Day 1 - Friday October 20. 2023
Oslo - Birmingham
Then it was time for another trip to England to see Hereford FC. I got up at 7:30, which is a little earlier than normal now that I'm retired, and got the last part of the packing done at the same time as I had breakfast. The packing had largely been done the day before, but a couple of things remained. In addition, there were some small tasks that had to be done in the apartment before I left it for 10-11 days. After finishing, it was time to get dressed and go down to Østre Aker road to catch the airport bus from there.
Arriving at Gardermoen, I probably had two hours until departure, in other words - plenty of time. I checked in my luggage and made it through security and out again of Schengen. Here I found a small restaurant where I had my first beer of the day. Eventually it was time to move to the gate and board the plane. All the seats on the plane were booked, so I got on board early to get my bag in a safe place in the luggage rack. However, the shelf eventually became full and a flight attendant took out the bag and thought I should keep it under the seat. I had little desire to do so, since there was both a laptop and a camera in the bag. Eventually she gave up. And it turned out that there was room for the suitcases she wanted in the rack as well as my bag.
The plane was eventually ready for departure, and we took off on course for Heathrow, albeit somewhat delayed. The weather was bad in the North Sea so we had a couple of laps with turbulence along. For my own part, however, it was almost worse with the neighbor's pointed elbow that I had in my ribs for most of the entire flight...
Upon arrival at Heathrow, I disembarked from the plane and navigated through the terminal and passport control to the baggage claim, where my suitcase arrived after a not-too-long wait. Next, I set out to locate the underground station. However, I boarded the train in the wrong direction, but managed to correct it at the next station! The underground took me into the center of London, with a transfer to the Euston railway station. Once inside the station, I located the ticket office to collect the tickets I had purchased online earlier. This turned out to be a bit more challenging than I anticipated. I tried several times but kept receiving error messages. However, when I used the booking reference instead of the order reference, everything worked much better... With the tickets in hand, I proceeded to find the train and the platform it was departing from. For the time being, it was simply a matter of waiting.
The train was scheduled to depart at 16:40, but there was still no platform assigned at that time. However, just minutes later, the platform information appeared, and there were quite a few people in a hurry! Eventually, the train was ready and departed 10-15 minutes behind schedule. Originally bound for Edinburgh, due to the storm, it was canceled after Preston. In fact, there were no trains heading north of Preston or west of Chester due to the adverse weather conditions. The train journey began under clear skies, but gradually, dark clouds gathered outside, and by Coventry, it was raining heavily. Upon arrival in Birmingham, there was rain as I walked the short distance to the hotel. In those few minutes, my jacket had become quite wet on the outside, and my glasses were impossible to see through.
I checked into the hotel and went up to my room. After settling in, taking care of a necessary task in the small room, and retrieving my pills, I was ready to find a place for dinner. I initially went to Happy Lamb Hot Pot, but had to wait almost an hour and a half for a available table. So, I decided to move on and eventually ended up at Los Iguanas. There, I had piri-piri chicken with rice and fries, accompanied by a couple of Mexican beers. Afterward, I returned to the hotel, sat down in the restaurant with a Glenfiddich 12, and updated this journal. Then, it was back to the room to call it a night.
Day 2 - Saturday October 21. 2023
Hereford
This day marked the first football match of the trip, leading to a journey to Hereford. I slept in, took a shower, and got ready in the morning. The train was scheduled to depart at 10:50, so there was no need to rush.
Upon reaching the train station, the first surprise of the day unfolded. All trains to Hereford from Birmingham New Street were canceled! However, it seemed possible to reach Hereford by going to another station called Moor Street. Fortunately, it wasn't far away, so I quickly headed there. Once there, I found a train bound for Worcester, with a transfer to Hereford. However, the lady at the ticket office was uncertain if the connecting train to Hereford was indeed running! Despite the uncertainty, I purchased a ticket and took a chance. Then, it was a matter of heading to the platform and boarding the train that was due any moment. Unfortunately, I never got the chance to buy the breakfast I had planned to enjoy on the train.
Arriving in Worcester, I was relieved to confirm that the connecting train to Hereford was indeed operational. This meant that I would eventually reach my destination, albeit considerably later than expected. While waiting at the station, I also managed to purchase a bottle of water and a kind of brownie.
Upon reaching Hereford, I went straight to the stadium and managed to secure a ticket for the match. Afterward, I hurried down to The Den, where I had planned to have lunch – or rather, brunch. Upon arrival, I wondered where this restaurant was. I entered what I thought was The Den and indeed, the second surprise of the day: The Den no longer existed. I had entered JJ's Diner, which now occupied the space where The Den used to be. Consequently, lunch happened at JJ's instead. I opted for a Chicken and Bacon Ranch, not what I had initially envisioned, but the food was quite good, lifting my spirits. Additionally, this gave me more time to get to the match than I had anticipated. I walked back to the stadium, taking some pictures along the way. Upon my return, it was time for the football match!
Once inside the section, I went to the commentators and chatmasters and handed over a small gift comprising a little Melkesjokolade chocolate, a small Firkløver chocolate, and a Kvikklunsj (a kind of Kit Kat)! Since they are volunteers and show up for all the matches, a small token of appreciation is only fitting! Afterward, the game could begin.
The match exceeded all expectations as Hereford won 3-1, despite initially conceding a goal. They fought back, took the lead, and then had a player sent off, making the last 25 minutes quite nerve-wracking. In the end, even the opponents had a player sent off in the final minutes. And on the subsequent free-kick, the last goal was scored, securing the victory. Finally, a pleasant surprise!
After the match, I headed back to the station, curious about the train schedule and how I would get back to Birmingham. The first train was canceled. The second train went to Worcester, and from there, I had to find another train. The third train was canceled. So, I decided to rely on the second train, even though it meant no time for food in Hereford. I figured an hour was cutting it close. Therefore, I went to the Commercial Bar, closest to the station, and had a cider while watching the first half of Chelsea vs. Arsenal on a big screen. The pub was bustling with people, creating a delightful atmosphere on a Saturday evening. Eventually, it was time to return to the station and catch the train to Worcester. There was another surprise: the train went all the way to Birmingham New Street. This meant I didn't have to change trains! So, it was just a matter of getting on board!
Back in Birmingham, it had gotten quite late, so I went straight to Trocadero to have Fish and Chips for dinner. However, it was packed, and no more people were being allowed in. Therefore, I decided to go to The Stable instead and grabbed a pizza and a beer. While finishing the beer, I also took some time to write a bit in this journal.
After dinner, I walked back to the hotel where I purchased a whisky to conclude the day. Then, it was simply time to get into bed and call it a night.
Day 3 - Sunday October 22. 2023
Birmingham
Today, I had no specific plans, so I decided to go with the flow. I began the day with a shower and the usual morning preparations. Afterward, I headed to the train station, where I bought a simple breakfast at Pret a Manger.
I ate my breakfast while continuing to walk. First, through Mailbox to the canal and then further up to Brindley Place and Birmingham Main Canal. I continued along the canal for a good distance, taking various pictures along the way. It was evidently a popular running route along the canal. Eventually, I veered away from the canal and walked over to Edgbaston Reservoir, a dammed lake. I strolled along the lake for a while and then through residential areas back to the center of Birmingham. I stopped at the pub O'Neils near Brindley Place, where I had a beer. It was amusing that, while I sat there, two young women came in and sat at one of the nearby tables, chatting in Norwegian...
Then, I returned to the hotel to visit the little room and also leave my camera behind, as I no longer needed it for the rest of the day. Originally, I had planned to go to the Edwardian tea room, but it was closed for renovation. Instead, I visited Caffé de Milano, where I enjoyed a pot of tea and a slice of cake. Afterward, I continued to The Victoria for a beer. Later, it was time to think about dinner, so I headed to Côte Brasserie, where I had intended to dine that evening. However, nothing on the menu really tempted me, so I peeked into the neighboring En Steak to see if it was more appealing. And it was! I went in and had an excellent dinner consisting of Pan-Fried Sea Bass with a white wine from Herefordshire, concluding with a Panna Cotta. As I was paying and about to leave, I chatted with one of the owners who turned out to be originally Swedish! Furthermore, they mentioned another restaurant in the chain – in Hereford!!!
After dinner, I headed to The Wellington to conclude the day with a whisky. I opted for a Talisker and a beer on the side, settling down at a table in the midst of a quiz taking place in the establishment. I tried my best to contribute to the quiz alongside a pleasant young couple from Cardiff, even though it probably didn't contribute significantly to our score. Nevertheless, we all managed to solve the bonus question as one of the two teams!
I concluded the evening at the hotel with a final whisky and updating this journal with the day's events. Afterwards, it had gotten late enough to head to the room and go to bed.
Day 4 - Monday October 23. 2023
Birmingham - Nottingham
So, it was time to move on. Today, I was leaving Birmingham and heading to Nottingham. I took a shower and went through the usual morning routines, packing all my belongings in either the suitcase or backpack. Thus, I was ready to travel onward. I went down to the reception, returned the key cards, and walked out the hotel door for this time.
I had plenty of time before the train, so today I headed to Bill's Restaurant where I ordered a traditional English breakfast. It's a substantial meal, but I figured I wouldn't eat until the evening. After breakfast, I went back to the train station and found a new pub. There, I had my first beer of the day. It wasn't exactly to my liking, but it served its purpose by lasting a couple of hours until I had to move on. In the meantime, I worked on my laptop. I didn't feel like moving around too much today as my back had been bothering me in the morning. Fortunately, it didn't get worse throughout the day.
After a few hours, it was time to pack up and catch the train. I still had plenty of time but wanted to be early in case there were any issues with the ticket, as it was a new type for me. However, it turned out to work smoothly. I also bought some water and chocolate for the train journey. I had to change trains in Derby, with 12 minutes until the next train. On the platform in Birmingham, I joined a group of others waiting for the train bound for Edinburgh. It took a while, and the train arrived a few minutes late. As we departed, it was 7 minutes behind schedule, but I still had 5 minutes left. However, by the time we reached Derby, a couple more minutes had passed, and I needed to change platforms. I had to pick up the pace. I figured out the platform I needed, rushed up the stairs, crossed the bridge to the correct platform, ran down the stairs, and jumped onto the train, where I found a seat. Thus, it was time for departure.
Even though it was a local train to Nottingham, the journey wasn't very long. Upon arrival, I exited the train and figured out which direction to walk towards the hotel. It was a 10-15 minute walk, relatively straightforward as it was mostly in a straight line. However, there was some construction, causing occasional closures of the sidewalk. Despite that, I reached the hotel and checked in.
In the room, I relaxed for a bit and lay down to give my back some rest. After a while, it was time to grab some food. The hotel was situated in the city center, offering a variety of dining options nearby. I spotted a tapas restaurant that looked intriguing and decided to head there. After a few minutes, I arrived and entered the place. The restaurant was popular, so I had to wait for 20-30 minutes to get a table. I chose to wait, and after 10 minutes, I was seated. Incidentally, Bar Iberia had received honorable mention in the Michelin Guide. I ordered food and drinks and enjoyed the delicious cuisine. However, three courses here proved to be too much, and I couldn't finish everything!
After dinner, I headed to a jazz pub, but unfortunately, it was closed on Mondays. So, that visit was postponed to later in the week. Instead, I went to The Curious Tavern, where I ordered a beer and a whisky. The whisky was good, but the same couldn't be said for the beer. After finishing the whisky, I returned to the hotel. It was now late, and I was tired and exhausted. Therefore, I went up to the room and went to bed.
Day 5 - Tuesday October 24. 2023
Alfreton
Today was the day for another match. I had a restless night, waking up multiple times, and it didn't get any better as someone started drilling somewhere in the hotel from 07:30. I attempted to go back to sleep, but the drilling persisted. Eventually, I got up, took a shower, and prepared myself to travel to Alfreton.
I left the hotel and walked down to the city center. Before catching the train, I wanted to grab a bite for brunch. I eventually found my way to Biscuit & Brew Tea House, where I ordered a sandwich and a pot of tea. This would serve as today's brunch!
Satisfied, I walked down to the station and purchased a ticket to Alfreton. Then, I proceeded to the platform where the train was ready, and I boarded. Around half an hour later, I arrived in Alfreton and disembarked.
Alfreton isn't a big town, so I walked down to the city center. I took several pictures of things that caught my interest. Afterward, I retraced my steps and entered Alfreton House Tea Room, where I ordered a pot of tea and a slice of cake. I sat there until I finished the tea, and the tea room was closing. Then, I moved on to The Dog House Pub, where I ordered a pint of cider and settled down with my laptop. I had taken the pictures I needed, and there were 5 hours until the match started, coupled with humidity in the air outside. Consequently, I spent quite a while at the pub until it was time to get some food. Since this pub didn't serve food, I had to find another place to eat.
I went back to the next pub – The Plough Inn, where it seemed they might have food service, but unfortunately, they did not. I continued back through the town center without finding any open dining establishments, except for take-away options. Finally, I had traversed the entire town center and arrived at the pub Waggon & Horses, which had food service. It wasn't very inspiring, but I ordered a burger and a beer. The burger wasn't much to brag about, but it was edible nonetheless – rather dull with little flavor.
After the meal, it was time to head to the stadium. Thus, I traversed the town center for the fourth time, passing by the pub where I had spent quite a while, and made my way to the stadium. I was early, so I grabbed a cider before the match. Then, it was time to find a seat and watch the game.
The match was a fairly even affair, and it was 0-0 at halftime. Hereford took the lead 15 minutes into the second half, but 5 minutes later, Alfreton was awarded a penalty, resulting in an equalizer. A few minutes later, Alfreton received another penalty, which seemed like an early Christmas gift from the referee. Consequently, Hereford had to push forward to level the score, and in the end, Alfreton was able to counter and score a third goal, concluding the match with a 3-1 victory for Alfreton. It wasn't what I had hoped for, and the creativity that had been present in the team on Saturday was completely absent today.
After the game, I walked back to the station and took the train back to Nottingham. Then, I strolled back to the hotel, where I ended the day with a whisky and updated this diary. After that, it was time to get to bed.
Day 6 - Wednesday October 25. 2023
Nottingham
Today, I was planning to have a relaxed day as a tourist in Nottingham. I slept in the morning and got ready to go out in the beautiful weather. But first, I needed to find a place to have a bit of breakfast, which turned out to be more like brunch. I went to All Bar One, just a few meters from the hotel. There, I ordered a simple breakfast with tea. In practice, the breakfast was a large slice of bread with scrambled eggs and bacon on top. Absolutely perfect.
After breakfast, it was time to grab my camera and play the tourist. I had planned a route to walk and take pictures along the way, exploring the central parts of Nottingham. Of course, I had to capture images of the local archive and the castle with the statue of Robin Hood. I took a short break with a pint at the Royal Child pub. After finishing the beer, I continued walking down to the city center, snapping pictures as I went. Soon, it was time for afternoon tea, so I went to the White Rabbit Tea House and ordered a pot of tea and a slice of cake. Once I finished the tea, I resumed my tourist route, heading north in the central parts of the city. However, the sun was now low in the sky, making it challenging to capture good photos. Especially in shaded areas, the pictures turned quite dark. So, after trying for a while, I decided to enter a pub called Lillie Langtry's, where I had another pint and concluded the tourist part of the day.
After finishing the beer, I strolled back to the hotel. There, I relaxed for a bit in the room and left behind what I didn't need for the evening. Eventually, it was time to get some food, so I headed out again. With plenty of restaurants nearby, I had the luxury of choosing where to dine. I ended up at Het Chili, a Japanese restaurant serving Ramen. Naturally, I had to try this dish, which has also gained popularity back home in Oslo. The meal consisted of a bowl of broth and noodles, along with some vegetables and slices of pork. It was flavorful. After finishing my meal, I went to Peggy's Skylight, a jazz venue with live music that evening. However, not wanting to spend too much, I had a pleasant chat with the bartender, then moved on and ended up at The Loxley. There, I bought a pint of mango cider and watched a football match on both large and small screens. When the matches were over, and the pint was consumed, it was late, so I returned to the hotel and hit the hay.
Day 7 - Thursdag October 26. 2023
Nottingham
Again today, there was no specific plan other than being a tourist in Nottingham. Consequently, I allowed myself to sleep in. I took a morning shower and then prepared to go out. In the morning, there had been fog, but it had started to lift. However, there was still a lot of moisture in the air, occasionally accompanied by rain. Not exactly weather conducive to photography either!
I strolled around the city center until I reached Slug & Lettuce Cornerhouse, where I went in to have a late breakfast, also known as brunch. It had started raining outside, so seeking shelter was a good call. For breakfast, I had a chicken and bacon focaccia and a pot of tea. After eating, I moved towards the Victoria Quarter. Since there was still moisture in the air, when I arrived at Victoria Station, I went into Six Barrel Drafthouse Victoria and bought a beer.
After finishing the beer, I continued my journey. Now, it had started to clear up a bit. I took out my camera and strolled through the university area to the Arboretum park. In the park, I walked around calmly, enjoying the peace and nature, even though it wasn't a large park, and you could still hear traffic from the outside. I had planned to have a pot of tea at the park's café, but it was closed. So, I walked back towards the city center and entered Biscuit & Brew Tea House, where I had been earlier. Here, I ordered a pot of tea and a slice of cake. I relaxed with the cake and tea until the tea house closed for the day. Once done with tea, I walked back to the hotel and up to the room, where I relaxed for a bit.
After some time in the room, it was time to have dinner. I walked back to the city center and towards a place called The Alchymist; however, this wasn't the place I intended to go into. Instead, I went to its neighbor called The Soulville Steakhouse. Here, I got a spot on the mezzanine and ordered some spareribs and a beer. I was the only guest up there the whole evening, so I was well attended to in the beginning but not so much later on. Nevertheless, soul music and delicious spareribs were definitely a highlight, even though I had to wait a bit for beer number 2.
After dinner, I strolled out to find a pub that showed some football, but there weren't as many options as the previous evening. Going to the same place twice wasn't really 'allowed,' even though I made an exception for the tea house earlier in the day. But after passing the hotel, I found a new pub called The Cross Keys where I bought a beer and watched Liverpool vs. Toulouse. When the match was over and the pub was about to close, I went back to the hotel and bought a cider. After finishing the cider, I went up to the room, finished writing today's entry in the diary, and then it was time to say good night.
Day 8 - Friday October 27. 2023
Nottingham - Manchester
So it was time to move again. Thus, it was goodbye to Nottingham and on to Manchester. I took a shower in the morning and finished packing. Then it was time to leave the hotel where there had been drilling every morning of the four mornings I had stayed there. At check-out, I mentioned the drilling and was then told that it wasn't in the hotel but in the neighboring house. They had reported it, but...
I left the hotel and went to the station. Here, I searched for a place to have breakfast, but there wasn't any that I wanted to risk. So, I went out again and a bit back to a place called Greggs. Here I bought a baguette and a bottle of water. Then back to the station where I picked up my ticket. I finished the baguette and looked at the ticket, and then it occurred to me that I could take almost any train to Manchester. I went to the ticket office, and they confirmed this. Since I didn't have a direct train but had to change in Stoke with an 8-minute margin, I chose instead to take a direct train to Manchester.
Then it was time to find the way to the hotel, which went through a parking garage! and an industrial area... But I managed to find my way! Once there, I checked in and went up to the room. A simple room with a small window, but a good view since I was on the 6th floor. In the room, I relaxed for a while since I had slept poorly the night before.
After a good while, I packed up some belongings and began to walk into the city – or so I thought! It seemed like I was walking through industrial areas no matter which direction I chose, and yet I was still in the city center! I entered Whisky Jar, where I bought a beer and a whisky. After finishing my drinks, I continued to find some food. So, it was about finding a good place. I was in the Northern Quarter, known for its hipster spots. Eventually, I settled on Turtle Bay, where I had a simple dinner.
After finishing my meal, I continued down the same street to Tib Street Tavern. I went inside and bought a beer. The place was crowded, so I couldn't find a seat. I stood in a sheltered spot and watched the first half of the England vs. Belgium women's match while simultaneously watching the first half of the Crystal Palace vs. Tottenham game. When the beer was finished and there was a break in the match, I chose to return to Whisky Jar and bought a double whisky. There was live music at the place now. After finishing the whisky, it was enough for the day, so I went back to the hotel. There, it was time to get into bed and say thank you for the day.
Day 9 - Saturday October 28. 2023
Chorley
I slept in today, and took a shower when I got up. However, before anything else, I had to use the bathroom, and my room's toilet wouldn't flush! So, I went down to the reception to find a toilet there. But I couldn't get in! I informed the reception, and they unlocked the bathroom for me, but not before facing some issues finding a card that would open the door! Finally, I got to do what I needed, and then I went back to the room to take my shower. After the shower, I packed up what I needed for the day, and then I could return to the train station.
At the station, I bought a ticket to Chorley and back. Then I stopped by Upper Crust to buy breakfast for the train journey. After that, I went to the platform, which was actually outside the station! Eventually, the train arrived, and I was on my way to Chorley, enjoying my breakfast on the journey.
I had plenty of time in Chorley, so I could stroll around a bit and take pictures of whatever caught my interest, even if it was a bit outside the city center. After walking around for a while, I visited The Stable tea house and bought a pot of tea and a slice of cake. After enjoying the tea and cake, I continued my walk. However, not long after, I went into The Crown pub and bought a beer. I stayed there to finish watching the match between Chelsea and Brentford. Then it was time to head to the football game. It had been dry the whole time earlier, but now it started to rain. Nonetheless, I made my way to Victory Park, got inside the stadium, and found a seat under the roof on the main stand.
The match went very well since Hereford won 2-1. After the game, I had plenty of time before the train was scheduled to depart, so I went back to the station and then towards the city center to find a place for a beer not too far from the station. Consequently, I ended up at Shepherd's Hall for a beer. After finishing it, it was time to get back to the station. After wandering a bit to find the right platform, I could take the train back to Manchester.
On the train, which was quite crowded with people heading to Manchester for a Saturday night out, I had decided to go to a place called Kingfisher for Fish & Chips for dinner. Upon arriving in Manchester, I walked purposefully to the restaurant, but when I got there, it had closed 20 minutes earlier... So, after wandering around to find another place, I settled on Firehouse. I went in, and it was clear that I was in the hipster part of the city! I ordered some food and a cider. After finishing my meal, I had had enough of loud music, costumed people (due to Halloween), and those just there to drink. The food was more like small dishes than a proper dinner. I then went to Whisky Jar and had a couple of whiskies. There was live music and a lively crowd. After the second whisky, I bid farewell and returned to the hotel.
I was curious if the toilet issue had been fixed, but unfortunately, it had not. However, I didn't feel like going down that evening, so I postponed it until the next day. I opted to go to bed instead...
Day 10 - Sunday October 29. 2023
Manchester
So, I had arrived at the last day in Manchester. Today, I was going to be a tourist in the city, exploring as much as I could. I woke up late as usual and went to the bathroom. I cautiously tried to flush, but it didn't work. I attempted several times, but the same disappointing result. Then, I tried with almost brute force and full speed, and something happened! That was the solution. Not to be gentle, but quick and uninhibited. After a shower, I was ready to explore the city as a tourist with my camera around my chest.
I left the hotel until I reached the Ashton Canal, the Islington side canal, where I turned in and walked along the canal for a good distance. There were many people out by the canal enjoying the sunshine. When I turned away from the canal, I reached my first destination of the day, Companio Bakery, where I bought a couple of pastries and a bottle of water for breakfast. They also had sandwiches, but apparently not on a Sunday. I sat down on a bench outside and had my breakfast while people queued around me to make their purchases.
After breakfast, I continued exploring the Ancoats area and then ventured into the Northern Quarter. From there, I made my way to the cathedral and then to the town hall. Throughout the journey from the hotel, I took pictures of anything interesting I came across. I'm somewhat uncertain if I fully grasp Manchester, as many parts of the city center almost seem like industrial areas and therefore rather quiet, with occasional eateries, pubs, or similar scattered in between. It seems one needs to visit several times to gain a comprehensive understanding of the city. (It's also possible that I might have been in the wrong parts of the city.)
After walking for a while, I ended up at the Brotherhood of Pursuits & Pastimes, where I had a beer. After watching the first half of the West Ham – Everton match and finishing my beer, I moved on to Richmond Tea Rooms, where I bought a pot of tea and a slice of cake. After enjoying the tea, even though the last sip was a bit too bitter, I continued to find a place to watch the Manchester United vs. Manchester City match. However, the places I tried were all quite full until I reached Walkabout. I was checked before entering, but with my Hereford shirt, it wasn't a problem. They clearly didn't want any trouble inside. After finding a spot, I bought a beer and then a cider while watching the rest of the match.
After the match, it was time to get some food, and since I missed out on Fish & Chips the day before, there was no other option on this day. So, I walked decisively toward my chosen spot in the now rainy weather. Since Kingfisher wasn't open on Sundays, I opted for The Hip Hop Chip Shop. Since I had walked past the place earlier in the day, it was easy to find. So, slightly wet, I arrived and was assigned a table. This restaurant specialized in various versions of Fish & Chips, but I went for the traditional variant with a beer and a whiskey on the side. This was probably one of the best batches of Fish & Chips I had ever tasted. Absolutely delicious!
After dinner and feeling full and satisfied, I went to Whisky Jar and bought myself a couple of whiskies to relax and savor the flavor. There weren't many people there at the time, and the music was more subdued since there wasn't any live music. After finishing the whiskies, I returned to the hotel. I sat in the lobby with a bottle of water and updated this diary. Then I went back to my room and went to bed.
Day 11 - Monday October 30. 2023
Manchester - London - Oslo
So the day had come for my journey back home. I woke up earlier than the past few days, around half-past seven. I took a shower and finished packing my suitcase and backpack. A little after half-past eight, I checked out of the hotel and walked to the train station. The train was scheduled to depart at a quarter-past nine, so I had plenty of time. I stopped by Upper Crust to buy a baguette and a bottle of water before heading to the train and finding my seat.
The train journey to London itself went without major issues, although I was a bit delayed when we arrived. At Euston station, I went straight down to the underground station and boarded the subway. I had considered whether I should try to do some shopping in London but decided to skip this and go directly to Heathrow, with one subway transfer along the way.
Upon arrival at the airport, I checked in for the flight and dropped off the checked luggage. Then, I went through security control and entered the departure lounge. Here, I went back to duty-free and made a few purchases before sitting down and waiting for the gate for my flight to be announced. Once it appeared, I moved to the gate and joined the line for ticket control. I hadn't been there long before I could board the plane. As I was about to enter, I was told that I needed to have the backpack under the seat in front of me once on board. I refused this request since I had both a laptop and a camera in the backpack. On the floor, there would be too high a risk of damage to these items. I got on board and placed the backpack in the overhead bin next to a partition to secure its contents as best as possible. As everyone settled in, the backpack remained in the overhead bin without any further comments about it needing to be moved.
The plane took off from Heathrow, and a little over two hours later, we arrived at Gardermoen. Due to the weather conditions, the plane had to make an extra turn for the runway and parking area to be cleared. In Manchester, there had been light rain. In London, it was dry with tendencies of sunshine, while at Gardermoen, the snow was falling heavily! Nevertheless, the plane landed, and I was back in my home country. I passed through passport control and then went to the baggage claim area to retrieve my suitcase. It naturally took some time...
After finally getting my suitcase, I went through customs and then looked for the bus home. I saw a bus waiting that was scheduled to depart in about fifteen minutes. However, I boarded it, and shortly after, the driver drove the bus a couple of hundred meters further to ensure everyone paid, considering he was actually three-quarters of an hour behind schedule. On the way into the city, several cars were stranded on the roadside. I got off at Smedstua and crossed to the other side of the road. Several of us were waiting for the local bus, which was also delayed. But it arrived eventually, and I could reach my stop and walk the final stretch home in the snow.
And thus, another enjoyable trip to England had come to an end!