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Published: August 21st 2010
The Drop Inn
Wherein Catchpole and Pickles caused mayhem after a few whiskies. I kissed the boot of a Guns'n'Roses wannabe guitarist.7.16
Train: Oslo - Gøteborg
In the end I did make it to Oslo in time for my train, so I'm back on course with the epic journey home. I even managed to get some sleep. I had a double seat to myself and over the course of the seven hour journey managed to arrange myself in an assortment of positions of varying degrees of discomfort. The excitement was that I got a free blanket, eyemask, inflatable pillow and earplugs. Fab! As I walked through the carriage this morning it was quite a sight with people all scattered in even more strange positions than I had come up with. I assure you none of them were very sexy.
11.44
Train: Gøteborg - Copenhagen
Well things are going well today. The ride from Oslo was comfy and I snoozed a lot. Now I've perked up with a cup of tea and some biccies. I should get some time for a walk in Copenhagen, I'll need it after all this sedentariness.
The trip Lucy Pickles and I did to Copenhagen 4 years ago I think (pre ukulele) was my first proper rail trip, and was possibly the wildest of all.
The Canal Boat
In which 4 years ago Lucy and I had hysterics for over an hour. Everything was incredibly funny. I just remember hours of hysterical laughter, unhinged drunkenness and grumpy hangovers with over-priced Greek salads...
19.12
Night train: Copenhagen - Cologne
Considering the stressful start to my homeward bound trip it's all gone to plan since. I'm in my little compartment with ceremonial hipflask moment done. All going well I should be home by 11.30 tomorrow which is quite crazy, but i will be relying on trains being on time, so it's a little nerve-wracking. Oh well I won't worry about that now.
I had a couple of hours to explore Copenhagen and it was a great little nostalgia trip. I spent the whole time with a silly grin on my face remembering the Catchpole/Pickles antics. I've taken some photos for Lucy mainly, all highly symbolic... The only disappointment was not being able to find any trace of the Neckface graffiti. All scrubbed away. But it was great to find the Drop Inn... That was quite a night to remember, but in a blurry indistinct way.
So it's sad to be nearing the end of my trip, but it has been full of lovely people, places and stuff. Very happy times, with the occasional stress,
The chocolate shop...
where Lucy crashed her face into the glass when excitedly inspecting the chocolate but I've done alright. To be honest I'm really excited to get back to my lovely flat too. Home Sweet Home. I have a few days to savour the memories and readjust to London life before I get back to work so it should be a happy home coming.
21/8
6.44am
Just pulling out of Cologne having easily made the connection from the night train. I slept a bit but had to deal with a grumpy conductor who'd forgotten to pull my bed down. When I called him he was so rude, it was only about 11 but I guess he'd already gone to bed or something. He was so pissed off! I felt no pity I just wanted my bed!
My only thoughts now are just to get home as soon as possible, so although it's a bit risky I'm glad I've minimised the waiting around: only an hour's wait at Brussels then I'm nearly home!
9.12 Brussels Midi - London St Pancras Eurostar
Whoooopeeeeee!
I'm on the final stretch of the journey and just can't wait to get home, have a shower and get into bed! I'm exhausted, this has been the longest travel I
have done ever in my life (there were some long ones in India but not this long, I'm sure) 36 hours on the tracks I worked out. What was I thinking?! Well it's been pretty good, just felt very tired after the first night train when I was trying to sleep on a seat. Last night was better but still intermittent.
In my tired stupor I almost didn't get off at Brussels as I saw the Bruxelles Zuid sign and for a moment thought it was another station (on my ticket it only says Bruxelles Midi) fortunately I saw a Midi sign just in time... This journey has definitely had the most self-created near disasters ever. Maybe I'm losing my touch! I might have to join a guided tour group next time so someone can tell me what to do all the time. The only drawback is it could end up with multiple tourist homicides as one by one I push them off trains, boats and cliffs till I'm alone with the petrified tour guide. Maybe a case for M. Poirôt...
So this is the end of my Scandinavia blog - I'll be adding the rest of the
photos this afternoon after I've had a nap. Thanks anyone who has been keeping up with any of this! Here's looking forward to the next journey...
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Hilke
non-member comment
Hey Clare, welcome home! Looking forward to hearing your stories live, let's have a tea and cake when you're back! Hx