Friday 29th September 2023
This summer I've had quite a few delayed trains and received compensation for the journey. It's unusual for the South African aspect of me because it just wouldn't happen on the public transport system in South Africa. But the British side of me got a tad annoyed, and cold after standing for almost 2 hours at a wind tunnel platform in Carlisle.
There was a signal issue and I began to realise the impact of it all as the platforms began to fill up with demanding passengers all trying to get information from the uninformed staff. They were uninformed because a big chunk of railway lines were affected, trains backed up outside the area, crew needed to go off duty yet those that remained on the platforms to face the huffing and puffing of many, stayed professional, patient and friendly. I was impressed.
I got chatting to a few passengers and it's always interesting to hear other's stories. I was amazed to see a calm dog on the train that ended up taking us to Glasgow. The train had come from London and I wondered if the dog had been able to do it's 'business' at all or if it managed to make it to Central Station. A mother walked her very cute baby through the train carriage and considering they'd been in transit from 07h30 both of them were in remarkable cheery spirits.
It's always great to come into Glasgow Central and cross the River Clyde, it's exciting and I try to take a photo. It was particularly nice to pull into the city after the delay. The fortunate thing was I had no pressing appointments tonight and have the luxury of time. One gentleman was trying to make it to Edinburgh to see the ballet, another was meeting friends for a girlie weekend. I wondered if there was any runners who are doing the Glasgow run on Sunday.
All of us on the same journey, each of us with different reasons and destinations... much like life.
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