Life is beautiful

A short trip to Plymouth

I was on an official visit to Plymouth yesterday. Plymouth is about 190 miles (310 km) south west of London. I had a choice to fly down but for some reason I felt that I should ride on the rail. It was a wonderful decision.



I took the day's first train to London Victoria and then a train to Bristol via London Paddington. By the time I was in Bristol the phones started taking their turns to sing. I hopped on a wrong train to Weymouth and as the train started to move in the opposite direction I realized the mistake I had made. I quickly made a mid course correction to my plans. I pushed my meeting forward and hoped that folks would accept the new invite and they did. What a relief! I, then promptly spoke to the guard on the train and decided to get the fastest connecting train from Westbury to Plymouth via Exeter St Davids.



The train journey from Exeter to Plymouth has left a very positive impression on my mind. While passing through County of Devon ( Newton Abbot and Taunton) there were lush green hills on one side and the sea on the other. The sea hosted numerous small boats. The tide was high and the waves would hit the concrete banks and splash on the slow moving train. The kids on the train would shout in excitement with each wave that rose.

The beautiful small houses independently lined up on the far away hills and the grazing cattle made those hills look more picturesque.

As I reached plymouth I boarded a cab and dived into series of meetings. After my meetings in the evening, I had an hour before I could embark on the journey back home. The English summers have been very pleasant this year. So, I decided to take the opportunity to see whatever I could.

There are many historical spots in Plymouth but I could only see the Charles church and the beautiful coastline. This small sojourn in Plymouth has given me a glimpse of what life is outside London. Next time around, I plan to see The Royal Citadel, Plymouth Sound & Breakwater, Smeaton's Tower (light house) and Saltram House.



I am glad that I took a train ride.

Love,
Mahendra

posted by Mahendra @ 7:51 PM