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Location: Blogs Wallis Blog |
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| Posted by: supersi |
Thursday, July 27, 2006 |
Last Saturday a few of us were sitting down in our coffee morning at Bermondsey, wondering how we could escape the summer heat. It seemed the temperatures were hitting record highs on a daily basis, and without air conditioning, there’s little relief. We had originally planned to go to Hyde Park, but while the Serpentine is a beautiful lake to boat on, it’s a bit murky for swimming. So going there on a sweltering hot day would be a little like going to the Toronto Beaches to escape the heat (lovely sand beach, but swim in Lake Ontario?? Ewww!).
In the end we decided to make a trip to Claire’s hometown of Eastbourne. The train is usually a very efficient and relaxing way to get around almost anywhere in Europe. Or, at least we thought so until Saturday. We rushed to Victoria station to catch our 2:15 direct train. I ran off to buy the tickets while Mel looked for Naomi and Craig. The four of us finally met together just a few minutes before it was supposed to leave and we stood there staring up at the billboard watching for our train.
At first it was “Late”, and then after 15 minutes it turned to “Cancelled”. So we sighed and waited patiently 30 minutes for the next train. The sign again said “Late”, then changed to “Very Late”, then changed to “Oh buddy, you *think* you’re going to Eastbourne! LOL” – I blinked my eyes and looked again, and, – “Cancelled” :( Finally we were directed to another platform for a non-direct route.
During the next 3 hours we changed trains several times, with little direction as to what platform or train we should be on. At one point, just as we pulled out of the station, the conductor came over the intercom and announced, “Ladies and gentlemen, unfortunately at this point we cannot tell you where this train is headed, because honestly we have no idea.” Thankfully we packed a full picnic lunch, much to the envy of our other passengers. Half the car burst out into laughter when one man answered his mobile phone to say, “Oh, hi, yes … well, I’m on an ‘extended’ train journey right now...” Eventually we did make it there, but the route was neither direct, nor relaxing, nor efficient, nor without hysterical laughter from Naomi.
It was well worth the adventure to escape the city though. By the time we got there we only had a couple hours before turning around, but we did enjoy a short time on the beach, a walk along the boardwalk, and some first class fish at the local chippy! Oh yes, and can’t forget the sweet shop where I was able to get some of childhood’s beloved rock candy.
I won’t go into the details of the journey home, suffice it to say that it was just as long, and that I’d much sooner jump into the Serpentine (or Lake Ontario for that matter), rather than hear the term “replacement bus service” one more time! Meanwhile, enjoy the summer heat while it lasts :)
PS. See Eastbourne *without* waiting for the train! |
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Re: The Great Escape |
By Anonymous on
Thursday, August 03, 2006 |
Reminds me of the train trip we took from Sydney Aust. to our friend's beach house at the coast - remember the sinking feeling when we heard those words: "Thlis train is a failed train, this train is a failed train."? At least on this occasion you didn't have to resort to asking fellow passengers to 'translate' public announcements for you - so you could UNDERSTAND any directions/explanations!
Mum/Tricia x x x |
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