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Published: April 12th 2010
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In the beginning was the word; and the word was
go!
“Not again!”. Yes, again! I know I've only recently come back from Costa Rica and, only 4 days ago was returning from a short trip to Amsterdam, but there has to be some advantage to being made redundant - and, in any case, I was always going to take some time out!
And so it was, that on the word
go, I lifted my rucksack (with attached sleeping bag), donned my leather hat, picked up my camera, locked the front door and headed into the cool early April air on (yet) another adventure.
The clear blue sky allowed the weak, early spring sun to shed warmth at ground level and my 1 mile walk to the railway station was made all the more comfortable by rolling up my shirt sleeves. I do hope that the rest of the trip will be as pleasant!
Arriving at the station, I waited some 10 minutes before our rural service arrived - a single coach with a combined diesel engine greeted by the whining of the siren at the level crossing. The short journey into Crewe took me through the beautiful countryside in which I live and reminded me that in the 7 years or so that I've lived here, this is probably the first time I've taken the train!
Just as we pulled into Crewe, where I needed to change (trains - not into tracksuit bottoms), the guard finally reached me and I was able to become legal by the purchase of a (return) ticket. With only a short wait before the Manchester train arrived, I sat in the sun and enjoyed the garden set up by the local horticultural college, before boarding the empty train to take me to the airport.
The nondescript journey through Alderley Edge and Wilmslow passed quickly and I soon found myself at the airport. Having previously checked in, I simply needed to drop my rucksack off before heading through security and into the departure area where I was able to finally enjoy a cup of coffee and meatball sandwich. With just an hour to spare before the flight, I took the opportunity for a little last minute shopping and came away with the item I'd been looking for - a washing line (no pegs required)!
It was here that I met a work colleague who commented upon how relaxed I looked. I did inform him that I'd lost my job just two days previously and hence I was now totally relaxed. I didn't enquire as to his need to be in the airport as all business travel had been suspended but I did learn that my colleague is really upset that I'd left her. Apparently, she's now all alone as her new manager is based some 100 miles distant and doesn't talk to her!
The flight south was very smooth with clear views to the ground although, with the camera in the overhead locker, we took an unusual route across London and had fine views of Tower Bridge and the London Eye. I was unable to take photos! I'm hoping that the journey back to Manchester will be as clear as I will have the camera ready.
After an inordinate wait in the arrivals area for baggage, I was relieved to see my rucksack appear on the carousel with the sleeping bag still attached. Minor adjustments were required and I headed off to the South African Airlines check-in desk where the helpful lady kindly registered my frequent flier card and took my rucksack on the next part of its journey. The last time I went via South Africa, my luggage decided to take its own holiday - this time, I'm hopeful that I'll see it tomorrow morning.
With 3 hours to go before the flight is called, there's little to do but drink coffee, listen to jazz and read the paper. Whilst I rest, I suggest you go and do the same ...
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