe Diem in mind since there was more on the menu that would be worth a try.<p></p><p style="text-align: left;">Tuesday was a free day with nothing arranged by Great Rail Journeys except the hotel breakfast, and we had determined in advance that we would use this day to revisit Cannes and perhaps spend a little time on the beach. Our Great Rail Journeys tour manager suggested we might like to visit Antibes as well while we were out that way, so we kept in mind the possibility of stopping off there on the way back to Nice that afternoon or evening.</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSkNlEZmik21nimwIMfo-QjIkYI-cophxfqe0uJONKBf3B9dxk7zMQNI56Tc_6jwvjzLQrju5yCoACSnvQjqxDjGtZbK1TmtIiLcGJ2vopyuVjRzpL03H6aafMX8C9v-alN-HxOqlD8zrqPAQBpOvgOqeBFRgY8ngvqXpJG7fVlpZgJ_UWqAsqbe3rAPA/s4032/IMG_4745.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSkNlEZmik21nimwIMfo-QjIkYI-cophxfqe0uJONKBf3B9dxk7zMQNI56Tc_6jwvjzLQrju5yCoACSnvQjqxDjGtZbK1TmtIiLcGJ2vopyuVjRzpL03H6aafMX8C9v-alN-HxOqlD8zrqPAQBpOvgOqeBFRgY8ngvqXpJG7fVlpZgJ_UWqAsqbe3rAPA/s320/IMG_4745.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>We were unsure about what rail tickets we might need to accomplish such a trip, needing some flexibility in ticket validity, and just as I reached the front of the short queue for the local ticket machines at Nice station and was staring at the screen working out where to start a member of the station staff came over and asked (in English - am I that obvious?) what we wanted. When we had told her, she said, "You need a pass," and poked a few buttons on the screen, invited me to present my credit card and then handed me the ticket which the machine had duly printed. "This is for both of you, all day, for two zones on the network," she said, smiling. How helpful it is to have enough staff at stations, I thought, the context of Britain's various disputes over staffing pinging into sharp focus in my mind! Strangers, especially foreigners, need help; we cannot know the ticket validity rules of every rail network across the world, or even across the UK with its fragmented system.<p></p><p style="text-align: left;">We looked at the departure boards and went to the platform for the next local train to Cannes and started our day out. We had never done this route on a stopping train before and, of course, we saw much more of the coastal scenery than we ever had on a fast train.</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjglQFqqBmcdI8tEh78dXdnVi8IdQYm-KKXYL5_dsG1acIBISmN4mZExbnGBCSNMMFhvrauA30nQwuMrF7UwFjoP8BUnCahbr9fonJg7Qq08E0bu8l73YhT9TflCrF2whKW9vDoWSpvj73BXSIXi1MVbV07tmNrI_2udVfbFmhHQhK7sffi4dkaCL6uwfA/s2103/IMG_4744%20M.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2103" data-original-width="1382" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjglQFqqBmcdI8tEh78dXdnVi8IdQYm-KKXYL5_dsG1acIBISmN4mZExbnGBCSNMMFhvrauA30nQwuMrF7UwFjoP8BUnCahbr9fonJg7Qq08E0bu8l73YhT9TflCrF2whKW9vDoWSpvj73BXSIXi1MVbV07tmNrI_2udVfbFmhHQhK7sffi4dkaCL6uwfA/w131-h200/IMG_4744%20M.jpeg" width="131" /></a></div>We walked straight down to the seafront at Cannes and walked along in what was fairly dull, although warm weather. Some rain was forecast, but predicting the weather is especially difficult here so we were prepared for anything. We each bought a souvenir t-shirt at the tourist office in Cannes and enjoyed a drink at a café we had visited on our previous visit, now trading with a new name. We explored the narrow old streets of Cannes and visited the market - we were seeking a traditional local food, socca, like a pancake but made with chickpea flour, but the only example we could find was at the market and that was soon closing but we were not yet hungry. We went to the public beach and walked along the shoreline as we so often do, and then decided we would move on and visit Antibes to see what we could find there. We found a pleasant seaside town with some nice shopping streets, and after a cool drink of beer at a pavement café began to explore. On our way to the sea some light rain began and we deployed our lightweight waterproof hooded jackets which we had bought for this eventuality before leaving home. The rain became heavier and there was lightning and thunder so most people around were sheltering under shop awnings or archways in the harbour wall and some, unafraid of electrocution, were using umbrellas. Never imagine that rain and thunder only affects UK holidays! We walked back to the station through varying degrees of rain and waited in the rain for a train back to Nice; it was by now the evening peak travel time and there were rather more frequent trains so even though there were some delays our journey was not really affected. We even had space on the train to spread out our jackets to dry!<br /><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">Back at Nice we went to <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g187234-d2622731-Reviews-Carpe_Diem-Nice_French_Riviera_Cote_d_Azur_Provence_Alpes_Cote_d_Azur.html" target="_blank">Carpe Diem</a> again for supper, practising our English/French/Italian ordering skills ...</p><p style="text-align: left;">The following day, our last full day in Nice, included an excursion to the principality of Monaco, a country with no countryside and whose citizens are crammed into a space about 3km by 0.6km and yet who still seem to need cars priced in six figures... Much of the work in Monaco is done by people commuting in daily from France and Italy - these people may well live in houses, but almost every citizen of Monaco lives in an apartment: very, very few have a garden, although the public gardens and the streets are very beautiful. Our excursion included an opportunity to watch the changing of the guard at the royal palace and a quick visit to the <a href="https://www.montecarlosbm.com/en/casino-monaco/casino-monte-carlo" target="_blank">casino at Monte Carlo</a> - which doubles up as a museum in the daytime and whose first two rooms can be seen free of charge. in our free time we explored the narrow streets of the Monaco does have a rail station but for this trip we were taken by road coach with a local guide who taught us a lot about the way this miniature nation works.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">After Monaco our coach took us to <a href="https://www.villa-ephrussi.com/en" target="_blank">Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild</a> with its nine gardens. The villa was a gift to France from <span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(32, 44, 70); color: #202c46;">Baroness Béatrice de Rothschild (1864–1934) who was an avid collector and now her collection is available for all to see. For us the gardens were the most interesting feature, and the views over the sea from the house's prominent location on an isthmus.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSf6Pm_QO6EcreYf0YOjTuotepjP6ahI-W2OhTK6JOQ3ux33nUJ95aV-e7T99ph7-bwGt2fgfQMCLiPWidBcdKOnFT_a4B32Ye3cRl4Z-0Ht3hZzFR6AA4KpeoDJPNns3dbQzDNAgg853ZE1CW7W0YKBdB36OpUg_ili1XljOcTYnUU5qOxgim_2EjExc/s4032/IMG_4764.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSf6Pm_QO6EcreYf0YOjTuotepjP6ahI-W2OhTK6JOQ3ux33nUJ95aV-e7T99ph7-bwGt2fgfQMCLiPWidBcdKOnFT_a4B32Ye3cRl4Z-0Ht3hZzFR6AA4KpeoDJPNns3dbQzDNAgg853ZE1CW7W0YKBdB36OpUg_ili1XljOcTYnUU5qOxgim_2EjExc/s320/IMG_4764.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #202c46; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(32, 44, 70);">D</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">inner that </span>evening<span style="font-family: inherit;"> was at <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g187234-d7933302-Reviews-Le_Clocher_Restaurant-Nice_French_Riviera_Cote_d_Azur_Provence_Alpes_Cote_d_Azur.html" target="_blank">a local restaurant, Le Clocher</a>, we had (finally) </span>discovered in Nice we had the chickpea pancakes, with salad, that we had been looking for since our arrival there!<p></p><p style="text-align: left;">After our last night at the Malmaison Nice we packed and waited for a coach which was to take us to the station along with the rest of the party, but the coach did not turn up and our tour manager Kevin has the wisdom to set us off walking while there was till time too walk to the station. Travelling alone I'd have walked anyway, even with luggage, for it was not very far, but for a group the coach transfer does help to keep everyone together and not all of the party found luggage as easy to handle as I did.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Our train from Nice was a regional express and took us to Marseille St Charles, with the usual brilliant views of the Mediterranean coast. At Marseille we changed to a TGV which took us to Lyon for the next exciting stage in our exploration of the south of France.</p>Mark at mwtripshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10503658158339712260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3429482469896815050.post-20579095763808374042023-06-19T17:34:00.001+01:002023-06-19T17:34:39.889+01:00Staying in The Jewellery Quarter<h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAsT82LU18g5twFLwNsrXjMKKbFcBJVdrxJP4w9cA-FMsq8-NkDIz6xYKHLiAT5ViDGUTsif9_97TXKJ29VsnvD_JQDgjWPbyYOE8gYgkvu8txI0jfvt7dqq7Z5mFGYOjLU5Icnzhr0qy1VjdPPk9V14cBHl1faPHesu6Z-GTmZMhKX7JzwiTEYURu/s4032/E2A9BD96-36F7-4FA2-87AF-1296D195994F.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAsT82LU18g5twFLwNsrXjMKKbFcBJVdrxJP4w9cA-FMsq8-NkDIz6xYKHLiAT5ViDGUTsif9_97TXKJ29VsnvD_JQDgjWPbyYOE8gYgkvu8txI0jfvt7dqq7Z5mFGYOjLU5Icnzhr0qy1VjdPPk9V14cBHl1faPHesu6Z-GTmZMhKX7JzwiTEYURu/s320/E2A9BD96-36F7-4FA2-87AF-1296D195994F.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br />A trip by train to Britain's second city</h2><p style="text-align: left;">I have visited the Jewellery Quarter twice before, but only for a day each time. This visit, staying over three nights, grew out of a casual conversation with a friend who expressed an interest in the <a href="https://penmuseum.org.uk" target="_blank">Pen Museum</a>. Having been there on <a href="https://www.mwtrips.co.uk/2015/03/pressing-and-stamping-in-jewellery.html">one of my day trips</a> I enthused about it and we agreed to go together, with our wives, and make a short holiday out of it.</p><div style="text-align: right;"><i>The mural in our train's toilet compartment celebrates the Jewellery Quarter </i></div><p style="text-align: left;">We did try to incorporate quite a lot more, including a third couple and a fourth night, but these did not fit in our diaries, and some of what we wanted to do was not available, so maybe next year there will be a post describing yet another visit to Birmingham! </p><p style="text-align: left;">The continuing dispute between the railway workers' unions and the government-backed railway companies threatened to overshadow the trip with strikes and cancellations (those companies free to negotiate their own terms had already settled with the unions, but those subject to government intervention could not), but we were able to work around these very successfully, Cross Country running just enough trains to get us home on a strike day.</p><p style="text-align: left;">We travelled with minimal luggage and our train to Birmingham was more-or-less on time all the way, affording us good views of the <a href="https://www.hs2.org.uk/in-your-area/local-community-webpages/hs2-in-birmingham/" target="_blank">High Speed Two construction sites</a> on the approach to the city from the east. Contrary to popular belief, this line is not just about getting between London and Birmingham, but rather provides a relief line between the north and London, avoiding the congested bits south of Birmingham, with a branch into Birmingham city centre. This branch follows the same "gap in the urban fabric" as our line from the east as it makes its final approach to its <a href="https://www.hs2.org.uk/building-hs2/stations/curzon-street/" target="_blank">Curzon Street terminus</a>.</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivUqhaNKTyjJH_8yWFY4PvVqrZ_QCDwhtDQv7JG2uscLGTDDx-Yi96VBcE-xpqWAXMHeHCgU_UUC6wUV6wG61DmtY5pa8VVzOCInugodi7p6Ft_v9985aHzHCPrBfvwSk-_drDHrwUDYsnaBQjp0h03d4Hsit6xIZeAG_wk155y0dzlKj7kmlQeIg2/s4032/IMG_4588X.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivUqhaNKTyjJH_8yWFY4PvVqrZ_QCDwhtDQv7JG2uscLGTDDx-Yi96VBcE-xpqWAXMHeHCgU_UUC6wUV6wG61DmtY5pa8VVzOCInugodi7p6Ft_v9985aHzHCPrBfvwSk-_drDHrwUDYsnaBQjp0h03d4Hsit6xIZeAG_wk155y0dzlKj7kmlQeIg2/s320/IMG_4588X.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>After arrival at Birmingham New Street we went straight to the Grand Central tram stop in Stephenson Street where we met our friends who had travelled from Warrington by car since their rail company had not been able to guarantee a train home on the strike day. We took the tram to the St Paul's stop, in the Jewellery Quarter and then walked to our hotel, <a href="https://www.saintpaulshouse.com" target="_blank">St Paul's House</a>, a former rope factory in St Paul's Square. We had a room at the front overlooking the square with St Paul's church in the middle among the trees and the gravestones.<p></p><p style="text-align: left;">After checking in and unpacking we booked a table in the hotel's restaurant for dinner and then took a walk into the city centre (actually, St Paul's House is more of a bar-restaurant with rooms than a hotel with dining room). I had hoped that we could attend Evensong at St Philip's Cathedral but it was too early, and probably not choral, with this being half-term week, and furthermore the cathedral was having a lot of building work done so we did not even bother to visit it. We walked down to New Street where we had a little shopping to do at the Apple Store and then to the Bull Ring area and back to the Jewellery Quarter for dinner, a drink and bed. Tomorrow the exploring would begin.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuwSCQSqb2wMDkakmZ8rZ42co7s2nWR-EVwctnfR4Mvhk4IcKZybvITP7BZpk8TLp6DR1CmsHl_pKztBOOmwq4S2aqufGAGxW-3VjUBPyq0b2Xms4t3jbn_y4-sAWY5enWKd9iLG8YaJRkLDlBAqwrbA2Imh03wMJMsQjhpO977N6RdglQcoOaSvVp/s4032/IMG_4598X.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuwSCQSqb2wMDkakmZ8rZ42co7s2nWR-EVwctnfR4Mvhk4IcKZybvITP7BZpk8TLp6DR1CmsHl_pKztBOOmwq4S2aqufGAGxW-3VjUBPyq0b2Xms4t3jbn_y4-sAWY5enWKd9iLG8YaJRkLDlBAqwrbA2Imh03wMJMsQjhpO977N6RdglQcoOaSvVp/s320/IMG_4598X.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">We walked down to Centenary Square via the canalside path and Fleet Street and were going to call at the <a href="https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/info/50132/visiting_the_library_of_birmingham/1412/about_the_library_of_birmingham" target="_blank">Library of Birmingham</a>, but this did not open until 11:00, so we continued our walk via Broad Street - taking in the pavement star of Jasper Carrott whose show in Stamford we were missing, ironically, by being in Birmingham - and the canalside to Gas Street Basin and the Mailbox, where we had coffee at one of the coffee shops before returning to the Library. </p><p style="text-align: left;">After visiting the Shakespeare Collection and the roof garden we made our way through Victoria Square and Colmore Row to Snow Hill station where we took a bus to Aston. This had been going to be a train trip but there was a strike by Aslef and no trains were running in Birmingham; the upside was that as three of us were pensioners this did not cost us anything! From the bus stop we walked past Villa Park and then visited the villa after which it is named, <a href="https://www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/aston-hall" target="_blank">Aston Hall, a Jacobean manor house</a> well worth the trip. I had been there once before, fifty years earlier when I was studying in Birmingham, and I remembered hardly anything! We began with a light lunch at the café, then took the self-guided tour of the house before rounding off with a cup of tea back in the café. Touring the house included quite a lot of learning about the social history of England, notably the Civil War, as well as about the house itself and domestic architecture in general. The parkland around is open free of charge to the public at all times.</p><p style="text-align: left;">We travelled back to the city centre on the same bus route and from the stop at Snow Hill station walked through the Great Western Arcade and down Corporation Street before taking the tram to the Jewellery Quarter stop from where we walked through one of the two cemeteries and then past the (now closed for the evening) craft jewellery shops of Vyse Street before returning to the hotel for dinner again, having seen things on the menu the previous evening that some of us had been keen to try! </p><div><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnpzKmvdxOK0tpWmDWNr2m7-du5vceDsZFSOMWIr9uxyQyDR7LkLcYKgTgPeaymJ1NpfVK37knPZi9d8uzSeskAqlLMSyTQnQO1ow760E8cFjhxy9c4PPoEOqvu-Sv7VwBgD1DIF1tuG3ZEPRtF0PkjBfd7rq9t7Db8LAJ9lVHdVigFgITsatEBFPz3BA/s4032/IMG_4620.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnpzKmvdxOK0tpWmDWNr2m7-du5vceDsZFSOMWIr9uxyQyDR7LkLcYKgTgPeaymJ1NpfVK37knPZi9d8uzSeskAqlLMSyTQnQO1ow760E8cFjhxy9c4PPoEOqvu-Sv7VwBgD1DIF1tuG3ZEPRtF0PkjBfd7rq9t7Db8LAJ9lVHdVigFgITsatEBFPz3BA/s320/IMG_4620.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPeR5aKHhE89KpOSJZHsbKXyhGsIMkGyR0pmyXtwUQ87BXPmGJGTgj33XOlsXeUUgdtNB-NCrBlGgWPrvb1HK6huNr9GTh4bZSs3ccXwWRgCP87M6hLtjAPDZRRhYSUh3Nb5TGyrjjuUgsbQ2hCcex4VxVHXHdwVopyZ8N1_gNr2kj3QigmEmtjc1ouNM/s4032/IMG_4625D.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPeR5aKHhE89KpOSJZHsbKXyhGsIMkGyR0pmyXtwUQ87BXPmGJGTgj33XOlsXeUUgdtNB-NCrBlGgWPrvb1HK6huNr9GTh4bZSs3ccXwWRgCP87M6hLtjAPDZRRhYSUh3Nb5TGyrjjuUgsbQ2hCcex4VxVHXHdwVopyZ8N1_gNr2kj3QigmEmtjc1ouNM/s320/IMG_4625D.JPG" width="320" /></a>The second full day was dedicated to the Jewellery Quarter and the industrial heritage of Birmingham. There was nothing here that I had not done before, some of it twice, but displays change and in different company it's a different experience. We began by walking to the Pen Museum which had been the starting point of the conversation which led to this tour. It had changed markedly from my previous visit but still included the chance to undertake part of the process of making a pen nib. In the days before ball-point (Biro) pens took over the world, 75% of the world's writing was done with nibs made in the Birmingham Jewellery Quarter! </p><p style="text-align: left;">We learnt a lot about the small metal-working industries that made Birmingham the City of a Thousand Trades and put it, by the efforts of the early industrial pioneers (not forgetting their workers!), at the heart of the world's industrial revolution. We'd learn more about the workers at the next visit and on the following day. We thought we might have lunch at the pub called A Thousand Trades but it looked a bit more than the snack we needed and we ended up at Costa Coffee - we needed our coffee break as well in any case - and then had time for a swift pint in the splendid interior of the Rose Villa Tavern before striding on to the Coffin Works!<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIAFbOFwUsUKXfO7tnxnoadYH_Ml0397DRAN4ivW_lHNeP_pyxPxYIlkATax-Y8rMnP3YtQDRvFYTbY58iAXjQpNp-xKLA9acwZiTb7BlRsk23FMDY-Rx4jPOEm4MJdIK7VVOlcdB4SkUeWvfcGWySyzg-PcyMooo34fEgE5tnEf4-WFlqm_rOwu8E25g/s4032/IMG_4632D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIAFbOFwUsUKXfO7tnxnoadYH_Ml0397DRAN4ivW_lHNeP_pyxPxYIlkATax-Y8rMnP3YtQDRvFYTbY58iAXjQpNp-xKLA9acwZiTb7BlRsk23FMDY-Rx4jPOEm4MJdIK7VVOlcdB4SkUeWvfcGWySyzg-PcyMooo34fEgE5tnEf4-WFlqm_rOwu8E25g/s320/IMG_4632D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>We walked past the historic Birmingham Assay Office (along with Sheffield, Birmingham successfully campaigned for an assay office to save valuable metal goods having to go to London for hallmarking) and then along the canalside to the Coffin Works, the former premises of Newman Brothers, a typical Birmingham small metalworking company. When we arrived and clocked on I was delighted to find that we were to be shown round by Cornelius who had demonstrated the equipment to me several years before on <a href="https://www.mwtrips.co.uk/2015/03/pressing-and-stamping-in-jewellery.html">my first visit to the Jewellery Quarter</a>. A former professional die-stamper, he knows all about the techniques for producing metal coffin fittings, now in very little demand because of the almost universal trend for cremation which requires destructible fittings. <p></p><p style="text-align: left;">From the coffin works it was a pleasant stroll along the canalside, past several locks, to the wharf by the International Convention Centre where we awaited and boarded a public tour run by the Sherborne Wharf company. Once we were under way I bought a bottle of wine for the four of us to share as we explored more of the history of Birmingham's industry and the transport systems which kept it all working and provided markets for its products. As far as raw materials were concerned, most was local, with coal and ore being mined in the black country and in other places nearby - when I studied here in the 1970s there were still coal mines working along my route into the city from home and still plenty of steel works and gas and coke works and other "dirty" industries in and around Birmingham. London Underground trains were made in Birmingham!</p><p style="text-align: left;">From the canal trip we returned to our hotel and then went out to a local Italian restaurant for dinner: even after such a busy day I found my favourite pizza margherita too much to finish!</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh4H5eK9rn_09aj5etZyytjm6qCCnSJuTOBD8eSjbp9AItqJc8VDd4o9RssL9KsKsSemwBh0iIEzRvJqKqrzBL-yNWDBxkti4sTFaXr1m60KC29Qxjw2Jb9jxrTU_MnuSyMGN7qqjcJjOSQ90Y0noNJe_8rLQIYrOySs2zcZUSYQtRIWIBRYSG8W1QHik/s4032/IMG_4648.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh4H5eK9rn_09aj5etZyytjm6qCCnSJuTOBD8eSjbp9AItqJc8VDd4o9RssL9KsKsSemwBh0iIEzRvJqKqrzBL-yNWDBxkti4sTFaXr1m60KC29Qxjw2Jb9jxrTU_MnuSyMGN7qqjcJjOSQ90Y0noNJe_8rLQIYrOySs2zcZUSYQtRIWIBRYSG8W1QHik/s320/IMG_4648.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>And so to the last day. This time the RMT union was on strike, but there were some trains running and we were able to travel home. We took the precaution of planning to leave two hours earlier than originally planned, which simply meant ditching a final lunch together, allowing our friends to get on the road before the evening peak and giving us one more opportunity in case of a last-minute hitch with our train. Before then, though, the final visit of the tour was the <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/birmingham-west-midlands/birmingham-back-to-backs" target="_blank">National Trust's Birmingham Back-to-Backs</a> which have to be visited by guided tour. <p></p></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">The site was originally on the edge of Birmingham and was developed as a single dwelling as the village began to grow in the industrial era. The owner then split his house in two (back-to-back) and rented it out to two families, then built several more until many families could be fitted onto the site. People flocked into the growing city to escape rural poverty and to work in the new industries. Some were highly skilled craftspeople and some worked from home here in the courtyard - the large bay windows of two houses were ideal for small-scale crafts. One street frontage was small shops and in my days as a student the upper floors were used as workshops and storage for a tailor whose shopfront is now preserved by the National Trust. It was he and his family who had effectively preserved this little corner of England for posterity by using it and preventing it falling into decay and demolition. It is less than five minutes' walk from New Street station, right on the edge of the city centre and surrounded by theatres, bars and restaurants. An usual NT property and well worth booking a visit.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Back to the hotel to collect our luggage and then onto the station to take our train home. All went very smoothly in the end: we had a picnic lunch, bought at the station, on the way home and arrived in good time to pack our things away and prepare for the next trip, in just a few days' time!</p></div>Mark at mwtripshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10503658158339712260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3429482469896815050.post-2736683600197958822023-06-11T14:31:00.002+01:002023-06-11T14:31:53.501+01:00Day Trip in the East Midlands<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAH7_Vw_qe6ZePqqIgfrlmx-aFEO1gsnQudtWMwWLuFGe9C-dJxfhBJqsCWsRoUa_WJmaHkGCfwiciyMux3lH9rccbQ3IFiLLTElAQ-yCVYkeZ2AJoZKnDdnZmAOFDq5yFyiNkIeJ1nedWLPXBNRRgKS53VLapviN_XwzcoL7ZduBkisIzXiaySgN_/s4032/EB15E5D0-05DE-4230-81B8-8E82A8818E1C.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAH7_Vw_qe6ZePqqIgfrlmx-aFEO1gsnQudtWMwWLuFGe9C-dJxfhBJqsCWsRoUa_WJmaHkGCfwiciyMux3lH9rccbQ3IFiLLTElAQ-yCVYkeZ2AJoZKnDdnZmAOFDq5yFyiNkIeJ1nedWLPXBNRRgKS53VLapviN_XwzcoL7ZduBkisIzXiaySgN_/s320/EB15E5D0-05DE-4230-81B8-8E82A8818E1C.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Not Quite the Hogwarts Express</h2><p></p><p>A recent need to attend a convention near Nottingham gave me the chance to try a route I'd never used before, the "Robin Hood Line" in Nottingham. The line goes all the way to Worksop where it reaches the route between Sheffield and Lincoln, but I only needed to travel one stop to Bulwell, where the station was just around the corner from the church where my meeting was being held.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwR2sJwSC9Y8_vGmKlBdpjdj_TNfqESQlzVB032o63neFrMBAMKx0RsgAcdMCim1p_m9w8UIUEd3yBpsYoUXhBAHc8L4mo0a2W1CNk3DeSZnSZyvggi1oCmXpfuXfnAW1r6wGWA9Njx9GAVM6k5sdSELzaetnLaD_DWG0ww4fZrJNvayag-BZhhT6Y/s4032/BC8C693F-7084-4A4C-AEFE-7EF120CBB3B9.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwR2sJwSC9Y8_vGmKlBdpjdj_TNfqESQlzVB032o63neFrMBAMKx0RsgAcdMCim1p_m9w8UIUEd3yBpsYoUXhBAHc8L4mo0a2W1CNk3DeSZnSZyvggi1oCmXpfuXfnAW1r6wGWA9Njx9GAVM6k5sdSELzaetnLaD_DWG0ww4fZrJNvayag-BZhhT6Y/s320/BC8C693F-7084-4A4C-AEFE-7EF120CBB3B9.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>The overall journey from my home in Stamford was not a particularly quick one, involving a change at Leicester where the online journey planner specified a 59-minute wait - a potential connection an hour earlier was clearly missed here by the timetable - as well as a more reasonable change at Nottingham. When I arrived, though, and heard everyone else complaining about an enormous queue on the M1 motorway and trying devise routes home to avoid it I was glad that I had come by train! Again, as I have said before, the time taken travelling by train is not really that important, because it is time that can be used, whereas driving requires concentration on the driving itself.<p></p><p>In the event my train from Stamford arrived at Leicester a couple of minutes early and I was able to take an earlier train to Nottingham than planned, a whole hour earlier! This was fine: I was planning a coffee-and-croissant break and would now have it at Nottingham rather than Leicester ... Eventually the time came to take the train to Bulwell, and I found it a very comfortable and convenient train for a local journey. Had I been needing to travel further, I'd happily have used this train right to the end of the line.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMv7MUA6v40QBTbmI2FVIClxdeB-F3OACj_i4N_NdvrWcjWBE9g9KmA-8x8saRn2-hjhMHIFyTTmh_zRxo_gLWFZ6zkaXL0alV2_IDbs9R18IifDhke9o_0W7xsVgt3mgs_8ykKglzRq0FV_PH8uNGgRT2xtAzVPvM4eKvZ6LyQSBRwClPQkfwl4H5/s4032/DB956549-A871-48D6-A64E-8F84A2765921.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMv7MUA6v40QBTbmI2FVIClxdeB-F3OACj_i4N_NdvrWcjWBE9g9KmA-8x8saRn2-hjhMHIFyTTmh_zRxo_gLWFZ6zkaXL0alV2_IDbs9R18IifDhke9o_0W7xsVgt3mgs_8ykKglzRq0FV_PH8uNGgRT2xtAzVPvM4eKvZ6LyQSBRwClPQkfwl4H5/s320/DB956549-A871-48D6-A64E-8F84A2765921.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>When I left the train at Bulwell I realised that as well as a Train Manager on board there were two security guards in each coach. I wondered why, never having seen that anywhere else. I still wonder why! <p></p><p>Bulwell station is an interchange with the city's tram system and with a number of bus routes, too, and I was surprised to see that there was quite a thriving town centre right by the station.</p><p>After my day conference at the nearby church I returned to the station for my ride home and this time there were also two police officers on board! I asked why this line needed their presence and they said that it was simply a routine patrol; they go out every day on a number of train services simply to deter and reassure. They seemed unaware of the security guards. Very odd.</p><p>And so to another change at Nottingham and at Leicester and back home, not an especially quick way to undertake this particular journey, but quick enough and I had been able to use the time to catch up and various little jobs.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggm533mJSbpjlTdjOMZ_rO3iLO_MisVGZVd4LlYYEyZHAlV1MDUrNA7_f3Hb2rP-Ds9i-Ilw_GrGIiawmBMog7dSvajvwqkyFDfzfMcTgnVwC4Qy3yS4WFWXWHV8vkaQJFMySLrGo7AU-O8dCUxpA7DFqLaEe-4PqvBRcHJaoRz2Pq01qcAxDFsdtU/s4032/167E0468-3D0D-4CE2-8803-BBAD0D475BC8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggm533mJSbpjlTdjOMZ_rO3iLO_MisVGZVd4LlYYEyZHAlV1MDUrNA7_f3Hb2rP-Ds9i-Ilw_GrGIiawmBMog7dSvajvwqkyFDfzfMcTgnVwC4Qy3yS4WFWXWHV8vkaQJFMySLrGo7AU-O8dCUxpA7DFqLaEe-4PqvBRcHJaoRz2Pq01qcAxDFsdtU/s320/167E0468-3D0D-4CE2-8803-BBAD0D475BC8.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>The allusion to Harry Potter in my heading arises from the reason for my travel: the day included a lecture and some exercises on the psychology of illusion and our speaker was a member of the Magic Circle whose lecture was entitled "Defence Against the Dark Arts"!<p></p>Mark at mwtripshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10503658158339712260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3429482469896815050.post-78243742563248008472023-05-11T21:21:00.005+01:002023-05-12T08:45:41.958+01:00Tulips In Amsterdam<h2 style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_VOCQla80sj88fm3FfawuusOhefsyT2SwGytJGvoYseaV8t2dyz0Soqe-7rmcHoIHdXYznFzYKDRd354jKCQpqLlawFcblM_67fWy2t3SjeMgXB6s1AVng_9-LG_XbSeWB5fVodCFVg5AduzPaPpZM1_itAMxSwVspqXoBF_z8Sx36LYnZFLGRxAQ/s4032/E669EEB8-6B24-4F7C-B146-044B5E5ECBD6.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_VOCQla80sj88fm3FfawuusOhefsyT2SwGytJGvoYseaV8t2dyz0Soqe-7rmcHoIHdXYznFzYKDRd354jKCQpqLlawFcblM_67fWy2t3SjeMgXB6s1AVng_9-LG_XbSeWB5fVodCFVg5AduzPaPpZM1_itAMxSwVspqXoBF_z8Sx36LYnZFLGRxAQ/s320/E669EEB8-6B24-4F7C-B146-044B5E5ECBD6.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>By Train to Amsterdam for the Tulips<br /></h2><p style="text-align: left;">Ever since Eurostar started their <a href="https://www.eurostar.com/uk-en/train/netherlands/london-to-amsterdam" target="_blank">through service to Rotterdam and Amsterdam</a> we had thought of making this trip. Yes, we could have travelled to Amsterdam any time we wanted by changing at Brussel Zuid, but the start of the direct service gave us the nudge to get on with it. A pandemic intervened, prevented travel for a while and made it difficult for a while longer, but eventually we were in a position to plan a visit to the Netherlands by train. As a native of south Lincolnshire, born in the former County of Holland, I was keen to visit Amsterdam in the spring, ideally the first week of May, at the likely height (depending on the weather) of the tulip season. Until recently the (now) District of South Holland in Lincolnshire had shared tulip production with the Netherlands and Spalding had been the centre of the industry with a show ground at Springfields and an annual parade of decorated floats. Spalding and South Holland now concentrate on food production and tulips are largely the preserve of the Netherlands, although daffodils are still grown in Lincolnshire. Missing the sight of tulip fields and regretting that Springfields is now little more than an "outlet centre," I wanted to see Amsterdam and the Keukenhof Gardens, so, threading my way between King's Day in the Netherlands and the Coronation of our own new King in England, I made the arrangements to spend two complete days in Amsterdam by rail. One day would be spent tripping out to the Keukenhof, the other would be unplanned so that we could do whatever felt right on the day.</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqXRsbepwKD0Y759I7wRQle_Lx5oMz0RgaUu6aXHEA9wHbtUIZZ9Yb1eDuHCN1Y-2qtxvDd9IQ2QBtNL_PBRaaqocTV1YqvTCoIqjNkNObQqdyR0fSnGCOe6OfIhuEZIbA8h6BFtnmWH-j97hxj3zrXxoX7g24WxU0ggmuAFBR_mlqhcMUm31anOUY/s4032/IMG_4300.HEIC" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqXRsbepwKD0Y759I7wRQle_Lx5oMz0RgaUu6aXHEA9wHbtUIZZ9Yb1eDuHCN1Y-2qtxvDd9IQ2QBtNL_PBRaaqocTV1YqvTCoIqjNkNObQqdyR0fSnGCOe6OfIhuEZIbA8h6BFtnmWH-j97hxj3zrXxoX7g24WxU0ggmuAFBR_mlqhcMUm31anOUY/w200-h150/IMG_4300.HEIC" width="200" /></a></div>I booked the trip with <a href="https://planetrail.co.uk" target="_blank">Planet Rail</a>. I had never used them before but have seen them on social media and thought it would be worth a try. I had looked at <a href="https://www.eurostar.com/uk-en/" target="_blank">booking direct with Eurostar</a>, who also book hotels, but Planet Rail were somewhat less expensive and offered a hotel in a more suitable part of Amsterdam city centre. Planet Rail offer unescorted package holidays without specific dates: I just looked at their website for <a href="https://planetrail.co.uk/holidays/amsterdam-by-first-class-rail" target="_blank">the package I wanted</a> and telephoned to ask if any suitable dates were available and what the cost would be. It was all very satisfactory so I paid the deposit and waited for the dates to come round. This would be our first international rail adventure of 2023.<p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWmY7ARKF_WUhT0egREf7tI0kVDFSGGvaG06eWhv5iqQrjglCC_VSMV7V026R7szC7HfpN_A8i_0wutGVkxCAbMSGMqKrwq-EqlZPcW_J68pgb1s_UwidwOKSErVQsaYij70ZTmDW0kt_eCnjKVMNkKfPxptTw0NpWNBR8G9At2-0EI9qFGtYmIv27/s4032/IMG_4297.HEIC" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWmY7ARKF_WUhT0egREf7tI0kVDFSGGvaG06eWhv5iqQrjglCC_VSMV7V026R7szC7HfpN_A8i_0wutGVkxCAbMSGMqKrwq-EqlZPcW_J68pgb1s_UwidwOKSErVQsaYij70ZTmDW0kt_eCnjKVMNkKfPxptTw0NpWNBR8G9At2-0EI9qFGtYmIv27/s320/IMG_4297.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div>Although our chosen train to Amsterdam did not leave St Pancras International until 11:04, we decided to travel to London by LNER the day before and stay overnight in our usual pre-departure hotel, the Premier Inn, near the station, and spent the afternoon (and a great dinner!) with our family in west London before the good night's sleep that Premier Inn always affords us. The time before Eurostar check-in was not wasted: I had some personal banking to do (paying in a cheque - how quaint is that?) and that gave us enough exercise walking to a branch and back, just neatly taking us to the earliest check-in time.<p></p><p style="text-align: left;">Arriving soon after check-in opened, we had very little queueing and were soon scanning our printed-out tickets at the gates and having our luggage checked for security: as frequent travellers by this route we are now familiar with the process and sail through easily. There was modest queuing for the passport control as the French border police now have to stamp UK passports and we can no longer zoom through the EU lane ... but it was only a little queue and we were soon sitting in the Station Pantry café to have our breakfast - as soon as the preceding train to Paris had departed there was plenty of space. No sooner had we finished our breakfast than the train began boarding and we made our way up to the platform. There is no rush: everyone has a reserved seat and everyone (well, almost everyone!) is already either waiting or making their way through security and passport control.</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvrS9RitqtRI21INYyqYF_aGwkTvCWvx6ltF1WXQc4Mx-J5HBtaGb7uJD3INxeXUSzwbAEVa8bdCOaGmDQWvYzlKAWt-nSzFgg7HlfoBuJVPoZ5WvcSLIgW_2FtaACqTU8c-vRVvf4zvqBS_ZbIor4U7NETNixUwEfn5x1PywkqvOGRE3RfJXyVXvn/s2226/Amsterdam%20Adventure%20006crop.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2226" data-original-width="2158" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvrS9RitqtRI21INYyqYF_aGwkTvCWvx6ltF1WXQc4Mx-J5HBtaGb7uJD3INxeXUSzwbAEVa8bdCOaGmDQWvYzlKAWt-nSzFgg7HlfoBuJVPoZ5WvcSLIgW_2FtaACqTU8c-vRVvf4zvqBS_ZbIor4U7NETNixUwEfn5x1PywkqvOGRE3RfJXyVXvn/s320/Amsterdam%20Adventure%20006crop.jpeg" width="310" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">Travelling <a href="https://www.eurostar.com/uk-en/travel-info/eurostar-experience/travel-classes/standard-premier" target="_blank">Standard Premier</a>, as we generally do, means that there is a bit more room to manoeuvre in the aisle and more luggage space per passenger, so boarding and taking our seats was a relatively relaxed affair: again, there is no rush as boarding begins at least twenty minutes before departure. Planet Rail had managed to book for me a pair of single seats facing across a table - club duo, I gather it is called - which is our preferred seating the travelling as a couple, and there were small luggage racks nearby that just took our cases nicely. Altogether the atmosphere in these coaches is very relaxing and pleasant and we soon felt at home. The first few miles were in tunnel under east London, with a brief flash of daylight as we passed through Stratford with its unused international platforms, then we were out into Essex as the light meal service began before plunging under the Thames and emerging once more in Kent. </p><p style="text-align: left;">The train slowed for the Channel Tunnel and then soon stopped at its first calling point, Lille Europ. There were stops also at Brussels and Rotterdam before we arrived at Amsterdam Centraal. Beyond Brussels there was another drink and a snack; having had beer (a London craft ale) and coffee with the light lunch I opted for wine with the snack (which was only a very small bag of mixed nuts). When the stewards came to clear away my empty little wine bottle they left me a full one but I could not see myself finishing another couple of glasses of wine before Amsterdam and I kept it in my hand luggage for later in the tour ...</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj3800WvLBcIokVJkGh_dbEFTN1gOPIEpGhe0dQGuMC9SAZNTLYqFhSRP60PTFIJQ9vHKh3oX_HCq-BWw3YrSLmom4BWqGnQJ6BjWRrvsIs9bKZDaYtYVfBzTbHKuZVgv6Rl75i0Y_uD4djTTX__AcQbg_bc6NWlPnyJMOq4BYmP6svP8m_YqM_Is7/s4032/Amsterdam%20Adventure%20008.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj3800WvLBcIokVJkGh_dbEFTN1gOPIEpGhe0dQGuMC9SAZNTLYqFhSRP60PTFIJQ9vHKh3oX_HCq-BWw3YrSLmom4BWqGnQJ6BjWRrvsIs9bKZDaYtYVfBzTbHKuZVgv6Rl75i0Y_uD4djTTX__AcQbg_bc6NWlPnyJMOq4BYmP6svP8m_YqM_Is7/s320/Amsterdam%20Adventure%20008.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>About four hours after departure from St Pancras, but five hours on the clock because of the change of time zone, we arrived at Amsterdam Centraal and had most of the length of the train to walk to the exit. Unlike St Pancras and Paris Nord we needed to have our tickets handy to leave by the normal barriers at the exit from the platforms and we were soon out, through some building work (yes, they're improving the stations here, too!) and on to the streets of another of the world's great cities. It was a kilometre or so to our hotel, easily navigated using Apple maps on our iPhones, but everyone else seemed to be walking the other way - perhaps arriving at office closing time was not so smart a move ... <p></p><p style="text-align: left;">It was sunny and warm now as we plotted our way through the tramlines in Dam Square and across to the street called Singel ("canal," I understand) alongside the oldest canal in Amsterdam where or hotel, the Hotel Estheréa, was located. We checked in and were taken to our room by a porter who also took our luggage and showed us the room. The room was compact (and the toilet and shower were particularly compact!) but well-appointed with plenty of power sockets, coffee machine - which we never used - free bottled water, lots of lights, air conditioning and lots of storage.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmisJm9ZCeA-AUVJS9IruLwPasSFZA6cQ1M1C0kw9CIW9yvUEeYFpPp6o4cznLvnz-Gf_hMq3LXWvj3KEKMKBn8sWCqbe46jdVj-7ZcKzealKzlz6WT6WmZNXIuz1PSLrQcxCutGa9ZOwUvrXWYWQ4yVpmjCy3ktnRyWcB1c4VgWYfH8Mw1Be1QHju/s4032/Amsterdam%20Adventure%20009.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmisJm9ZCeA-AUVJS9IruLwPasSFZA6cQ1M1C0kw9CIW9yvUEeYFpPp6o4cznLvnz-Gf_hMq3LXWvj3KEKMKBn8sWCqbe46jdVj-7ZcKzealKzlz6WT6WmZNXIuz1PSLrQcxCutGa9ZOwUvrXWYWQ4yVpmjCy3ktnRyWcB1c4VgWYfH8Mw1Be1QHju/s320/Amsterdam%20Adventure%20009.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><div><p style="text-align: left;">We went downstairs where complimentary tea (and other hot drinks) and biscuits were available and then we set off looking around the local area for somewhere for a fairly light but preferably Dutch dinner. We finished up, after a couple of false starts at places either closed or no longer doing food, at a brilliant <a href="https://www.amsterdamsights.com/eatdrink/vanwees.html" target="_blank">Proeflokal ("local trial") bar</a> on the next canalside: here we were able to try local food and local beer and had a great time, surrounded by lots of people from many countries all conversing in English because that's the language everyone knows. </p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXsRnqXqwI0FeSD1fAIjAKHS3nkKvG0Z9gUNlyt2cucfU92BncuDIaCcKq9A-f3a068OEeAbMqh_ueQ319UHhfY5GKkPRCTVh3H1avwTP6JXl2JcN6J5zGwAUzkWF9fgadIdoxWj5OIX5TCXURg2lIfOyD96BCQcXSy3imcSEBmCNYpy2JFea-cr0g/s4032/Amsterdam%20Adventure%20012.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXsRnqXqwI0FeSD1fAIjAKHS3nkKvG0Z9gUNlyt2cucfU92BncuDIaCcKq9A-f3a068OEeAbMqh_ueQ319UHhfY5GKkPRCTVh3H1avwTP6JXl2JcN6J5zGwAUzkWF9fgadIdoxWj5OIX5TCXURg2lIfOyD96BCQcXSy3imcSEBmCNYpy2JFea-cr0g/s320/Amsterdam%20Adventure%20012.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><i><div style="text-align: right;"><i>Dinner on the first night</i></div><div style="text-align: right;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: right;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: right;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: right;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: right;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: right;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: right;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: right;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: right;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: right;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: right;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Line of shuttle buses at Europaplein</i></div></i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvKGxN_AExiW7fD1o0SO6yoPj0h4BE4EQMmFfXc73k-qu6rNl6TCEafYiCuzxJQKd8wJRiKOluLjx_TLOfdPfHrKkngwCM8gz3EPHf_DXyvxCRScxA79UrJMm2BYAtMO4ybBZsgIevRppvzgA-5GRbLrg0TPlgJJs6JXXFNOdTiQAT21obIaiWD86O/s4032/Amsterdam%20Adventure%20016.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvKGxN_AExiW7fD1o0SO6yoPj0h4BE4EQMmFfXc73k-qu6rNl6TCEafYiCuzxJQKd8wJRiKOluLjx_TLOfdPfHrKkngwCM8gz3EPHf_DXyvxCRScxA79UrJMm2BYAtMO4ybBZsgIevRppvzgA-5GRbLrg0TPlgJJs6JXXFNOdTiQAT21obIaiWD86O/s320/Amsterdam%20Adventure%20016.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Wednesday, the first full day, was the day set aside for the visit to <a href="https://keukenhof.nl/en/" target="_blank">Keukenhof</a>. Everything was booked in advance by purchasing online a pair of "<a href="https://www.tiqets.com/en/amsterdam-attractions-c75061/tickets-for-amsterdam-region-travel-ticket-p1007410/" target="_blank">Tulip Festival Cards</a>," which were not cards at all, really, but a set of online documents and apps which provided all that we needed for a two-day tulip festival visit: a day ticket for the Keukenhof Garden at a specified time (I specified 11:00 to give us time to get there), a two-day public transport pass and guided tours of the gardens and of Amsterdam for download to our iPhones. The public transport passes had to be collected by scanning the codes on my iPhone at the office, or a machine, at Centraal station before we started, so we allowed a few minutes for that and then caught the Metro to Europaplein where a dedicated bus service was provided to shuttle visitors to Keukenhof: it all ran very smoothly and exactly as described on Keukenhof's helpful website.<p></p><p style="text-align: left;">At the Keukenhof entrance we simply showed the two tickets on my iPhone for the barcodes to be scanned and we were straight in, greeted on arrival by a magnificent display of tulips. We had timed the visit just right: the first week on May can go either way with respect to the weather, but usually is somewhere within the "window" for tulip blooms whether the season is late or early. As it happened, for 2023 is was just right, a little after the midpoint and with sunny weather, pleasant but not too hot.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxz2TgqD9YIyzJVn3rEqMutnBUboBkkrzMbd5lVtsSTdSiF8MgjJtpy4q4FGhr230EAJfTym5u940z8fHcjfYpKErjVUe-ja_5i3nfiQUHCUSBumSjm8IsW-ef47AkYXVqKvdu3OCRLECf9Yv3rVKRvyL03DerERcWE-raVFbpx32hBUKpfXp7gw9Q/s3648/Amsterdam%20Adventure%20018.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxz2TgqD9YIyzJVn3rEqMutnBUboBkkrzMbd5lVtsSTdSiF8MgjJtpy4q4FGhr230EAJfTym5u940z8fHcjfYpKErjVUe-ja_5i3nfiQUHCUSBumSjm8IsW-ef47AkYXVqKvdu3OCRLECf9Yv3rVKRvyL03DerERcWE-raVFbpx32hBUKpfXp7gw9Q/s320/Amsterdam%20Adventure%20018.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf6TVaU2O2JROjhxmJUGfKe9-vnoiw_3EwOHXLbxKJMpnXuosCYE1IC4QWNtQus0lqZWOjllb_YDX0mvGvJwN9A9PRnZst86sxQsrwVqTSlJ3y5oWS5n1ENcbwn1V-YGr3LKK34_hBbgDl2rW49TlX1HGyrsXNBdU-chvTF6ZdtP0OQowd94G39qVH/s3648/Amsterdam%20Adventure%20036.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf6TVaU2O2JROjhxmJUGfKe9-vnoiw_3EwOHXLbxKJMpnXuosCYE1IC4QWNtQus0lqZWOjllb_YDX0mvGvJwN9A9PRnZst86sxQsrwVqTSlJ3y5oWS5n1ENcbwn1V-YGr3LKK34_hBbgDl2rW49TlX1HGyrsXNBdU-chvTF6ZdtP0OQowd94G39qVH/s320/Amsterdam%20Adventure%20036.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5GiI_4rS3QDTYJ2dBicR_yYpcQZxE-VnbIq9Be_EvUGaO0cwFdqMoGYSygCdID5GVIcgBOnvBJWE7cpUcFf5NtD-YhpgMX9Zvv5q43vGp67CT_avbHGvwCPM71-cHskRhqUylxisBXeYJUiAOqrtqDdAdVJPs0zV4UdurPuaYdbKABC3yJsmOXTsO/s3648/Amsterdam%20Adventure%20023.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5GiI_4rS3QDTYJ2dBicR_yYpcQZxE-VnbIq9Be_EvUGaO0cwFdqMoGYSygCdID5GVIcgBOnvBJWE7cpUcFf5NtD-YhpgMX9Zvv5q43vGp67CT_avbHGvwCPM71-cHskRhqUylxisBXeYJUiAOqrtqDdAdVJPs0zV4UdurPuaYdbKABC3yJsmOXTsO/s320/Amsterdam%20Adventure%20023.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">We saw varieties of tulip that we have never seen before, some resembling carnations, some roses. Some short, some tall, and all sorts of colours, along with daffodils and narcissi (which are known by the same word in Dutch) and hyacinths, another Dutch speciality. The gardens are laid out on a huge scale and act as a showcase for the bulb industry, just as Springfields used to do in Spalding.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbCJ5-3YioQ4lNNT-EG7m1tFL7FhpM21wRJV1237n9BcNSGuAyW2hZx8qZF6NQkG87Tb20g9h7WM9Y6_80WSFgo7t4BRhZ0cqG2LAAu0ae17aV31gdnbYbC0mhxKkTy4GCjgfTSy3jwaYQBGFw2PdkEaGYh9wwvB9-yUbkGjwlf7-Nw1mcwoZZw-8g/s3648/Amsterdam%20Adventure%20048.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbCJ5-3YioQ4lNNT-EG7m1tFL7FhpM21wRJV1237n9BcNSGuAyW2hZx8qZF6NQkG87Tb20g9h7WM9Y6_80WSFgo7t4BRhZ0cqG2LAAu0ae17aV31gdnbYbC0mhxKkTy4GCjgfTSy3jwaYQBGFw2PdkEaGYh9wwvB9-yUbkGjwlf7-Nw1mcwoZZw-8g/s320/Amsterdam%20Adventure%20048.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBu452ANwXT3kfDC9W0ccFJMBNhVRhqoqsrmkunv_2uUbBh6Cu_EAWL97Z_EQwg7w8J6MAHUvf2_zWCpQykDdfw5AsVuD97TM0rNDmZKoUHqu8LEj7bnBzyFLy6osSH7SyiljViBbRT7NiaAPIvYUM8IIbcQ975FSTklFL_MIwQafNZmCVaxOncb3b/s3648/Amsterdam%20Adventure%20059.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBu452ANwXT3kfDC9W0ccFJMBNhVRhqoqsrmkunv_2uUbBh6Cu_EAWL97Z_EQwg7w8J6MAHUvf2_zWCpQykDdfw5AsVuD97TM0rNDmZKoUHqu8LEj7bnBzyFLy6osSH7SyiljViBbRT7NiaAPIvYUM8IIbcQ975FSTklFL_MIwQafNZmCVaxOncb3b/s320/Amsterdam%20Adventure%20059.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnuUGZPyTFSD4pwTlueox-4eYSj8rZyHk2iRN0urm2LXXprz0GN_UORK6lpDwrce8oscuiy9whqxSD1fuVPfOfC2z1wftZXcbUKrHkiM_QdrwIE4GXt5FvtR1gYkMOYYyixqEuLWlmclQ8UF8EPrUe9bN_qtD6DBd-5a06EIyVF8sRXQfnO-IKgLKt/s3648/Amsterdam%20Adventure%20071.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnuUGZPyTFSD4pwTlueox-4eYSj8rZyHk2iRN0urm2LXXprz0GN_UORK6lpDwrce8oscuiy9whqxSD1fuVPfOfC2z1wftZXcbUKrHkiM_QdrwIE4GXt5FvtR1gYkMOYYyixqEuLWlmclQ8UF8EPrUe9bN_qtD6DBd-5a06EIyVF8sRXQfnO-IKgLKt/s320/Amsterdam%20Adventure%20071.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">"Lunch" consisted of a big piece of Dutch apple tart at one of the many refreshment facilities around the gardens and by lunch time it was warm and sunny enough to sit outside, whereas our morning coffee had been taken indoors. We visited some of the indoor displays as well as covering all the outdoor ones, and standing by the boundary of the garden we looked out over the colourful fields where tulips were growing, once a familiar sight back in Lincolnshire, too, but no longer.</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqA7lQwCV4U4BkWUisUQEs3oHMFvgld_HhInYWHInRZb51b0d263k32nesm6SXpea3mCKk2kvwONX-JTHBz0feoRFbw1eErLtJJQxcuT63p9bw8L34Z6hi3ExZWjbcyAAyzMbv1KLPs8Kjoj8He5f238oH8St-QGpU3wlaZoeSuBnzGjqKvzIiq-wl/s4032/Amsterdam%20Adventure%20083.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqA7lQwCV4U4BkWUisUQEs3oHMFvgld_HhInYWHInRZb51b0d263k32nesm6SXpea3mCKk2kvwONX-JTHBz0feoRFbw1eErLtJJQxcuT63p9bw8L34Z6hi3ExZWjbcyAAyzMbv1KLPs8Kjoj8He5f238oH8St-QGpU3wlaZoeSuBnzGjqKvzIiq-wl/w150-h200/Amsterdam%20Adventure%20083.jpeg" width="150" /></a></div>Following the purchase of gifts at one of the souvenir shops we made our way back to the bus terminal outside the entrance building to queue, briefly, for the next bus back to Europaplein. Buses were there waiting their turn to load and as one filled up the next took its place and the orderly queue moved along all the time. At Europaplein we went to the Metro and used the same pass to board the next train back to central Amsterdam. We had supper in the hotel bar that evening (there is no restaurant but the bard snacks are pretty substantial!), boosted by a salad in our room from the nearby supermarket and the wine I had been given on the train the day before.<p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><i>That man Gormley gets everywhere</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKD5CAZkcAdekol8-WQBzseMJKsq-UQEptt_zBDJdCzowSfwVVA5RmF8vteBymLMQ5QYJGZyim0vgt-reJ-2qRQcsYBCl_UleHTAqNmK4u3DzHIhBm1cE4_Kz6wrPjMZXWy4Xcrmd8sY9R4se7ky983bpRt3qeFac4BDGrFYe5XWHcNPBUepGq5nTD/s3648/Amsterdam%20Adventure%20094.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKD5CAZkcAdekol8-WQBzseMJKsq-UQEptt_zBDJdCzowSfwVVA5RmF8vteBymLMQ5QYJGZyim0vgt-reJ-2qRQcsYBCl_UleHTAqNmK4u3DzHIhBm1cE4_Kz6wrPjMZXWy4Xcrmd8sY9R4se7ky983bpRt3qeFac4BDGrFYe5XWHcNPBUepGq5nTD/s320/Amsterdam%20Adventure%20094.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">Thursday was the day for which we had no definite plan before we came to Amsterdam and we decided on Wednesday evening that we would visit Lelystad in the Flevoland polder. I had been there on my field course to the Netherlands for my Town Planning degree fifty years earlier when it was very new, and Alison had studied the polders for her A Level Geography, so we both had an interest. Our passes covered the train ride out from Amsterdam (every half hour) but we discovered that we had to pay - using contactless, just like at home, for buses within Lelystad. We tripped out to the coast and looked around at an outlet centre - we were trying to track down a tulip vase as our souvenir - and then strolled along the waterfront and saw the replica ship Batavia. In the distance a river cruise ship was making it way towards Amsterdam, past a vast Anthony Gormley sculpture.</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZZWqQelEju2b0XgvkWd5kMjTkasPNgSDVmMkMeFqe_Guk5ZfSAV4AdIMFeIkXD4Jq1IDLxIbasEH6UwTagOMIGxAXCBoPITglS7QPk0biijYFUbz-gTB6b4FvHJ3LzGJIzRqf5y3SzS5J4ns0KqLHRDRqce2E547_UJVN66cwIT9cBfqWHOCAXe6l/s3648/Amsterdam%20Adventure%20113.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZZWqQelEju2b0XgvkWd5kMjTkasPNgSDVmMkMeFqe_Guk5ZfSAV4AdIMFeIkXD4Jq1IDLxIbasEH6UwTagOMIGxAXCBoPITglS7QPk0biijYFUbz-gTB6b4FvHJ3LzGJIzRqf5y3SzS5J4ns0KqLHRDRqce2E547_UJVN66cwIT9cBfqWHOCAXe6l/s320/Amsterdam%20Adventure%20113.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Returning to Amsterdam we looked for a canal cruise and saw a boat just loading near Centraal station with room for us at a decent price, and took our seats. There are numerous operators and routes and they all seem to cost about the same, and this, Rederij Kooij, was the first one we saw, with a boat about to depart, so we did not do any "comparison shopping" but just went for it and were very happy with our one-hour tour with its commentary in four languages.<p></p><p style="text-align: left;">We visited a Delft Blau shop and bought the tulip vase we'd been promising ourselves! (See picture at the heading.)</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlkv8_cB0ysoHWBVuOjlhuXOlBpyl_HuZ_V10e6cqBc_5VzMhygWmBGPtLdbAD4zDiYLw_goyH9hdUaTpNVBtxiMtlMNNQqz5NnGHnBONzfRmgF1g0FF5J_3dTdW1PDOkMieATkAnCe-l2CSiYWAakabet41uEsDkSfuENCP2f7JXef4Q5uiPtobKv/s4032/Amsterdam%20Adventure%20126.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlkv8_cB0ysoHWBVuOjlhuXOlBpyl_HuZ_V10e6cqBc_5VzMhygWmBGPtLdbAD4zDiYLw_goyH9hdUaTpNVBtxiMtlMNNQqz5NnGHnBONzfRmgF1g0FF5J_3dTdW1PDOkMieATkAnCe-l2CSiYWAakabet41uEsDkSfuENCP2f7JXef4Q5uiPtobKv/s320/Amsterdam%20Adventure%20126.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>We had booked dinner at the only time we could get (17:00 - very early indeed for us) at a recommended restaurant serving typical Dutch food, so we were soon back at our room getting ready to do out. I had hod no lunch and needed the tea and biscuits at the hotel to keep me going ... and then off by tram to Moeders (Mothers) for our early dinner. This was an enormous meal. How come the Dutch keep so slim? It must be all that walking and cycling, I suppose, and we did a fair bit of walking after this meal.<p></p><p style="text-align: left;">First we took a tram to the other side of the city centre and had a look around the Jewish quarter. This was not a former ghetto like that Jewish area in, say, Rome, and neither was it the location of Ann Frank's house. But it was an attractive part of the city and pleasant for an evening stroll. We walked back to our hotel, dodging events taking place in Dam Square and then had a good night's sleep ready for the trip home tomorrow.</p><p style="text-align: left;">We left on Friday, but not until after noon, and before our 11:00 check out we went on another walk, this time around the Museum Quarter, although we did not have time to visit any museums, and all were very busy in any case.</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrGh7ovA9mGQzo_sMQLFBNuLptJVqGZvSPJW-cO630hfDr-3POw8VZvA0KJeOeRkP28suOVqDFlpUx0ckzgcmzqimSa3CLqg48SiwOsLnP47qrbjOlEHdWrULk_wzpLiGzRaWVPDNT8V97gOAiAD--hCWi5Ak5_qbMJudvq4IMNxTt_hKNvpisQlX6/s4032/IMG_4344.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrGh7ovA9mGQzo_sMQLFBNuLptJVqGZvSPJW-cO630hfDr-3POw8VZvA0KJeOeRkP28suOVqDFlpUx0ckzgcmzqimSa3CLqg48SiwOsLnP47qrbjOlEHdWrULk_wzpLiGzRaWVPDNT8V97gOAiAD--hCWi5Ak5_qbMJudvq4IMNxTt_hKNvpisQlX6/s320/IMG_4344.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Catching Eurostar at Amsterdam is much like taking any other train: you scan your ticket at the same ticket gates as everyone else and go to platform 15, a platform used by other trains as well as ours. The only difference is that there is a dedicated waiting room equipped with security scanners and the passport controls for both the Netherlands (on behalf of the European Union) and the United Kingdom. Once through those checks we were able to wait in the departure lounge, which did not really seem quite big enough for the number of passengers waiting ... perhaps this service is more popular than the company anticipated? In due course the train arrived at the platform and we all poured out of the waiting area to join it. Again we were travelling in Standard Premier and there was no rush. Although it also made calls at Rotterdam, Brussels and Lille we were never disturbed: I think seats must be allocated in blocks for each boarding point, which must also make it easier for staff. In this direction the light meal is not served until after Brussels, which is rather late for lunch, and I wished I'd bought something to tide me over. There was a cup of coffee and a small bar of chocolate, very nice but not very filling, soon after leaving Amsterdam. Lunch was most welcome when it did arrive!<p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhahqK1P-LZUCI22fAMQYC5ZrUF8Zr231600M4QczPqpKMl8Sf0adHmo6R4zHroSGsJOjpG-r5dUM3GsMM_lI_a-IR4_Hc7dBugrZu0h2ZssreeD1Bawfut8WXfWWth1QcACQZ1WeCLm7lFrZKC8y5OgXIz4UtqS7u2-B2aAcYsabjGcJyRmBEtf7gv/s4032/IMG_4346.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhahqK1P-LZUCI22fAMQYC5ZrUF8Zr231600M4QczPqpKMl8Sf0adHmo6R4zHroSGsJOjpG-r5dUM3GsMM_lI_a-IR4_Hc7dBugrZu0h2ZssreeD1Bawfut8WXfWWth1QcACQZ1WeCLm7lFrZKC8y5OgXIz4UtqS7u2-B2aAcYsabjGcJyRmBEtf7gv/s320/IMG_4346.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>This time, as an afternoon meal, a specially-decorated cake was included to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III of England, which was to take place on the following day - a rather nice touch.<p></p><p style="text-align: left;">There was a track fault somewhere on the high speed line to Brussels and so we were diverted onto ordinary tracks and lost over twenty minutes, some of which was made up by reducing as far as possible the stop at Brussels Zuid, requiring the crew change to happen very quickly. A little more was made up elsewhere but we were still late into London. This did not affect our plans for the onward journey, though, as I had allowed plenty of time.</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLQBxh-b74uZn2tKf4YdqzEaybVYlGwlsCTCgaypIGPhbZXtGP-yEkAWMatjFzJq_ogJ-kbyKt0-0P-Tp3kmOkbnWfRs4Z8SnXbO8mrSy82C8lA-AEw0cDPz3nqHWarf85SrLJGxUdBRFsxWol02BZjeDOxBl7lr0SZOuOef0KashVDLZq598kN_4n/s4032/IMG_4345.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLQBxh-b74uZn2tKf4YdqzEaybVYlGwlsCTCgaypIGPhbZXtGP-yEkAWMatjFzJq_ogJ-kbyKt0-0P-Tp3kmOkbnWfRs4Z8SnXbO8mrSy82C8lA-AEw0cDPz3nqHWarf85SrLJGxUdBRFsxWol02BZjeDOxBl7lr0SZOuOef0KashVDLZq598kN_4n/s320/IMG_4345.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">There was some further delay on arriving at St Pancras because a travelator from the platform to the exit was closed for maintenance and everyone was having to use one escalator; being late, our train was swiftly followed into the station by another from Paris whose passengers also needed the same way out. It took a while it was safe and simple enough with everyone being patient. (We have been known to be off the train first and out to the exit before anyone else was off the platform, but we were in no hurry this time and had been travelling right at the rear end of the train, again!</p><p></p><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdas4jKevPkNa9xgTsuwjdpKiPBjsKnEYIxmAkIOk9FdSskRcILg1h4vD0kAwE851DAeS2-cbJepNsrlr9Y83Jvrz1HcrlSMRSv2NgnWq2JpNZ0oCre7udB6_Ordtq-IowK8lRkOXK0BiIA6MffPk54O6GmpfQ85AQ45NiobQO3pUcF7bzeq5E9n5m/s4032/IMG_4347.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdas4jKevPkNa9xgTsuwjdpKiPBjsKnEYIxmAkIOk9FdSskRcILg1h4vD0kAwE851DAeS2-cbJepNsrlr9Y83Jvrz1HcrlSMRSv2NgnWq2JpNZ0oCre7udB6_Ordtq-IowK8lRkOXK0BiIA6MffPk54O6GmpfQ85AQ45NiobQO3pUcF7bzeq5E9n5m/s320/IMG_4347.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">We had left Amsterdam in gorgeous sunshine, as it had been for most of our time there, but on the way back rain began quite early and continued, on and off, for most of the way. In England there was only intermittent drizzle in London as we waited in the First Class Lounge for our LNER train back to Peterborough. We were taking the same evening service as a few days earlier on our way back from <a href="https://www.mwtrips.co.uk/2023/05/fetch-and-carry-by-train.html">a visit to our friends in Croydon</a>, the 19:06 bound for Lincoln. We know this makes a good connection for Stamford at Peterborough. Again, a light meal on the train and we were soon at Stamford where, although it was not now raining, we took a taxi home from the station: with our luggage this felt like a good way to end the trip.</div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">It had been a highly successful trip: we had seen the tulip fields and the gardens and we had started exploring Amsterdam. We had tried out the through service and found it excellent, but I shall remember to take a snack on board for the return trip next time - and there will be a next time because we really have to explore Amsterdam properly now that we have found out how easy it is to get there and back. Next time we need not go at the height of the tulip festival and will visit some of those museums, booked in advance like the Keukenhof was this time.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Mark at mwtripshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10503658158339712260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3429482469896815050.post-42125032497986197682023-05-01T22:07:00.004+01:002023-05-01T22:07:49.914+01:00Fetch and Carry by Train<h2 style="text-align: left;">A Simple Start to Ease into This Year’s Rail Adventures!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIMebNLr_cmiM5Sf8Udombw9U4K03aZ5bhNw4yAuzl_639XFAdHwqSYRpr1Nu-M28sbN1dstmvRSRnHUCDq0OGWUcGcTfkzlH8YqNPxo1PXGW16aV4r22xH5WQhL7qp7YSw6NzfO4QK5Ra0jaoTZt5UQpG00G8mtkeDXs-fbehP7MZ3YZ_d-KCtv1_/s2730/D7163767-211E-4D52-8C75-44069013DA5A.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2730" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIMebNLr_cmiM5Sf8Udombw9U4K03aZ5bhNw4yAuzl_639XFAdHwqSYRpr1Nu-M28sbN1dstmvRSRnHUCDq0OGWUcGcTfkzlH8YqNPxo1PXGW16aV4r22xH5WQhL7qp7YSw6NzfO4QK5Ra0jaoTZt5UQpG00G8mtkeDXs-fbehP7MZ3YZ_d-KCtv1_/s320/D7163767-211E-4D52-8C75-44069013DA5A.jpeg" width="180" /></a></div><br /></h2><p>Every year <a href="https://www.mwtrips.co.uk/2023/01/train-travel-plans-for-new-year.html">I tend to have a few bigger trips lined up</a> by March or April and this year is no different. Two are Great Rail Journeys escorted tours, chosen and booked as soon as they were advertised to “bag” them and get a start made on the calendar for 2023; one is a Eurostar visit to Amsterdam which we promised ourselves when the through services began and now are finally taking, and one is to the Isle of Wight and Sussex which we have been doing each summer for the last eight years - and this will probably be our last. One more is a few days in Birmingham with friends.</p><p>We have not done a railway “adventure” since last autumn’s <a href="https://www.mwtrips.co.uk/2022/10/rome-and-campania.html">trip to Sorrento</a> and quite frankly we are a bit out of practice! General busyness along with the wave of rail and other strikes has kept us at home apart from the few day trips and family gatherings which I’ve reported here. Looking forward to the forthcoming trips to Amsterdam and to the South of France would just be too exciting without something else to occupy our minds! Fortunately we had a good reason to pay a short visit to friends in Croydon who are moving soon and downsizing: I was able to broker a gift from them (of some clergy robes they no longer need) to another acquaintance who could use them in one of his country churches, and so we arranged a couple of nights’ stay with them to fetch the robes and to visit their present home for the last time. They are moving soon to Chichester and that move is the reason they’ll no longer be taking their holidays near there and so our annual trips to join them will be ending this year.</p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMeQua8CaB6ds3x8WUSTFQy6EQHOulzwuIqghOp4Z6FK2njl6mD0jgUeJseLdMzZd3iwSK2n9ySHnqJRWKm--OGZVnx1uQh1_sYeCTVs3lYqXuRoG-Ll8SA0wc9f6jQDneZpye30TAQgTthJT3ONmjW5B96_5h87kxEDfoUu-4zGVJ0YxIXqTA6-Pz/s4032/63990002-AEF0-4229-A877-7198B2E42FEB.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMeQua8CaB6ds3x8WUSTFQy6EQHOulzwuIqghOp4Z6FK2njl6mD0jgUeJseLdMzZd3iwSK2n9ySHnqJRWKm--OGZVnx1uQh1_sYeCTVs3lYqXuRoG-Ll8SA0wc9f6jQDneZpye30TAQgTthJT3ONmjW5B96_5h87kxEDfoUu-4zGVJ0YxIXqTA6-Pz/s320/63990002-AEF0-4229-A877-7198B2E42FEB.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St Mildred's Parish Church, Addiscombe</td></tr></tbody></table>Hoping that no strikes would disrupt our plans, I booked Advance First tickets between Peterborough and London Kings Cross and then, once I was more confident that Cross County’s trains between Stamford and Peterborough might be operating (i.e. the day before we travelled!) I booked Standard Class returns for that bit of the trip. Per passenger mile that is the most expensive leg of the journey…<p></p><p>We had some family duties to carry out in the morning of the day of our departure, and our hosts had things to do, too, so we did not leave until noon. We had a large suitcase with our own stuff for a couple days in uninspiring weather plus gifts for our hosts and with enough space spare for the robes we were transporting back to Lincolnshire. </p><p>Although our train out of Stamford was some ten minutes late (no explanation given, but looking at Live Train Times online it seems to have been late since shortly after leaving Birmingham), this did not affect our journey at all and we easily made the connection at Peterborough into our pre-booked LNER train to London. This was a five-car "Azuma" train from Lincoln and there was plenty of space in our First Class section. The simplest "Deli" menu was on offer and this provided the light lunch we needed, departure from Peterborough being on time at 12:30. We were soon in London and had a little shopping to do (there are some great shops at St Pancras, across the road) before making our way down to Croydon. We were in no hurry, knowing that our friends were busy. When we were ready to go we made our way to the "basement" platforms at St Pancras for the next Thameslink service to East Croydon. This was on time (although with such a frequent service the concept of "on time" is not all that significant!) would get us there at 15:17, so I sent a WhatsApp message to say we expected to arrive at our friends' home at about 16:00.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrXkLNb63rHDk_f45o9s2rJqA1kmUPM3cfDMlx-OmKnyMrRgO5oMOAcrwX00nQKfCZLig4UBHFI0dH5TWhrys8DxINitg8M7g7-dPgOxwNLWLHGxGA1Gl1cRxTDMRm3F_Oxs4KE9RvXayz8iaxdCshP-WdnK1ZCe_9ptQpneuFNNBludgb6rD_c7MU/s1024/D51A9943-5A81-4D65-9470-B10E4A43CFAB.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrXkLNb63rHDk_f45o9s2rJqA1kmUPM3cfDMlx-OmKnyMrRgO5oMOAcrwX00nQKfCZLig4UBHFI0dH5TWhrys8DxINitg8M7g7-dPgOxwNLWLHGxGA1Gl1cRxTDMRm3F_Oxs4KE9RvXayz8iaxdCshP-WdnK1ZCe_9ptQpneuFNNBludgb6rD_c7MU/s320/D51A9943-5A81-4D65-9470-B10E4A43CFAB.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>The Brighton or Horsham Thameslink trains stop at all stations through the central London "core" and then after London Bridge run non-stop to East Croydon, the whole journey taking just about half an hour, much of which is spent imitating an Underground train through central London, complete with automatic doors! At East Croydon we made our way up the ramps to the tram stop, where we had just three minutes to wait for the next tram. We were very soon at Addiscombe, the stop for our friends' home and would have been half an hour early getting there! I had grossly over-estimated the amount of time it would take to get from the station to their house: the tram was there for us just as soon as we had touched-in our Oyster cards, it was not delayed and the walk from the tram stop at Addiscombe was only a matter of three or four minutes. Thus we had twenty minutes or so to spare around the shops at Addiscombe, which turned out to be very useful as we picked up a handy collection of Lego bricks in a charity shop, ideal for the next visit of the senior grandchildren ...<p></p><p>We had a great time with our friends and after a couple of nights packed our luggage complete with the items we had come to fetch and set off home after lunch on the third day. The tram took us back to East Croydon station where we happened to arrive just before a Thameslink train was due in, so we went straight to the indicated platform and waited just a few seconds as our train arrived. Our train from Kings Cross was not due to leave until 19:06 (I had allowed plenty of leeway, not being sure of timing when I booked, and this train has some advantage - including reasonable fares - as will become clear), and we filled the time with a museum visit; there is never a shortage of things to do in London and quite a lot is within easy reach of Kings Cross and St Pancras stations. We had already visited both the Canal Museum and the Jewish Museum between trains, and even the British Museum and the British Library are close to hand, although it would take a lot of changes of train to see all of what they offer, and this time we visited <a href="https://foundlingmuseum.org.uk" target="_blank">the Foundling Museum</a>, chronicling the history of Coram's Foundling Hospital which gave a fascinating insight into some of the profound social problems of Georgian London as well as revealing the great humanitarian effort of individual good people to solve them. </p><p>After spending some time in the First Class lounge at Kings Cross we took the 19:06 Lincoln train, another five-coach Azuma but this time quite busy. The staff did a fantastic job of serving everyone's refreshments efficiently but in a polite and friendly manner and we were on time at Peterborough, a perfect journey. One advantage of this train is that it connects at Peterborough with the once-a-day East Midlands Railway service to Nottingham via Stamford, so there was not long to wait before our train: indeed, it was already at the platform waiting for its crew and we were able to board long before departure time. Again the train was on time and we were soon home and I shall now be able to contact my local colleague to come and collect his new vestments from me!</p><p>This was the easiest, smoothest and best train journey I have had for a long time. There were simply no problems: even though the first train was a few minutes late it did not affect us and all the rest were on time, clean and tidy with, where appropriate, full catering. Fares have risen somewhat this year and I was not in a position to book ever so early, so it was a bit more expensive than I have been used to but it was quite acceptable - I could always have booked Standard Class if I'd needed to get the price any lower.</p>Mark at mwtripshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10503658158339712260noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3429482469896815050.post-4851458742828770262023-04-20T12:46:00.001+01:002023-04-20T13:27:32.521+01:00Lincolnshire is a Big County!<h2 style="text-align: left;">Train trip to Lincoln</h2><p style="text-align: left;">Many years ago I happened to be passing through Kings Cross station in London and spotted the familiar figure of the then Bishop of Grimsby, the Rt Revd David Tustin, in one of the queues for a departing train. (In those days we had to queue on a crowded concourse while we waited for the platform to be announced for our train: no seat reservations, no nice mezzanine with food shops etc.) I said hello and among other things he remarked that when he came to London from his home in Grimsby he was more than half way there before he left the Diocese of Lincoln (which would be just north of Peterborough). Now that I live in Stamford I am nearer to both London and Birmingham than I am to Grimsby: Lincolnshire is a big county. We are only about fifty miles from Lincoln, but by rail, because we have to change at Peterborough, it actually takes longer to travel to Lincoln than it does to travel to London, even using LNER's fast trains.</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikzg8PXpXWA37QzMYitx_7IjiXWmQqWydWjFRE8qQgkjo48C25UBQf48xvWtrDE0QMTZm4ObMBCMPjqFO2lZCbsUY5glPxO86vOV83PkXroo5PlbzAf6ZzNSOAVl-zYQnLLRK20cqQP3PRBw7vHc-8ZALcFehhMuTLawT1-rlK69x-dEhm43CVNWWK/s4032/60B8A38E-9493-4375-BC05-A1552667700F.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikzg8PXpXWA37QzMYitx_7IjiXWmQqWydWjFRE8qQgkjo48C25UBQf48xvWtrDE0QMTZm4ObMBCMPjqFO2lZCbsUY5glPxO86vOV83PkXroo5PlbzAf6ZzNSOAVl-zYQnLLRK20cqQP3PRBw7vHc-8ZALcFehhMuTLawT1-rlK69x-dEhm43CVNWWK/s320/60B8A38E-9493-4375-BC05-A1552667700F.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>LNER Azuma trains take just an hour between Peterborough and Lincoln, but less than 50 minutes between Peterborough and London. So when well-priced First Class tickets are available, then it is worth choosing First Class when travelling to Lincoln. This only works if I can be confident of the times I can travel and if those times fit with the LNER timetable, for their trains only run at two-hour intervals. I was attending a meeting this week and the LNER times suited me well, and First Class tickets were available at a good enough price. I vacillated quite a bit before deciding to go for them, for Standard Class would have been cheaper still, of course. I would claim only the Standard fare on expenses, so it was a question of whether I thought it worth covering the extra for my extra comfort - the clincher was that I'd be returning on the 13:24 and so the complimentary catering would provide my lunch on the way back while the outward "second breakfast" would keep me going until what would be a rather late lunch for me.<p></p><p style="text-align: left;">The connecting train out from Stamford to Peterborough was on time and I had a while to wait at Peterborough. Normally I connect there into East Midlands Railway's stopping service to Lincoln which leaves a good while before the LNER fast train and is cheaper if using flexible tickets, but the LNER one arrives slightly earlier having fewer stops and a much faster route. So I sat in the waiting room and did some preparation for my meeting: recently electric sockets including USB and USB C ports have been installed in the seating in the Peterborough waiting rooms so I was able to keep my computer and smartphone topped up with charge while I worked.</p><p style="text-align: left;">The train came into the platform in very good time and caught me off-guard and I bundled up my gear and boarded in coach D to look for my seat. There were very few other passengers in this coach and I had a choice of seats: the one reserved for me, curiously, was at a table for three even though there were several single seats free, but as I had work to do I thought I'd take the table seat and be able to spread out a bit!</p><p style="text-align: left;">Arriving in Lincoln in good time I took a bus up the hill to my meeting near the Cathedral and then afterwards walked back down to the station. I had plenty of time in hand before my lunchtime departure and decided to sit in a bar rather than a café (I'd had enough coffee for now!) and start to write up my notes of the meeting and begin to carry out the tasks which had arisen from it. I wanted somewhere quiet enough, which in a city centre at lunch time can be a challenge, so I thought I'd try the Cosy Club and I am glad that I did. Not only was it a good place to get some work done but it was interesting to see what had been done inside the former corn market hall in which the bar/restaurant was placed. No real ale, unlike the Cosy Club at home in Stamford, but a nice glass of birra Moretti reminded me of Italy!</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xN6rTUGigX0" width="320" youtube-src-id="xN6rTUGigX0"></iframe></div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8VQ84WiaDDGpZeNr3s60RPr1t6-GO_r3VedcpD-ooR9bh-sw23SPINnHAmgK2goSKn0bRrD-6-4MzTETL3HK2oNgDqh8eUCW1ybwGFJWp_Q3VKaEXSfJX9PQSyBZl5h010RqnLqRZzy493XdRuIlOggB9i9f-ucfltdxdZLl1WgQMy0XZyLFqgBor/s4032/05BBF606-E392-467A-B133-33B8B6CC4441.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8VQ84WiaDDGpZeNr3s60RPr1t6-GO_r3VedcpD-ooR9bh-sw23SPINnHAmgK2goSKn0bRrD-6-4MzTETL3HK2oNgDqh8eUCW1ybwGFJWp_Q3VKaEXSfJX9PQSyBZl5h010RqnLqRZzy493XdRuIlOggB9i9f-ucfltdxdZLl1WgQMy0XZyLFqgBor/s320/05BBF606-E392-467A-B133-33B8B6CC4441.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Soon it was time to walk to the station and await the train back, which again came into the platform in good time. I have learnt to ignore the signs on the platform showing where to stand for LNER trains: they were put up for the old HST units no longer used on the Lincoln service and are way out for the little five-coach Azuma sets. This time my reserved seat was a single one and that was where I sat and continued my work, interrupted, joyfully, only by my lunch - a hot sausage roll with crisps, cake and white wine.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpWRRVpBFytGsjsKoKHsN9JN0XWAa5N2FwWiwRJ_QSaAZR558vA6u6A8YorEgZ01khwT5etbdQSa3u12cHVFbMPd3xrJNartJmuv5cFV85laMbEjoit1mYBVSo0udJ7vrkVCUQCnIrcd8lVibxHx8oB9HToue-IO6Iht8YzFrPEDwiZqFimxk7IERz/s3520/84FF8DAE-FB42-4065-B33A-8A78120F1BE3.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3520" data-original-width="1980" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpWRRVpBFytGsjsKoKHsN9JN0XWAa5N2FwWiwRJ_QSaAZR558vA6u6A8YorEgZ01khwT5etbdQSa3u12cHVFbMPd3xrJNartJmuv5cFV85laMbEjoit1mYBVSo0udJ7vrkVCUQCnIrcd8lVibxHx8oB9HToue-IO6Iht8YzFrPEDwiZqFimxk7IERz/s320/84FF8DAE-FB42-4065-B33A-8A78120F1BE3.jpeg" width="180" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">I arrived at Peterborough on time but during the post-Covid two-hour gap in the train service to Stamford, so I walked across to the bus station and, using my pensioner's concessionary pass, took the Delaine bus 201 home. The train, if it had existed, would have arrived in Stamford just after the bus actually left Peterborough, so I was half an hour later home than I would have been by train, but still a lot sooner than if I had waited for next timetabled train. There is much said in the media about the way travel patterns have changed and that fewer people are travelling by train, but we cannot travel on trains that don't exist: cut one from the timetable and people will have to go another way: many would have driven both ways; I used a bus one way. Put on more trains and people will ride on them. Governments, who in spite of "privatisation" still have a huge say in the way railways operate, just don't get that you have to provide the service first and demand will follow. This is why they are always surprised by the popularity of new transport links, whether rail, road or air and they never make them big enough for the job: look how the Docklands Light Railway had to lengthen its trans and platforms immediately after opening, or the way new roads soon clog up. Look at the ridership of the Elizabeth Line! You would not believe there is a climate crisis when you look at government policy on transport: raising rail fares and cutting timetable while cutting air passenger duty and building roads ... but that is a whole other subject!</p><p style="text-align: left;">LNER did very well in getting me to and from Lincoln, but all my journeys start or end in Stamford, and links to and from there are critical. Lincolnshire looks like an even bigger county when you live in a tight corner of it!</p>Mark at mwtripshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10503658158339712260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3429482469896815050.post-2416356397158633282023-04-01T21:20:00.003+01:002023-04-02T17:37:35.659+01:00An Art Deco Tour of London<h2 style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQibw_zWlyhylyaebcsu6xSonDLafytY37zretFPBATpIkDZibMI-6XnGawSpqifAbB4A8ux5WxmxkSqknb5K1b8YxmK5QtiNpp8M9323MGmB0Ah7E_OCYn1BQ1V7LQUF5N6LxbCty3TL4jOHaOWMDQTmRUlmMAF04StWDvy2GAI4dV99Tfyj-_no/s4032/IMG_4053X.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQibw_zWlyhylyaebcsu6xSonDLafytY37zretFPBATpIkDZibMI-6XnGawSpqifAbB4A8ux5WxmxkSqknb5K1b8YxmK5QtiNpp8M9323MGmB0Ah7E_OCYn1BQ1V7LQUF5N6LxbCty3TL4jOHaOWMDQTmRUlmMAF04StWDvy2GAI4dV99Tfyj-_no/w200-h150/IMG_4053X.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>A Short Tour of Some of London's Amazing 20th Century Buildings </h2><p>One of my sons gave me a day out in London as a birthday gift this year (as he did last year). My birthday in n January but not a lot is happening then, so we actually had our day out in March ... He kindly treated me to a tour of two major art deco buildings with lunch in another one between them. And this is the story.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeKSaplnIhXlVmNEHP5wAQtEPQ1y5ILEwBigLnsogFt59UHId-SQ3LRoicXXX1QBR8pXGnfe0xLvHd2fUimh4K7CjPVuDRK4K0egw6NOKLdsIPtb4nUWRw7FcjLCJj8uHqBxO5RxKCITYK4tOljHufsCcSiJgAyZ15TmtaENuPgu1C9fZT304Czcuq/s3088/IMG_4010.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeKSaplnIhXlVmNEHP5wAQtEPQ1y5ILEwBigLnsogFt59UHId-SQ3LRoicXXX1QBR8pXGnfe0xLvHd2fUimh4K7CjPVuDRK4K0egw6NOKLdsIPtb4nUWRw7FcjLCJj8uHqBxO5RxKCITYK4tOljHufsCcSiJgAyZ15TmtaENuPgu1C9fZT304Czcuq/s320/IMG_4010.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">The weather on the day the outing was really good for March, warmer than it had been but with the possibility of some showers. I wore a jacket rather than a jumper for the first time in ages and while I needed ny Berghaus wind- and water-proof jacket over it first thing I had a bag with me so that I could take it off when the temperature rose - and put it back on if the rain materialised.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWXgARNWVzyq_7kgknWpM3x9wml4sY8C8mmkk7lhlFb_fj4hUbOJ4TrqoNLJ-_D9ZeZNuHgdKTfs9k1b-5oJVPHzjpvhvznqZCaRyn7eVNTx0uQFvoda507_xr-vvNJlPh3ebvf8tFpb6F2MiM_Geu746mWPHFoS7gWIA4FDMrsTvQStn8S97hNXdP/s4032/IMG_0235.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWXgARNWVzyq_7kgknWpM3x9wml4sY8C8mmkk7lhlFb_fj4hUbOJ4TrqoNLJ-_D9ZeZNuHgdKTfs9k1b-5oJVPHzjpvhvznqZCaRyn7eVNTx0uQFvoda507_xr-vvNJlPh3ebvf8tFpb6F2MiM_Geu746mWPHFoS7gWIA4FDMrsTvQStn8S97hNXdP/s320/IMG_0235.jpeg" width="320" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>I left home on a train just before 9 o'clock and after the change of train at Peterborough topped up my breakfast with a bowl of porridge from the First Class "Deli" menu on offer.The train was on time into London Kings Cross and my first task was to go to my son's house and drop off there the Easter gifts that I was taking for his household, as it was now getting close to Easter and we would not have a better chance to take them. <br /><p style="text-align: left;">Then the two of us set off on the Central Line to Covent Garden for the first visit of the outing. This was the magnificent <a href="https://www.ugle.org.uk/freemasons-hall" target="_blank">Freemasons' Hall</a>: in spite of the organisation's reputation for secrecy, public tours of the building are available and this was where my tour of art deco buildings began. I had seen the building before, from the outside only, but had not done much photography there, so here was my opportunity to catch up on that: I only had my iPhone rather than my Olympus DSLR camera, but the resolution of my iPhone is better than my Olympus!</p></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">As well as seeing the art deco interior close up, we also learned a lot about the history of Freemasonry and its ethos as a charity and mutual help society. I found this very interesting as I have had a number of friends who are members</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEUl8h42IyO5Emvoog55rHSe0p0epwdzuxWV4mT5pQInDKKWWmF_RtFQvYSmb-j7JyTiFiPn3qnHR-yoNmfKbKfLNIa0Vwnt0I-bOhgD7sVa2YLrsi7XrqBF9qIriQbcbTN-Mp5ObQAklKqzvCwhIVtlkFbBn8Qy2SoCw6U8II5IRSuhxHooNiHYfX/s4032/IMG_4023D.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEUl8h42IyO5Emvoog55rHSe0p0epwdzuxWV4mT5pQInDKKWWmF_RtFQvYSmb-j7JyTiFiPn3qnHR-yoNmfKbKfLNIa0Vwnt0I-bOhgD7sVa2YLrsi7XrqBF9qIriQbcbTN-Mp5ObQAklKqzvCwhIVtlkFbBn8Qy2SoCw6U8II5IRSuhxHooNiHYfX/s320/IMG_4023D.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><i>Interior and exterior of Freemasons' Hall</i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd2nMdK6Rg_ulafOQnTWnJPTpDbpF2gYIv_bPDfGCQt2Gk6NFQyoyBoXE9lcm5rNh_MM0Pld8xLpyMAvK0CiRUu5-YLulUJAPQNv0ZjTMTqc69EpCvE3yTkVYAbCm9Umj0moJbBrvGe6iqKmXHqMYdYBCAuOuzfQuXkNoxfGXAzPznQfXK6q3j0xJj/s4032/IMG_4024D.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd2nMdK6Rg_ulafOQnTWnJPTpDbpF2gYIv_bPDfGCQt2Gk6NFQyoyBoXE9lcm5rNh_MM0Pld8xLpyMAvK0CiRUu5-YLulUJAPQNv0ZjTMTqc69EpCvE3yTkVYAbCm9Umj0moJbBrvGe6iqKmXHqMYdYBCAuOuzfQuXkNoxfGXAzPznQfXK6q3j0xJj/s320/IMG_4024D.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR6d_qhKkW5TzADP9dQiD_U6CycyN-CbLH94S6teIGQAZ-84qFAlz6BmNjJfdrsZtrNgrhzJeHUeLMyz7KPNSCdy6iL9I4DyjiiKguY5DAMpfLN8wHS-ahfOyl4nws7P58LoVt9a7jkJ93QpIQ9e5d65e-bAvkSGCB3m6awo23isbMyTfVWhzGVppy/s4032/IMG_4034X.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR6d_qhKkW5TzADP9dQiD_U6CycyN-CbLH94S6teIGQAZ-84qFAlz6BmNjJfdrsZtrNgrhzJeHUeLMyz7KPNSCdy6iL9I4DyjiiKguY5DAMpfLN8wHS-ahfOyl4nws7P58LoVt9a7jkJ93QpIQ9e5d65e-bAvkSGCB3m6awo23isbMyTfVWhzGVppy/s320/IMG_4034X.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: right;"><i>The exterior was used briefly as James Bond's HQ in one of the films</i></div><div style="text-align: right;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: right;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: right;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: right;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: right;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: right;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: right;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: right;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: right;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: right;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: right;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: right;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: right;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: right;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: right;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHhsNs0LCTFtX-2TJYawfP0kkWFGOZ7-HOzTCU0rQWsCGeXyWNVRdF1o7u_YzmQMF3pt1633f1Hbs5G1xYC6dzPK6ce3Kjp01Gt8-NrPCp9zfwf3ku6RtYiQeMBtQzGTJEpK0D-N4RWjIwWzCpVZjMCccT2i1YWA0bJpSXoO999rPBx1ZCMdDzNTPj/s4032/IMG_4038X.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHhsNs0LCTFtX-2TJYawfP0kkWFGOZ7-HOzTCU0rQWsCGeXyWNVRdF1o7u_YzmQMF3pt1633f1Hbs5G1xYC6dzPK6ce3Kjp01Gt8-NrPCp9zfwf3ku6RtYiQeMBtQzGTJEpK0D-N4RWjIwWzCpVZjMCccT2i1YWA0bJpSXoO999rPBx1ZCMdDzNTPj/s320/IMG_4038X.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>From Covent Garden we walked to the Adelphi building on the riverside, one of the outstanding group of three contrasting art deco buildings on The Embankment adjacent to Charing Cross station. (Our walk took us through some streets I had visited with the group of women <a href="https://www.mwtrips.co.uk/2022/10/six.html">when we went to "Six" at a theatre in Strand</a>.) I have photographed the exterior of the Adelphi building before, but now I was to see just a tiny part of the inside, for we were having lunch at <a href="https://www.smithandwollensky.co.uk" target="_blank">Smith & Wollensky</a>, an American steakhouse, which is in one corner of the Adelphi building. I cannot guarantee that it serves London's best steaks as it advertising boasts, but it was very good indeed - always a good sign when the knife at your place-setting is by default a steak knife - and my son had arranged for a special follow-up to desert to celebrate my birthday, which was rather touching. The usual Malbec accompanied the steak and we each had a small glass of beer beforehand so as not to get through the wine before the steak even arrived!<p></p><p style="text-align: left;">From there we crossed the river by Hungerford Bridge and then followed the south bank westwards with the chimneys of <a href="https://batterseapowerstation.co.uk" target="_blank">Battersea Power station</a>, icon of art deco London, beckoning in the distance. This was to be the final and most amazing venue of our short tour. </p><p style="text-align: left;">It was unfortunate that the rain started while we were on this section of the tour, but we had the appropriate protection and carried on walking, showers going and going, and all was well. I had <a href="https://www.mwtrips.co.uk/2022/03/an-art-deco-architecture-crawl-in-london.html">visited the Battersea Power station</a> site a little while ago, but it was before the power station itself had been completed. Since then it has become quite a tourist attraction as well as being a decent, upmarket shopping centre with bars and restaurants. London never seems to have too much of this sort of thing. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnLBHkFOUyXCnUbQ5W7lVSXCnPTckBaiomK2cxL3NpSZJW_41frKKJQDcCQrs-XVqR1pdhZw68Zoh8I_FHYOxnlOQlpfBXriJMED6C3PW4fe-a-kxyf63fve9cE9kma5HndB8fnHRHafxVi5V7wE4I4BN2oBANNAOFrMA_PfqIEarh6ZASbXJDpLmd/s4032/IMG_4040D.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnLBHkFOUyXCnUbQ5W7lVSXCnPTckBaiomK2cxL3NpSZJW_41frKKJQDcCQrs-XVqR1pdhZw68Zoh8I_FHYOxnlOQlpfBXriJMED6C3PW4fe-a-kxyf63fve9cE9kma5HndB8fnHRHafxVi5V7wE4I4BN2oBANNAOFrMA_PfqIEarh6ZASbXJDpLmd/s320/IMG_4040D.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>There was lot to enjoy about the building itself for fans of art deco style: it is quite amazing how much decoration was put into this building which would only be seen by the power station workers, and bearing in mind that this was a coal-fired power station, this is something of a surprise. I do not expect it will not have been especially clean in its working life, when it was the most powerful generating station in Europe!<div><br /></div><div>It was also interesting for me as a graduate in Town Planning to see how the building had been repurposed for its present rôle and how the designers had used its history.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCcSlhOBUhOFQN3jXb2zdKlWXr6o8x0o1sl9I1PmB7U-n_d84dZ-gezZgjCCp8iLpsuJHnTmPacA7_rCyIdHAmh-K0fjshYhRKQdFIUyt4Smva6Z78dDlIU7r2hNo6qRoxbP7RCA1ej-GtgZPBI_1M5NU37ONf0Q_dNUk01XfpbF6oY1YgW0glRy40/s4032/IMG_4041D.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCcSlhOBUhOFQN3jXb2zdKlWXr6o8x0o1sl9I1PmB7U-n_d84dZ-gezZgjCCp8iLpsuJHnTmPacA7_rCyIdHAmh-K0fjshYhRKQdFIUyt4Smva6Z78dDlIU7r2hNo6qRoxbP7RCA1ej-GtgZPBI_1M5NU37ONf0Q_dNUk01XfpbF6oY1YgW0glRy40/s320/IMG_4041D.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikobC9mdPWSDiX5sGJBWLg1v0bLFlT2JfRRBurAPHGkiAUOGR7S17QFyc7lYlBs4kbBiQa0qYf2VR4bd4CzyzlAINHkQDhpqnmhbaPtOVFoUSXHSO5keizKSZVYWi9mBhotJJNE0EpuAQKD7_vCqRNkUa3FTPayQ4KZDQ1XRtx4mbUj7W0tfNshRV7/s4032/IMG_4044.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikobC9mdPWSDiX5sGJBWLg1v0bLFlT2JfRRBurAPHGkiAUOGR7S17QFyc7lYlBs4kbBiQa0qYf2VR4bd4CzyzlAINHkQDhpqnmhbaPtOVFoUSXHSO5keizKSZVYWi9mBhotJJNE0EpuAQKD7_vCqRNkUa3FTPayQ4KZDQ1XRtx4mbUj7W0tfNshRV7/s320/IMG_4044.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>The highlight of the visit to Battersea was a ride in <a href="https://batterseapowerstation.co.uk/retailers/lift-109/" target="_blank">Lift 109</a>, a glass lift inside one of the chimneys which gives fantastic views over London (and beyond if the air is clear enough) from the top in complete safety and comfort. The ticket to Lift 109 includes a small display on the history of the power station with some interesting photographs and then while awaiting the ascent a light show in the lift lobby which was really quite good but did not, for me, add much to the experience. I think its purpose is stop the queue feeling like a queue, there always being some entertainment along the way!<br /><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WScdrObgD68" width="320" youtube-src-id="WScdrObgD68"></iframe></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;">Soon, though, we were aboard the lift and out through the top of the chimney to look down at so many places we have been before, not least the street in Pimlico where my host for the day had lived when he first came to London as a new graduate. The damp weather did restrict visibility to a certain extent, but it was good enough to see most of London, and especially the West End and the river.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUCfSokrZuGJHYIVy1xIgzIqmuutG7Byo0GCx4F4qk8YNqtJiBNIaXa-weTwlq5hrR8cD9f5uPO8R8KOdGHEgvIQLsC8FFaGGoyw6wnLt8G2vtj21nWZKLOkzT1UiZKq_6hM2jWhmBIeYv3g4Z8Gac7f3ugHh__cA6Uhb1ChWFc4Kb-sPdjXECZN1m/s4032/IMG_4056D.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUCfSokrZuGJHYIVy1xIgzIqmuutG7Byo0GCx4F4qk8YNqtJiBNIaXa-weTwlq5hrR8cD9f5uPO8R8KOdGHEgvIQLsC8FFaGGoyw6wnLt8G2vtj21nWZKLOkzT1UiZKq_6hM2jWhmBIeYv3g4Z8Gac7f3ugHh__cA6Uhb1ChWFc4Kb-sPdjXECZN1m/s320/IMG_4056D.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><div style="text-align: left;">After Lift 109 I was treated to a cocktail at Control Room B, a bar with a distinct power station theme and with a lot of ancient electrical equipment on display, and with electric-themed cocktails (of course). </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaqUUBLZ7fl3e9D-s-x23CHLFwo36n4EAO66ZfGr7uSABFaH18lam4Um6HjN6DwVkRT2kIqwc1rbLcRh2kIL1mqLx6ZSd1uJeSxzuPzIzBbnJyYNtWHQ7D-mcOtTyzcEMg__hsbOKqqbCQG0rkuxTCFDNzpJ3O946WzH2lCmp09NGXxmZo9qh-muFR/s3520/IMG_4057.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3520" data-original-width="1980" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaqUUBLZ7fl3e9D-s-x23CHLFwo36n4EAO66ZfGr7uSABFaH18lam4Um6HjN6DwVkRT2kIqwc1rbLcRh2kIL1mqLx6ZSd1uJeSxzuPzIzBbnJyYNtWHQ7D-mcOtTyzcEMg__hsbOKqqbCQG0rkuxTCFDNzpJ3O946WzH2lCmp09NGXxmZo9qh-muFR/w113-h200/IMG_4057.jpeg" width="113" /></a></div>Soon it would be time to wish each other farewell and to go our separate ways, but first we enjoyed a farewell half-pint together across the river in Chelsea. We walked together over Battersea Bridge to The Fox and Hounds, and afterwards I made my way to Sloane Square Underground station and changed trains at Victoria for Kings Cross. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">By now it was the peak time for homeward travel after the working day and there was not only a queue to board trains at Victoria Underground station, there was even a queue to access the platform. People were incredibly patient in waiting their turn and I was very impressed - but the system rather relies on patience: any pushing and shoving would be extremely dangerous, risking people at the front being pushed onto the track. There was no problem on the Underground, all was running smoothly with a train every minute when I was there; it was simply that there were so very many passengers. I don't know what happened to "no-one's travelling any more since the pandemic." They were certainly travelling from Victoria, or through it like me, that afternoon!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>I waited in the First Class Lounge at Kings Cross for my train home and needed only very light refreshments on the way back, and no further alcohol. At Peterborough I had a short wait for the connection to Stamford and was met by my wife with the car to take me home though the rain ... which had stopped by the time I get there! It was nice to see her, though, even so.<p></p></div>Mark at mwtripshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10503658158339712260noreply@blogger.com0London, UK51.5072178 -0.127586223.196983963821154 -35.2838362 79.817451636178845 35.0286638tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3429482469896815050.post-19641550575791761832023-03-21T16:46:00.002+00:002023-03-21T16:48:34.473+00:00An Afternoon on Tyneside<h2 style="text-align: left;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBXbUvKVfT8MUsJImGdLkoyH1pH13bbhpxsLMaHYqAPjSUhiPGSd3DWytMwwXBOV_tekfOA2zjvIzwoqHCdYeNXYqwNee8HL3gT02_t3OCRfy5T_Z0CsiE5DCgpr8EDqBc7pvyuEkpeEbLVMtBugbVxB7MXhT3NRd-tWPiRTHMBh3WBHGBmfOyYpb8/s4032/9379FA62-C0FB-4E8E-B6C5-736B64520EF4.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBXbUvKVfT8MUsJImGdLkoyH1pH13bbhpxsLMaHYqAPjSUhiPGSd3DWytMwwXBOV_tekfOA2zjvIzwoqHCdYeNXYqwNee8HL3gT02_t3OCRfy5T_Z0CsiE5DCgpr8EDqBc7pvyuEkpeEbLVMtBugbVxB7MXhT3NRd-tWPiRTHMBh3WBHGBmfOyYpb8/s320/9379FA62-C0FB-4E8E-B6C5-736B64520EF4.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lincoln Cathedral, one of the symbols of the<br />cities served by LNER, appears on the cans of<br />Hop On Board ale served on the trains!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;">By Train to Newcastle Upon Tyne,</div></h2><h2 style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">in First Class with LNER</div><br /><br /></h2><p style="text-align: left;">I needed to buy a new cassock, the long dress-like garment that Church of England clergy wear. I have always worn black and my old robes are wearing rather thin, but although I estimated that they might see out my active ministry, I had recently been appointed as a non-residentiary Canon of Lincoln Cathedral and the cathedral Canons traditionally wear a shade of blue, as do the Choir and the Vergers, so this was my opportunity to replace my old black cassock with a new blue one. It would be nice not to have holes in the pockets and fraying button-holes for the rest of my ministry!</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi855LLy-TyRLjzUFDRp3EWaNW1XUHtt-3DGPehOfDFplK9bRhOJkGA_I31XOSTofzL10-0NC5sSmu1xF6wZkTZHr09xz7Dl_zKbCdnkeJ7D6frFxNblYXaBaWfQJ-9GZ86Va1KbgQWHlJ6MXNVRu_mNOsekbscsYw0MX0YxXVDAPi4P_P9dnhvGCd5/s4032/DC535D6A-A307-4391-B9E5-9DC988578AA8.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi855LLy-TyRLjzUFDRp3EWaNW1XUHtt-3DGPehOfDFplK9bRhOJkGA_I31XOSTofzL10-0NC5sSmu1xF6wZkTZHr09xz7Dl_zKbCdnkeJ7D6frFxNblYXaBaWfQJ-9GZ86Va1KbgQWHlJ6MXNVRu_mNOsekbscsYw0MX0YxXVDAPi4P_P9dnhvGCd5/s320/DC535D6A-A307-4391-B9E5-9DC988578AA8.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>The cathedral provides the fabric, and the new Canon pays for the cassock to be made, and although I could go to a number of clerical outfitters, there is one, <a href="http://www.jandmsewing.com" target="_blank">J&M Sewing</a>, which keeps a stock of the blue fabric in order to make the choir robes, so it is simpler to go there for clergy robes as well. The snag is that it is in Newcastle Upon Tyne, a great city but a long way from anywhere else! I needed to act fairly quickly as my installation at the cathedral was only a few weeks away and I knew it would take a while to have my cassock made, so I did not book train tickets ages in advance but went for the least expensive I could reasonably find on the next day when I had enough time to spare, having arranged to visit <a href="http://www.jandmsewing.com" target="_blank">J&M Sewing</a> at noon on the appointed day. It was a long time since I had been north by rail, and I decided to travel First Class in order to enjoy a leisurely meal on the train home rather than the rushed affair involved in travelling the short hop to and from London. Given Cross Country Trains' tendency still to cancel our local trains at a moment's notice, I decided on this occasion to drive to Peterborough and start the train journey there. Cold weather, and some snow, was anticipated so I knew there was some risk to timekeeping whether by rail or by road. Although the cost of parking at Peterborough station is many times more expensive than the rail fare from and to Stamford, it is still less than the taxi would have cost in the event of a train cancellation, and I wanted to avoid hanging around Peterborough station for an extended period in the cold.<p></p><p style="text-align: left;">My wife travelled with me (for company, but also to ensure that I ordered something sensible!), and we travelled north on the 09:48 departure from Peterborough, one of the services that stops only twice, at York and Darlington, on the way to Newcastle, taking just a touch over two hours so that we would arrive just neatly in time for my noon appointment - the premises of the company being a short walk from Newcastle Central station. We were served coffee on the train and I resumed my breakfast with one of LNER's delicious bacon rolls, and we each had a yogurt. These refreshments are all within the ticket price. Here and there on the way we saw traces of fallen snow, but the weather in Newcastle when we arrived there was sunny and, for early March, quite warm: the cold and snowy weather we had left behind at home, and it was at its coldest and wintriest in London and the south-east: one does not often go to the north-east for the warm, sunny weather, but we had done well that day.</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP_xROhFDILluPpflyB2XRx9T5qMX_Hl5aOVqzSd1mLE3iBWit3C-3COguYMPK8ZdZjSLgCrIK_ct-9zcJkCcdPSeg-0xxIVvmZ0xhY3iRpcP4cllRyXFSUVY3tcljRfsEO2SyyXSr4BuV4VQ2SvAsh-TvDEIG1U0sb5zNSiLf_5ZXa9rsnQTljNDa/s1024/FF49B2EB-5DC4-4135-9C3F-72B71C6D895E.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP_xROhFDILluPpflyB2XRx9T5qMX_Hl5aOVqzSd1mLE3iBWit3C-3COguYMPK8ZdZjSLgCrIK_ct-9zcJkCcdPSeg-0xxIVvmZ0xhY3iRpcP4cllRyXFSUVY3tcljRfsEO2SyyXSr4BuV4VQ2SvAsh-TvDEIG1U0sb5zNSiLf_5ZXa9rsnQTljNDa/s320/FF49B2EB-5DC4-4135-9C3F-72B71C6D895E.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">After choosing the wool/terylene mix over the pure wool, and being measured and choosing my options and placing the order (14 weeks expected delivery, so I would not in any case have it for my installation), we walked into the shopping streets of the city centre to find some lunch and to buy some black jeans to replace my worn-out ones (not all my clothes are wearing out at once, just these two items!). We found both at John Lewis - although I could not help wondering if a large lunch was the thing before dinner on the train ... </p><p style="text-align: left;">Although we have stopped drinking alcohol on weekdays in Lent, we broke our Lenten fast this day because it was the feast day of Edward King, Bishop, a very important feast day in the diocese of Lincoln, and how appropriate it was that I had ordered my Lincoln blue cassock on such a great day! So it was wine with lunch: I'd have to go easy at dinner, feast or no feast, because I'd be driving home from Peterborough station.</p><div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">We had a short walk around the city centre, gradually making our way back to Newcastle Central station, where we waited in the First Class lounge for the 16:26 train back to Peterborough. This train had been chosen for the affordability of its First Class Advance tickets rather than anything else, and was slower than the one on which we had come north, stopping at quite a few more stations on the way. One of the advantages of First Class which is not often considered is that there is a lot less disturbance at intermediate stations, for several reasons: there are fewer people in the carriage overall, and most people are travelling longer distances (since most of us will be happy with Standard Class on short trips); there is more space in which to move and wider aisles so it is easier to pass people. The catering staff in First Class are kept busy even so, keeping track of who has been served, though, as people get on and off!</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2S44UVUnmMAyGAmcPdrb-By-Oz1zON7ws_2tHC5Z84_HYCK7omTzaXT0q0eZ4SWVb0jG6XVRscdYPGvB04fyRXx3mrXIKolXf5n9-bc5RUAvgS3zJ-5xDEP77B7LEvNeMWGfls4nTNYmJjA9jSFZXCzj4biQnWuzA41PAM6Rmr8oQ9K80EYVbgGsF/s4032/ABE3916A-9A3F-489C-AEE0-8B65140737C5.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2S44UVUnmMAyGAmcPdrb-By-Oz1zON7ws_2tHC5Z84_HYCK7omTzaXT0q0eZ4SWVb0jG6XVRscdYPGvB04fyRXx3mrXIKolXf5n9-bc5RUAvgS3zJ-5xDEP77B7LEvNeMWGfls4nTNYmJjA9jSFZXCzj4biQnWuzA41PAM6Rmr8oQ9K80EYVbgGsF/s320/ABE3916A-9A3F-489C-AEE0-8B65140737C5.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>In due course we were offered our meal, from the intermediate <a href="https://www.lner.co.uk/the-east-coast-experience/first-class/menu/dish/" target="_blank">"Dish" menu</a>, and I chose a vegetable curry which went well with a can of Hop On Board ale. This was plenty, given the early hour and the large Caesar Salad I'd had for lunch! The crisps and biscuits went home for later ... Taking the first opportunity to eat meant that the ale would be safe to drink, being well before I would have to drive.<p></p><p style="text-align: left;">The Hop On Board can carries pictograms of famous landmarks on LNER's routes, including Lincoln Cathedral, which was nice in the circumstances! </p><p style="text-align: left;">Arriving on time in Peterborough we encountered a wintry shower and met someone we knew from Stamford who was looking for a lift home because the next train, which had been late, had just been cancelled owing to a fault, so we squeezed him in our car (which had the grandchildren's child seats in it!) while I cleared the snow off the car ready to drive home, carefully, though the snow. We were glad that we had brought the car, much as I love walking home from the station across the meadows at Stamford, but the idea of waiting over an hour for a train at a cold and snowy Peterborough and then walking home through the snow did not have quite the normal appeal. The walk in the snow would have been OK if the scheduled train had been running, but it turned out that we were right not to trust them. We dropped our acquaintance at his home and drove home to ours. Job done. Now I wait for my new robe to arrive, and soon, a visit to Lincoln for my installation ceremony!</p><p style="text-align: left;">Thinking about the trip, it has occurred to me that starting earlier and finishing later it would be quite feasible to arrange a day trip to Newcastle to enjoy some of what the city has to offer. Keep a look out for it on my <a href="https://www.mwtrips.co.uk/p/tours.html">"Come with me" page</a> as soon as travel becomes more reliable!</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><p></p></div>Mark at mwtripshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10503658158339712260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3429482469896815050.post-50446114250909236582023-03-09T17:04:00.001+00:002023-03-09T17:04:52.357+00:00You Walked?!!!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQitN3v5VR4jOAom5It3Givpji25MdZzZisZtG70NZ2zwlNB_x0F1I3CP2xv7gY5IU9NmV6SWXceBRog-lxx-sgxf4hzMyOVC8TKEDxvjp_NTe4DqBPPg-3qiISQJMgycVQbayzX-R4hOXe1xb7Uht3SMJWImUrS8zeNCXj_jCeyCR3dM-8x1Ua_Qo/s4032/IMG_3701.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQitN3v5VR4jOAom5It3Givpji25MdZzZisZtG70NZ2zwlNB_x0F1I3CP2xv7gY5IU9NmV6SWXceBRog-lxx-sgxf4hzMyOVC8TKEDxvjp_NTe4DqBPPg-3qiISQJMgycVQbayzX-R4hOXe1xb7Uht3SMJWImUrS8zeNCXj_jCeyCR3dM-8x1Ua_Qo/w320-h240/IMG_3701.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">By Train and on Foot in London</h3><p></p><p>I wrote some time ago about <a href="https://www.mwtrips.co.uk/2022/04/an-irony.html">travelling by train to a meeting in Cambridge</a>, but although that venue for a meeting was very handy for me, for most people attending it involved a lengthy car journey, so to make it easier for most, the venue was moved for the most recent meeting to London, which everyone could more or less easily reach by train. For me it was less convenient, but for most it was much more convenient, so I could hardly complain. It was in Southwark where there was a handy Franciscan house at which we could meet, and we were advised that Southwark was the nearest Underground station.</p><p>A trip to London with a little time to spare was handy for me because I had just renewed my <a href="https://www.senior-railcard.co.uk" target="_blank">Senior Railcard</a> and needed to take a few moments at an Underground station to have it linked to my <a href="https://tfl.gov.uk/fares/how-to-pay-and-where-to-buy-tickets-and-oyster/pay-as-you-go/oyster-pay-as-you-go" target="_blank">Oyster card</a> to give me <a href="https://tfl.gov.uk/fares/free-and-discounted-travel/national-railcard-discount?intcmp=54723" target="_blank">cheaper travel on TfL services in London</a> - this is something only staff can do, and so I chose an early enough train to give me time to get this done.</p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCVyfjb6TVqykhFl-JN0j912AahxHd7_oFukfjU7xLpwp0CwXILaZ-zodZX0KmhGS8dZgq3JQ4jTjBnKTqzZD1Gf_-oFD0oMhRDMrJIJs_u0EeETKN5fLaJdTvtAV2RGxgCtJBddMfI-qjxg6Pu9JrURqGMXaPSaydPtUZCGl8Y1nR-QDmpzxh7txV/s3088/IMG_3697.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2316" data-original-width="3088" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCVyfjb6TVqykhFl-JN0j912AahxHd7_oFukfjU7xLpwp0CwXILaZ-zodZX0KmhGS8dZgq3JQ4jTjBnKTqzZD1Gf_-oFD0oMhRDMrJIJs_u0EeETKN5fLaJdTvtAV2RGxgCtJBddMfI-qjxg6Pu9JrURqGMXaPSaydPtUZCGl8Y1nR-QDmpzxh7txV/s320/IMG_3697.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Changing at Peterborough - that's the train from Stamford behind me!</td></tr></tbody></table>I left Stamford on the 07:57 Cross Country train to Peterborough and then caught the 08:29 LNER train to London: this was from Lincoln and was just a five-coach "Azuma" train, making a very neat connection with the train from Stamford. It arrived on time at Kings Cross at 09:23, just 90 minutes I had left Stamford and less than two hours after leaving my house, which is not at all bad. While only claiming Standard Class fares from the Order (<a href="https://tssf.org.uk" target="_blank">Third Order, Society of St Francis</a>), I booked Advance First Class tickets both ways and so enjoyed the bacon roll and coffee as a second breakfast on the way to London.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8JPi01YLkZxAY1DSJMOMbG2XAcmazq5vi3GqY2pNE8otgLndeP3sXPHIiiyuwl0zhYT9h8DO-nXrqSUBpBIJAGJ4cCOvboKNeckVdVBhGFbUyX365YkkR2nmwHAuYYIyBOx_G5gIZqb1j7NZ1rVsMptT6Rt55Gf3n6-TphZzxftLHHDMHaXnLUQkr/s1688/Screenshot%202023-03-09%20at%2015.50.21.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1688" data-original-width="1148" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8JPi01YLkZxAY1DSJMOMbG2XAcmazq5vi3GqY2pNE8otgLndeP3sXPHIiiyuwl0zhYT9h8DO-nXrqSUBpBIJAGJ4cCOvboKNeckVdVBhGFbUyX365YkkR2nmwHAuYYIyBOx_G5gIZqb1j7NZ1rVsMptT6Rt55Gf3n6-TphZzxftLHHDMHaXnLUQkr/s320/Screenshot%202023-03-09%20at%2015.50.21.png" width="218" /></a></div>At Kings Cross St Pancras Underground station I easily found a member of station staff by the ticket machines where he was on hand to help intending passengers, and he took my Railcard and Oyster and poked the necessary numbers into the machine along with his staff ID card and behold, the Oyster computer system should now charge me about one-third less for my travel in London!<p></p><p>I then had plenty of time to get to Southwark and consulted the map on my iPhone: it was almost a straight line! I could easily do this on foot and in fact I had at various times in the past walked most of the route for various reasons, and it would be interesting to see it again. I needed to acquire a packed lunch on the way and knew that I would be passing several shops where I'd be able to buy something for this. So off I went, across the road outside the station and along the right-hand (west) side of Grays Inn Road towards the Inns of Court at Holborn. I noticed, as I never had before, that there is an amazing number of dentists in Grays Inn Road! I bought my lunch from a small Co-operative "corner shop" somewhere along the road, a very decent meal deal.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg31gic40GDjpUS7q2m4eqEuxAbD1Z9sIlrbD7mpc0t0C2c0x7BN8UrspP7Mhc8prKVeJiCMYHWHjzPi3WPCxrg6VqTlcEyT8iWOvsXuC3ZZaJxkn28RYXmR31kgT2NKxkp9bP10DN9BFS8TCaBl6Ex6pv8ZcklTH1viH0tjzcv2pCmQgIJxph-kuLS/s3840/IMG_3708.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg31gic40GDjpUS7q2m4eqEuxAbD1Z9sIlrbD7mpc0t0C2c0x7BN8UrspP7Mhc8prKVeJiCMYHWHjzPi3WPCxrg6VqTlcEyT8iWOvsXuC3ZZaJxkn28RYXmR31kgT2NKxkp9bP10DN9BFS8TCaBl6Ex6pv8ZcklTH1viH0tjzcv2pCmQgIJxph-kuLS/s320/IMG_3708.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>When I reached Holborn I crossed the road and turned left to head towards Blackfriars, passing the end of the famous Hatton Garden jewellery quarter (as visited by James Bond in Diamonds are Forever!) and then heading southwards towards the river. There was a glimpse of St Paul's Cathedral as I crossed Fleet Street, and then of the Tate Modern gallery as I walked over Blackfriars Bridge. Along Blackfriars Road I glanced at the frontage of Southwark station just to see if anyone I knew was coming that way, but no-one was. I noticed for the first time that it really is just a very short walk from there to Waterloo station: indeed, Waterloo East is connected by a walkway to Southwark Underground Station.</p><p>Soon I was approaching the venue of my meeting and coming the other way were two of my colleagues who had come by train from Kettering to St Pancras and had continued to Southwark by taxi ... they were amazed that I had walked all that way but I am younger and fitter than they, and intend to keep the fitness for as long as I can, which does require the exercise. We were among the first to arrive and as everyone gathered it transpired that some had walked from Waterloo, just a nice walking distance, but the others who had come into Liverpool Street, Kings Cross, St Pancras or Marylebone had all taken buses or the Underground - and my friends who had taken a taxi. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtvS2X37EVv73c00Lan9DUBdEtoouQDcASZMXzpvkkkfo055lB5HSQdVzJtnzVholyxoxqKlSapxRnk5HtzmStrT9ZFdSWvko_5eNy-lETh_mfDc_nk6FalmvqtzNFWyp0wQjhMImKiHQwLV8C7HOzLA4jYMVrtyaWYAlk_iX0ts10--iojhmrvCys/s3780/IMG_3774.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3780" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtvS2X37EVv73c00Lan9DUBdEtoouQDcASZMXzpvkkkfo055lB5HSQdVzJtnzVholyxoxqKlSapxRnk5HtzmStrT9ZFdSWvko_5eNy-lETh_mfDc_nk6FalmvqtzNFWyp0wQjhMImKiHQwLV8C7HOzLA4jYMVrtyaWYAlk_iX0ts10--iojhmrvCys/w160-h200/IMG_3774.jpeg" width="160" /></a></div>I had thoroughly enjoyed my walk but at the end of the day I did use the Underground to go back to Kings Cross. By then it was becoming dark and cooler and, of course, I was no longer in need of quite so much exercise! From Southwark I travelled just one stop to Waterloo and then changed to the Northern Line to Warren Street where I left the Underground and walked the rest of the way to St Pancras station. Having allowed time in the morning for my little task with the Railcard I had also allowed plenty of time in the evening for odd jobs, and one odd job that really needed to be done was to buy a supply of St Pancras Blend tea from Fortnum and Mason, only available from their shop at St Pancras. Once that was done I browsed around a little more and then made my way across the road to Kings Cross to await my LNER train to Peterborough where I made the change once more for Stamford; home by early evening after a very satisfying day. The waiting room at Peterborough was busy: from platforms 6 and 7 there were trains for Norwich, Ipswich and (mine) Birmingham within the next half-hour, and all were clearly going to be fairly busy. My train came in more-or-less on time and left on time, reasonably full but not overcrowded. People are travelling, and we need to get our railways up and running properly, with full timetables and without random cancellations caused by staff shortages (which in truth are usually overtime unpopularity!). It surely cannot be long now before we have a decent railway again?<p></p><p><br /></p>Mark at mwtripshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10503658158339712260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3429482469896815050.post-54191343625793468782023-01-28T15:40:00.002+00:002023-03-05T21:22:37.063+00:00Car-free Holidays to the Isle of Wight<h2 style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxPyIr3Y639xSqORV0O18sl2BkdLc8QNnjYMt2JoGqMEb82OSPJEbWea8v5uQJmdQERTRIl-J2IJpu1--3Nfjrb3dxNzhj8YBJgh9KwXJ88dFGDuhBW4RBHTu4_3D6f-U6X3s-dqGc0raH69nebgoHcDln6vxcY2tn0Q7fZqfPpAInvgPOTvyiKHMd/s320/Osborne%20Beach.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxPyIr3Y639xSqORV0O18sl2BkdLc8QNnjYMt2JoGqMEb82OSPJEbWea8v5uQJmdQERTRIl-J2IJpu1--3Nfjrb3dxNzhj8YBJgh9KwXJ88dFGDuhBW4RBHTu4_3D6f-U6X3s-dqGc0raH69nebgoHcDln6vxcY2tn0Q7fZqfPpAInvgPOTvyiKHMd/s1600/Osborne%20Beach.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Four stories about holidays by rail, ferry and bus<br /></h2><p>Our annual visit to the south coast is now planned, hotels and restaurants, anyway; the train tickets will have to wait for a bit. We shall visit Yarmouth, Isle of Wight, again this year before moving on to Chichester. I thought readers might be interested in our four previous visits to the Isle of Wight, as this really is a great place to go car-free. Indeed, I'd say that the Isle of Wight is actually better without the car, which is a bit of a rave to get onto the island in the first place and can be a bit of an encumbrance when you are there (we took two cars one year, some time ago, when there were six of us); the ferry queues are not much fun.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">So here are the four visits we have done in the past, all great:</h3><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>2017, <a href="https://www.mwtrips.co.uk/2017/09/the-traditional-route-to-isle-of-wight.html">Shanklin and the Isle of Wight Steam Railway</a></li><li>2018, <a href="https://www.mwtrips.co.uk/2018/08/southern-summer-sunshine-solent-and.html">Shanklin, Carisbrooke Castle and Osborne House</a></li><li>2019, <a href="https://www.mwtrips.co.uk/2019/08/yarmouth-no-other-one-and-chichester.html">Yarmouth, The Needles, the Coastline</a></li><li>2021, <a href="https://www.mwtrips.co.uk/2021/08/always-more-to-do-on-isle-of-wight.html">Yarmouth, Mottistone Manor Garden, Osborne House, Isle of Wight Steam Railway</a></li></ul></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI64XMF8021c4YcnOhYP8OEs0dggY5sFrUg7R8jq4IRvY9ocqnxTv9Y2jqhh-BgVzW5-w56vW7dSl1MR0O6I2rcSWauL4dPnn_dFFhc4q_6xFkH0PCJcxmKYxVzgbn7QVEDmaE1rmXX45De0M8A2XREtpsXECZRw5QJkZFR1bDOR0MGBscvGDC9Zjf/s320/cases.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI64XMF8021c4YcnOhYP8OEs0dggY5sFrUg7R8jq4IRvY9ocqnxTv9Y2jqhh-BgVzW5-w56vW7dSl1MR0O6I2rcSWauL4dPnn_dFFhc4q_6xFkH0PCJcxmKYxVzgbn7QVEDmaE1rmXX45De0M8A2XREtpsXECZRw5QJkZFR1bDOR0MGBscvGDC9Zjf/s320/cases.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI64XMF8021c4YcnOhYP8OEs0dggY5sFrUg7R8jq4IRvY9ocqnxTv9Y2jqhh-BgVzW5-w56vW7dSl1MR0O6I2rcSWauL4dPnn_dFFhc4q_6xFkH0PCJcxmKYxVzgbn7QVEDmaE1rmXX45De0M8A2XREtpsXECZRw5QJkZFR1bDOR0MGBscvGDC9Zjf/s1600/cases.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></h3><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">The secret to enjoying these holidays is:</h3><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Book the accommodation in advance (and restaurant the first night - we always regretted when we didn't do this)</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Allow plenty of time for the journey to make it relaxing, no rushing across London</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Think carefully about packing and try to keep it to one modest suitcase and a small backpack each</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Book train tickets early and go First Class; book through to the Isle of Wight destination so that the ferry is included in the ticket - that makes it both simpler and much cheaper</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Download in advance the <a href="https://www.islandbuses.info" target="_blank">Southern Vectis</a> bus map and install their app on your smartphone, and use their day rover tickets</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJyVt1wZFWawVC1e-npk0Cd76tEuoLKDh9doNuV4CX9SjaOubr92YMQTN9qwkaAWQSweRJBl7J073xprqm9Qm_tPBcPv5stFSYUknQW9o4aK5TfzOc3M8NeTZ8F2YroAFXSbpzXWSVAGJyLoi2KzfKZkhFRcHNuGt15s5D4IabMDFINR1cR3P9vYq4/s200/Needles%20Breezer.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="150" data-original-width="200" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJyVt1wZFWawVC1e-npk0Cd76tEuoLKDh9doNuV4CX9SjaOubr92YMQTN9qwkaAWQSweRJBl7J073xprqm9Qm_tPBcPv5stFSYUknQW9o4aK5TfzOc3M8NeTZ8F2YroAFXSbpzXWSVAGJyLoi2KzfKZkhFRcHNuGt15s5D4IabMDFINR1cR3P9vYq4/s1600/Needles%20Breezer.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>Southern Vectis buses will take you all over the east or west sides of the Island without a change of bus, and to go from one side to the other involves a simple change at Newport bus station. We also do a lot of walking, and bicycles can be hired if you like cycling. We love the buses; almost all of them are double deckers and the views from the top deck are wonderful. Even from the bottom deck the views are better than from a car.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhcOukNePhTjuC1Iyw6bQ5kpovCdnnqHBVqNU7LQ6cJjEDK9aRkw2CM8CZ8l_GlWbSyJWCH0wj7SqzNj0imoyvPakXm55lmNg0pRu-o__dL2FVI41VPUS3nK1QC3cLIOFpdLirv5LlBeXc2QfEMXhxDd5ca_eFELrPb5Koh4nfviaJL0Jq3kX2IPR7/s320/Ventnor.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhcOukNePhTjuC1Iyw6bQ5kpovCdnnqHBVqNU7LQ6cJjEDK9aRkw2CM8CZ8l_GlWbSyJWCH0wj7SqzNj0imoyvPakXm55lmNg0pRu-o__dL2FVI41VPUS3nK1QC3cLIOFpdLirv5LlBeXc2QfEMXhxDd5ca_eFELrPb5Koh4nfviaJL0Jq3kX2IPR7/s1600/Ventnor.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />Mark at mwtripshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10503658158339712260noreply@blogger.com0Yarmouth, UK50.705279 -1.49893822.395045163821152 -36.655188 79.015512836178843 33.657312tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3429482469896815050.post-43403925034101398512023-01-18T21:53:00.000+00:002023-01-18T21:53:23.218+00:00An Unofficially Fast Journey!<h2 style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzSZBEv3NQNGu68dWkyTZlbLyzTZhKLv8LejffulE8JUCoUMR535eQmMvp2VNSWd7ls6mLCEQuoTx0hvBsjqrR-P0-uMEU6oa2_oCivkR-5JqWBmxtZWL3SUy29msz_IfetHK3kdSbJtKAom5lIrlZwguFmi_28QDUmjh3H8YAXBrpa37LzI5n8Akw/s4032/5C9F091A-7DCD-4AB9-9311-CCCA9094CB53.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzSZBEv3NQNGu68dWkyTZlbLyzTZhKLv8LejffulE8JUCoUMR535eQmMvp2VNSWd7ls6mLCEQuoTx0hvBsjqrR-P0-uMEU6oa2_oCivkR-5JqWBmxtZWL3SUy29msz_IfetHK3kdSbJtKAom5lIrlZwguFmi_28QDUmjh3H8YAXBrpa37LzI5n8Akw/s320/5C9F091A-7DCD-4AB9-9311-CCCA9094CB53.jpeg" width="180" /></a></div>The connecting train that should not have been!</h2><p>I went to a meeting in Lincoln this week. It was quite a short meeting, so the travel was a substantial part of the day, although the advantage of travelling by rail was that I could do things on the way, which I did. The journey toward was quite straightforward, with a change at Peterborough to an East Midlands Railway service. This route is now worked by two-coach Class 170 units, much more comfortable than the inadequate units that used to be used: the green interior gives away that they were acquired from the defunct London Midland franchise and only painted on the outside - still the green does fit very well with the Lincolnshire vibe! They have more table seats and better luggage facilities even than the similar units used by Cross Country on the route through Stamford. The schedule to Lincoln is very, well, <i><b>relaxed</b></i>, shall we say. That is, it could be a lot faster, but it has to contend with single track through Sleaford as well as connections there, Peterborough, Lincoln and Doncaster.</p><p>In Lincoln I went to the bus station to see if there was a suitable bus up to the Cathedral, intending to use a taxi if not, and as it happened there was a bus just about to leave, so I was in very good time for the meeting with no additional expense.</p><p>The way back was not so straightforward (it seldom is), and I went to the station as soon as I left the meeting, where a train for Peterborough was expected, on time, in just a few minutes. It was a similar train to the one on which I had come and went the same way. I looked at the itinerary that LNER had given me when I booked the tickets and spotted that it included a 61-minute wait in Peterborough for the connection to Stamford - and I thought that means it actually arrives one minute before the preceding train to Stamford, but, of course, that one minute is inadequate a margin for an advertised connection, especially as Lincoln trains and Stamford trains normally use platforms on opposite sides of the station. But then the real times section of the LNER app showed my train from Lincoln arriving on time at platform 7 in Peterborough and the unofficial connection home leaving from platform 6, a cross-platform change, easily done if the arrival is on time.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqUziL47MUjAvbhOQu7-UN_osKsSkfm51Zkv1JgJ4Phq24z36jcwSAiT_885lPcUn5b2PJ3mpxrT_r004bDhz073ol7PVc5wmdSZ07hIR8lfTKWsTfOD1rdbGS0CAlSBv9xBDvxzExgDjgk_Byy8PO1BfeQi4uW1JAVTsyBmIMpYcDhkFEkXhQ_VxE/s2048/6376795C-0693-41FD-881F-A1019B4AFB19.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqUziL47MUjAvbhOQu7-UN_osKsSkfm51Zkv1JgJ4Phq24z36jcwSAiT_885lPcUn5b2PJ3mpxrT_r004bDhz073ol7PVc5wmdSZ07hIR8lfTKWsTfOD1rdbGS0CAlSBv9xBDvxzExgDjgk_Byy8PO1BfeQi4uW1JAVTsyBmIMpYcDhkFEkXhQ_VxE/s320/6376795C-0693-41FD-881F-A1019B4AFB19.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>Checking my watch as the rain approached Peterborough I stood by the door with my coat on and briefcase in hand and opened the door as soon as it was released and walked briskly across to where the three-coach Cross Country train was waiting with "Birmingham New Street" on its destination display. The whistle blew just as I was taking my seat and I was home a whole hour earlier than planned, with no hanging around in Peterborough. <p></p><p>Had I missed that train I would have gone to the bus station instead and caught the bus which leaves just a few minutes later and which would have taken me home before the next train would have done, so I would still have been early but not as early as I was. That may be a record fast time for Lincoln to Stamford, but you certainly cannot count on doing it, and any issue like a heavy suitcase, a pram or a mobility problem would require the Birmingham train to be running late if one were to stand a chance of catching it! A good day on the rails: no cancellations (affecting me, anyway) and nothing running late. All comfortable and all clean. </p>Mark at mwtripshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10503658158339712260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3429482469896815050.post-46582274023004522292023-01-12T09:15:00.001+00:002023-01-28T14:57:10.783+00:00Train Travel Plans for the New Year<h2 style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM9YHxuD5fKXh2Qrr7YLM0Xhaj3FauBvUqZZFVjqTMkmNNwZvOSjU16lo9VXcknI3yrUc3Zu3GhBQBSD-aZ90pYETjC9i9212YkfnBfZyfWatJV7SgRsITs8Ritb9Cz02NjryrvhcCl4wwWPXTEx1CbSPMfVqkp32JdUcUwx9bzVxMJX9-8jkbbkQE/s2305/3FFDA297-37D0-4CAF-BDED-75A542FFEEB7.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1537" data-original-width="2305" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM9YHxuD5fKXh2Qrr7YLM0Xhaj3FauBvUqZZFVjqTMkmNNwZvOSjU16lo9VXcknI3yrUc3Zu3GhBQBSD-aZ90pYETjC9i9212YkfnBfZyfWatJV7SgRsITs8Ritb9Cz02NjryrvhcCl4wwWPXTEx1CbSPMfVqkp32JdUcUwx9bzVxMJX9-8jkbbkQE/w200-h133/3FFDA297-37D0-4CAF-BDED-75A542FFEEB7.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>UK and International Rail Tours<br /></h2><p>By this time of the year I usually have a couple of plans fully formed and others taking shape. This year is slightly unusual in that no fewer than three European train tours are already booked. One British short hotel/spa break is booked but I am not yet sure whether I shall be doing that one by car or by train, so it doesn't count yet! Dates have been chosen for the usual August trip to the south coast, the last time we shall be doing in the way that we have been doing for several years, but nothing has yet been booked: time to get on with it!</p><p>The first European holiday by train will be to Amsterdam in early spring, using the through Eurostar service to Amsterdam for the first time. I was going to book direct with Eurostar, who also would have booked a hotel, but I looked elsewhere and discovered <a href="https://planetrail.co.uk/holidays/amsterdam-by-first-class-rail" target="_blank">Planet Rail</a> who were offering a similar deal but with a better-located hotel for our purposes. I telephone them and took their advice on dates, times and other details and booked Standard Premier Eurostar tickets and the hotel in Amsterdam. Now I need to look for at least one day trip to visit the tulip fields, a sight no longer available in south Lincolnshire but common when I was growing up here.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVCG5KhzSrCP7vXTE_VcvHrlUO8UMH6v_3tO9IPUFNtwuBfHSeOeoTyTrG5zbKYUTS_8h0biXHYNMU1DyOYdh4yXEJZQrKx-UbQi2B_mfyK4DUsx75m1fvLOOZyLkcpCGTn9OWzukaE4UspMkiziOIZZXacYQVeXKS3H2hdlUe-v6MUZsQTuld1lxt/s4032/F4018E19-6222-4EA2-89C2-1933BFA92577.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVCG5KhzSrCP7vXTE_VcvHrlUO8UMH6v_3tO9IPUFNtwuBfHSeOeoTyTrG5zbKYUTS_8h0biXHYNMU1DyOYdh4yXEJZQrKx-UbQi2B_mfyK4DUsx75m1fvLOOZyLkcpCGTn9OWzukaE4UspMkiziOIZZXacYQVeXKS3H2hdlUe-v6MUZsQTuld1lxt/s320/F4018E19-6222-4EA2-89C2-1933BFA92577.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>In the summer we are going to the <a href="https://www.greatrail.com/tours/the-french-riviera-and-five-star-rhone-cruise/" target="_blank">south of France with a Great Rail Journeys escorted tour</a>, including a day in Monaco and a river cruise on the Rhône. This will give us the return to Nice, Cannes and Avignon which we promised ourselves when we went there independently a few years ago, along with much else. I just fear it may be a little too warm there, but we shall see. In the autumn we finish our three years of annual trips to Italy with a visit to <a href="https://www.greatrail.com/tours/stresa-lake-maggiore-hotel-regina-palace/#STL23" target="_blank">Lake Maggiore, again with Great Rail Journeys</a>.<p></p><p>This all leaves us with several shorter British trips to arrange as we owe visits to several friends whom we have not seen since before the Covid pandemic. Once the disruption in the rail industry has settled down (when ever that is going to be), then we shall be in a better position to make plans: currently everything has to be contingent on the trains running on the planned days. I also need to restart the programme of day tours for my friends, once I am confident that they will not be disrupted.</p>Mark at mwtripshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10503658158339712260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3429482469896815050.post-50378767528976232002022-12-09T21:05:00.000+00:002022-12-09T21:05:25.799+00:00Awaiting the levelling-up of bus services!<h2 style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCMyPbjnLOwqZ6OpGYTogUkcKaYlheCGaKjtc0UJpdGdNq8pTCGFez_dRBxmmXVYfxNvu6Zxtgm_KO2C-ynDByl5iWwhCDk0Uqz-6NZiw3yrn6PyATzNcSqFGenZKEt8_Ws2Cx4560B24D8l0OayrKpTbMQVRD2kjY84K8J_LrXFis9DJYXgfeBckz/s4032/0CEFC692-C3DA-4DB0-AF19-EC2B62F0443B.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCMyPbjnLOwqZ6OpGYTogUkcKaYlheCGaKjtc0UJpdGdNq8pTCGFez_dRBxmmXVYfxNvu6Zxtgm_KO2C-ynDByl5iWwhCDk0Uqz-6NZiw3yrn6PyATzNcSqFGenZKEt8_Ws2Cx4560B24D8l0OayrKpTbMQVRD2kjY84K8J_LrXFis9DJYXgfeBckz/s320/0CEFC692-C3DA-4DB0-AF19-EC2B62F0443B.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>A Local Adventure by Bus and by Train<br /></h2><p>One of Boris Johnson's undeliverable promises was that the whole country would have "London style" bus services, so frequent that we would not need timetables ... well, that was never going to work in the countryside, but there are places where you'd think that at least some parts might work, and yet it still doesn't. Take Stamford, where I live: no buses run anywhere after about 6 o'clock in the evening, and none on Sundays. Even on Saturdays most routes do not operate either. Some services we do have are so infrequent that although I have lived here for about fourteen years, three of them with a senior citizen bus pass, I have never used them because they just do not fit what I need to do. But one of those routes I have finally tried, and this is the story!</p><p>I had to meet a colleague, my Archdeacon, to prepare a report together for our Bishop. I have been to her home many times before and was aware that there is a bus stop right outside her house, served by the good (for Lincolnshire) bus service between Grantham and Lincoln. I arranged the meeting mid-morning so as to stand some chance of getting there from Stamford and set off to the bus station to get the number 4 bus to Grantham, where I would change for the Lincoln bus.</p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQkjfEh5sf9Zwh0UFEU-tFZ_EAC02MNHD7DlC-96Jfxg8N-rCo406rbfxt_lKz0WwS3lX8p5-e1Tnj6vHiJmWMSgJeNBgpqC_m-Z5h7aCxMBF-eQhJLo3NtYBOVQ34qOLgiA7acAKf9OyS2kMNVrr-x9PJTvZGYiE7-ODtMVlfC-mzJpM72O6oUKdR/s4032/266B557B-1C23-41FE-AE70-0A15CCB46145.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQkjfEh5sf9Zwh0UFEU-tFZ_EAC02MNHD7DlC-96Jfxg8N-rCo406rbfxt_lKz0WwS3lX8p5-e1Tnj6vHiJmWMSgJeNBgpqC_m-Z5h7aCxMBF-eQhJLo3NtYBOVQ34qOLgiA7acAKf9OyS2kMNVrr-x9PJTvZGYiE7-ODtMVlfC-mzJpM72O6oUKdR/s320/266B557B-1C23-41FE-AE70-0A15CCB46145.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This bus has pretensions to being an airliner!<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><a href="https://lincsbus.info/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/4-Grantham-Stamford.pdf" target="_blank">Bus service 4 to Grantham</a> is a route which Centrebus acquired when they bought the Kimes company which had run it for some time. It was never frequent and acts a service linking the villages between the two towns to the towns, and it is clearly aimed at those going to Stamford in the morning and returning in the afternoon, for it was likely to be impossible to return by this way: I would probably need a train back, via a change at Peterborough, because the last bus from Grantham to Stamford was far too early for me to be likely to catch it. The company is based in Grantham and I suspect it wants to get all its vehicles and drivers home for tea!<p></p><p>At the bus station I joined a handful of passengers waiting by a small bus for the driver to arrive and start the boarding. It was not much more than a minibus and my seat was really only just big enough, the seat beside me being needed for my briefcase, so it is as well that the bus was not fully loaded! The same four people, including myself, remained the only passengers all the way through the outskirts of Stamford and into the Rutland countryside at Ryhall. No-one got on or off through several further villages, back into Lincolnshire. I have travelled these lanes and visited these villages on and off since I was about six years old, but always by car: from the bus, even a little bus, I saw far more of the scenery. It was a lovely, sunny day and everything looked wonderful, especially through the Holywell estate. I can thoroughly recommend a trip on the number 4 just for the ride, and some of the villages have some pretty decent pubs, too ... a summer outing is taking shape in my head! On some of the winding roads, the advice to wear seat belts (how many buses even have those?) was probably wise!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGTRKubHPtvwa9DToLnyn_rBAeRh7tcjTdiWwvk1vLxjtDGa1XXKSuWv0Hbgl4PDZZBs4o1fhVq6iJkPDNVbVWIVXIfPqN4RTvbxlFP2ShTEyAyMcatgtuUV6uVJkaaZHeQzCVIJPcXMfTmxabKKefBOv75RzmGIsFWU-jpOGbQHAd7fU5nO_evv5o/s4032/9D16E8FC-9A75-4AA9-A523-11AAC872831A.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGTRKubHPtvwa9DToLnyn_rBAeRh7tcjTdiWwvk1vLxjtDGa1XXKSuWv0Hbgl4PDZZBs4o1fhVq6iJkPDNVbVWIVXIfPqN4RTvbxlFP2ShTEyAyMcatgtuUV6uVJkaaZHeQzCVIJPcXMfTmxabKKefBOv75RzmGIsFWU-jpOGbQHAd7fU5nO_evv5o/s320/9D16E8FC-9A75-4AA9-A523-11AAC872831A.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>After a delightful run through the Lincolnshire countryside the bus made its way to Grantham bus station where I had a few minutes to spare before my onward connection. I checked with the driver when and where to get the bus back if my meeting finished in time, but I was fairly sure that it would not and that I'd be looking a train back from Grantham.<p></p><p>The bus I needed was <a href="https://www.stagecoachbus.com/routes/east-midlands/1/grantham-lincoln/xgao001.i" target="_blank">Stagecoach route 1</a> for Lincoln, and I'd be getting off in Welbourn at the stop called "The Old Rectory", right by the gateway of what has now become the Archdeacon's house. This was a full-sized double-deck bus with even better views of the countryside, again on a road I have driven many a time but only once before by bus, and that was long ago when a meeting in Lincoln overran causing me to miss my train back to Grantham where I then lived, so I had to go to the bus station, then at St Mark's, to get a green Lincolnshire Road Car home. It took ages compared with the train, and I was late already, but in those days it was buses that were always there for us when everything else had packed up. Now it is the buses that pack up while the trains often continue until late. Funny how it goes.</p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJct7FnLm75a4e6n3jWYUXbQaDzby2cEzt5dEndnS70kb1npRqbTTRvGM4ovfJbiflIeyFJIFD5gujwiFPZEIX960TNUI7hQiEXDPjEUN87ck_PMugoSMW4ufQ8G9Pal8w78_FUJTZeTzfqfXETdf_Ike-TUicmvfibdO31lGAiw_g1FdyKl5DMJGf/s4032/075516EA-E7E2-4910-AF55-71DE49478C90.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJct7FnLm75a4e6n3jWYUXbQaDzby2cEzt5dEndnS70kb1npRqbTTRvGM4ovfJbiflIeyFJIFD5gujwiFPZEIX960TNUI7hQiEXDPjEUN87ck_PMugoSMW4ufQ8G9Pal8w78_FUJTZeTzfqfXETdf_Ike-TUicmvfibdO31lGAiw_g1FdyKl5DMJGf/s320/075516EA-E7E2-4910-AF55-71DE49478C90.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not quite sure what my Archdeacon was trying to tell me with<br />this mug </td></tr></tbody></table>Meeting over, I was kindly entertained to lunch (pumpkin soup; it was that time f the year!) and was kindly given a lift to Grantham railway station, too, so I did not use the bus as planned for that section of the trip. From Grantham to Peterborough there are two train services: LNER's from Lincoln or the north to London, and East Midlands Railway's from Nottingham or beyond to Norwich. They depart just a few moments apart, so I did not buy my ticket until I saw how they were running and which was likely to get me to Peterborough earliest. I ascertained that it would be LNER (as it should have been by the timetable), which also had the advantage of not needing me to cross the bridge to the other platform, so using the LNER app I bought a Standard Class single to Peterborough and boarded the train a few moments later. Had I not had the app I am not sure what I'd have done, as although there were many staff the booking office was not open. I suppose there'd have been a ticket machine somewhere but I did not bother to look because I knew I did not need it.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglet3jsPuFP1xus6zutgddPRsBDrZ-G8qzJA_luIFfoe8htbkjhbsA5mN0WS-2wfiox0ioWm_lJBX5Br4nEu0ckTl2zmXGNjRpt55_x3U_kCNgKPtZcfVvcAr_9dVAbGiciZgSauFSMIvi42HLFQHhQcrGSbGQVQ2LdzxCR5b8pTh7rloSe5a4UpI0/s3840/C091E78B-26D1-416B-B8F3-C0CB80F880E9.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglet3jsPuFP1xus6zutgddPRsBDrZ-G8qzJA_luIFfoe8htbkjhbsA5mN0WS-2wfiox0ioWm_lJBX5Br4nEu0ckTl2zmXGNjRpt55_x3U_kCNgKPtZcfVvcAr_9dVAbGiciZgSauFSMIvi42HLFQHhQcrGSbGQVQ2LdzxCR5b8pTh7rloSe5a4UpI0/s320/C091E78B-26D1-416B-B8F3-C0CB80F880E9.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>I was in no hurry to get home and had an invitation to my son's home in Hampton, Peterborough, so on arrival in Peterborough I made my way to the bus station and instead of taking the bus home I took the bus to Hampton, the end of a day of local adventure.</p><p>Now, all of this could have been done by car, and yes, it would probably have been "quicker" but it seems to me that car travel is often simply tedious even if it is quicker. I did not have to drive, I had a great view of the scenery, on the train part of the trip I was able to get ahead with the things I had undertaken to do at my meeting. As a senior citizen, of course, my expenses claim was just for the short one-way train trip on the return, far less than the mileage would have been at 45p a mile (which with today's petrol price is probably not enough to cover essential car use anyway). And it was fun! I have longed for a reason to take that bus number 4 which, it seems to me, would also be great for getting to or from some country walks.</p><p>It is easy to believe, especially in a county like Lincolnshire or Rutland, that without a car it is impossible to get about, but it is not impossible. It is not always very convenient, though, and we look forward, with no confidence at all, to the "London style" bus services we should get as part of the levelling-up agenda. Or at least buses that run all day and every day. Or for some places any bus at all ... but meanwhile, even now there are more useful bus routes than we sometimes think, and by bus and train it is quite possible to make some quite complex journeys, and even to do spontaneous things. But it does need rather more thought than it might in London.</p><br /><p><br /></p>Mark at mwtripshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10503658158339712260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3429482469896815050.post-51716268318955516342022-10-24T17:30:00.016+01:002023-01-12T09:49:31.070+00:00Rome and Campania<h1 style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2-Vjl7ZKSvphunI2zGdmOT0iWy8XsETMGZ4JNbhubnimx054vpPswWbdpNjCJVjUhAFtC9t-2flfnpz0rtv7rhfD-8vxNHS2EtscSBKbQIUWLKXLvVSE9UuPkyImDrkpmorOLLeaIeeQ6wUs7EWvVxuunv4eux_zRb2SqBQdtIoqJFQWjbLqsYP-E/s3088/IMG_2652.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2-Vjl7ZKSvphunI2zGdmOT0iWy8XsETMGZ4JNbhubnimx054vpPswWbdpNjCJVjUhAFtC9t-2flfnpz0rtv7rhfD-8vxNHS2EtscSBKbQIUWLKXLvVSE9UuPkyImDrkpmorOLLeaIeeQ6wUs7EWvVxuunv4eux_zRb2SqBQdtIoqJFQWjbLqsYP-E/s320/IMG_2652.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div></h1><h2 style="text-align: left;">A Tour of Italy by Train with Great Rail Journeys</h2><p>When we returned from <a href="https://www.mwtrips.co.uk/2021/10/grand-tour-of-italy.html">last year's Great Rail Journeys tour of Rome, Florence, Pisa, Lucca, Venice and Turin</a>, we immediately booked up this year's Italian tour, including a couple of days in Rome and then a week based in Sorrento with trips out to many historic and picturesque places. We have made many trips both within the UK and on the European continent in the intervening year, trying to make up for time lost in the Covid 19 pandemic, but eventually the day dawned when we left for this exciting Italian adventure. We had tried to revise our Italian language skills after putting so much effort into French for Switzerland and France but I still felt somewhat rusty as I locked the door behind me and set off on a Wednesday afternoon for Stamford station to begin the trip. As it happened we had been home for just a day and two nights since returning from London: it was this trip for which DHL had failed to collect our luggage, so I drove my wife and the suitcases to the station then returned the car to the garage and walked down to join her. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj6FeXOrV-1vtRwPkmLNG24Al7LlIJS4PqDxxHAl9qbNbRKcTHtbhZ6D-CGTrk-9GYHlW2EaJCzyuJobKTU-z070okOxNqHSZJZQlAkQ4UCyy-RuV3XadWPLi7IfqYJMLeY1KoPr4TBDfkYZwcCECfcpx_l1K2bIQbTj-DIIm-ceqHiwFYC8lnGTZz/s2436/531E19BF-507C-43EC-822C-1A04A1B93939.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2436" data-original-width="1125" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj6FeXOrV-1vtRwPkmLNG24Al7LlIJS4PqDxxHAl9qbNbRKcTHtbhZ6D-CGTrk-9GYHlW2EaJCzyuJobKTU-z070okOxNqHSZJZQlAkQ4UCyy-RuV3XadWPLi7IfqYJMLeY1KoPr4TBDfkYZwcCECfcpx_l1K2bIQbTj-DIIm-ceqHiwFYC8lnGTZz/w93-h200/531E19BF-507C-43EC-822C-1A04A1B93939.png" width="93" /></a></div>It did not start as we hoped to continue! We were already starting an hour later than planned because our preferred train to Peterborough had been cancelled, and as it turned out the next one was becoming increasingly late as we waited for it at the station. Having revised our seat reservations on the LNER train from Peterborough to London, I then had to revise them again because of the extra delay. All this alteration was achieved through LNER's smartphone app while on the move. Our tickets from Peterborough to London were included in the holiday and were open tickets, but we felt it was good to reserve seats together. We had just a comfortable interval between trains at Peterborough and then enjoyed <a href="https://www.lner.co.uk/the-east-coast-experience/first-class/menu/" target="_blank">LNER's First Class hospitality</a>: sandwiches and hot drinks were offered, but we asked for beer and the kind hostess went and fetched it for us after she'd finished her round. We have almost always found the catering staff on the route to be really helpful in making a journey enjoyable.<p></p><p>In London we spent a night at the Premier Inn opposite the British Library, as so often before taking a train to the continent. After our visit to <a href="https://www.mwtrips.co.uk/2022/10/adaptable-travel-plans.html">a brand-new Premier Inn the previous week</a>, this old favourite was now beginning to look in need of some care, but it still provided a clean, comfortable night's sleep before the excitement of the coming day.<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLio5-CCxKsE9xpwcKnITuKFWmp6xeBJv6G_Xm_Jx5VFqhkxwvlMt1TIUO3sf_-oEtIWL49LIm8lfIkQqNO2Zyc247jyVn5DcozqIO__Z6tTrYApqhCP6h0Q5heqreDzGGrNDZa8wPboB49QROUOV1Bnm3xeq557DHUEqe8WSOGhvLCNNpAbrmr8ob/s4032/CEF4DA9F-B63D-4014-B961-02E5FB244877.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLio5-CCxKsE9xpwcKnITuKFWmp6xeBJv6G_Xm_Jx5VFqhkxwvlMt1TIUO3sf_-oEtIWL49LIm8lfIkQqNO2Zyc247jyVn5DcozqIO__Z6tTrYApqhCP6h0Q5heqreDzGGrNDZa8wPboB49QROUOV1Bnm3xeq557DHUEqe8WSOGhvLCNNpAbrmr8ob/w240-h320/CEF4DA9F-B63D-4014-B961-02E5FB244877.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>Checking out involved posting our keycard in a box by the front door, and we were off to St Pancras International station to meet Catherine, our tour manager and then to scan our tickets at the International Departures gates. Checking in for our train, the 10:22 non-stop to Paris, had just begun and as we cleared the security check and passport controls for both the UK and French border forces the train before ours was announced, so there were plenty of seats in the departure lounge. It was good to see a nice full list of departures on the screens: Paris, Disneyland, Amsterdam via Brussels; the service is certainly picking up again after the pandemic. We had breakfast there, fruit salads bought the evening before and coffee and croissant bought from the Station Pantry near our seats (I can recommend their coffee, by the way - it's the servery on the left at the far end of the waiting area as you enter it from passport control). Soon our train was called, we took our seats and the Eurostar train left from St Pancras on time.<p></p><p>In spite of the early hour (by now about 11:00), the light meal served on the train was lunch, with wine, rather than breakfast as I had expected, but if I changed my watch to French time it was noon which did not feel quite so strange!</p><p>We were in Paris Nord on time and were taken by Catherine to board a coach transfer to the Gare de Lyon. A TGV took us to Lyon where we stayed overnight at a hotel near Perrache station, with dinner provided, and breakfast the following morning.</p><span style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: 700;">Rome, Sorrento, the Amalfi Coast, Pompeii, Herculaneum and Capri</span><h3 style="text-align: left;">Thursday, into Italy</h3><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9N1LJOh96i41LDYPRLSeK-ZAGocaia5xJIWGoij2GmEckfNG2ihkbEdNcSNhE8dY08KVg-gJNvLbIr-INIgtupyXd_c_X0J_f_FlfBfhaVPCKh9EpXC87ZB7CjomyFfzHeY2M7uIB0bOtYWlMoqYfYYPyUX52ZQ34_R8haiJl-9jzk8GgECuXZ9RL/s4032/42E70CA8-6A96-41B6-A550-028C1A4CF294.heic" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9N1LJOh96i41LDYPRLSeK-ZAGocaia5xJIWGoij2GmEckfNG2ihkbEdNcSNhE8dY08KVg-gJNvLbIr-INIgtupyXd_c_X0J_f_FlfBfhaVPCKh9EpXC87ZB7CjomyFfzHeY2M7uIB0bOtYWlMoqYfYYPyUX52ZQ34_R8haiJl-9jzk8GgECuXZ9RL/s320/42E70CA8-6A96-41B6-A550-028C1A4CF294.heic" width="240" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">After bed and breakfast at Lyon we were taken by coach to Lyon Part Dieu station for our train into Italy. This was a <a href="https://www.trenitalia.com/en/frecce/frecciarossa.html" target="_blank">Frecciarossa (Red Arrow) high-speed train</a> and took us as far as Milan in "Business" Class, the middle of three First Class sub-classes on these flagship trains. There was a complimentary drink and snack, and a buffet counter was available for more refreshments, although we did not need this as breakfast was still a recent memory. At Milan we had just a short wait, at the same platform, for a second Frecciarossa to take us on to Rome. We were in the same class and with same level of service, but the train was slightly older and things were not working as well as they should have ... departure was delayed for about half an hour while a technical fault was fixed, but the fixing did not prevent most of the toilets from being out of service most of the time, turning the trip into a game of "hunt the functional loo", nor did it result in the catering staff being able to provide a full service, although it was just about enough to keep us going until dinner. It was not the ideal introduction to international rail travel for some members of the party who had never used it before, no matter how often the rest of us said that we'd never had these problems in the past. One couple spoke about finding a flight home and asked if there was an airport at Sorrento; I was the wrong person to ask, having no idea about airports nor any desire to gain such an idea unless I had to.</p><p style="text-align: left;">In Rome we walked the two blocks to our hotel, the <a href="http://massimo-dazeglio.italyromehotels.net/en/#main" target="_blank">Massimo D'Azeglio</a>, where we had our dinner and a good night's sleep before our first full day in Italy.</p><div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Friday, Rome</h3><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiLmzswB1Exc7WUlDuzT4_kOApAHLO1CPIr_i9YwTnMHmfuZT6sgXiCwroO6PxRpSL6XShGS6USS5q_AcbMJuEL21RA4SzWkakDoWh34Ym8hZH19rGCzpslEwlMalZ4lAFZ5QxJwjz2c9CTA2CVUf2QwgGK8KFIrHEUXLp1IE9wM_rXFXNGtIXM6XG/s4032/IMG_2648.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiLmzswB1Exc7WUlDuzT4_kOApAHLO1CPIr_i9YwTnMHmfuZT6sgXiCwroO6PxRpSL6XShGS6USS5q_AcbMJuEL21RA4SzWkakDoWh34Ym8hZH19rGCzpslEwlMalZ4lAFZ5QxJwjz2c9CTA2CVUf2QwgGK8KFIrHEUXLp1IE9wM_rXFXNGtIXM6XG/s320/IMG_2648.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>We had been undecided about the included guided tour of Rome. We had done this last year and wondered whether a repeat would be worthwhile, but as it had been raining last year we decided to join the tour and were glad that we did. Seeing the staggering historic sites in bright sunshine and with a different guide highlighting different things was certainly worth doing and we learnt a lot more, partly because of knowing where we were and being able to piece together the geography of the city. We did, however, have an agenda for the afternoon and left the tour a little before it finished in order to catch the <a href="https://museoebraico.roma.it/en/" target="_blank">Museo Ebraico (Jewish Museum)</a> before it closed in preparation for the Sabbath. We found the Jewish Museum very interesting. It presented the Jewish religion in way that gentiles like us could easily understand and told us the story of the Jewish community in Rome from antiquity to the present time. The museum is in the basement of the Synagogue and our visit included a brief guided tour of the Synagogue. A terrorist attack there a few years ago killed a child and hurts several people after Sabbath worship and turned a community that had once been largely sympathetic to the Palestinian cause to a much more Zionist position. The people of violence never seem to get that their actions are counter-productive: by argument and persuasion they could have had influential friends but by murder they have made influential enemies.<p></p><p>We had had a decent breakfast, and a coffee break during the tour of Rome, but by now lunch was overdue and we repaired to the same gelateria that we had visited last year, Giolitti, purportedly the oldest in Rome. We needed no more lunch than that. Indeed, so filling and so late it was that we needed no dinner, either!</p><span style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: 700;">It's All About the Lemons!</span><h3 style="text-align: left;">Saturday, Sorrento</h3><p>We left our suitcases at the hotel and they were labelled by Catherine to be taken to our next hotel, and after breakfast we walked with everyone else the two blocks to Roma Termini station, a huge and stylish terminus, where we awaited and then boarded the Frecciarossa high-speed train bound for Salerno which took us as far at Naples. This time the journey went very well: it was more-or-less on time and everything seemed to work properly. From Naples we were taken by road coach to Sorrento and this part of the journey introduced us to the complexity of the area: the peak of Mount Vesuvius presided, now serenely, over the whole region, and there was some wonderful coastal scenery, but volcano and sea alike were constantly shrouded in mist in spite of the sunshine. There was grandeur and there was poverty, new construction and demolition. Over the forthcoming week we would get to know it all quite well.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjldeZBE_P0mo1FF_AJ02s_GJ7uqIO-4LYoO-eD9IOKIjqGyftteSzHJuaf-r1adYjChYuajrlivHbjgCTvB3F5uBpkj4d7eGtlcnptY1mgg6b4hESfZbCS4VFu35oo6kRl091-_ThmJpM-KPaIwOsZx2wNiXu4gsr5J2bnirOaKvW_32OtMA663Ms4/s4032/IMG_2725.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjldeZBE_P0mo1FF_AJ02s_GJ7uqIO-4LYoO-eD9IOKIjqGyftteSzHJuaf-r1adYjChYuajrlivHbjgCTvB3F5uBpkj4d7eGtlcnptY1mgg6b4hESfZbCS4VFu35oo6kRl091-_ThmJpM-KPaIwOsZx2wNiXu4gsr5J2bnirOaKvW_32OtMA663Ms4/s320/IMG_2725.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>Our coach, struggling with traffic, was a little late arriving at Sorrento and we had about half an hour to find lunch before our tour guide was to introduce us to Sorrento. She was already there when we arrived, though, and had expected to get straight on with the tour. By the time discussions had been had about this we were left with just a few minutes for the lunch we had not yet even found, let alone started. It was all fairly chaotic under the attempted leadership of the local guide who seemed too have no skill in decision-making nor in communication - mirroring the events in the British government which were a constant talking point among the participants on the tour! We did get a swift guided tour of the city centre after lunch, and it did include the promised samples of limoncello (with a resolution to return to the shop to buy some of what we had sampled), but everyone was glad to have left our guide behind and be taken to our hotel, the Majestic Palace, where we unpacked our cases as we would not be moving on again for several days.<p></p><p>Dinner was taken at <a href="http://www.villacrawford.it/en/" target="_blank">Villa Crawford</a>, a Christian hospitality centre a few minutes' walk from our hotel, and was very good. A bonus was the Saturday evening firework display just along the coast, presumably at Sorrento's seafront, which we could see from the glazed dining room at Villa Crawford. The walk to and from there was good exercise at the end of a day of travel.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Sunday, the Amalfi Coast</h3><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlqJxNwLIS45WIMOnlfwCDhlYpGbwQBpASnQMqeoymxa8FPpSP7HbtAxOUqJfXrSxkD3wkyLpBWNKy3i-GUDV_WFtGGf1bYdl9eKKKq82Qc9tG1k35wO4vUB5tkyfgx_GhI_DE_BvsvJ_nF_O5tKDjPw8VPceRev0eFND8t-__Yw9qoNtQCY_Pg_6n/s3648/PA160112.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlqJxNwLIS45WIMOnlfwCDhlYpGbwQBpASnQMqeoymxa8FPpSP7HbtAxOUqJfXrSxkD3wkyLpBWNKy3i-GUDV_WFtGGf1bYdl9eKKKq82Qc9tG1k35wO4vUB5tkyfgx_GhI_DE_BvsvJ_nF_O5tKDjPw8VPceRev0eFND8t-__Yw9qoNtQCY_Pg_6n/s320/PA160112.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>It was an early start on Sunday morning, with a coach taking us after breakfast to a little harbour at Massa Lubrense where we boarded the Minerva, which took us on a day cruise around the Amalfi Coast. The boat paused at interesting coastal scenery and historic sites and docked first at Amalfi itself where we had some time to explore. First stop as ever was for coffee, and in this case gelato, and then we walked around the town, or perhaps I should say up and down the town for it is built into a very steep hillside towering over the bay, the houses, shops and other buildings looking as if they are clinging onto a cliff face. With their colours and complexity of projections and height variations these buildings give a wonderfully chaotic appearance from a distance and feel like a vertical maze within. It must be a wonderful place to live, provided you're fit!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3f4nwbfukXmOiIGjWY6b59nazL3X_YJ3frEK1z-KOv2zDPJBEOnp0bQpTL3ZTlCsZUI1Keb24uCqUtczm_Jzj-KeX49BtSdFJ-gxC-Gmc89Qw9p0E6fpUoUF2Q3hS5llzb8qY58h8vfi8Xc3a09LgvNxHcg--3bVPawdpq8TDqoFq8HKL_PzXdwKy/s3648/PA160137.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3f4nwbfukXmOiIGjWY6b59nazL3X_YJ3frEK1z-KOv2zDPJBEOnp0bQpTL3ZTlCsZUI1Keb24uCqUtczm_Jzj-KeX49BtSdFJ-gxC-Gmc89Qw9p0E6fpUoUF2Q3hS5llzb8qY58h8vfi8Xc3a09LgvNxHcg--3bVPawdpq8TDqoFq8HKL_PzXdwKy/s320/PA160137.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>We rejoined the Minerva in Amalfi harbour and were taken back round the coast to Positano which we had seen from the sea on our way to Amalfi. Positano is very similar in the way it seems to cling to the cliffs and again we enjoyed a walk around this town, this time having a drink at a waterfront bar before rejoining the boat for the final leg of the cruise, back to Massa Lubrense.<p></p><p>All of the places we were visiting are popular tourist resorts and are well provided with facilities for visitors at typical tourist prices, and occasionally they become very busy. They are not for everyone, but they are popular for a reason and we loved visiting all these places. If you're looking to get away from the crowds to a quiet place, then such a trip is not for you: we do do such trips but this was not one of them. We relied on the boats, the restaurants and the trains and you don't get these if you're one of only a handful of visitors in a summer! But we saw some beautiful coastline and some amazing coastal towns the like of which we have never seen before. On the way back to Massa Lubrense we passed the island of Capri, which would figure later in our week's itinerary.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzhVgcrNXFIVc0n4dN9e12yTL4zzrsLqZema1xbCwRnKoToCcqTCmrzCV5Sxvgw8IlGE0W4vumYDRwmu2ja4s7F0fFFcRSXubDVjIfGDWmSqGb9TPhvV0V5Krpx7bIY4sXu7zzZhtDhWJxhditIePvVY1pbjX65royYyPbOrLgfWOAocnDerHJTthf/s3648/PA160142.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzhVgcrNXFIVc0n4dN9e12yTL4zzrsLqZema1xbCwRnKoToCcqTCmrzCV5Sxvgw8IlGE0W4vumYDRwmu2ja4s7F0fFFcRSXubDVjIfGDWmSqGb9TPhvV0V5Krpx7bIY4sXu7zzZhtDhWJxhditIePvVY1pbjX65royYyPbOrLgfWOAocnDerHJTthf/s320/PA160142.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">Dinner that evening was at a rather special pizzeria where we were shown and taught how to make the perfect pizza dough and then chose the topping for the pizzas we were to eat - they did not make them with the dough we had just made, though, for it has to prove for a day before use. Wine was served with the pizzas and it was a lovely rounding off to what was the busiest day of the tour.</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Monday, Herculaneum</h3><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5DBNgKJgVe-m-AanI3x-4VCvohucBv1EzCGtON4JuDdZiqVUp1eoU6lDI5ACm8f9Ge_7B0fLfC1IqZin03-Cr4DdLApKLJU7bgMUF9J38UPtnv2ZhoNKIXcFLbdTS_ekQhuDnldjGlRr3KiaGbk4OkfT7nTv2xN9TAbk1YI4XdUtW66gJ7xFSmkVB/s3648/PA170167.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5DBNgKJgVe-m-AanI3x-4VCvohucBv1EzCGtON4JuDdZiqVUp1eoU6lDI5ACm8f9Ge_7B0fLfC1IqZin03-Cr4DdLApKLJU7bgMUF9J38UPtnv2ZhoNKIXcFLbdTS_ekQhuDnldjGlRr3KiaGbk4OkfT7nTv2xN9TAbk1YI4XdUtW66gJ7xFSmkVB/s320/PA170167.JPG" width="320" /></a><p style="text-align: left;">On the Monday morning we were taken by road coach to Herculaneum (Ercolano), one of the towns estroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD79, the deadliest volcanic eruption in European history. Herculaneum had been rapidly overwhelmed by a pyroclastic flow from the volcano while its people were gathered in boathouses behind the beach awaiting rescue. The intense heat killed them instantly and buried them and all that they had in a thick, hot, custard-like mud which preserved most of it just as it was. Timber scorched and charred but remained largely in place and the interior decor of the buildings was preserved by the exclusion of air by the dense coating of mud. Once set, the coating of volcanic mud became like mortar and so when the town was discovered in the 18th century the work of excavation was extremely slow and difficult. Much has since been done both to recover what is there and to interpret it to visitors, but much will remain buried because it is underneath modern Ercolano which makes excavation difficult at best and probably impossible. It is well worth seeing; it helped me that some time ago I had seen a TV programme about the disaster and had a rough idea in my mind of what had happened and what I could expect to see.<br /></p><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p></div><div><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJO2hD4eTUJbiJlSn69ls1iV4ogs_0svDEPWak1hlF-1XgyAuuWNuxrtEnz1fHe69fXBdoQ1_azVn3UEXFtuXPwhkGhvbaPn6bQgmMbIMdkTyjEOHsWCRmBshKR0SE4L5a3ZHtud10JBYQpkT5f0WFi1EMJHMCtqmUtXKZjSmEWPhvNgGzsZntkQxT/s4032/IMG_2701.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJO2hD4eTUJbiJlSn69ls1iV4ogs_0svDEPWak1hlF-1XgyAuuWNuxrtEnz1fHe69fXBdoQ1_azVn3UEXFtuXPwhkGhvbaPn6bQgmMbIMdkTyjEOHsWCRmBshKR0SE4L5a3ZHtud10JBYQpkT5f0WFi1EMJHMCtqmUtXKZjSmEWPhvNgGzsZntkQxT/s320/IMG_2701.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">For lunch the coach took us on to an agriturismo, a working farm that also provides facilities for visitors and sells its produce on the farm. It was a farm unlike any other I have ever seen, on a steep hillside and occupying quite a small area but very intensely productive. The coach was unable to descend the steep and narrow road to the farm, but a couple of shuttle buses awaited us on the roadside to take us down and then bring us back after the lunch and demonstrations. We were served lunch (again with wine; they do seem to drink a lot of it in this part of Italy!) and then were shown how the cheese we had eaten (mozzarella) was made. We were then taken to another shed and shown how limoncello is made and after a little sampling we bought a couple of small bottles to take home.</p><p style="text-align: left;">The farm also produces olive oil, which they store in repurposed beer bottles! They try to be an organic, environmentally-responsible farm, but I am not sure about standards of animal welfare on such a small farm on such difficult terrain. Still, an interesting visit and good to see an effort being made.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6XcGX1WjvUJjldH29T40zvj3S7LS4Pl29rKSN80NPTZnYIGE_ht03eEVTwGfzmxYY6vmKXa0c6_yIZf3C7aW4WUzGR3ujlvP7zHRMthWUSrcjnl8R90Lw9uX5umTNSoGdv07W7n-3f7cybRf2kEJdor2S_2DbYQr2kAtLjOT65mbfcXmMU_JRQXFq/s4032/IMG_2708.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6XcGX1WjvUJjldH29T40zvj3S7LS4Pl29rKSN80NPTZnYIGE_ht03eEVTwGfzmxYY6vmKXa0c6_yIZf3C7aW4WUzGR3ujlvP7zHRMthWUSrcjnl8R90Lw9uX5umTNSoGdv07W7n-3f7cybRf2kEJdor2S_2DbYQr2kAtLjOT65mbfcXmMU_JRQXFq/s320/IMG_2708.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br />Dinner was at Villa Crawford again that evening. No fireworks this time, but another great meal.<p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Tuesday, Capo di Sorrento</h3><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9LXZcW_cO6Lwlh7WXTQTNZhs09BRnsWIF9bjejKHbBVqQ0cDr4h0fHGRMa5tFCPUPl0SMvaikcAec-znpM5SvgeQJOGZP2RpKTYyl7Hk5Ogl0LIJM6ffUaN6FSk-Z35HInaovOUH5fvgp5CnJwh5KSQPNMGj5xRvDoL3sJodw1iWN2yrp1GEfLDRS/s3648/PA180233.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9LXZcW_cO6Lwlh7WXTQTNZhs09BRnsWIF9bjejKHbBVqQ0cDr4h0fHGRMa5tFCPUPl0SMvaikcAec-znpM5SvgeQJOGZP2RpKTYyl7Hk5Ogl0LIJM6ffUaN6FSk-Z35HInaovOUH5fvgp5CnJwh5KSQPNMGj5xRvDoL3sJodw1iWN2yrp1GEfLDRS/s320/PA180233.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Tuesday had no included activities and we were free to plan our own day. We had thought of visiting the national archeological museum in Naples where the discovered artefacts from Herculaneum and Pompei were displayed but consulting the internet revealed that it was not open on Mondays or Tuesdays, so we put that plan back to the next free day and decided to explore our local area instead, beginning with a walk into Sorrento from our hotel in Sant Agnello, about a kilometre or so. We took a route through quieter streets near to the sea, and although the hotels and villas obstructed the view of the sea for much of the time we had splendid view of the town and its harbour from one clifftop. We were soon in the town centre where we had met our guide on the day we arrived, and we had coffee at the same place where we had lunch that day. We walked around the town, amazed at the underlying landscape which includes a deep ravine leading down to the harbour - we would see this in close-up on Friday when we came to take the boat for Capri.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEggOLPdY-k-hJ9TQS0cuVR7GMvQ0eE0fMegjqNk0_rrpHLt-Y9NUuzxF7Lbbd8gLreUVWqdWsicfIHIJdxY4cq22wizmTB5H692yVIvFl_ZShcxaDFWzE17r4K4bZ0zyC7wctuLZNEe6Ctp4jvniyW55EgShVf8yKgW8xyDgWaGojqmhj3yAPauhI/s3648/PA180234.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEggOLPdY-k-hJ9TQS0cuVR7GMvQ0eE0fMegjqNk0_rrpHLt-Y9NUuzxF7Lbbd8gLreUVWqdWsicfIHIJdxY4cq22wizmTB5H692yVIvFl_ZShcxaDFWzE17r4K4bZ0zyC7wctuLZNEe6Ctp4jvniyW55EgShVf8yKgW8xyDgWaGojqmhj3yAPauhI/s320/PA180234.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>After this exploration, guided by reviews on the internet we visited a gelateria near the railway station and sustained by this set off on an adventure to find the ruins of a Roman palace at the tip of a promontory at the edge of the town, Villa del Capo di Sorrento, "Bagni della Regina Giovanna". We began with a bus from the road above the station, just a short walk from where we had the gelato: this saved us having to walk the winding main road with minimal footpaths. The availability of bus route and departure information on smartphone apps has transformed our ability to get around in strange places: even the Maps app that is included in the iPhone operating system these days has sufficient functionality for navigating local bus services. From the bus stop there was a long, mostly downhill walk to the Villa, and we often passed people coming the other way in swimwear, and/or carrying towels or just very wet; when we arrived at the Capo we saw many people, presumably mostly local, sunbathing and swimming, including some who were swimming back to the boat at anchor a few metres from the rocks. There were stern warnings to follow the path around the headland and we did our best to do this, and in one place were diverted through the Roman villa because of a rockfall. We saw lizards and even a snake basking in the sunshine; I have no idea what variety of snake it was but we gave it a wide berth, just in case. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKiPBdHlHvI69QIn-VfJYk63lE2dIXlgoF3kkdNACjxxjG15TnAp7Wtp3y4re316UC7T8u65wpijzWWNUEcSGOOEEnndHbvK6pklo4haGU00ij0GX-Szb1dRAFds3SOD2TKr7HHWcQZFIooJjXoIuhw7STCZEG85Vmje1cgOYmqOOru5RhWtjwsMKf/s3648/PA180242.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKiPBdHlHvI69QIn-VfJYk63lE2dIXlgoF3kkdNACjxxjG15TnAp7Wtp3y4re316UC7T8u65wpijzWWNUEcSGOOEEnndHbvK6pklo4haGU00ij0GX-Szb1dRAFds3SOD2TKr7HHWcQZFIooJjXoIuhw7STCZEG85Vmje1cgOYmqOOru5RhWtjwsMKf/s320/PA180242.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>We are used to Roman ruins in the UK, of course, and if this one had been in England it would have been a major conservation project and quite famous, but here there are so many: it was signposted from the highway and there was an information board there (in English as well as Italian), but nothing else.</p><p>Walking back up to the road we were glad to find that the bus stop for the Sorrento direction had a seat. We had about ten minutes to wait until the next bus back to town and were soon joined by a handful of other passengers, falling into conversation with an American father and son who had asked for our advice about the bus service; they had walked up from the town but had not enjoyed the lack of sidewalks.</p><p>Back in town we looked around some more shops, bought some gifts from the limoncello shop we had visited on the first day in Sorrento, and then sought somewhere for dinner, choosing to eat at "AZZ" which was offering a fixed-price lasagne and wine deal. Perfetto! From there a fast walk back to the hotel helped to dispel the day's diet of gelato and pasta ...</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Wednesday, Pompei</h3><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DA79HXXxCug/Y1UcU_f8SSI/AAAAAAAAE7E/PdKfnTf_qdwKQT-yeVPxxh10BN9SEj0FACNcBGAsYHQ/s3648/PA190245.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DA79HXXxCug/Y1UcU_f8SSI/AAAAAAAAE7E/PdKfnTf_qdwKQT-yeVPxxh10BN9SEj0FACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/PA190245.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Having arrived in Sorrento by road coach, on Wednesday we finally got to use the trains we had seen and heard passing our hotel. The group walked to Dell Agnello station, just two blocks away, and the narrow gauge Circumvesuviana railway and waited for the Campania Express for our day trip to the ruins of Pompei. There are two types of train operating on this line: the frequent Circumvesuviana trains, some local, some semi-fast, between Naples and Sorrento, and the Campania Express trains which are faster and considerably more expensive (and so far less crowded) but operate only four times a day. Our tickets were for the Campania Express and as we waited at the single platform of our local station we saw one of the usual trains, jam packed, on its way to Naples and thought the extra money well worth it. <p></p><p>Eventually our train came in on its way towards Sorrento at about the time it was supposed to have left Sorrento and be picking us up to go the other way. The train manager suggested we board it, although going the wrong way, because we would be able to sit in relative comfort rather than stand in the sun. We took this advice and sat waiting at Sorrento while the crew fixed a problem with the train door: this will have been what caused the later running, and repairing it was making it later still, but eventually we left and had a good ride to the station at Pompei Scavi, the excavation. In spite of the considerable supplement for travelling on the Express, it was not exactly Pullman Class, with hard seats and no carpets, but it was cool and we did all get a seat. Access was restricted to one door so that tickets could be checked on boarding to ensure everyone was entitled to use the train. It looked just like the others, with no headboard or branding, so the train manager stood by the one door shouting, "Campania Express" at every stop.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-13mazVoAikU/Y1UcU9kbu_I/AAAAAAAAE7I/rQztfrtmoFIdirHyS16906KbY6fmV2_IwCNcBGAsYHQ/s3648/PA190268.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-13mazVoAikU/Y1UcU9kbu_I/AAAAAAAAE7I/rQztfrtmoFIdirHyS16906KbY6fmV2_IwCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/PA190268.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-amTSHKC9HtM/Y1UcVryiW6I/AAAAAAAAE7M/vSNexwPGxOktyABSulPig6QPyNtjq9pdgCNcBGAsYHQ/s3648/PA190301.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-amTSHKC9HtM/Y1UcVryiW6I/AAAAAAAAE7M/vSNexwPGxOktyABSulPig6QPyNtjq9pdgCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/PA190301.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>The visit to the excavated city at Pompei was all you might expect. Unlike the pyroclastic flow which had encased Herculaneum in thick, hard material, Pompei was covered in volcanic ashes which preserved it in a different way and had made it easier to uncover. There was also a larger area available to excavate, and it was a larger town anyway. This was a wealthy town and there were fine buildings and big houses. Some of what we learnt overlapped with what we had heard at Herculaneum, but much did not. We saw homes with their impluvia for collecting and storing rainwater, their triclinia for dinner parties and courtyard gardens; we visited the baths and a theatre, and, as at Herculaneum, a selection of shops. The forum at Pompei was large, with a couple of temples and the basilica (a courthouse in Roman times, not then a church). Again, some buildings were simply conserved, a few were restored to give an impression of what they would have been like in their day. For many of the group I think this was the highlight of the holiday, but by the end of our guided tour most of us had been on our feet for long enough and we went straight to the cafés and restaurants for lunch and then off to the station for the Campania Express back to Sant Agnello. After some time to relax, shower and change we walked out to dinner once more at Villa Crawford.</div><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p></p><p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Thursday, Napoli</h3><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd02n3QWG1uMNgUUF7gvFUhMPY-UNXY8lNfa6tf9wLDCLHLi2gx-oqqoim22ksz4PG0vtVw6yfZVT7BFKppfB87_cnFoBinrjb5ozyi5vTd0Ha9euJhwxKqODy1SfcbU7Mg4h_IkH-c7RFtTHqBa7jqZPlEgVuBg68wGNyQ-FCNpyu6cR-UlrDCgIv/s3648/PA200334.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd02n3QWG1uMNgUUF7gvFUhMPY-UNXY8lNfa6tf9wLDCLHLi2gx-oqqoim22ksz4PG0vtVw6yfZVT7BFKppfB87_cnFoBinrjb5ozyi5vTd0Ha9euJhwxKqODy1SfcbU7Mg4h_IkH-c7RFtTHqBa7jqZPlEgVuBg68wGNyQ-FCNpyu6cR-UlrDCgIv/s320/PA200334.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>On Thursday, the other "free" day, we went with another couple from the group to the National Archeological Museum at Naples. We caught the same Campania Express train as on the previous day, but this time it was more-or-less on time, and at Napoli Garibaldi station, keeping our possessions close to ourselves in response to the signs warning of pickpockets, we made our way to the Metro and bought tickets for the one-stop ride to Cavour on Line 2, the quickest way of getting to the museum. With coffee at a street kiosk with seating we were soon on pour way into the museum. The Herculaneum and Pompei displays are on the top floor and as well as showing some of the items found in the ruins of the two cities there is a scale model of Pompei as it now is and a video explaining the disaster and showing what it had probably been like. We had lunch at the museum restaurant, which was very good.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1zRfD41iGZej8VPmwhG41xS_16JwFt3MprrdRpC6GbSQCfC9gwZNCd7G2b1LQVXIDDNSyUR1U1bvwnVef_EQHy6Y-RXJsEZ9E9k4coHuMMGlKSXtfUmw5dYAsaSDGxf_0acMKii3F5bVEQFA5ivOkUjaNbWUMIzawLBcSvPh1dWroK0F8-uqIh4l4/s3648/PA200346.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1zRfD41iGZej8VPmwhG41xS_16JwFt3MprrdRpC6GbSQCfC9gwZNCd7G2b1LQVXIDDNSyUR1U1bvwnVef_EQHy6Y-RXJsEZ9E9k4coHuMMGlKSXtfUmw5dYAsaSDGxf_0acMKii3F5bVEQFA5ivOkUjaNbWUMIzawLBcSvPh1dWroK0F8-uqIh4l4/s320/PA200346.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I left the others to study other things at the museum and went for a walk around the city to see what it was like. I must say I was not impressed. I never came across a streetscape that I liked; everywhere was untidy, dirty and unattractive, with rubbish bins, often surrounded by rubbish, simply standing in the street. The traffic was heavily congested and drivers impatiently sounding their horns almost continually. Naples must be the only city in Europe which looks better with cruise liners in its docks. On top of the pickpocket warnings and the low standard of the Circumvesuviana trains the whole place has the atmosphere of film noir - like Gotham City in the darkest Batman films. When I was buying Metro tickets for the return journey a clear attempt was made to steal my credit card but I try to be aware of my surroundings and take all the precautions I can, ignoring attempted distractions, and managed to avoid any loss. It was a close-run thing and quite scary. <p></p><p>The museum had been good. The city in which it is located will not be getting another visit from me, though. It was a relief to get on the good old Campania Express with its friendly crew and be taken back to Sorrento - we stayed on to the terminus there and had dinner in the town centre, this time a pizza so enormous that even though I had been hungry when I got there I was unable to get near to finishing it. Coffee and back (on foot) to our hotel room for a good night's sleep after washing away the dust of Naples.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWqP-QGPn2zJGwsLDm2N1CV6YZazaImn4XeSfQvAnsQ3MoKSKmrKNzAU-7h0LgnW5E8em2Y4_iHgXDJR9R08eK-FwvzQT_JJpCR5UQqo9jfBwvsNUIoWaZK_DLya30Z2X7GWfWixE_O527mg7fWmVk5p_GnOyXaLnHy9X5e8DvyfZNmeJbJB8H3f5z/s3648/PA210350.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWqP-QGPn2zJGwsLDm2N1CV6YZazaImn4XeSfQvAnsQ3MoKSKmrKNzAU-7h0LgnW5E8em2Y4_iHgXDJR9R08eK-FwvzQT_JJpCR5UQqo9jfBwvsNUIoWaZK_DLya30Z2X7GWfWixE_O527mg7fWmVk5p_GnOyXaLnHy9X5e8DvyfZNmeJbJB8H3f5z/w200-h150/PA210350.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>Friday, Capri <br /></h3><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">The cruise to Capri was one of the activities on this tour that I found most exciting in prospect, and in retrospect it lived up to expectations. We began with a coach ride down to the harbour in Sorrento, into town and down through the narrow ravine that would split the city but for the many bridges that cross it. There we were taken to the fast ferry that took us over the strait to the island of Capri. Each of us had a return ticket for the funicular railway to the higher part of the island. We opted to have coffee by the harbour while the queue for the funicular dissipated a little and then we rode up to the top station, by a little town square. From there we walked up to the peak at which is the ruin of <a href="https://www.capri.net/en/e/the-villas-of-tiberius" target="_blank">Villa Jovis, a palace of Emporor Tiberius</a>, now surmounted by a church with a stunning modern statue, of Mary, on a column.</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8HUM8yXIBN4Q-I6hJnaF30_5po3SdqfRBE86tqHoP8F6AHNm4AkjQHSATwuU2VcNMyr-7pkkPHUJAYUUeMz2s8wmvFPSkHC96Ntv-WD7_zNfFRGogD705-R1OVSiSUkVxUg19B8Vg6EJbFb0Yb0KyCBX3xBSUpxnbiqI4R-KR6aAQ8vwE0UakQ9aQ/s3648/PA210364.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8HUM8yXIBN4Q-I6hJnaF30_5po3SdqfRBE86tqHoP8F6AHNm4AkjQHSATwuU2VcNMyr-7pkkPHUJAYUUeMz2s8wmvFPSkHC96Ntv-WD7_zNfFRGogD705-R1OVSiSUkVxUg19B8Vg6EJbFb0Yb0KyCBX3xBSUpxnbiqI4R-KR6aAQ8vwE0UakQ9aQ/s320/PA210364.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Capri, once away from the busyness of the quayside, is a beautiful island. One can hardly call it "unspoilt" in the conventional sense because it is fairly densely populated, but the human hand has been kind to Capri and the built environment is in itself beautiful, as if the town were within a huge garden. Where we walked there were no proper roads, just narrow pathways which we shared with occasional small electric vehicles making deliveries.<p></p><p style="text-align: left;">Not only was Villa Jovis interesting (yet another Roman palace ...) but the views from it were stunning, back to the Italian mainland, and in particular to Sorrento and the tip of the Sorrentine peninsula where we had passed by boat on our way to Amalfi and Positano earlier in the week. On the way back down we called at a bar beside the way for a drink and a snack, and then farther down the hill the almost compulsory gelato! We explored more around this upper part of the island and then, as the time to leave drew near we took the funicular back down to the quayside and explored the harbour a little before meeting the group and boarding our booked boat back to Sorrento. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvsMzKBlqTTb95Egw563VKS3TvdgKr-xpwhFhuJ4xpUecQHNEW_J4cnVIcMpe2nQiV9Bnfj8Nc8H1RheNSPjfsVB_ALJqfJa8clLVMfsyfsI8OJqikwCJczqchkDF9m9Pr_3azbWcT8YwR1ef_FTfhjEGs1y6oZ0dW4RostpdLJ1naw5y1cnc7ojuA/s3648/PA210376.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvsMzKBlqTTb95Egw563VKS3TvdgKr-xpwhFhuJ4xpUecQHNEW_J4cnVIcMpe2nQiV9Bnfj8Nc8H1RheNSPjfsVB_ALJqfJa8clLVMfsyfsI8OJqikwCJczqchkDF9m9Pr_3azbWcT8YwR1ef_FTfhjEGs1y6oZ0dW4RostpdLJ1naw5y1cnc7ojuA/s320/PA210376.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzjKbxKouRBYBjSewIuuSOSJ_HnOawF0pkYtQaoE5UqQAc-QvyTFLIm-jjJlGwb1VDhdKbgq_qPUr4sexo35m3O8XHLQzPTZqLxjk5SSeCYDTn__NA6yYDnQdV3flS2wIFiHfQ0yshZMUjQy7fFuCCpM7urN5bu1DhgAkHSdB8IO2KrrRUY4Z8xzj5/s3648/PA210380.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzjKbxKouRBYBjSewIuuSOSJ_HnOawF0pkYtQaoE5UqQAc-QvyTFLIm-jjJlGwb1VDhdKbgq_qPUr4sexo35m3O8XHLQzPTZqLxjk5SSeCYDTn__NA6yYDnQdV3flS2wIFiHfQ0yshZMUjQy7fFuCCpM7urN5bu1DhgAkHSdB8IO2KrrRUY4Z8xzj5/s320/PA210380.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXy4Lzr4CmWp0KCRtOQwGfcgwBxB-MBQI-xwffVWSqi5ZLaHJUQUhLBTUJoWUGdQMJkmjrETTH_Wy08sUhtmB177HHSPGHlq-Fbt_HJHFv4g-81xYp6zKbmsyUTUQcsNIgUKxm689GTAnUHNciXhrRLlYPvCtI-esVs8i_G0qfgy1Xc6__EMJ3Jwj8/s3648/PA210381.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXy4Lzr4CmWp0KCRtOQwGfcgwBxB-MBQI-xwffVWSqi5ZLaHJUQUhLBTUJoWUGdQMJkmjrETTH_Wy08sUhtmB177HHSPGHlq-Fbt_HJHFv4g-81xYp6zKbmsyUTUQcsNIgUKxm689GTAnUHNciXhrRLlYPvCtI-esVs8i_G0qfgy1Xc6__EMJ3Jwj8/s320/PA210381.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">Our dinner on Friday evening, the last of the Sorrento evenings, was at a restaurant in town, <a href="https://www.parrucchiano.com/en/" target="_blank">o'Parrucchiano</a>, apparently in the premises of a former seminary. This was a particularly excellent meal in relaxed surroundings and with a chance to say thanks to Catherine for her leadership during the whole tour. </p></div><div>And so to bed, our main cases packed ready for sending home by courier the following morning while we start the journey back to the UK.<br /><p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Saturday and Sunday, the journey home</h3><p>After an unhurried breakfast and taking of our overnight case we were taken by road coach to Naples (well, you wouldn't want to rely on the timekeeping of the Campania Express when you've a Frecciarossa to catch!), and then boarded our high speed train to Turin, via Rome, Florence and Milan, the way we had come. This train changes direction three times on this part of its route, so "facing or back to direction of travel" is a rather meaningless concept! As we neared Turin, so the Alps came into view, competing for altitude with the clouds.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBe0nxR9f3U4s8vLvB79CM8HS6SgO4nXFLEZBDjyKlwZ5eM9qB22axomSbuO9Yd3kB9L7xgfkkN62hOPK3wII9QYHEw1NkVIpU6L3YiZn_FzWqKl8x9oaYGkgldCDY3ZR2Hu2xluUxcIj3Rwh_ca1sLExJTPoPPDKpxroYhjAEvWuasSFytrCbdZO8/s4032/EA8752FA-5171-480B-9543-F9692F43582B.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBe0nxR9f3U4s8vLvB79CM8HS6SgO4nXFLEZBDjyKlwZ5eM9qB22axomSbuO9Yd3kB9L7xgfkkN62hOPK3wII9QYHEw1NkVIpU6L3YiZn_FzWqKl8x9oaYGkgldCDY3ZR2Hu2xluUxcIj3Rwh_ca1sLExJTPoPPDKpxroYhjAEvWuasSFytrCbdZO8/s320/EA8752FA-5171-480B-9543-F9692F43582B.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">We were picked up from Turin Porta Nuova station by coach and driven to the <a href="https://www.nh-hotels.com/hotel/nh-torino-lingotto-congress" target="_blank">Lingotto hotel</a>. At a fairly busy time this took a little while, although travelling alone I would do this on the Metro in about ten minutes: with a group this would have been difficult to organise. The hotel is located in the former Fiat factory and very proudly tells its history. It was also well-appointed and comfortable, so it was a great pity we were there only one night, entirely in the dark. Maybe I'll have to visit Turin again one day and enjoy it properly. Dinner was at the hotel dining room, but breakfast had to be taken before the breakfast room opened on Sunday morning, for we had to leave before dawn to be taken to Turin Porta Susa station (much quicker on a Sunday morning!) to take the TGV to Paris. The hotel provided coffee pots and a packed breakfast, some of which I ate in the reception area and some of which was taken later, at normal breakfast time, on the train.</p><p></p><p>This was a brilliant ride through the Alps, although rather slow until well into France where we joined the high speed line to Paris. Near us on the train under a blanket snoozed a young lady whom I met at the buffet counter later. She had boarded the train even earlier at Milan, having travelled there from Rome: no wonder she was snoozing. It was a lengthy journey during which much of this post was written, but there was a decent buffet service and it was a very enjoyable journey. Some slept after their early start, I think.</p><p>In Paris we were taken across town to Gare du Nord for the Eurostar train back to London. This was quite a quick transfer on a Sunday and we had bags of time at Gare du Nord. We bought a salad lunch from a small supermarket at the station before checking in for the train. I never find the ticket, passport and security checks at the Paris terminal go half as smoothly as in London, and one officious young woman, having told me to empty my pockets before going through the metal detector, raised her voice to me and repeated the instruction after I had passed her (because I had already emptied them and so could not comply), so I raised my voice to her in order to tell her so. In retrospect I might have added that she ought to have said, "please," as well. The policeman standing by the scanner smiled as he said I need not remove my watch ... It all adds to the fun of travel, but so would polite. smiling, pleasant security staff. It is almost as if they expect 99% of passengers to be terrorists.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAuuyUzmV-zphJ27rmqPlbal_0XI6O634nhqxnfkh1ueXkIwNdZyhisHwkERanQ1KKUula0pGR8sKvuM5vIdEyiqvSpnzRHLWp6o_qJpKlL7wLdKgsd7rVctrhlbsA1zK2ABfylkgZaOj28WWmCw1Un0ZdK7OIBoGzaciT4LR5RFljCcqYTnH9mlkK/s1024/3A83D06B-EDA0-4A24-A51F-3C4BECCE066B.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAuuyUzmV-zphJ27rmqPlbal_0XI6O634nhqxnfkh1ueXkIwNdZyhisHwkERanQ1KKUula0pGR8sKvuM5vIdEyiqvSpnzRHLWp6o_qJpKlL7wLdKgsd7rVctrhlbsA1zK2ABfylkgZaOj28WWmCw1Un0ZdK7OIBoGzaciT4LR5RFljCcqYTnH9mlkK/s320/3A83D06B-EDA0-4A24-A51F-3C4BECCE066B.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>We ate our purchased salads as we awaited the boarding of our train, the last we would take as part of the group. This saw us through to the light meal served on board as we approached the Channel Tunnel. Watches adjusted we emerged into early-evening Kent and soon under the Thames into Essex as darkness fell. Then we were in the tunnel under east London (where <a href="https://www.mwtrips.co.uk/2022/10/adaptable-travel-plans.html">only a couple of weeks earlier we had been sampling bagels</a>!) and it was time to pack away my MacBook and say fond farewells to those with whom the adventures of the last ten days had been shared. <p></p><p>Across the road at Kings Cross, LNER trains to Peterborough were not quite as thick on the ground as on a weekday but we waited a while over a cup of tea in the First Class lounge and took a Newark train which had plenty of space for us and enjoyed a last drink and nibble to round off the holiday. This train did not make a good connection for Stamford and we decided to take a taxi home as the cost could be offset by not buying two single train tickets nor taking a taxi home from Stamford station, so although it did cost us more it was not as much more as it might seem at first thought. I had decided when booking the holiday to ask for UK rail tickets only from and to Peterborough since that is substantially cheaper than all the way from/to Stamford and we do not need First Class on that short extra stretch: further, on those occasions when we can use a bus, we no longer have to pay for it at all!</p><p>And so home. Some washing to do, but not much because most of it is with DHL, to be delivered to us next week. I don't think I shall be needing my shorts and short-sleeved summer shirts before then ...</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Mark at mwtripshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10503658158339712260noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3429482469896815050.post-65519502468520020602022-10-13T11:28:00.003+01:002022-10-13T12:48:52.124+01:00Adaptable Travel Plans<h2 style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLbDUTkL8RFJYqHuumU3dpxM8a7t9SMOyWoO5fEnGVuvCYhiXwhksJ6SCTwPHfv9CmZFb6yK8-mvj1aCfyY2lyIbwIMORH3R-4ZRRsYBUWDxCzyhLtoHD0TvZemtpTItoKLS_cwPXzCikWFoz-Y8hHILw4jRIfQ-017IcAVmjchWFGOVMMBABFNp1v/s1600/6C9DE99B-B257-4D78-8842-8E7D24C29D39.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLbDUTkL8RFJYqHuumU3dpxM8a7t9SMOyWoO5fEnGVuvCYhiXwhksJ6SCTwPHfv9CmZFb6yK8-mvj1aCfyY2lyIbwIMORH3R-4ZRRsYBUWDxCzyhLtoHD0TvZemtpTItoKLS_cwPXzCikWFoz-Y8hHILw4jRIfQ-017IcAVmjchWFGOVMMBABFNp1v/s320/6C9DE99B-B257-4D78-8842-8E7D24C29D39.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>More Strike Dodging in London<br /></h2><h3 style="text-align: left;">800 Years of the Franciscan Third Order </h3><p>I had long been committed to a day in London on Saturday 8th October. It was the nearest weekend date to St Francis' Day, 4th October, in the year that the <a href="https://tssf.org.uk" target="_blank">Third Order of the Society of St Francis</a> is marking eight centuries since St Francis founded an order for those who wanted to follow his principles of Christian living while living an ordinary family and working life. Each year members of the order renew their lifetime pledge on or near 4th October, and for this special year it was decided that where possible we would meet for this purpose in larger numbers at four national venues rather than in our local groups and areas. For me, the most convenient cathedral was Southwark, on the South Bank of the River Thames near London Bridge.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Grandparent Duty</h3><p>Before I'd had a chance to buy train tickets for a day in London, my wife and I were recruited by our son to look after our grandchildren in London while he and his wife went abroad for a short holiday, and our time in London would include my day at Southwark - and the children would go to a concert with Granny and her sister that day. It all fitted perfectly, and on the weekdays when the children were at school, we would have time to explore London, again.</p><p>Before booking our tickets I was at a Franciscan meeting and booked tickets on behalf of five other members of the order who would be travelling from Kettering on 8th October, and within ten minutes of paying for the tickets the news came through that the next rail strike had been called for that day ... here we go again!</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Nevertheless ...</h3><p>I advised my Franciscan brothers and sisters that there was no need to cancel their travel plans yet and as soon as <a href="https://www.eastmidlandsrailway.co.uk" target="_blank">East Midlands Railway</a> came up with their strike day timetable it was clear that the day could go ahead, albeit with slightly altered timing. For ourselves I was also confident that we could travel, although there was also a strike planned for the day we were to arrive in London and collect the grandchildren from school after their parents' departure, but to give the whole family peace of mind we arranged to travel a day early and check into a nearby hotel so that our presence was guaranteed. On the Saturday my sister-in-law was able to travel to London early enough with <a href="https://www.thameslinkrailway.com" target="_blank">Thameslink</a> and return on her planned <a href="https://www.lner.co.uk" target="_blank">LNER</a> service after the concert and lunch with the children. </p><h3 style="text-align: left;">After All That, A Great Few Days in London!</h3><p>We set off from Stamford on the 17:55 Cross Country train to Peterborough which connected neatly into the 18:30 train for London Kings Cross. Having booked it on the day I booked Standard Class this time, which, normally being able to book well in advance, I seldom do. Standard Class on LNER's "Azuma" trains is very comfortable in my opinion: the main thing is that there is plenty of legroom. A corollary of the extra space is that the seats are rather thinner than anything before and some say that this makes them too hard, but I have not found them so myself.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE8v3D5g4gUvJpmCEy2RPDq5VW7HPpr9sBlw9d40-wKyD4rjR9H9nvzBle11llJJxSHpFx5Yc4Gpa2TEeh4KiNiquZ9rbv0jOjcrTvpC0zCsIFsXNSD_2cEUrFYuhuetUzSsGvkULWFxVrdRzrZWdQRtSO2TkY2iDpbQErF-HAhJ6aQwHvN6_I4dDM/s1024/718EC084-6091-45C0-BFA7-4706538885C5.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE8v3D5g4gUvJpmCEy2RPDq5VW7HPpr9sBlw9d40-wKyD4rjR9H9nvzBle11llJJxSHpFx5Yc4Gpa2TEeh4KiNiquZ9rbv0jOjcrTvpC0zCsIFsXNSD_2cEUrFYuhuetUzSsGvkULWFxVrdRzrZWdQRtSO2TkY2iDpbQErF-HAhJ6aQwHvN6_I4dDM/w150-h200/718EC084-6091-45C0-BFA7-4706538885C5.jpeg" width="150" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">We decided to try out the <a href="https://www.lner.co.uk/the-east-coast-experience/the-east-coast-standard/catering/" target="_blank">"Eat at Your Seat" service</a>, even though I could actually see the buffet counter from where I was sitting, and we ordered a can of Hop on Board ale and two glasses. It's quite a complex system but it works very well: orders obviously go to a central point somewhere and are then relayed to the buffet counter on the train where a member of staff prepares the items and then brings them along. The train was not especially busy (even on the eve of a strike day) and the hostess who brought us the drink was able to chat with us. When she heard about the difficult day we'd had (don't ask ... it's enough to know that a luggage collection for a forthcoming long journey never happened in spite of a day of frantic phone calls), she disappeared into the First Class section for a moment and returned with a gift of more ale and some crisps and cake - the refreshments we would normally have had when travelling First Class. How very kind, and typical, I might add, of LNER staff. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjljz5ljTEwQ7jHp8ebErWqWom3pPRiX6U8hDOq2yCeCKr_wfX_d0vd_LlI0XS-Ut8gqEqrJMGiAEA1rWm4MuozPDLMw3kKcIbY9oBVPujkJpldI25kQN8YiBfk7EcaS_i-ZKPANQlOhFdojkTkUmAwNYqYglyL4EOBOQnAjPqUOPlOi8lc-Y-r2SbV/s1024/7144FE21-8967-47A9-94A8-6A978817941E.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjljz5ljTEwQ7jHp8ebErWqWom3pPRiX6U8hDOq2yCeCKr_wfX_d0vd_LlI0XS-Ut8gqEqrJMGiAEA1rWm4MuozPDLMw3kKcIbY9oBVPujkJpldI25kQN8YiBfk7EcaS_i-ZKPANQlOhFdojkTkUmAwNYqYglyL4EOBOQnAjPqUOPlOi8lc-Y-r2SbV/w240-h320/7144FE21-8967-47A9-94A8-6A978817941E.jpeg" width="240" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc8uHxjlKcegF4KIEi8Vttxs0ZJH4ya1Ro-Pqe02QlTs1Zm2zekZBOl264DJn2tSg5_CnKv7D0mmHmyQLF1G7Y6llDt7OE_S8dermqaNznV19WE0uKqr3Dg8irXe1d3ebUJ9z_h49YS9M-JXwWfsqosJ2iMxj4oqLcfkieA08O1BH3a4eXNKH0F5RH/s1024/8CEB33C3-E064-442B-84A5-50E564B0E3D8.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc8uHxjlKcegF4KIEi8Vttxs0ZJH4ya1Ro-Pqe02QlTs1Zm2zekZBOl264DJn2tSg5_CnKv7D0mmHmyQLF1G7Y6llDt7OE_S8dermqaNznV19WE0uKqr3Dg8irXe1d3ebUJ9z_h49YS9M-JXwWfsqosJ2iMxj4oqLcfkieA08O1BH3a4eXNKH0F5RH/w150-h200/8CEB33C3-E064-442B-84A5-50E564B0E3D8.jpeg" width="150" /></a></div></div><p></p><p>We arrived on time at Kings Cross, and having had to travel so late (because of the phantom luggage collection!) we took the Underground straight to dinner with the family and then went along later to our nearby hotel for the night before our duties began. We were staying at a brand-new Premier Inn at Hammersmith, very handy and the usual Premier Inn standard, although the air-conditioning in our room was not working properly when we arrived and although the staff kindly fixed it, it was a while before our room was cool enough. Nevertheless, we'd recommend this place for anyone needing a room in west London. We did not have breakfast here, but waited until we knew the children had been taken to school and then went on to our son's home and had breakfast there, saying farewell to them and leaving our luggage as we set off for our first London day. The idea had been to leave them in peace to say goodbye to their children, then we would meet the children from school later - just as we'd have done if we had travelled on the day.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoHmCvpWO0VbJUyPgDvw8_p2LkErg-lSH3T3rcCaNQEIPsWKjRXBTtxH5X8C3IydE0AtXdo3mU9hcMEfRrwCZ6nqaHnEd8NhV1tHrfhM_td6I7k1enBR0Mcour2-xCbHRkQyz-t8cGBkAq7CfBLH9OAcTUzBCzGZ88gP0qDWAdyazaYTq5DwKnoX9N/s4032/F73BE7A8-9CC2-47F5-A4EC-F6EA00640D46.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoHmCvpWO0VbJUyPgDvw8_p2LkErg-lSH3T3rcCaNQEIPsWKjRXBTtxH5X8C3IydE0AtXdo3mU9hcMEfRrwCZ6nqaHnEd8NhV1tHrfhM_td6I7k1enBR0Mcour2-xCbHRkQyz-t8cGBkAq7CfBLH9OAcTUzBCzGZ88gP0qDWAdyazaYTq5DwKnoX9N/s320/F73BE7A8-9CC2-47F5-A4EC-F6EA00640D46.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">Although staying in west London, much of our expected activity was to be in east London, and we began on the Wednesday with a visit to the newly renovated and extended <a href="https://www.museumofthehome.org.uk" target="_blank">Museum of the Home</a>, formerly known at the Geffrye Museum, at Hoxton. We took the Hammersmith & City Underground line to Liverpool Street and a bus from there which took us almost to the front gate - although unfortunately the front gates were closed because high winds made the trees on the garden a bit of a risk, so we had to retrace our steps and then go round to the rear entrance, which is actually now the main entrance anyway. First we had coffee (naturally, we were well into the morning by now!) and then visited the museum at some length: there is much more here now than there was, although the "rooms through time" exhibit showing the changing lifestyles of middle class families through the furnishing and decor of their living space remains central, and fascinating. To me as a non-Londoner the stories of various different modern immigrant families were probably the most interesting aspect of this museum, especially in the context of a museum accommodated within a <a href="https://www.museumofthehome.org.uk/explore/museum-in-action/revealing-and-rethinking-our-home/" target="_blank">building financed in large part by the slave trade</a>. I like the way it makes no secret of that foundation and seems to have found a way of coming to terms with it: we cannot change the past no matter how evil some things have been.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">It's All About the Bagels</h3><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaEUFxvmq0sMKIf8XDTJGINb-bSArxMYPeF0ahARLPyS6OrrcuFRBbO33enXqZo5zADe7t6qFdeZmnHZlTM8xeUtobcdQen7xmHA6MGP5EDV9OUWxx52GY68IZ5JV-ih1XV9f9HR7Mbx7fHM6dAZykv6aKsIIIi7Ix4evnnU1-lLHkbLDjYpHSMXle/s4032/71295F9E-01F1-477E-92F1-F61394051EBD.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaEUFxvmq0sMKIf8XDTJGINb-bSArxMYPeF0ahARLPyS6OrrcuFRBbO33enXqZo5zADe7t6qFdeZmnHZlTM8xeUtobcdQen7xmHA6MGP5EDV9OUWxx52GY68IZ5JV-ih1XV9f9HR7Mbx7fHM6dAZykv6aKsIIIi7Ix4evnnU1-lLHkbLDjYpHSMXle/s320/71295F9E-01F1-477E-92F1-F61394051EBD.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">The next day we visited the Museum of London, travelling again by Underground as far as Barbican this time. We have been there several times before but wanted to return one more time before it closes for a while for its move to new, larger and historic premises at Smithfield, where it re-opens in 2026. There was not a lot to see that we had not seen before, although these places always change a bit over time and memories fade so return visits are always a good thing, and there was also a display about the forthcoming move which was worth seeing. Lunch was a short Underground ride and a walk away in Brick Lane, Bethnal Green, at one of two beigel shops just a few doors away from each other. I had always wondered why my mother-in-law, brought up in Bethnal Green, persisted in calling bagels "beigels" and now I knew why: it appears to be a quasi-official East End word for bagel. Anyway, today we had ours from <a href="https://www.thebeigelshop.com/" target="_blank">The Beigel Shop</a> which claims to be Britains first and best, one salt beef with mustard and gherkin and one soft cheese and smoked salmon. </p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF_GueoNFJIj_crOkwZ-OKRzbbCTlvxAv-WH_rTEXXeRdnCILrVxn55L15meYmHIsPXzFvaEryRFVDkevYWdKi-JwROq8SXMjEhg35c90ae596F59_HgIToeUJygiGfqLccgcC9AKdd5AWPgm6dHlytSNSa5pfbQ1EUC3tI8-eBCTDdoZMtKNaiUOO/s1024/B611B292-DAA6-468A-A8B8-8A95FCACD081.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF_GueoNFJIj_crOkwZ-OKRzbbCTlvxAv-WH_rTEXXeRdnCILrVxn55L15meYmHIsPXzFvaEryRFVDkevYWdKi-JwROq8SXMjEhg35c90ae596F59_HgIToeUJygiGfqLccgcC9AKdd5AWPgm6dHlytSNSa5pfbQ1EUC3tI8-eBCTDdoZMtKNaiUOO/s320/B611B292-DAA6-468A-A8B8-8A95FCACD081.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>On Friday we visited shops in Oxford Street seeking a black suit for me (I seem to go to a lot of funerals these days ...) but I am going to have to order it on line, I think. We arrived by Central Line at Tottenham Court Road station and left at lunch time on the new Elizabeth Line from the same station, changing at Whitechapel to the London Overground (this stretch is the former East London Section of the Metropolitan Line) to Shoreditch High Street in order to return to Brick Lane - now that we knew whereabouts in Brick Lane we needed to be - to try bagels from the other shop, <a href="https://bricklanebeigel.co.uk/" target="_blank">Beigel Bake</a>. The queue was even longer than the previous day at The Beigel Shop. Both shops have queues at mealtimes, and both open every day, all day, without exception (presumably as takeaway food shops they even remained open during the lockdowns, but I imagine the queues at 2 metre spacings must have occupied the whole street!). We bought the same types of beigels as from the other shop so as to compare them, but forewent the mustard on the salt beef this time. After lunch we strolled through Bethnal Green and popped into <a href="https://www.st-matthews.org.uk" target="_blank">St Matthew's Church</a>, completely rebuilt after being destroyed by the extensive bombing of the area in the Second World War, then travelled back west by Underground Central Line from Bethnal Green as far as Holborn from where we walked to Covent Garden to buy some gifts from the London Transport Museum Shop and then off to collect the grandchildren for their dinner.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1UcmjTmUbwydv6G2oIv4AO9ekGCtSjjaeaG9MX5oZ8kbfZWO14VUf4FyNVhwZmSCB4nxAlfB6t9TqvmY2I0qfdo6KeBxrC2lccYDR9Tec3IfGgOQ-uGZsqkmt6ZZnRk_ISUOsAyqSKudRXnJ4XfTT1pyKxPpPNoVZ-wHRNZnUiceRTDaPETrtzZBD/s3840/A399F296-C84A-45B0-954B-8DBA38ACF444.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2160" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1UcmjTmUbwydv6G2oIv4AO9ekGCtSjjaeaG9MX5oZ8kbfZWO14VUf4FyNVhwZmSCB4nxAlfB6t9TqvmY2I0qfdo6KeBxrC2lccYDR9Tec3IfGgOQ-uGZsqkmt6ZZnRk_ISUOsAyqSKudRXnJ4XfTT1pyKxPpPNoVZ-wHRNZnUiceRTDaPETrtzZBD/s320/A399F296-C84A-45B0-954B-8DBA38ACF444.jpeg" width="180" /></a></div>Saturday was my day at <a href="https://cathedral.southwark.anglican.org" target="_blank">Southwark Cathedral</a>. I met my sister-in-law from her on-time Thameslink train at Kings Cross and brought her back "home" and then we all set out together via Hammersmith on the District Line, with the children, Granny and great aunt getting off at Sloane Square for their concert at Cadogan Hall while I stayed on the train to Monument from where it was a short walk across London Bridge to the Cathedral. The highlight of the day for me was a talk from Thomas Vellacot, CEO of WWF in Switzerland, on the urgent need to be more aware of the environmental catastrophe currently overtaking the world. He had come by train from his home in Zurich, aware that flying was a major contributor to that catastrophe. There are many little things we can do to contribute to conserving the world, but it is useless to do these unless we attend to the big things, notably burning far less fossil fuel and destroying far fewer habitats: washing hotel towels less often is fine, but in itself far, far too little! At lunchtime I went to the famous Borough Market to buy something to eat and ... one stall without much of a queue was, believe it or not, a Brick Lane Beigel stall! So for the third day in a row I had a Brick Lane Beigel for lunch, soft cheese and smoked salmon this time. I do not need another bagel now for a very long time.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh76RKe-nNmGkjYkgr9EU1eCIv8urKprYViTy6rR2JF1qZZshKwf6rDaSuWGhrbQ3u_SH3NDoPCKMuoPC19IPBlIbwqEKELVB1ZaAKXZ-QVT73Dw5OoV2EEssIoVLRlJLsLQViTQ2rS9Fbsca_9hLPZc9CzRATT-pVbsNn31usnS5SSx3e_WTGZbiG/s3840/625666FD-11B1-4547-90A1-2FB89C97AA81.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh76RKe-nNmGkjYkgr9EU1eCIv8urKprYViTy6rR2JF1qZZshKwf6rDaSuWGhrbQ3u_SH3NDoPCKMuoPC19IPBlIbwqEKELVB1ZaAKXZ-QVT73Dw5OoV2EEssIoVLRlJLsLQViTQ2rS9Fbsca_9hLPZc9CzRATT-pVbsNn31usnS5SSx3e_WTGZbiG/s320/625666FD-11B1-4547-90A1-2FB89C97AA81.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>There was a bit of an issue with signalling on the District Line in the afternoon as I was going home to west London, affecting all the sub-surface network and therefore also affecting Granny and the children going home from escorting auntie to Kings Cross. With no District trains shown in the departures display at Monument I took the first Circle train with a view to changing at Edgware Road where, if my hunch was correct, I'd have to wait a while and finish up on the train carrying the rest of the family. That is more-or less how it worked out, although I had not anticipated that their train would be diverted onto the Circle Line and we'd all be waiting there together for the next Hammersmith and City train home. All a bit of an adventure, really! I never mind that sort of delay when there is a work-round. It is when I do not know how long the delay will be and do not have the information to inform a decision about what to do that I begin to be concerned. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgInHkC96YiZ-FB6rpvuCXLpH-yGD4qxgEL1VQFhrEtOHd9JJj_fkSyKuC1h3sD95jq0lw1w6C4kk1xHNzXW6QwSggx-4NpDDi61QidNwsWm6C3ScYSHoc4u7uiNXaQpGBXrLGjVpCjcq4u5rIYwguXn2gcubBwSoCtNtcM7oxUWi6D03g-3jRxwT5U/s1024/1139DD6B-A6D6-4D7A-ACDF-63E0282241B4.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgInHkC96YiZ-FB6rpvuCXLpH-yGD4qxgEL1VQFhrEtOHd9JJj_fkSyKuC1h3sD95jq0lw1w6C4kk1xHNzXW6QwSggx-4NpDDi61QidNwsWm6C3ScYSHoc4u7uiNXaQpGBXrLGjVpCjcq4u5rIYwguXn2gcubBwSoCtNtcM7oxUWi6D03g-3jRxwT5U/w150-h200/1139DD6B-A6D6-4D7A-ACDF-63E0282241B4.jpeg" width="150" /></a></div><br />On Sunday I walked to church while the grandchildren baked biscuits with Granny and then Mum and Dad arrived from their holiday and we all had lunch together at a new pub-restaurant, <a href="https://www.thebroadcaster.co.uk" target="_blank">The Broadcaster</a>, at Wood Lane, adjacent to the former BBC Television Centre. Then we picked up our luggage and booked Standard Class LNER tickets using the excellent smartphone app and set off for Kings Cross. LNER delivered us to Peterborough with their customary efficiency, and the train for Stamford was also running to time on this occasion and we were soon home and unpacked. The next, rather more exciting, adventure would not be far into the future, though!<p></p><p><br /></p>Mark at mwtripshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10503658158339712260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3429482469896815050.post-44956806447309989052022-10-08T22:00:00.004+01:002023-03-04T16:25:36.885+00:00Some Practical Little Journeys<h2 style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpTKJ8mVPJl4292Ma3Fb4lPXd3KQAt-prv9ZGjYqgZpQlQ8O-twjec3n2VT3f0J-2abXu_9_m3xkb-saeWVV2n7sgGn173S7pTw5DriSDw9y5zGKCV-DDX2e4iwEFSGquP6WpirfHWNUiAYYJX9tiNk4iVSEa7i1N-PXTD4CzAbSyLS86wm2NxssJM/s2048/Turbostar%20westbound%2010.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpTKJ8mVPJl4292Ma3Fb4lPXd3KQAt-prv9ZGjYqgZpQlQ8O-twjec3n2VT3f0J-2abXu_9_m3xkb-saeWVV2n7sgGn173S7pTw5DriSDw9y5zGKCV-DDX2e4iwEFSGquP6WpirfHWNUiAYYJX9tiNk4iVSEa7i1N-PXTD4CzAbSyLS86wm2NxssJM/w200-h150/Turbostar%20westbound%2010.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>Train trips to events official and personal</h2><p>Sometimes I travel for fun, sometimes because I have to be in other places to do things of varying importance. Either way I always try to travel by train or bus whenever I can (or walk or cycle for short journeys), for all sorts of reasons I have been through elsewhere in this blog. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3dODJl1zfkY3NIY7ST4CQDqY46BeDvc0Nn-YViPtLl1dlBApCZ8N0nYKqYnSurLeOj1D6xpHxE6PR-CCOTLC46h4qT3N7R4S646g4s_VnOnJx_N6xVWeu3XIZstNiuMLsfZLtW0XvjZyFKfpuAN4-AViZuBzdX_yQgOL7OkeHGJmio8QcQ65Ombtq/s3264/IMG_5232.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3dODJl1zfkY3NIY7ST4CQDqY46BeDvc0Nn-YViPtLl1dlBApCZ8N0nYKqYnSurLeOj1D6xpHxE6PR-CCOTLC46h4qT3N7R4S646g4s_VnOnJx_N6xVWeu3XIZstNiuMLsfZLtW0XvjZyFKfpuAN4-AViZuBzdX_yQgOL7OkeHGJmio8QcQ65Ombtq/s320/IMG_5232.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Recently I have taken a trip to Lincoln for an event at the Cathedral where our Acting Bishop wanted to thank those of us who continue to provide ministry in our retirement. The value of retirement ministry was illustrated when I arranged a meeting in Lincoln on the same day, planning to go straight from the meeting to the cathedral service, which was followed by a sandwich lunch (I walked in to the service just as the Bishop was starting it!). Fitting in the meeting before an 11:00 event meant that I had to leave Stamford much earlier than usual. It was tempting to drive, but I had so much I wanted to get done and driving the car seems such a waste of time even though theoretically it would get me to Lincoln nearer to the time of my meeting and in less time, and would enable me to leave whenever I wished. The ability to get things done won out, though, and I booked train tickets to leave Stamford on the 06:57 after a hurried breakfast.<p></p><p>This gave me a simple connection into the 07:31 East Midlands Railway service to Lincoln via Spalding and Sleaford. I said Morning Prayer on the train to Peterborough and then worked the rest of the way, partly on preparation for my meeting and then making my way through a rather full email inbox - retirement has not stood in the way of busyness! I arrived in Lincoln in plenty of time before my meeting and had a cup of coffee at the Grand Café at the bus station before taking a bus up the hill to my meeting.</p><p>I had a good time catching up with old friends and making new ones over the lunch after the cathedral worship and then it was time to walk back down to the station. I had booked Anytime tickets and had seats reserved on a 15:27 departure, but was ready to leave well before then. There was a LNER Azuma standing at the station bound for London with a stop at Peterborough, so I boarded that and was taken smoothly and swiftly back to Peterborough, this time via Newark and Grantham. The reason this train was not shown as an option for travel to Stamford is that it would have connected with the one westbound train per day which Cross Country is presently not running between Peterborough and Stamford: a "Covid Keep" I'd rather lose! There is now a much better service than ever between Peterborough and Lincoln, but it is of limited value to Stamford people because of the gaps in the timetable, one each way, on our local line. Anyway, it worked for me because I knew there was a bus that I could use to fill the gap, and being old enough for free bus travel it did not cost me anything - but it did not leave until just before the train, if running, would have arrived in Stamford, and it was very much slower than the train. Still, it worked and I was still home in reasonable time and had had a good day's work and play.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj1_MGytbtNZtj9lUKNFMJh2G779bVXc8c5aFbyPuJ9cW300iV2w_KL8vIHuAtluR38PfFoUa0cKAcXohVwvXxK3qZwqQ9rI2c0u9mDexYiHpBEqiIMVrhNS9Rc_Y_jLocl-PgeTA7nywEaxAa6dzTsU7gtj5UGO1EgdUVYYaOio_gLVn1c_yYtbI7/s2048/Leicester%20010.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj1_MGytbtNZtj9lUKNFMJh2G779bVXc8c5aFbyPuJ9cW300iV2w_KL8vIHuAtluR38PfFoUa0cKAcXohVwvXxK3qZwqQ9rI2c0u9mDexYiHpBEqiIMVrhNS9Rc_Y_jLocl-PgeTA7nywEaxAa6dzTsU7gtj5UGO1EgdUVYYaOio_gLVn1c_yYtbI7/s320/Leicester%20010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>The other recent short trip was to Nottingham with my wife to attend the funeral of an old acquaintance. Again it was tempting to take the car but in the end we decided to travel by rail which would allow flexibility to have drinks with friends afterwards if appropriate and to travel together for part of the way back with those from farther away whom we knew to be travelling by rail. Getting there turned out to be much quicker than anticipated: our train to Leicester was on time, but the services from there to Nottingham were running just a touch late, two or three minutes, which made it just possible, if we hurried, to get a connection half and hour earlier than planned, and it was also a quicker train, non-stop to Nottingham. We had planned plenty of time in Nottingham for coffee and a tram to the church for the funeral, but after the coffee we actually had time to walk to the church, and even to take a detour through the arboretum which was rather pleasant, and still be in plenty of time. We met one friend there, and another couple arrived a little later on a train from London.</p><p>Afterwards, when memories had been exchanged over food and drink we made our way back. This time we joined our three friends on the tram which took us straight to Nottingham rail station. One was taking a Cardiff train from there, and the rest of us boarded the next train for London which was calling at Leicester. There we left our London friends and awaited the train home. There was almost an hour to wait, so we left the station and enjoyed a cocktail (buy one, get one free!) at The Merchant of Venice, the Shakespeare-themed Italian café-restaurant almost opposite the station, which is rapidly becoming our usual stopping place in Leicester. Trains between Leicester and Stamford are not especially quick, the route being a "pasting together" of what remains of several former branch lines, but it is a useful line and they are fast enough for our purposes. Again, they suffer from the gaps in service that I mentioned above, but for us these do not matter on this part of the route because we never travel out in the afternoon or home in the morning: it is when we are going out towards Peterborough or Cambridge and returning in the afternoon that the gaps are an inconvenience. Perhaps when the strikes are over and people have the confidence to travel again (and Cross Country employs enough drivers!) the full timetable will operate once more and we'll be able to travel when and where we like.</p>Mark at mwtripshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10503658158339712260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3429482469896815050.post-60332534086726027952022-10-06T22:13:00.003+01:002022-10-08T22:13:01.589+01:00Six!<h2 style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGVhYiXkfYpSxbb_o7i4YSE4CHFDEF69hStTBdTpKAko0fglFBhppJKE7faMx-GvSrjfVplP2Kgwbh2s-OedJdFD2X5RaNRi8byqI1TvpUQ5GVc-BZRxaRl9RTIVlBt5GcgjPOj3LEWwTRjpII-aM_y1m-Ec-MI56HxcZvYZMrFeyilNCyRDXrk4b5/s4032/IMG_2412X.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGVhYiXkfYpSxbb_o7i4YSE4CHFDEF69hStTBdTpKAko0fglFBhppJKE7faMx-GvSrjfVplP2Kgwbh2s-OedJdFD2X5RaNRi8byqI1TvpUQ5GVc-BZRxaRl9RTIVlBt5GcgjPOj3LEWwTRjpII-aM_y1m-Ec-MI56HxcZvYZMrFeyilNCyRDXrk4b5/w400-h300/IMG_2412X.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>A Surprise Party in London<br /></h2><p>Some months ago I helped a relative to arrange a "birthday bash," as she called it, which happened about a month ago. Celebrating a round-numbered birthday, she wanted to take a group of six female relatives and friends to London for the day, with <a href="https://www.goldentours.com/thames-cruises/lunch-cruise-on-the-river-thames" target="_blank">lunch on a river boat</a> and then a show at a West End theatre. I said I could book those things for her and if we could settle on definite travel times she could easily afford to take the group on <a href="https://www.lner.co.uk/the-east-coast-experience/first-class/first-class-travel/" target="_blank">LNER in First Class</a> on Advance tickets. They were not seasoned rail travellers (which is why I was making the arrangements for them, I suppose!) and accustomed neither to advance booking nor first class travel. After a lot of online browsing, especially for lunch trips on the Thames, I was able to make all the bookings for them. It was to be a September Saturday and it was some time before evening tickets for the return leg of the train journey became available, which was slightly unnerving when everything else had been booked and paid-for. I was also very nervous about the river trip because it was booked through a third-party website which was not really up to the job. For example, you could only book up to six places and I needed seven, so I had to book three and four; then one bunch of tickets did not arrive (it was all emailed) so I had to telephone and they were resent ... and there were several other issues too boring to detail now, but it did mean I spent some time praying that the women would get their lunch.</p><p>The chosen show was <a href="https://www.sixthemusical.com/london" target="_blank">"Six!", about the wives of King Henry VIII</a>. This was at <a href="https://nimaxtheatres.com/theatres/vaudeville-theatre/" target="_blank">a theatre near Charing Cross</a>, and the river boat departed from and arrived back at Tower Pier, so travelling between them on the District Line was easy, and likewise straightforward Underground journeys were available from and back to Kings Cross, and I advised them to take contactless credit or debit cards to travel by Underground. All was in place and I agreed to be available by telephone in case any advice were needed. It should have been OK, though, because my wife was one of the guests and knew London well, and when we were last there we had deliberately visited Tower Pier and checked on where the relevant riverboat should be docked on the day - Tower Pier is quite a complex pier with several moorings for many different boat services.</p><p>A few weeks before the trip one of the rail unions announced the date of the trip as a strike day which was bit of a pain but I advised the party-goers to wait to see what services would be run. It would not be impossible to continue the day, albeit with some adjustments and with less contingency time than I'd normally allow. In the event the death of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II led to the strike being cancelled but also the introduction of the possibility of London being jam-packed with people visiting her body lying in state. At that stage it could even have been the day of the funeral for all we knew. Theatres helpfully announced that they would continue their programmes but with a minute's silence, so that was OK, and none of the organisations involved had written to cancel anything, so the trip was back on, exactly as planned with slightly more nervousness about the arrangements because of the possibility of crowded transport and streets.</p><p>A couple of days before the trip we had a phone call. One of the invited friends had caught Covid and was unwell so she had to pull out. All was paid-for and so I was invited to take her place. I was cautious about accepting a place on what was essentially a girly day out, and yet it was (a) a pity to waste the seventh ticket and (b) probably not a bad idea in the circumstances to have me along for technical assistance. In any case I'd enjoy the train ride and the lunch, and the show was pretty good, too, although not something I'd have chosen, but as an unexpected gift it was great. I now know slightly more about Henry VIII and have resolved to study that period a bit more ... Three of the ladies were family anyway, including my wife, and the other three were friends whom I had not met before, and I had a great day and am very grateful for having been included.</p><p>The day began with us all meeting at Peterborough rail station by car: weekend car parking at the station is reasonably-priced and several of the party lived some way from the railway. I drove so that I could pick up the birthday girl on the way and I could easily forego intoxicating drinks for long enough to drive her and ourselves home afterwards.</p><p>Our LNER Azuma train from Peterborough to London was on time and our reserved seats gave us a table for four, a table for two and one seat behind that, which I took, being a "reserve" guest! On this train the simplest complimentary menu was being served which provided us with a good light breakfast to start our day. For most of the party this was their first experience of First Class train travel and I was so pleased that it all went well for them. </p><p>We were soon at Kings Cross station in London and made our way to the Underground station. I don't know what local people consider the best way to the Tower from Kings Cross, but for this party I had recommended using the Circle Line: it is a long way round for a short journey but it is simple and requires no change of train nor a long walk. Arriving at Tower Hill Underground station we walked around two sides of the Tower to access the pier and with plenty of time in hand stopped for coffee at one of the many coffee shops nearby. I strolled down to the riverside to check things over while the ladies finished their coffee and was fortunate to see <a href="https://www.towerbridge.org.uk" target="_blank">Tower Bridge </a>open to allow a sailing vessel to pass through, and I just managed to take a photograph as the bascules began to fall ready to allow road traffic to cross - no time to take up a good position or to adjust the zoom, but I got the photograph - it is the one at the head of this post.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHD34_ekBrqVli_hJ1Ace78OgbMA4PAYTL5WcvgjyXX9r0Joz-l3cY4Y0NAp_G_UgRRfvtjcx3TrPPyXmVDJNd6FcoBS_eC1vL_7dAZ4nHgvjE689g-a4CK0FToYXNU3oCXRZOVHpUclDz2_0_YAq3v9T862pxe-79CCMKKgq2UO3VOz6O4hCRn1ZP/s1024/IMG_2424.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHD34_ekBrqVli_hJ1Ace78OgbMA4PAYTL5WcvgjyXX9r0Joz-l3cY4Y0NAp_G_UgRRfvtjcx3TrPPyXmVDJNd6FcoBS_eC1vL_7dAZ4nHgvjE689g-a4CK0FToYXNU3oCXRZOVHpUclDz2_0_YAq3v9T862pxe-79CCMKKgq2UO3VOz6O4hCRn1ZP/s320/IMG_2424.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>The time came to make our way to the pier: the company asks customers to arrive in plenty of time to get everyone aboard before departure. To my great relief there was a man with a clipboard inviting people with lunch booking to come to him and be directed to the right mooring for the trip, and when we reached the front of the queue there seemed to be some confusion about the size of the party, with the crew wondering if there should be three more of us. I am sure this had something to do with the glitch on the website and one bunch of electronic tickets failing to arrive and having to be reissued. Whatever, the birthday girl was invited aboard to choose tables for the seven of us and we were all duly seated and the boat trip was under way. I bought a bottle of sparkling wine to share, opened and poured in a bizarre, behind-the-back manner by our young waiter, presumably to entertain (or impress?) the ladies. It was a good start to the meal which was served efficiently but with a friendly, personal service which I think would be hard to beat, and for mass-catering (this was a large boat) was of an excellent standard.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYWDxIFvlFPPdrcbIjlvT-owfk3qn9eY4zwiOyuhWXaS4K8sn8dRP9MDaQMcN-7nz8nIn7yejXl3laD923up5MyuNMP6FhOxsYM_DywLzcFI6H-VckmVo6QohFxUaLaMZ9xlO_2VncNxrBiv_jiMjRQz04krl4Ps34jLwOJ662oa3R4ftMKkHBUlJE/s1600/IMG_2419.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYWDxIFvlFPPdrcbIjlvT-owfk3qn9eY4zwiOyuhWXaS4K8sn8dRP9MDaQMcN-7nz8nIn7yejXl3laD923up5MyuNMP6FhOxsYM_DywLzcFI6H-VckmVo6QohFxUaLaMZ9xlO_2VncNxrBiv_jiMjRQz04krl4Ps34jLwOJ662oa3R4ftMKkHBUlJE/w200-h150/IMG_2419.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>The boat ride gave us some great views of the river and of London as far as Westminster and Limehouse and we were soon back at the Tower ready for an afternoon's entertainment. One interesting feature of the ride was the comprehensive view we had of the long queue to see the Queen's coffin: we never lost sight of it all along the south bank of the river, past all the familiar landmarks far as Southwark Park.<p></p><p>We made our way back to Tower Hill station and caught the next District Line train to Embankment, walking up to Strand where our theatre was located, but there was still some time to pass before the show, and the idea was to visit a bar for a drink or two in the meantime. It actually took us some time to find a suitable place which would not become overcrowded with an additional seven people, but after searching all around Covent Garden we eventually settled on <a href="https://www.thenellgwynne.com" target="_blank">The Nell Gwynne</a>, a traditional, small, London pub in a narrow alley just along from the theatre. The only spaces were at the bar and we really only just fitted in but it was so right to visit a place so redolent of old London!</p><p>And so to the the <a href="https://nimaxtheatres.com/theatres/vaudeville-theatre/" target="_blank">Vaudeville Theatre</a> and the musical lesson in Tudor history. It is entirely a musical and has been very well reviewed and a great production for the ladies to enjoy together: a reminder that the only reason these six are famous is that they were at one point each married to King Henry VIII, but they were, of course, all real people with lives of their own. We could probably not name, unless we are historians, the names of any other queen consorts through history, but we know these six!</p><p>After the show we made our way via the Piccadilly Line back to Kings Cross for a drink at <a href="https://www.parcelyard.co.uk" target="_blank">The Parcel Yard</a> (as much hot chocolate ordered as ale!) and then some of us waited in the First Class Lounge while others scoured the shops at the station. We all gathered in the lounge in time to go together to the train for the journey home, enjoying LNER's usual hospitality with a final drink (soft now in my case because of the drive home) and a sandwich. At the station car park all I had to do was touch my credit card to the machine at the barrier as I drove out and my account was debited for the weekend daily charge - automatic numberplate recognition had clocked my arrival and ensured that I paid the correct amount, no ticket being necessary and no fuss. Brilliant.</p><p>Everyone seemed very happy with the day, and as well as feeling really grateful for having been included (while extremely sorry for the friend who had been too ill to go), I was also relieved that after all the uncertainty it all went very well indeed. The overcrowding did not materialise; indeed, Kings Cross felt less busy than usual (not that that prevented us having to take a big detour in a one-way system even more stringent than at the easing of lockdown!). A grand day out for the birthday girl.</p>Mark at mwtripshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10503658158339712260noreply@blogger.com0