East Coast Line to Edinburgh

As part of the current journey, I took the East Coast Line from London (King’s Cross Station) to Edinburgh, Scotland (Waverly Station). The entire process was quite easy and very comfortable. Upon arriving at the station, I went to the automatic ticket machine to collect my pre-paid tickets. Using the same credit card with which I purchased the tickets and the record locater, I was able to get the tickets in about 1 minute. There was a supplemental charge for use of the 1st Class Lounge, which was okay with me because I wanted to relax after the car ride in from Windsor. So, here’s a photo of the tickets:

Tickets and seat reservation for East Coast Line train to Edinburgh, Scotland.

Tickets and seat reservation for East Coast Line train to Edinburgh, Scotland.

About ten minutes before departure, the platform was announced and I made my way to the train. A reserved card was tucked into the back of my seat as you see in the next photo:

Card marking reserved seat on East Coast Line train to Edinburgh, Scotland.

Card marking reserved seat on East Coast Line train to Edinburgh, Scotland.

Seating was spacious in the first class carriage. There are several different seating arrangements including two facing a table as you see in this photo:

Two seats facing table aboard East Coast Line train to Edinburgh, Scotland.

Two seats facing table aboard East Coast Line train to Edinburgh, Scotland.

There are also groups of four seats facing a table as you see in the next photo:

First Class seating aboard East Coast Line train to Edinburgh, Scotland.

First Class seating aboard East Coast Line train to Edinburgh, Scotland.

Naturally, snacks were on offer, including cooked meals from a menu as well as sandwiches and beverages from the “trolley.” I went with the sandwiches, which were egg and/or salmon. Both were quite tasty and served with a smile.

Egg salad sandwich aboard East Coast Line train to Edinburgh, Scotland.

Egg salad sandwich aboard East Coast Line train to Edinburgh, Scotland.

Along the trip, cabin staff regularly pass by asking if you would like more drinks, including coffee, tea, soft drinks, and so forth. The ride is incredibly smooth and punctual, making for a pleasant journey without the hassle of airports. Scenery along the way was another bonus, although shrouded in rain and mist for much of the time. All in all, I recommend this form of travel within the UK. And finally, a special thanks to “The Man in Seat 61” who operates a fantastic website that is chock full of information about train travel around the world. Please, avail yourself of his website. I did and it helped me plan this trip perfectly. (I hope to make a video showing clips from this and the return journey aboard the East Coast Line.)

 

Published in: on June 4, 2014 at 6:12 am  Leave a Comment  
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The Full English (breakfast that is)

When in Rome… as the saying goes. So, while in England, I avail myself of the “Full English Breakfast” at the cozy little hotel where I spend some nights. Of course, there are some slight variations to this, but here’s a photo of the quintessential example:

The Full English Breakfast as served at The Clarence Hotel, Windsor, England.

The Full English Breakfast as served at The Clarence Hotel, Windsor, England.

As you can see, that’s quite a plate of food. Baked beans, fried egg, grilled tomato, bacon and sausage on the plate. Then toast, marmalade, juice, and coffee on the side. All this either fuels or conspires against a productive day. Depends on what you’re about. Either way, quite a lot of food. Enjoy every meal.

Published in: on June 3, 2014 at 10:37 am  Comments (1)  
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American Airlines Flight 56 (meals)

Continuing my journey that began with the meals you saw in the previous post, I enjoyed several more meals above 30,000 feet. Thanks to frequent flier miles, I was able to sit up front aboard American Airlines Flight 56, where the seating was spacious and service outstanding. So, let’s get on with those meals.

First came the champagne and warm nuts as you see in the next photo:

Champagne aboard American Airlines Flight 56.

Champagne aboard American Airlines Flight 56.

As you can see, I already polished off those mixed nuts. Next came more champagne with a little starter that was very, very good.

Starter aboard American Airlines Flight 56.

Starter aboard American Airlines Flight 56.

Then came an appetizer of Thai chicken with fruit that was extremely tasty as well as a flavorful corn chowder. Check it out in the photo below:

Corn chowder and Thai chicken appetizer aboard American Airlines Flight 56.

Corn chowder and Thai chicken appetizer aboard American Airlines Flight 56.

Of course it is important to have your greens. Hence, a fresh salad with the balsamic vinegar dressing you see here:

Salad aboard American Airlines Flight 56.

Salad aboard American Airlines Flight 56.

And finally the entree:

Chicken, veggies, and more aboard American Airlines Flight 56.

Chicken, veggies, and more aboard American Airlines Flight 56.

This was a grilled chicken with asparagus and tomatoes with a sort of potato pancake on the side. All great. After eating all this, I had no room for dessert. However, a bit later in this flight, there was a nice spread of snacks put out. Here it is:

Snacks aboard American Airlines Flight 56.

Snacks aboard American Airlines Flight 56.

All kinds of stuff there: Fresh fruit, crackers, cheese, sweets, much of which I enjoyed before going to sleep for the rest of the flight. I can’t say enough good things about the service aboard this flight. Cabin staff and crew did a wonderful job of making sure everyone was comfortable and enjoying the flight. Thanks again, American Airlines.

 

Published in: on June 2, 2014 at 4:06 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Love at first sight? (Aruba c. 2002?)

As mentioned in the previous post, I was going through my photo archives. I stumbled onto this one, an absolute favorite taken with my old Nikon F3. The location is Charlie’s Bar, San Nicolaas, Aruba. I remember turning from my drink at the bar and seeing this little girl look at Chavez the Cat and Chavez looking at her. Here it is (a photo of a photo):

A little girl and Chavez the cat at Charlie's Bar in San Nicolaas, Aruba, c. 2002.

A little girl and Chavez the cat at Charlie’s Bar in San Nicolaas, Aruba, c. 2002.

That is a photo of a print, which actually gives it a more archival feel, like a photo from many, many years ago. I’m fairly certain that I took this in 2002. I was using film back then, film by the mile actually. There’s boundless emotion in this little scene. I only wish I could find the negative and make more prints.

Published in: on May 18, 2014 at 9:24 am  Leave a Comment  
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