Another overcast, cold, windy day although the rain did stay away for most of the day. After breakfast at the George Inn, packed up, loaded the car and headed for Bath (only about 1/2 hour away), to return the car. Had a couple of hours to spare after we arrived (car due back about 12.30pm, train to London at 14.45) so we visited Sydney Gardens which has a trainline and a canal running through it. Then we headed to Bath (Heights)to admire beautiful architecture of the city.
Once again I ( Val) found navigating around Bath very stressful - most difficult part of the whole trip!
We made sure we were at the station in plenty of time this time, for our prepaid fare to London. Comfortable trip - much better than a Sydney-Newcastle. On-board Cafe and non-smelly toilets!
Arrived in London, a quick change by train from Paddington to Kings Cross/St Pancras, a short walk to the YHA in Euston Road. This will be very handy on Friday when we have to be back at St Pancras at 6.30am for the 7am Eurostar to Paris. Checked into our double room (bunks) with en suite.
A couple of disappointments - thought it might be a good idea to go and see Helen Mirren in the stage play "The Audience" ...... Ha!! Of all the performances left this week - evening and/or matinee, there were only 6 seats left for one evening ..... at £174 EACH!! Would have meant just under $400 for us both. A once-in-a lifetime opportunity, perhaps, but .......
Then, OK! Arsenal play Wigan (the FA Cup winners) in London on Tuesday night. That would be good, we'll go and see that ...... doh!! Sellout ( I suppose if Wigan hadn't have won it would have been a non-event, with plenty of seats). Not to be.
The Youth Hostel is a bit of a "culture shock" for us. Not quite what we've been used to for the last 3 weeks or so, with the comparatively more spacious hotel rooms and cottages. The YHA room is very small, with bunk beds. It does have an ensuite though, but that too is very small. I also think we must be near every hospital in London, and several major police stations.... or this area is the centre for much crime and many accidents - it's just one continuous cacophony of sirens, particularly during the day (it does get quieter at night, thank heavens). After the roomy accommodation we have had Val finds it very claustraphobic. At least you can open the window and get some cool fresh air in.
However, the YHA does have one great benefit - it's only 2 minutes away from St Pancras station where we have to be at 0630 next Friday to catch the Eurostar back to Paris. We chose that time back in February when we booked the tickets for £40 each. When we arrived on Monday, thought we'd check if we could change for a later train at a much civilied hour . Yes we could, but the tickets would cost ........ £179 each !!! Quelle difference.
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