After clearing UK immigration, the bags were pretty much waiting for collection.
It was then through customs and back into the public concourse. And as I put my bags down to sort them out, I heard a lovely glass crack sound. That sound was a bottle of Tanqueray gin deciding it no longer wishing to exist in my bag.
This necessitated a quick emptying of the rucksack (thankfully dry), and disposing of the bottle of gin without looking too suspicious.
So now dear reader - imagine the scene. I’m covered in gin, a bag that isn’t in the greatest of states and I’m just wanting to head home. As a reserve, I booked access to the Radisson Edwardian Arrival facility earlier in New York in case I needed it - now covered in gin... I needed it.
I went up to the Limo/transfer desk near the entrance to City Airport and presented myself. A short wait and a Black Mercedes took me from City Airport to the Radisson Edwardian, where I was welcomed and introduced to the facility.
Heading to the Hotel
Radisson Blu Edwardian New Providence Wharf Hotel
I was welcomed to the hotel and a little card was given to me to introduce the facility. I was then escorted to the spa area where a member of the spa staff took over and showed me the room, checking if I needed anything.
For me I was "fine" - I wanted some time to sort my mess out and become a little more human.
I took the opportunity shower off the gin, and to change into the one spare set of clothes I had that were clean.
A quick shave, and a few few minutes looking around - and I almost felt ready to take on the world again after a quick repack of my trash.
Massage bed and towels
Sink area
Shower
Art. Allegedly
The facility itself was in the spa section, so it’s your traditional massage bed, shower and relaxing setup. Suited me for the precious minutes I would spend there cleaning up.
View from near the hotel - One Millennium Dome/The O2/North Greenwich Area... take your pick...
Quickly I was ready to face the world, and after 20 minutes, rolled out of the hotel and headed for Blackwall DLR, and a DLR into Bank.
Racing towards Bank.
From there it was the tried and tested solution of first car of the Central Line at Bank, get off at Oxford Circus and head for the middle of platform, boarding a Bakerloo line service for Marylebone.
Bakerloo Line service arriving at Oxford Circus
As this was off peak, this was a grand total of £2. Almost makes the London Underground system “cheap” compared to some city’s with switches in modal transport.
Arriving into Marylebone, it was 12:05. And my 12:30 service to Birmingham had a platform assigned. This is what I call good timing as it means I can get onto the train and settle down for a quiet journey.
London Marylebone to Birmingham Moor Street
Chiltern Railways Class 168, Standard Class.
£6 Advanced Ticket
I’ve written about this service a fair few times in my trip reports - and to be honest- it hasn’t changed one bit – which is a darn good thing. The train operates fast to Banbury, then stopping to Leamington Spa, Warwick Parkway, Solihull and Birmingham Moor Street.
Pulling out of Marylebone
The service was operated by the Class 168 Diesel Train – and they’re not bad at all as they’re configured in 2-2 seating with trolley catering service. I thankfully had a bottle of water left from the flight and just sat back as the train took me from one city to another.
I just took the opportunity to watch England’s green and pleasant land zip past whilst using the free onboard WiFi to check up with the world.
Green and Pleasant land...
1 hour 42 minutes later, the train slowed for Birmingham Moor Street – arriving on schedule. It was then a case of getting off the train and through the barrier... and the final schlep home
Resting at Moor Street.
Overall: For £6, an absolute bargain. Departed on time, arrived on time. What more do you want in a train service?
Exiting the ticket barriers, it had just started raining, and of course due to the major foul-up that is the new Birmingham Interchanges, I skipped the cab and headed for the bus stop. There was a short wait, but a 89 bus showed up after 10 minutes. Another 10 minutes I was off the bus, walking down the Dudley road, turning into my street, through the security doors into my block of flats and finally… my front door – the end of another adventure
And this is where I discovered I was a L Series lens short of a party.....