On the train
When I was a little girl I was terrified of trains. I have no idea where that fear came from. My earliest memory of trains and stations was as a 6 year old travelling from Southampton to London to go to the circus with my father’s company. There was a crowd of us and in my mind’s eye I see a huge engine with a big number on it. Did I see steam? Not sure. I know we had tea on the train with little pots of jam which I regarded as very posh.
My next recollection is of going to catch a train because the car had broken down and we needed to get back home. It was daylight and I was terrified so screamed and screamed! My father was SO embarrassed!
So, me and trains have not had a happy relationship. Bringing the story up to date – enter hubby Nick. Unlike his brother who is a fanatical train spotter, Nick just likes them especially the steam variety. Gradually over the years, we taken the train occasionally and I don’t know if it is the passing of the years or my getting older but I’m OK with them. I even asked to go on a longer journey after a short trip on a steam train as I found the clickity, clickity and gentle rocking really comforting.
Earlier this week, I had to go to Wales for a presentation. It was on Monday and that meant I didn’t have the car. The school were really keen for me to attend and offered to pay the train fare. I was also going ON MY OWN! Now at 62 that should be OK but since I have retired Nick and I go to most places together and he takes the lead. This trip was a way to re-skill myself in travelling.
I boarded the train at Bristol Parkway which is not Bristol’s main station but it has recently had a face lift and is now providing quite a comfortable service. I was impressed to see a porter assigned to helping passengers with their luggage despite the ladies protesting that ‘we can manage’.
The carriages are really very smart now and having gone into one designated ‘Quiet’ it was a good experience. Gradually as we passed stations the language began to change. I was definitely entering a foreign country! There was always a translation though.
There was quite a marked difference between Cardiff Central station and Bristol Parkway. Apparently Cardiff has been earmarked for refurbishment. I just loved the ‘Information Desk’ which was 3 folks at the end of the corridor! Just look at that wonderful tiling though.
Of course, after my meeting, I had to do it all again but reversed. It was comforting to see the trains were on time!
What is your favourite mode of transport? Have you an irrational fear that you have no idea where it came from?
Trains and boats for me are the nicest way to travel, though I don’t think I would enjoy a trip on one of those huge cruise ships.
They remind me of Butlins!
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I absolutely love trains and any chance I get I’ll go on one. It’s a dream to do a long distance journey, like across Europe, but so far Eurostar to Paris is the furthest. I love any means of travel but I’d draw the line at white water rafting and going on a cruise has zero appeal. I’m really surprised that you felt you needed to travel re-skill, I wouldn’t have thought anything would faze you.
Bless you Gilly. It’s being on my own that I’m fazed by sometimes. Been very spoilt since retiring!!
Thank you for all the lovely pictures. Feels I’ve been on your shoulder and on the train with you.
I haven’t been on a train in many years but I used to love them. When I was four, my mother and I came to Canada by ship and then by train. My father was already there preparing the way for us. I remember my mother took me to the bathroom on the train and how afraid I was of falling into the toilet and onto the tracks. 😀
I don’t like noise of the whoosh when you pull the flush!
When I was four, there was no bottom on the toilet. I was afraid of falling on the tracks as I watched them whizzing by. I clung to my mother like glue.