Wednesday 19th July 2023
One of the things I wanted to do this UK summer was travel up the west side of the country. Last year I tended to stay on the east side. The UK has two main railway lines up and down the country on either side. With the privatisation of the railways a few years ago, many different railway companies operate the different regions so it can be a little tricky sometimes when things go awry.
Strikes are a common factor as the right to protest wages is encouraged here. Unfortunately the government isn't really listening to anyone, much like a lot of ruling governments worldwide, so disruptions still happen here, mostly during busy periods. However, the public gets warned in advance and today I experienced a little hiccup while leaving London. There were signal technical issues, so we were delayed on route for an hour. The train inspector explained that us passengers are entitled to compensation proportionally to the delay. So I think I might get my full ticket refunded. Yey, £22 back.
The big line trains are very swish. There's power points to charge phones. Tables that fold, allowing for space to stand and load bags overhead. The seats are comfy and there's electronic signage announcing the stops and route. The efficiency is 'normal' for the Brits. I'm still in awe. There was a refreshment kiosk too, so I sashayed my way through the long carriages to get a coffee on the extended 4 hour trip to Blackpool. I felt like I was back on the ship with it swaying, which you don't really feel while sitting.
When I arrived at Blackpool, I realised that I'd last been here around 30 years ago. A long time school friend's family live in the area after they returned from South Africa in the 80s. So it was fun walking along the 'new' promenade and seeing the funfair parks. They have a high tower, 158meters, which I hope to visit tomorrow. I've never been up it and I think it's time.
My hotel is one of the old style buildings, with wallpaper and carpeted hallways, with fire doors everywhere and creaky floors. I can hear others patrons through the walls but it's got a great feel to it, and it was cheap by UK standards. It's also nice and clean so I'm enjoying having an on suite bathroom at the price of a bunk bed in a bigger hostel in London.
I am having to move to a different room tomorrow because I stuffed up my bookings. That's what happens when I try to book tickets at 6am while my eyes are still in REM state. Which is close to where they're heading now. Must be all the cool sea air.
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