This is becoming a bit of a habit. All of a sudden, it seems, after the usual last minute panic packing, I am on my way, this time by train, to Southampton where a hopefully comfortable night at the Novotel awaits. I have opted to travel in the Cross Country version of British Rail’s “Weekend First” which if I remember rightly, was introduced at just a quid, back in the early 1980s. Of course, being popular, the weekend cost to upgrade soon increased in frequent increments to today’s average of around £25 depending on distance and Train Operating Company.
By now, after numerous adventures to some far flung corners of the world, over many years, the chore of packing and making sure you have all the required documentation should become increasingly straightforward. It doesn’t seem to. However, when “my neighbour over the road” called just after 1 o’clock this afternoon, I was ready, but still “panicking!” And there’s that persistent nagging doubt, even on the train, that I have overlooked something of great importance.
I haven’t bothered to acquire a wadge of Norwegian Currency. I doubt whether the shops in Bergen will accept U.S Currency. My replaced credit card should do nicely, especially as Non Stirling Transatlantic charges are “waived.” We have just left Birmingham New Street; the sun is coming out at long last, and uncharacteristically for me, I accepted a glass of wine from four fun loving ladies sitting close by, on their way to a Mediterranean Cruise on board Anthem of the Seas. This is their first cruise and I was able to assure them that the good time they were having on the train would just get better.
All too soon, we were pulling into Southampton Central, and I was making my way across the “dangerous” road adjacent to the Down Platform at Southampton, along a footpath next to a shopping complex car park, straight to my hotel. I have stayed here a few times but for some reason, tonight, I am slightly disappointed. Perhaps it is because I am not entitled to the loyalty points having booked on-line. I then, just after 8 o’clock, went down for dinner. There was a queue at the entrance, and a “run-off-her-feet” waitress explained that right now, the restaurant was fully booked, and that those already seated were waiting up to 45 minutes for their meal. I made the mistake of reading some of the reviews, many of which were “1 star.” But not all of them. However, the receptionists and other personnel frequently came in for praise, and certainly, I had no problem checking in, except again, there was a queue. Eventually, I tried the nearby TGI Fridays eatery, from what I gather, established in Higher Manhattan. Chicken, beautifully cooked, with rocket and French fries was followed by a coffee. This did the trick.
I am excited for this time tomorrow, I shall have settled into my 4 deck sheltered balcony cabin, and maybe coming to the end of dinner on board Queen Mary 2. The blogs should become more interesting and (hopefully) enjoyable as this enormous vessel becomes dwarfed by the might of southern Norway’s towering fjords. What a way to spend a week.
Sunday 4th September enjoying breakfast with a view of Southampton Police Station!
Behind the “cop-shop” one can see QM2 lurking behind small trees and containers. That is the view from my 4th floor bedroom.
The 1 star reviews do not really reflect my stay here. And I don’t think standards have dropped since I first came here, I think, three years ago. That the pancakes had run out (as mentioned in at least one review) was no big deal. Nor was I concerned about the 70s artexing of the walls and ceilings, especially welcome when your back is itching! The oversized bed was extremely comfortable and I slept well last night. In a bad mood, I would rate the hotel 4 stars and have little patience with those seeking to find fault. Half a star is lost due to (I think) understaffing of the restaurant causing it not to be able to be full, and rather long waits for service. I firmly believe the pandemic to be still a part of the problem and will be for a long time to come, not only here, but throughout any of service industries…er…. railways included. The other half star is down to something outside the hotel’s control i.e. exuberant guests. Many, I learn are on their way to the Mediterranean on board Anthem of the Seas. Soundproofing doesn’t seem to work very well here. But by the time I got my head down last night, the doors had stopped slamming and distant conversation replaced by an eerie silence. Apart from being reminded of my nocturnal need for “comfort stops,” I slept well.
My home for the next seven nights awaits at the Mayflower Cruise Terminal. All I need to do now is to partially re-pack and head to the quayside.
Many thanks for reading, David, 10.44 hrs, Room 414, a well known hotel in Southampton.
David's Cruise 