Pond Life

After 24 hours on trains, I arrived in the UK yesterday. I have to say, the journey was relatively enjoyable. A little tedious at times but still, enjoyable. Lots of time alone to ponder, read, doze and enjoy the passing scenery.

Dreadful food though. Extornionate to boot.

On the Lisbon night train, having just eaten dinner in the dining car, I got up to pay. As I arose, I shuffled sideways from my seat. Unbeknown to me, I'd hooked the tablecloth about my person (somehow). The contents of the table top ended on the floor. Much to the delight of everyone else. It was a full diner.

My cabin had 4 others - 2 chinese women on an interrail trip around Europe and an old Poruguese couple. The Chinese spoke english, the Portuguese spoke portutguese. Of course I speak English and a level of portuguese akin to a 2 year old. The only difference between me and a portuguese toddler is that I can swear in portuguese. I'm a very naughty baby on occasion.

I spent my 13 plus hours on the  trip chatting in English and translating twixt portuguese/english. I'm still not fluent but I was fairly impressed with my level of understanding. I'm getting better. The bits I didn't quite understand - I made up. It seemed to both please and amuse my travelling companions.

All were impressed with my ability to sleep. With the exception of the coach steward, our friendly train assistant. Despite the fact that he repeatedly tapped my bunk in the morning, I failed to repsond. So he resorted to slapping my face with my train ticket. On awakening, I swore at him very loudly in Portuguese. I could tell he was a 50/50 mix of annoyed/impressed/taken aback.

And you've not lived until you've hurtled through France on the TGV. 200 miles an hour of pure, joyful speed. Amazing.

I wish I could say the same about British Rail though. Or whatever it's now known as. Full of Southerners too. The North/South divide was very apparent. Lots of Southerners waffling on and on (ad nauseum) about how much they earned, the bottle of wine they preferred, the art gallery they were planning on visiting. The Northerners settled down to a beer and a nap. I'm a Northerner. I didn't need a beer. Nor wanted one. My Southern seat-mate bored me to sleep.

Great to be with my family. My daughter has a new puppy. A delightful mess of two breeds, Jack Russel and Lhasa Apso. Tiny wee thing full of personality and spirit. A good choice of dog for anyone and a perfect mutt for my lovely daughter. I'm a granny. It feels good. I named her Sasha. I hope she becomes the diva that's apparent in her puppyness.

My daughter is just getting over the dreaded flu. Sasha arrived at a perfect time. However, I passed on a friends wise words ... "a dog is for life, not just for sickness" ...

• frogdropping's blog
• Add new comment
• Quote