Ellery Hotel, Windermere to Gardens Hotel, Manchester
"Two roads diverged in a wood and I - I took the less traveled." Robert Frost
The Ellery Hotel, another odd place to stay, and this time Lois was responsible for the choice. No one else to blame. No wifi, supposedly because of the 2-3 foot thick walls, but even in the exact room with the router - Nothing. Only one other couple was staying here. No wonder when I arrived yesterday my name was not even asked, it was assumed I was Me, and was immediately lead up to the assigned space.
The bedroom was large, neat, and clean, with an equally large ensuite. Two packages of biscuits (cookies) plus a bottle of Still and one of Sparkling water were waiting. The problem was the mattress. More like a hammock which made tummy sleeping impossible.
Decided to not wear either of the elastic knee braces, or take any pain pills. Wanted to see how the knee would perform. Not too bad. Possibly a bit better? Why did it have to happen in the first place?
Spent the morning wandering in and out of each of the few shops in Windermere as the train departure was 12:47. There were many more stores down the hill in Bowness-on-Winderemere, but there was no intention on my part to trudge down there, and back up, and get even more hot and sweaty. Those hiking days are done, for now.
Saw a poster advertising an exhibition at the local library. Asked and found library. Found the show.
It was titled "From Auschwitz to Ambleside/Windermere". Photos, documents, video interviews. It was about 300 Jewish orphans who at the end of WWII, were resettled in this area. The U.K. had agreed to accept 1000 children into their country, but in the end only 729 could be found. Most were boys. The children eventually moved out into other English towns, or immigrated to Palestine or America. Many though stayed in the Lake District.
Bought the book with the entire story in it as I was so taken with the entire event. Will add it to my shelves of Holocaust material.
Next to the room with the display of The Boys of Windermere, was a sculpture art exhibit. Learned later from the librarian that the art was created by the wife of one of the Windermere boy survivors. She had never shown her sculptures before, and really had to be talked into displaying the pieces now. None were for sale.
Train from Windermere to Oxenholme and from there to Manchester Piccadilly.
Had to run to catch 2nd train and there was a bit of a complication because I had not gotten an actual printed ticket, only had my confirmation. The conductor made a bit of a fuss and told me to get a printed ticket when changing trains. Planned to, but when everyone unboarded the first train and began running down the ramp to catch the waiting train headed to Manchester (lots of Japanese with large luggages), I too realized hurry was the name of the game. By the time I came up next to the waiting train there were few people left on the platform. Climbed on. Basically the last to board. No ticket printed. Decided it would have to be dealt with when I was questioned, with a smile and an American accent (or Canadian).
Worked my way through the very crowded train cars until reaching mine. Packed train but I did have an assigned seat. Lots of fussing over my backpack and where to store it, and even more fussing with the stuff for the man in the seat next to mine. Both of our packs were left sitting in the entryway on the floor by one of the doors.
The person seated next to me was an obvious hiker, who was more smelly than me.
Gradually as the confusion in the train car settled down we began to talk. Learned he and his friend were going to Manchester airport where they were flying off to France for 9 days to train in the Alps on the glaciers for their upcoming trip in September to the Himalayas where they plan to stay until December. His backpack weighs about 55 pounds. Ouch! They have all their camping gear with them as they plan to sleep up high on ice and snow.
Worried a bit, but not a lot, about the printed out ticket issue. Knew in Manchester at Piccadilly Station that to depart from the train area you have to show your ticket. Got my confirmation sheet out. Approached the two guards and said "there was some confusion and I needed to have a printed ticket". They waved me through, rather, they thought they were directing me, back, into the terminal, and showed me where to go get my ticket. Smiled, thanked them, and walked completely out into downtown Manchester. Ticket issue - no issue.
Still I LOVE riding by train!!!
Easily found the Gardens Hotel. When looking at my confirmation sheet today realized how inexpensive it was. Mentally prepared for a real low life place. Not bad. Great location. Room is fine. Close to train station to make departure on Wednesday easier.
Hot here. Had to take a quick rinse off shower after the 2 hour train event. On arrival here in 2015 after the Offa's Dyke and Glyndwr Way walk it was freezing cold here and had to wear all my layers, scarf, and gloves.
Kind of nice to return to a city that is somewhat familiar.
Walked about looking at places. Went to see the site of the bombing after the Ariana Grande concert. Not much to see as it was boarded up and Manchester Victoria train station was operating as usual.
Lots of I LOVE ❤️ Manchester signs!
All over city central life was going on in typical fashion. Fashion, well, quite different from what the people seen walking on the C2C were wearing. Also gone are the beautiful well behaved pedigree dogs. Here the only dogs look pathetic sitting next to an even more pathetic human with a cup out in front of them. Back to city life.
Now, back in urban everything is moving at a different pace. Had to bring back the city mentality of being surrounded by so many Humans, and use common "street sense" without letting the mind become worried, just be aware. Exciting as there are so many different nationalities everywhere.
Did find myself walking closer to the edge of buildings rather than near the edge of the road where a car could potentially drive up and do damage. Too bad this has had to happen, and there have been tragedies, but life does go on, and it is good to try to be positive.
Found food again at the Arndale Market which is attached to the upscale mall. First discovered this area 4 years ago. Like a "food court" in a mall, only small, very condensed, and side by side food vendors selling what they call "street foods". Had falafel in pits with Everything. Yum!! Best food in weeks and CHEAP. Will try one of the other places tomorrow.
Tomorrow is the Official day of being a transitional tourist before finally getting on the plane, supposedly British Airways, but in the end is American Airlines.
It is TIME TO GO HOME!
It will be strange once back on to have use of a keyboard for "typing" rather than thumbing.
"Oh the places you will go." Dr Seuss
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