Off to see mummy and daddy and it's an expedition in itself. Not a difficult one and certainly one that is worth it, but an expedition all the same. Well actually it isn't technically an expedition as the dictionary definition is a 'journey taken by a group of people'. And although I am accompanied as always by Father, Son and Holy Spirit I'm not sure they count. Still I set off at 9.30 am so as to avoid the rush hour and more importantly to avoid the extra payment that London Transport charge for the privilege of no seat, morning garlic breath and sweaty armpits, yes, even in the morning. Right now, as I type on the train, it is already 11.14 am exactly and I'm only just leaving London. Euston station to be exact.
First leg of the journey is a bus from Hanwell to Ealing Broadway. Not hard to do but totally fascinating as I listen to a mum and her daughter discuss everyone's pregnancy that they know, including their own sister/daughter who's about to have an Alfie. Which is also the name of the next door's cat. Did you know you can't find Christmas cards with 'to my sister and brother in law and baby bump'? ..... although I wanted to tell them that I bet you Alan's mum could find one. Anyway, haven't they heard of Moonpig. Thank goodness for pens and an ability to write, so 'and baby bump' was added to the front of the card at the bottom. Nice! Was the journey really THAT long?
Second leg. Tube train to Euston including changeover. But first a stop at Starbucks for the worst cup of tea I've ever tasted. Should have had one at home. Then equally irritating is the fact that I then have to carry around a half empty or should I say half full cardboard cup everywhere I go. I say half full not because I'm that kind of person but because no matter how far down the liquid is, it still manages to spew up and out of that tiny hole in the lid, on to my hand, the floor, my legs, the person next to me, and my book - which if you're interested is The Catcher in the Rye. I know, I'm a late starter. I carry it around because there is nowhere to put it of course. There are no rubbish bins on the platforms - as a bomb could be hidden there. Please read that word quietly as I don't want to panic anyone. I am on a train remember. Can't put it, the cup that is not the book, down on the train as it could fall over and spill everywhere so eventually as I disembark at Euston I slyly put it on a bench and squash any guilty feelings of littering God's beautiful word, although I'm not sure Euston station counts.
Up the escalators I go, glancing at the adverts as I slide by. The Nutcracker by Birmingham Royal Ballet - would love to see that. Carol concert - Alan would love to see that. Wicked - seen it. War Horse - going to see that. Have got the vouchers to pay for it (fantastic birthday pressie), Alan and I have agreed we both want to see it, so not sure why we haven't bought the tickets yet. Well that's Alan and I for you, slow to get round to anything. By the way, does anyone else get that weird feeling just as you near the end of the escalator, you know that moment when you wonder if you're going to miss jumping off the escalator and be sucked under, into a parallel under-escalator world? Just me then!
Third leg and it's a train to Milton Keynes. Virgin train. Lovely train. Lots of seats. Write blog. Oooops, nearly miss my stop as I'm so engrossed. Quickly jump off, grabbing hat, coat, scarf, gloves, bag. Wow. Only a short journey north and it's way colder here. Until I remember to put on hat, coat, scarf and gloves.
Fourth leg and without a doubt the easiest. Jump into taxi and £10. 80 later I've arrived.
Actually I'm on my way back now.
It's been a lovely day seeing my parents and it's only taken 2 cabs, 2 buses, 6, yes I said 6, trains and all for the bargain cost of £41, for what is a one hour 15 minute car journey, even with me driving.
Hmmmm just one last thought. I do hope Alan had a good day driving his lovely BMW from house to house whilst listening to his favourite radio station. I bet he's back home already. I wonder if he'll meet me from the station. One less bus............ hmmmmm.
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