Christmas in the UK

[OATEK]

Beautiful sunny morning in Manchester, at -2 degrees

 

[OATEK]

Today (Friday 1st) was programmed for a family get-together with MrsOatek's cousins from the Rochdale area. The meeting place was at the Morrisons car park beside Newbold tram stop. Yes, obscure, but easy access for the local family members, and by tram from St Peters Square in the centre of Manchester. Once gathered we headed to the Turk's Head at Royton.

Lots of thick frost so a bit treacherous underfoot, but we navigated it well and had a 3hr lunch of good food and talk.

On return to St Peters Square it was fairly dark at 4pm, and Santa was lit up.

 

[Flyfrequently]

Off to Singapore shortly for our 2 night layover before our EK flights to Manchester.

On board with you @OATEK
Even though it is chilly, love those sunny days and blue skies - enjoy!

 

[craven morehead]

We booked a standard room at the SIN Crowne Plaza and finished up in a very comfortable King room, with a view of the Jewell. Had an 8+ hour sleep which is better than I get at home most nights (mostly because of when the coughatoos and kookaburras start their daily serenade back home).
Breakfast was good, and set us up for a day exploring.
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Room looks good! Hope it wasn't too expensive.

 

[OATEK]

Room looks good! Hope it wasn't too expensive.

We were able to use QFF points to keep cost down.

 

[OATEK]

A quiet day in Manchester, with a visit to the Lowry Gallery at Salford Quays and then a bit of shopping in Exchange square.

The Lowry to the left and the Imperial War Museum North across the water at the end.

Christmas market in full swing in Exchange Square.

Expecting snow this evening.

 

[DC3]

… So we will get to experience the much talked-about Finnair J seat, although being a day flight we will probably stay in seated mode …

Did you let your hair down and try lie flat for a few minutes, just for the heck of it?

 

[OATEK]

Today we are in the winter wonderland of Buxton, a spa town in Derbyshire. We are staying in the Crescent Hotel for 2 nights.

 

[OATEK]

Chatsworth House in Christmas mode.

 

[Pushka]

Chatsworth House in Christmas mode.
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Jealous. It was Chatsworth House that was Series 1 Episode 1 and that was wonderful. Did they have the fireworks too? That got me hooked and recording the others. It was episode 2 that was the doghouse and episode 3 was Castle Howard which was beautiful, and also the Palace in Bridgerton. Tonight is Blemheim Palace but will be flying to Europe. Must set up the VPN to watch it on demand.

 

[VPS]

Chatsworth House in Christmas mode.
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I have a huge box of maps and brochures I have collected (some still from my first trip in 1982) and I decided it was time to cull. I found my Chatsworth book and just can't throw it out - pathetic I know

 

[Pushka]

I have a huge box of maps and brochures I have collected (some still from my first trip in 1982) and I decided it was time to cull. I found my Chatsworth book and just can't throw it out - pathetic I know

First rule of culling. Never chuck out anything that brings you joy.

 

[OATEK]

Jealous. It was Chatsworth House that was Series 1 Episode 1 and that was wonderful. Did they have the fireworks too? That got me hooked and recording the others. It was episode 2 that was the doghouse and episode 3 was Castle Howard which was beautiful, and also the Palace in Bridgerton. Tonight is Blemheim Palace but will be flying to Europe. Must set up the VPN to watch it on demand.

In the end too wet to hang around for the fireworks but they were talked about as an excellent show.

 

[OATEK]

With the snow mostly washed away, it was time to leave the north and head to London. The drive from Buxton to Manchester to return the car was trouble free, although we had poor visibility in the higher reaches but took our time.

We returned the Audi Q2 auto to Sixt near Piccadilly station, and that was the easiest part of the day. We found Sixt here and in France last April were very easy to deal with, and it was a good car to drive.

We headed over to Piccadilly station to find somewhat chaotic scenes owing mostly to industrial action and train cancellations. It was the old "do you want the good news or the bad news first" routine when we arrived at the Avanti gates. Good news, our service to London was running. Bad news, it was leaving 30mins late and the following service had been cancelled so don't waste time getting on to claim you pre-booked seats.

The good/bad news continued on board. The good, your seats are safe and the onboard shop would operate. The bad, the onboard shop would be cash only, and the coffee would be instant

Luckily we had lunch from Pret to take onboard (crayfish tail and rocket sandwich is very nice). The disruption on the way south included having to run wrong road owing to a points issue for a few miles. We eventually made it to Euston where it was drissling and fought our way down to the northern line across to London Bridge to where a warm and comfortable Southern train to Victoria via Crystal palace awaited.

It was a relief to finally arrive at Sydenham where we were met, and then transported to daughter's place where we enjoyed both family reunion and a roast chicken dinner.

We will be in the SE part of London for most of the next 4 weeks and will only report on the activities that will be of general interest so next up will be the steam train trip to Winchester on Friday.

We are warmly ensconced in our Airbnb and getting stuck into a week's washing.

 

[OATEK]

On Friday 8/12 it was time for our steam hauled train journey to Winchester. The train started at Southend but we joined at Barking. We took a meandering route through north London, passing through the Camden Road, Willesden Junction and West Ealing before heading out through Reading and Basingstoke. Breakfast was served outbound, and a four course silver service dinner on the return. We thoroughly enjoyed it .

Stanier Black 5 no. 45231 the Sherwood Forester brings the train into Barking.

Our very comfortable first car.

Arrived at Winchester.

Christmas market in the Cathedral Close

Cathedral Square

Old town West Gate

 

[OATEK]

No photos today, as it was Christmas shopping at Stratford Westfield with the grandaughter. A very joyful but thoroughly tiring excursion. Costa coffee to start, Pret for lunch (the Christmas sandwich is very good), and bought from all the granddaughter's favourite stores (Zara, H&M and Claire's). This was one of the main events for our Christmas sojourn.

 

[latawiec]

We headed over to Piccadilly station to find somewhat chaotic scenes owing mostly to industrial action and train cancellations.

On our last four visits to London we found that there was a lot train cancelation particularly on weekends from Heathrow and also Piccadilly.

Therefore, we used bus coaches operating between the Heathrow Airport and the Victoria Coach Station, as these are definitely more reliable.

 

[OATEK]

Rainy shopping day in London.

There was a traffic meltdown near Piccadilly Circus when a woman decided to stand in front of an articulated vehicle, presumably on a crusade of some kind. Didn't get close enough for a photo of her, but there were plenty of wet angry people giving her a piece of their mind. But it meant the area was briefly clear of vehicles as they couldn't get past her.


Escaped via the tube.

 

[OATEK]

Today saw a visit to the Dulwich Picture Gallery, that has an incredible collection for what is a relatively small gallery. On top of their collection of amongst others of Canalettos, Constable, Hogarth, Gainsborough and Tiepolo, was a special exhibition of Reubens paintings and sketches.

 

[VPS]

Today saw a visit to the Dulwich Picture Gallery, that has an incredible collection for what is a relatively small gallery. On top of their collection of amongst others of Canalettos, Constable, Hogarth, Gainsborough and Tiepolo, was a special exhibition of Reubens paintings and sketches.
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I think it's a lovely little gallery for it's size and location