No trouble getting our bags up to the platform as the lift was working because it was a weekday. Glad we were not going to the castle today as in the 20 minutes we waited at least ten busloads of people were following their guides up the platform, through the attached mall to the entryway of the castle. We noticed that the Chinese tour guides all carried flags, or flowers or umbrellas up high for their guest to follow. Other groups were maybe going to have trouble once they made their way through the gates.
The ride to Slough was 7 minutes. We changed trains for a 13 minute ride to Paddington Station. No bears were seen when we got there. On the train with us was Nikola, she was heading home to Oxford and was quite pleasant. She worked in a bakery which from her description sounded like a Deli that baked their own breads. On Friday she had sliced her finger and been home to visit her folks. A very white, very large clump of white gauze reminded me of my own start of this whole trip. I am so glad we missed the earlier train as it turned out. Nikola guided us at Paddington to the Tube to Euston Square. She also helped with the luggage which was wonderful especially for Elva. Her second bag kept slipping off her bigger bag handle and made it very awkward. Nikola double checked the best route to Euston Square and sent us off in the correct direction. I had given her my e-mail address so that if she ever comes to the US she can come visit and I will show her around Atlanta.
We missed the first subway train and got the next one a few minutes later. The system is great and speedy and efficient, except when it is not. Our train was held up for about five minutes but we successfully made our way to Euston Square. This was thanks to a lawyer from Scotland. While on the subway I asked randomly if anyone was going to Euston Station. The people around me just kind of shook their heads but then even though he wasn't going that way he came over and offered to help. This was super lucky as there was no lift and the stairs were steep. He helped us with the bags so we could go up and over and take the second tube to the square. Not being shy about asking for help I got directions to Euston Station.
(I admit that somewhere in this story I believe I have left out one transfer but in every case someone offered to help because of our confused looks and too much luggage! Brits naturally are kind and helpful and like Americans.)
We went up again and out into the London Spring - - - Rain! It was about a three block walk to the station and one part seemed to be up a slope through a wind tunnel. Immediately I spotted the information booth and the lady directed us to Track 10. Down the slope we rolled, our ticket was checked, our seat numbers were checked and we hurried down the very long platform past about 10 first class cars and the sleek Virgin engine. I hoisted my bags to the train, climbed up, turned to take Elva's bag but she didn't let go. She sort of fell onto the train, I put my hand on her head to keep it from hitting anything. She righted herself, and climbed aboard. The luggage rack and floor space was full so I tucked the bags between empty seats thinking we could always move them if we needed to but no one ever claimed that space. The train was not full at any point of the almost two hour ride. We were in our comfortable seats for a full three minutes before the train began to move!
Although a little cloudy it was a beautiful ride even though we were facing backwards. Hills dotted with sheep, fields of sunny rapeseed, horses grazing and every few miles another village church steeple makes for wonderful scenery. Dark green hedgerows instead of fences marked ownership. On one hillside an ancient horse carving reminded us of England's long history. To me it was an old friend since I had done this journey before. I don't have good pictures. Elva had the window seat but pretty quickly dozed off. About half way through the trip the shop opened and I got myself a bag of Salt & Vinegar Crisps, I had the rest of my Diet Coke from the fish and chips dinner. I got Elva a sandwich and a latte then woke her up. She seemed glad I did. I had thought that would be a good way for her to enjoy the travel and be ready for what was to come.
I don't have good scenery pictures from the aisle seat through the wet window because of the grey skies.
At Manchester Piccadilly the change was easy. The station is amazing and the glass canopy made it feel quite warm. There is even a World War I Memorial at the platforms in honor of trains people who died in that war. They call it on all the monuments the War of 1914 - 1919. We later noticed that the Second War is simply the War of 1939 - 1945.
Mine has polka dots and rolls quite easily.
We boarded the approaching train and were at the airport in about 20 minutes. I didn't realize how large Manchester is. This industrial hub used to center around cotton and coal. And of course, shipping. Cotton brought from the Southern States was milled here. My own Grandmother, in what was then the village of Bolton, worked in the mills. My Grandfather was a miner.
At the airport we called for the Crowne Plaza shuttle which appeared at the train terminal door before I could even walk over to sit down. He dropped us at the hotel, which despite its location has proved very quiet, then went to the airport terminal for those visitors. Less than ten minutes from the phone call we were checking in!
Our room on the second floor, which is really the third floor, is ours for our whole stay. We pay for the first two night and then the bill transfers to Road Scholar.
Once we learned to operate the 1982 version of an 'ecology toilet' we were good to go. I showered right away because the shampoo at the Charles House might as well have been glue! And by five o'clock we were meeting my cousins in the hotel lobby.
Renee is delightful but doesn't get to say much when with Jack, maybe I inherited my gift of the gab from this side of the family! Beverley is so pretty and well dressed. She is kind and caring and attends to her folks with obviously great love.
Despite becoming 90 this year, Jack has a computer hobby that includes genealogical research. He brought me an updated family tree which I know that our Katie will especially appreciate. He also gave Elva and I each a friendship pin with a Welsh and American Flag. This was because this part of our trip takes us to an extensive tour of Wales. In the past he had presented us with American and Union Jack pins. He tried to get the ones he brought this time at a shop in town. But could not. The shop owner kindly shared the website and Jack had ordered them. How thoughtful is that!
The conversation was lively to say the least! We caught up on all the kids, which of course, are all full grown adults and then on their kids as well. Jack commented that he enjoys reading about my trips and Beverley said he prints them out and shares them. So, Jack, this one is for you! Love you and love you all.
Someone sitting near us asked where we were from and as she didn't recognize the accent. When I told her and said my cousins had celebrated their 65 wedding anniversary, she popped up and came over behind Jack and hugged him and congratulated Renee with a hug. Then she hung over Jack's shoulder and they had quite a conversation.
After they left another lady asked where in America our accents were from. When we told her she said it wasn't wht she expected tohear. They are leaving the next day for a couple of weeks in Nashville, Memphis to see Graceland, and New Orleans. Elva gave her great travel tips for that beautiful Queen of the River since she had lived there or nearby and spent lots of time with relatives there. She chatted with us for about 20 minutes or more.
Moral of this story is that when you travel, and smile, and make the effort to share experiences everyone is happier. This lady will contact us when she gets home to let us know if Morning Call or Cafe du Monde has better Beignets! I told her that when my friends, Lyn and Rod, visited the city from Australia they took my suggestion and tried the specialty which is really hot grease, air, and sugar! They split an order since they are not sweets eaters but then quickly ordered more!
When it was time to leave so that Beverley could battle the rush hour traffic that extends well into the evening just like at home, we hugged and kissed but also made plans for Tuesday. I am a little embarrassed to say that although Jack had an afternoon doctor appointment we arranged to go up to Bolton by train in the morning and spend the day. A bit of sightseeing was planned for the day and then a return to our hotel to get ready for the Welsh tour.
Elva and I each put half of our dinner sandwich in the room wine cooler and settled in. Elva was kind to say she really enjoyed meeting my cousins who are 'so delightful!' but in fact she really was happy it all worked out. After Elva got ready for bed and tucked into read i took a very long, very hot, very lovely soak in the tub despite having showered earlier. Then I wrote to you for a short while and tucked myself in to read. Christine emailed me or texted me to get some photos she needed. i was able to forward some from my phone and told her where I thought the others were. While doing this I found one that my brother had been looking for and sent it. By now it was midnight and I knew we were going to try to leave about 8:45 in the morning so a little more reading and lights out!.
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