Category: Uncategorized

Tails from the Rails: Hitchin to London St Pancras International

This is the first time i have used Thames Link. My usual line is Shenfield to Liverpool Street when back in the UK.

Should i have been disappointed that the train was delayed due to points failure. For me that is no. There was time for a coffee, watch the fast trains pass in either direction on the two middle lines whist planning my time on the London Underground.

No one appeared to be upset or angry. Although there were plenty of people waiting when the train arrived there plenty of seats available on the 12 coach train.

The destinations it past through were fantastic which included Gatwick Airport and the UK’s South Coast with needing to change.

The quietness on the train was lovely with some reading the morning paper, some on the phone and the rest lost in thought.

Compared to driving (which i enjoy) this is a pretty stress free way to travel.

I admire the train drivers and the controllers who helo keep the UK network running and safe.

Observations of a traveller:Changi Airport, Singapore

Should o have been surprised that the vast majority of the people flying Auckland to Singapore followed what was asked by the ground crew, that is compared to the mad rush to get on and off the bucket and spade flights in the 70’s and 80’s. There was one person who tried a few times who tried to sneak on before everyone else.

Even getting of the plane although many stand up when the plane arrives it always to be one row at the time. That said one lady did work through the aisle to get to front hoping to get of early only to be blocked by those at the front being allowed of first.

In the terminal there will always be some who try to sneak inti the boarding gate area thinking that they have missed the flight. Possibly people who do not fly that often.

Lastly i was interested when one person in a group tidies up the carry on luggage in their group only then watch someone else do the same thing then to spoil it all looks for their bag, opens it, closes it yet nothing is removed.

Observations of a traveller

I am back to what i enjoy the most that is travelling and people watching.

I have checked at Wellington Airport for my flight to London via Auckland Airport and Singapore Airport.

I have had a large coffee watching the afternoon slow come to a end over my favorite beach that is Lyall Bay.

It’s feeling calm with a standy stream of people checking in at the self service kiosks. For all of those i saw the process seemed 2nd nature.

There was a real mix of people from the solo traveler to the families and a large age group.

Many were checking in on one of the handful flights to Australia and warmer climate.

What caught my interest were two distinct groups of people.

The first group were the older traveler who although they may be a little unsteady on their feet or required some assistance the smiles were still their after many years of being together. The joy they radiated was very infectious, they all looked smart and upright in their appearance. They certainly dressed to travel just like something from the bygone time.

The other group were the younger age group. These were all excited by the sense of adventure. Skipping was the order of the day with beaming smiles as they helped to check-in.

The winking dragon in the check-in was a source of amusement with many a photo being taken. I’m sure the dragon could tell many a story.

Lastly, for the moment is the welcomes and good byes. The tears of happiness when friends and families meet, hug and smile. While the good byes will almost bring a tear to my eyes. It’s the sadness on their face, a tear running down the face and that moment of quiet where nothing is said.

Playing Cards or Electronics Devices

On and off over the years when I travelled locally or internationally i have seen o families which include children or adult friends taking out a pack of cards and then start playing a game.

I noticed more in the last week travelling around the Isle of Skye where those predominantly from Europe start a game.

To me this is so much fun for all involved. Those playing get to interact with each other, have a laugh and get to talk with each other.

That is so much better than having one’s head in your phone or devise and hardly speak to each other or even away that your travelling companion is with you.

For me the intetaction must be a positive thing ad it may lead to a better social interaction. ( I’m no expert)

I would be interested to hear people’s views on this.

Travels back to the UK

It’s early morning on the last Saturday of July and I’m at the check in area at Wellington Airport.

It’s been 4 years since I’ve been back to the UK which was for my father’s funeral.

With the outbreak of Covid_19 and the Lockdowns that we went through and the new ways of working that we now operate under i have been looking forward to the 6 weeks holiday. It will be an opportunity to recoup and to spend quality time with family and friends