So today I am travelling up to Warwickshire for a Muster with the Sealed Knot. Beth drove up last night but due to work I am travelling by train. For the first time I am traveling on Chiltern Railways one of the UKs less well know services and I've got to say I'm impressed.
Chiltern's London terminus is the lovely Victorian station of Marylebone. This station (partly through previous neglect) is still very much it's original self with the modern updates of electronic departure screens etc. Compared to my usual rail surroundings of Euston (a horrible 60s building) Marylebone is quaint, quiet and a fairly nice place to be at 7.30 on a Saturday morning.
I am writing this whilst sitting on the train using the unlimited free wifi (usually a cost is involved in standard class) with my phone plugged in and charging. Another great plus is that the seats on this train are comparable to first class seats on other operators.
And the best point? This journey is costing me a grand total of £6! And i'm getting to see some of the lovely Chiltern countryside. A similar journey on Virgin Trains/London Midland would cost me 2-3 times as much if bought in advance and I'd get to see the joys of Watford, Milton Keynes and the M1.
However, despite the plus sides of the journey there have been a few negatives... Firstly is the fact the golden rule of public transport has been broken...Don't sit near people if you don't have to! Despite a fairly empty train, a couple has come and sat on the seats opposite my table seat and have proceeded to kick me (accidently I'm sure) frequently whilst I have had my leg room stolen!
Also once again the rules of the 'quiet' carriage have been broken. I'm sorry how hard is it not to talk on your phone, have a loud conversation or listen to loud music for an hour and a half.
However overall this journey is an improvement on my usual rail travel so I really shouldn't complain and I'm going to try and use Chiltern if I'm ever going up to Birmingham.
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