Wending Westward to Winchester

---

After witnessing yesterday‘s epic traffic/gridlock at Waterloo Bridge, my brain would simply NOT shut off during the night, trying to calculate the best way for me to catch this morning’s train to Winchester. Every mode had risks: the Tube involved carrying my large, heavy case on stairs at each end, all surface-modes involved rush hour.

So, after about three hours’ sleep, I showered, packed up, woke Fae for a hug, and took off for Waterloo Station at dawn. Naturally, I caught the first bus and arrived a ridiculous two hours early. However, I made the most of my time, ensconcing myself at a luxury mezzanine cafe, enjoying Eggs Florentine and a latte while watching the mayhem on the station floor below....

Tonight I’m in a cozy Air BnB room near the rail station, and have spent the day exploring sweet Winchester, of Cathedral fame.

I walked through the historic High Street, teeming with shops and shoppers, strolled along the rippling River Itchen that flows through the city and around the cathedral, and slurped up a bowl of about the best mussels I’ve ever eaten outside of France.

After a quick nap, I scurried through sudden showers to attend Evensong at the college chapel (the only way to see it without tour tickets...), and came out to the most beautiful sunset light and rainbow.

I must be doing something right....?

---

Photos

Waterloo Station breakfast at Carlucci’s
A perfect perch to observe the controlled chaos of rush hour.

Comments

[Dia e]

Good grief! These pictures make me jump out of my skin wishing to be there or somewhere. Some of the photos did not have explanations in this post, just file numbers. I don't know if that's true for everybody's edition of this post but I suspect you would have put some kind of a label on that dog on a carpet. None the less I know what muscles are and fries or rather chips... And beer period for heaven sakes stop it! Not really....❤❤❤

[BlueHwyGal]

Thanks, Diane
I had captioned the photos, but not saved my work, so thanks for the alert that they weren’t captioned! ?

[MARY N BLACK]

Fun trip
I am really, really enjoying your great adventure!

[Kier]

Lovely Day in Winchester
Glad your travel day went so well, Dispite a sleepless night! Your new town is beautiful and your sunset/rainbow were stunning gifts. You are excelling in your travel adventures and finding amazing places to rest your head. Love reading your blog...nice job!

[BlueHwyGal]

Thanks!
Thanks, Kier and Tuffy, for your kind encouragement. I’m having a great adventure and just hoping my funds match my travel plans... ? Doing things on a shoestring is challenging, but also so rewarding!

[Candy Ferguson]

Beautiful Winchester
I was lucky enough to spend 3 days in Winchester in 2013 while traveling with my Dad. We were enchanted by the city! Dad loved mussels and I wish we had found the restaurant you went to where you enjoyed them so much. Miss you back here in Charbonneau where the Fall colors are beautiful - even those lying on the ground. Safe travels, Candy

[BlueHwyGal]

Hey, Candy!
Good to hear from you! Yes, Winchester is charming, packing a lot in for its size. I’d passed through one day 40+ years ago, and wanted to see more this time. Just stumbled upon Loch Fyne seafood and boy, howdy was I impressed! Hugs all around!