To And Around Vasteras
I then took the train from Stockholm to Vasteras, so that I could meet up with the rest of the party and the guide at Vasteras Airport.
The trip was totally without incident and after getting a bus to the airport, we all met up easily.
The only problem I had, was buying a ticket for the bus, which needed to be paid for with coins. Surely, it’s time we had a Europe-wide ticketing standard, so that buying bus tickets is easy.
A Quiet Stockholm
Stockholm was rather dead to the world, as Barack Obama was visiting.
I did sit by the water in the sun and eat an ice cream.
At least the Police didn’t stop me walking around. Perhaps it’s a good time to visit a city, when Obama does?
No Clocks In Terminal Five
Terminal Five at Heathrow doesn’t seem to have any clocks.
There wasn’t even one in Carluccio’s in Departures.
Surely a few obvious clocks, would help people get to their plane on time.
A Horse In Heathrow Terminal Five
This horse is one of the silliest piece of art I’ve ever seen.
A Horse In Heathrow Terminal Five
It was outside British Airways Executive Club.
No Tables On The Heathrow Express
I went to Heathrow Airport by the Heathrow Express.
It is a nice train,but why are there no tables on the train? There isn’t any between seats or in the seatbacks!
Sweden’s Mammals
I have been in Sweden on an organised trip to see Sweden’s mammals. The details are here on the Naturetrek site.
I actually extended the trip by three days, by flying to Stockholm a day early and then taking the train to the tour’s start at Vasteras. I also came back via Oslo.
All of the posts will be tagged Sweden’s Mammals, although some will have nothing to do with either Sweden or mammals.
Upgrading Alexandra Palace Station
I have very early memories of Alexandra Palace station and probably first used it to get to Kings Cross with my father. But now it’s being upgraded.
This is very much needed, as there are quite a few suburban stations on that line, that need improving from a new coat of paint upwards. But it’s coming, according to this post on the First Capital Connect web site.
An Open Letter To The Lord Mayor Of Birmingham
My blood was boiling yesterday after struggling to get to the football at Birmingham and feel that this post is the best way to respond.
I am an Ipswich Town supporter who lives in London, so I came up to the match on Saturday, by Virgin Trains to New Street and then took the local train to Bordesley for St. Andrews. I should also say, I’m 66 and had a serious stroke three years ago, but I don’t find walking a kilometre or so, much of a problem.
I know New Street station is in a state of reconstruction at the moment, but the information on how to get to Bordesley was non-existent at the station. It probably took me about twenty minutes to find anybody, who knew how to get there. Some signage and tourist information in the station would have helped.
I was eventually told to walk to Moor Street station and as there was only a few temporary signs outside, I got lost and it took me at least thirty minutes to get to the other station. The signs petered out and I ended up lost in the Bull Ring shopping centre. Judging by the number of people I saw in Ipswich Town football shirts, I wasn’t the only lost soul either. Some were getting a big edgy, but then Ipswich fans are generally a calm bunch.
I know Bordesley station isn’t the most modern, but at least the trains work well to get there. However, the walk from the station to the ground, must be the most dangerous walk to get to any football ground from its local station in the UK. In the end fans have to rush a busy road and then a dual-carriageway, as there is no controlled crossing or any other help.
I wonder how many people will get seriously injured or even killed on that route in the next few years.
If Birmingham is serious in attracting business and tourism, then it should do something to make walking around the city, easier with more information and safe walking routes.
It is probably the worst major city in England for pedestrians.
The Walking Route Is No Better
Last year, I said that the walk from Bordesley station to Birmingham’s ground was the most dangerous at any in England.
It was no better yesterday, as the pictures taken after the match show.
The Anonymous Widower 