All Aboard?

More Xmas kitsch along Southbank.  Do we really need this along one of London's best promenades?

From the Train Window

Viewing the pretty fields from the train window.

Jazz at the Station

The third "play me I'm yours"piano, a jazz band (the Ned Bennett Jazz quartet) and a book promotion all combined, resulted in a load of fun at St Pancras Station for commuters on their way home.

The "play me I'm yours"  pianos are an artwork that began in 2008 and now is found in major cities around the world.  Pianos are placed in train stations, parks, in the streets and other public spaces.  In London we see them spring up all over the city in the summer months. Many are painted by other artists.  Some days I think the city is crammed full of talented musicians when we hear these  pianos being played by passersby.

Blackfriars Platform

The view from Blackfriars bridge has been spoilt by the renovated train station, however the view from the platform is possibly the best train platform view in the world.  Magnificent as it is I still preferred it from the bridge and it was free then.

London, Edinburgh, York: one woman – one hell of a journey

Last year, I decided enough was enough – it was time to see some more of this country
that has become my new home.
 Deciding to visit Edinburgh and York, kicking things off in London of course, I was blown away by what I discovered.

Deciding to journey by train rather than putting myself through the torture of a lengthy car journey, it was East Coast Trains who helped me get started. Setting out from one of my favourite rail stations – London’s King Cross – I was immediately struck by the affordability

of the tickets.

You’d be hard-pressed to fill up a car’s petrol tank on this amount and the fact I could sit
back and enjoy the view without worrying about other drivers was an obvious advantage.
What’s even better is most train stations are centrally located – putting you within easy

reach of all the attractions you want to see.

Historical York:

Arriving in York, the first thing I was struck by was the historical significance of the city
although considering it was founded by the Romans in 71AD, it’s hardly surprising. When I wasn’t marvelling at the impressive York Minster – Europe’s biggest Gothic cathedral – I was getting to know the friendly locals who had plenty to teach me and making a trip round the numerous shoe stores.

A similar story was told when I got to Edinburgh. Proving that we Brits are as diverse as

any other nation, the Scottish capital was bursting with life and Edinburgh is definitely a

place I could visit again and again. From the majestic castle to the strong associations with

literature, music, fine dining and entertainment – it’s certainly a city with a lot to offer.

Once again, locals were on hand to show me that there was more to this city than just impressive buildings and varied attractions. Whether it was sharing a drink or having a quick

chat, I learnt a lot from my trip and was a little disheartened to be returning home so soon.

  

Of course, all great journeys must come to an end and touching back down in the beautiful English capital I couldn’t wait to share my experiences. With London remaining one of the main transport hubs in our country, my newfound love of exploring this country of ours is unlikely to end here – all I need to decide now is where I want to set my sights next!

From the Train Window

Looking out of the window on an East Midlands train, just north of London, looking at the pretty countryside go whizzing by.