DAY 3

Friday, June 2 – I’d been most apprehensive about this day (more than the transatlantic flights, more than whether or not I’d have cell service upon arrival). This was the day of my first BIG travel of the trip. I needed to get from London to Norwich.

By all accounts, everything should go smoothly as Britain runs on rails – quite literally. Then, the announcement of strikes and interruptions. My friend, Helen, and my host, Elisabeth, both reached out to me making sure I’d seen the news of the strikes. I had to think of a backup plan and a plan for my backup plan. Why not just get an Uber? Not an option. What about a private driver or taxi? Only if I wanted to pay upwards of 300 pounds! Yikes! A bus ticket would be much cheaper but take so long with stops all along the way, but I was willing to try it.

Thursday night, I was scouring all the transportation sites and apps checking which services would still be running. Yes! It looked like the Greater Anglia service to Norwich was not affected. I bought a ticket online and just prayed nothing would change.

Now, I’m updating this entry in my cozy AirBnB in a Grade II building adjacent to a centuries old church. Some people call the beach their second home. Nope…this is perfectly me.

Let’s look back on Day 3 on this increasingly interesting journey…

Last morning at the Tower Hotel – in-room breakfast of leftovers scones from Tesco and instant coffee
Uber to Liverpool Street Station – I’m always fascinated by the music/station choices of Uber drivers. I listened to some Elvis (Always on My Mind) followed by 9 to 5. Then, I felt at ease. Saint Dolly would be with me…why worry?
Liverpool Street Station – I’m not sure what I was expecting. Maybe a typical subway/underground station feel? No, this was basically a shopping mall on the inside with platforms scattered around. Finally, real(ish) coffee at Costa and piece of shortbread.
Platform 8 – Service to Norwich. All of this went seamlessly. I always try my best to acclimate to wherever I travel, but lugging around a carryon seems like an announcement: HEY, GUESS WHAT? I’M A CLUELESS AMERICAN. Then, I noticed so many other dragging their own pieces of luggage, instruments, strollers, bikes. (Have I mentioned the bikes? So.many.bikes.)
Great Anglia Train – Being the nerd that I am, I’d watched some walk-through videos on YouTube on what to expect on the train. Honestly, really glad I did. Good tips on how to approach, load and not look clueless while doing so. I had plenty of room to pop out the iPad and work on journaling.
English Countryside – If you didn’t know better, you’d think this train was traveling from Hart County to Lexington. The landscape was so familiar to me. Cows, farms, rolling hills. It looked like home.
Norwich – Finally! Ok, I got here…now what? No Uber service here, so finding a taxi actually proved to be the most difficult part of my journey. And even that wasn’t bad. My driver from the station to the BnB talked to me the entire time! He’d driven Route 66, was planning to retire to South Africa…we bonded in a short amount of time.
4 Saint Miles Alley – This is my home for the next few days. Elisabetta, my host, met me on the square and we walked to this picture perfect home. All modern conveniences, but no a/c which isn’t unusual here. Also, I’ve noticed no outlets in the restrooms.
Norwich Cathedral – Walking to this historic church was a journey all in itself. Here I was, walking cobblestone streets, surrounded by Tudor architecture – original Tudor, not reproductions. I texted Amelia that it felt like the opening number from Beauty and the Beast could easily happen at any time. You know, “There goes the baker with his tray like always…” (Ok, yes, I realize that takes place in France but you get the idea.)
More Harry Potter – The Cloisters at Norwich Cathedral are seen in the Harry Potter films as the interior of Hogwarts. There are several churches and halls around England that, combined, create the massive wizarding school. Yes, I geeked out a bit.
Dhaba Indian Street Food – I stopped by here on my walk back to the BnB as it was recommended by Elisabetta. Did you know that Tikka Masala is the national dish of England? I opted for the Dhaba chicken curry and naan. Dang. Those flavors. Yes, I’ll try to recreated this at home for sure.
First night in Norwich. I was able to wash a small load (thank goodness because I underestimated how many pants/leggings I should have brought). Temperatures have been hovering in the upper 50s which sounds a heck of a lot better than the hot and humid temps I’ve seeing back home!