Day 12

I woke up before the alarm this morning, again. Always a little anxious on travel days. I took a quick shower and went down for breakfast. Another slow morning for the breakfast room. Spoke with the staff a little who are very friendly. Had a cappuccino this morning and talked a little shop with the barista. Speaking with him reaffirmed that the way I prepare the espresso drinks are similar to how they are prepared here in Europe.

I went back up to my room and double checked that I had everything. I checked out and began another seabag drag to the train station. I had my route all planned and made sure I left with plenty of time. I came around the corner and saw the the metro station I planned to use was gated closed. It is a Sunday, so I double checked Google and there was nothing that said the metro should be closed. The next closest metro was Tower Hill the other direction back past the hotel. I stopped back in the lobby and asked about the metro closing. She informed me that the metro workers were on strike today! Well, this isn't going to be very convenient.

She informed me that the Tower Hill station is open and that there is service but limited. I asked her about a taxi and she told me it would be about twenty-five pounds. I still had over an hour before my train was scheduled to leave, so I said goodbye once again and started on plan B.

This is where things went south very quickly. The metro I planned to take was a direct route to the train station. Going to the other station would mean having to transfer. I arrived at the metro station, went to scan my metro card and buzz, red light. Boo! My card only had 90 pence remaining. So, I turned around and loaded five pounds on the card to get though the gate

I paused for a moment to make sure I understood that I was going to the correct platform and headed in the correct direction. I only needed to go one stop to get to the transfer station. I lugged my suitcase down the stairs and noticed the the next train was in ten minutes. No problem still had plenty of time. The metro finally arrived and I got on trying not to knock other people over with my suitcase.

I got off at the next station and immediately looked to see which direction I need to go to get the connecting metro. The connecting train used the same platform. I tried to figure out if I was on the right side. I looked across and saw that I need to be on the other side. I grabbed my suitcase and worked my way through the crowd to the stairs. I carried my suitcase up the stairs and down the other side to find the metro there with the doors about to close. I jumped on and parked my self out of the way and then panic fell over me. Over the intercom they announced “Next stop Tower Hill”. I didn’t think to check which metro I jumped on. I was heading right back to where I came from. I took a deep breath and looked at the time. I had forty-five minutes to get to my train.

I took the time to regain my bearing and decided I’ll get there when I get there. I exited at the next stop and knew I had to get to the other side of the platform. I took my pullover off and stuffed it in my suitcase and carried it up the stairs and down the other side. Next metro ten minutes. This strike was really annoying. The next metro arrived. Twenty-two minutes to get to my train.

I got off at the next stop, carried my bag up the stairs and down the otherside, once again. But, this time there wasn't a metro waiting. I took my time to double check which metro I need to board. The next one was in twelve minutes. At this point I realized I would probably miss my train. I took a deep breath and thanked God for everything He provides and means in which He provides them. I waited patiently for the metro to arrive.

The metro finally arrived. But, the operator was evidently supportive of the strike. I had five stops to get to the train station in about ten minutes. Unfortunately, the operator decided to stall at each stop. This morning was a great test of my patients and temper. I told myself at this point I've missed my train and would need to figure out how to reschedule.

I had checked-out of the hotel with an hour and twenty minutes to get to my train. I missed it by ten minutes. By this point I was hot and sweaty and already sick of my suitcase. I asked the lady at the information booth about getting a new ticket and she gave me directions to where I could find the ticket booth. I noticed there was another train to Edinburgh at 9:30 in twenty-five minutes. I found the ticket booth and waited in line which moved rather quickly. I walked up to the gentleman at the counter and explained to me what had happened. He said “Sir, there is no strike today.” Deep breath. I assured him there was in fact a current strike by the operators of the underground metro. He asked, “Where are you coming from?” “My hotel, that I checked-out of at 7:30 this morning”, I said as calmly as possible. He got up walked away and came back several minutes later not saying a word. He did some typing and writing and handed my ticket back to me with a seat ticket on the 9:30 train to Edinburgh. I apologized for the trouble and politely thanked him. I had ten minutes to find track six and get my suitcase loaded. With two minutes to spare I was in my seat and only forty minutes behind schedule for the day. My train would arrive in Edinburgh at 2:07 PM just in time to find my way to the hotel and check in at three. I wonder what the rest of the day holds for me. (I apologize for the lack of pictures during this narrative, but I wasn’t really in the frame of mind to think about sharing my ordeal with the London Underground. I hope they get what their asking.)

I arrived in Edinburgh Scotland well rested from my early morning adventure. The train ride was a great opportunity to see the British countryside. Unfortunately, I did not have a window seat and the couple of the pictures I tried to take didn't come out well at all.

I established my bearings and headed out to find my last place of stay. The first thing you notice is the age and size of the buildings.

I had a small hill to climb up from the station and came out into an open street area.

A short walk around the corner and I found my hotel.

I was able to check-in in easily and through a bit of a maze, I found my room.

Unfortunately, there is no great view from this room. But, it seems cozy enough.

It has its own bar and place to hang out.

As well as a fitness room. Not sure if I’ll have time to use it though.

It started to rain just as I checked-in. So, I decided to get settled in and wait for it to pass.

I went online and looked for a place to get some good fish and chips for dinner. After the rain stopped I went out to see the city. These were in the lobby of the hotel. Umbrella rentals?

I knew I didn't have much time to really get out and about. But, I managed a few pictures of the city around the hotel on my way for dinner.

I think I’ll pass on this tonight. It has to be the most archaic Taco Bell I've ever seen.

The restaurant was only a few blocks away from the hotel. I didn't want to go to far and get caught in another rainfall.

I ordered the fish and hand cut chips.

I have a planned twelve hour tour tomorrow up into the highlands. I have to meet the bus at 0745. So, I thought I’d turn in early to make sure I'm bright and lively for the trip. I’m hoping to get some great pictures tomorrow. The weather is forecasted to be sunny in the mid sixtys.