Sunday, September 17, 2023

The train.

The train was on time but the rolling stock was  'tired' . The carriages had worn carpets and saggy seat cushions. We soon discovered that the kitchen had an 'electrical problem' so there was no hot food. Instead passengers were offered a Coronation Chicken roll. This sounded more appealing than it was. The combination of curry powder, mayonnaise, slightly stale bread and processed chicken slices brought to mind something rather more akin to a car boot sale than a Coronation. The staff did their best to cheer things up by bringing out the drinks trolley as soon as we passed the border at Berwick. None of the wines came from geographic zones that we'd associate with wine making so we both stick with water. This abstemious approach was not followed by all the passengers - particularly those who joined at Newcastle - who were delighted to wash down their Coronation chicken with  a glass , or two, of a 'cheeky' Albanian Malbec .


Durham cathedral looked grand from the north...


...as did the Forth . A large cruise ship is moored in the middle of the river. Presumably it's too large to get under the bridges and into the harbour. I'm left to wonder how the passengers get ashore. A small boat journey to the landing stage would be quite an adventure in these breezy conditions.


London busy but not packed. It's the time of the year when seasoned travellers reappear to enjoy the sights in peace and quiet.  A chance to visit our favourite chocolatier ...


..... and go in search of large, French sized, coffee cups in the Le Creuset store.

10 comments:

WFT Nobby said...

The sight of Durham Cathedral from the train never fails to thrill.
But to be honest, a Coronation Chicken roll does not even sound appealing!
Cheers, Gail.
PS Nobby begs to differ on the latter point.

Coppa's girl said...

Oh dear, your description of the catering standard and rolling stock on your journey south is sadly reminiscent of the days of British Rail.
The passengers on the cruise ship were most likely ferried ashore in the lifeboats - a far cry from the days of rowing boats!
Paca has never had a Coronation Chicken roll, so bows to Nobby's superior knowledge in such matters.

jabblog said...

Coronation chicken has never appealed and I've no intention of ever trying it.
From your photographs, London looks quite appealing.

Camille said...

Like wee Nobbie, Dottie dog would also welcome the opportunity to sample an "exotic" Coronation chicken roll. However, her Mum is not convinced curry and a moving train would be a good combination.

Diaday said...

I have my mom's well-used and well-loved orange Le Creuset soup pot. It always brings a smile whenever I use it and sometimes the soup just tastes extra good.

Travel said...

Sounds more like Amtrak than a British train. Well Amtrak does not have a drinks trolly. We live on top of 160 ft tall hill, overlooking the Potomac River. The worst case scenario on global warming, this will be water front property in 100 years.

Jake of Florida said...

Here we are at 8 feet above sea level. 14 miles inland from the ocean. We don't flood right now, even with powerful hurricane downpours. But always the angst.

Gemma's person said...

Remember where they found the Ark. Now that probably won't be beaten in our lifetimes or even our poor darling grandchildren's.
I believe it is said the world won't be destroyed by water again...but another way.
Please all , live each day to it's best potential then we have no worries. Be kind, it really doesn't hurt.

rottrover said...

I'd like to visit a Le Creuset store! We must have one in Los Angeles. Oh Google??

The Bougalou Bear said...

Well maitained Le Creuset stock lasts forever. I have my grand-mother's owen dishes in blue, grenn and the famous Le Creuset orange. They are still in excellent shape after a lifetime of use, and I won't use anything else to make my sole au gratin.