Friday September 28 (Bournemouth)

Today I took a train to a place called Bournemouth well to the west of Eastbourne and on the coast. It is just for the day and it is partly down memory lane. From Eastbourne to the west via Lewes (where I had my first three years teaching) and Brighton, I travelled a previousl a much journeyed trip!

There was a train change at Southampton, a well known port and cruise centre, before i reached my destination where my parents met just before WW2!

 

Then disaster struck, I only had 4 minutes to make my connection to Bournemouth from Southampton. 

I grabbed my IPad and went to the door so I could exit as soon as the train stopped. I just made the train and once seated I opened my bag, no Phone!

Once I arrived in Bournemouth, I went to passenger assistance. Of course this is South West region and Southampton is Southern region and the lady was a bit unsure about whether we could find out! 

She eventually rang through and, much to my relief, a phone had been handed in, it was mine, PHEW. I would be able to collect it on the way back home! I think the lady who rang through was somewhat surprised, lol!

So it was with a much lighter heat that I caugt the bus down to the pier right on the sea front. I immediately noticed the Observation Wheel and decided it would be fun to ride it. It was a great day for it and I got some good views round the coast.

I then went for a long walk along the sea front, it was a gorgeous day and there were quite a few people around, walking, cycling, walking dogs or just sitting around, lol! 

The beach consists of golden sand as far as the eye can see! Along the way, I passed a lot of cafes and restaurants. As I walked, I wondered what if looked like 80 years ago when my parents would have walked along the front! 

i eventually stopped and had Cod and Chips accompanied by a tasty Pear Cider the latter from Sweden! I sat outside and enjoyed lunch with a gorgeous view!

I sat for a while then wandered back to the pier where I caught a bus back to the railway station, there was a train already in the station, it was going to London but stopping at Southampton. As we rode along the edge of the New Forest was on our left and and it made for good viewing. As we entered Southampton, I caught a glimpse of a huge Cruise Ship moored at the cruise terminal.

Once we stopped, I asked for directions to Passenger Assistance and was finally reunited with my phone, never have I been so pleased to see it in all my life, lol! I know it would have been the cleaner that turned the phone in and wanted to donate something to the staff fund but they would not have a bar of that!

I had time to grab a coffee and a Baguette to eat for tea later on. then I boarded the train to Brighton and onward I went! I had a nice, quick connection at Brighton for Eastbourne and, not too far from home, I rang through for a taxi to take me to my hotel. I arrived back a bit weary but happy after a lovely day out and have more memories to add! I must add that all the trains I travelled on today had WiFi and provided excellent connectivity!!