Aboard the 205

Here we are aboard a bus on the way to Euston Station. As the title says, we are on our way to Manchester. We are spending two nights there, returning home on Sunday. We left home at about 5:30 pm because Tigger was at work during the day. Our train departs at 8:40 pm.

Leon at Euston Station

At Euston, we went up onto the upper level to Leon’s for an early supper. Leon’s was busy but they are efficient so I was soon served,

Coffee and halloumi wrap
Photo by Tigger

We each had a halloumi wrap with coffee. The wrap was tasty but not very warm.

Waiting for the platform number

The worst part of departing from Euston is waiting for your train’s platform to show. Euston is particularly bad at this and often shows the platform number with only minutes to spare, causing a mad rush for the train. Fortunately, we have reserved seats.

Near one end of carriage F

We have seats near one end of carriage F. These are not our reserved seats, which were not together, but two seats together, Fingers crossed that no one claims them en route when our true seats are occupied!

A snack

Even though we had had supper (hours ago, it felt like!), we had a little snack along the way: Babybel individual cheeses and Kettle crisps. Besides nourishment it helps bear the tedium of the journey.

Passengers are asked to wear “face coverings” (modern jargon for “face masks”) in stations and on trains but as the train has a buffet selling food and drink to be consumed in your seat, it is legitimate to remove your mask to eat and drink, as you would in a restaurant.

Crewe Station
Photo by Tigger

As it’s night and dark outside, there nothing to be seen through the windows except blackness and occasional passing lights, unless we stop at one of the few stations. These, though, are not very interesting at night.

Wilmslow
Photo by Tigger

This is a slightly surreal-looking photo of Wilmslow Station as it combines an exterior view with interior reflections.

Arriving

The train was late but we arrived at last at Manchester Piccadilly Station (yes, they have a Piccadilly in Manchester too) where I grabbed this one-handed shot as we made for the exit.

The taxi
Photo by Tigger

As it was late (nearly 11 pm) we decided to take a cab rather than confront the buses. The taxi took us to our hotel where we checked in and made for our room on the fourth floor. It is small, very small, uncomfortably small, but fortunately, we will spend only two nights here.

We unpacked immediate necessities which include plugs and cables to charge our phones. There is only one set our power points in a far corner of the room. Fortunately, we have long extension leads, both of which are needed so we can use our mobiles while on or in the bed.

Next job was to make tea and to relax after a slightly stressful journey. So good night, all, till tomorrow.