It is evident from our first walk in Southampton that we were in an old maritime city. Brass plaques on the high street testify to the rich history played out here. From the Pilgrim Fathers who departed here in in the 16th Century to the Titanic in the 19th Century, along with the wars and navel battles history had attributed to this town.
The maritime history is celebrated in the museums but also in the buildings and monuments, anchors and installations found along our walk down to the wharf to see where we would depart from. How many women would have farewelled their men over the centuries? No such sorrow for us!
We had left London after a lovely lunch and catch up with Beryl. We met up at at Waterloo Station and walked along the South Bank looking for a lunch spot The sun was out so we made the most of it and sat outside at the Wharf restaurant on Gabriels Wharf. There is something a little exotic to catch up with friends who normally meet on the other side of the world!
Dreadful news later that night about the terroist attack at the Borough Market and London Bridge, not far from our lunch spot.
Brad and I caught the 2.35 train from Waterloo to Southampton where we enjoyed some entertainment from fellow travellers. One local enquired of some Japanaese with very large suitcases if they were moving house!!. A rather large man attempted to catch our attention but eventually he moved off to be replaced by a couple of women who insisted Brad remove her suitcase because she could not ride backwards on a train. Brad had her case on the seat next to her so a few black looks!!!
We got a taxi to the hotel and found we were staying in a hotel used by Jane Austen for her 21st birthday bash!
One of the rooms had a label on the door as the Jane Austen Suite. The hotel was old but comfortable, quirky might describe it best and it had a malfunctioning lift which is not helpful when you are three floors up.
We took a walk down to the dock area to see where our ship would be berthed. We saw the QE11 come in and what a business to berth her.
Our day finished with a nice Italian meal near to the hotel.
Sunday dawned. Cool and crisp so I was grateful for my puffer vest as we shopped around for breakfast at a local bakery before exploring the historic area around the hotel. We walked along the old walls and saw buildings which had escaped damage from the bombings during WW 11, plus a gorgeous old pub with hanging baskets bursting with colour. I am always envious of their skill with plantings a variety of colour and great shapes.
Later we collected our cases from the hotel and we made our way down to the cruise ship terminal where our ship loomed high on the skyline. It looked impressive the closer we got.
Our suitcases, resplendent with their new locking devices, were swallowed up into the chute while we waited several hours in the terminal area for our boarding call. Soon we were on our way down the gangplank and inside our floating hotel. Enormous on first sight and all a bit confusing but we will find our way no doubt with in a short time.Our cabin is lovely. On the 12th deck and forward of the ship. The holiday begins......
One of the rooms had a label on the door as the Jane Austen Suite. The hotel was old but comfortable, quirky might describe it best and it had a malfunctioning lift which is not helpful when you are three floors up.
We took a walk down to the dock area to see where our ship would be berthed. We saw the QE11 come in and what a business to berth her.
Our day finished with a nice Italian meal near to the hotel.
Sunday dawned. Cool and crisp so I was grateful for my puffer vest as we shopped around for breakfast at a local bakery before exploring the historic area around the hotel. We walked along the old walls and saw buildings which had escaped damage from the bombings during WW 11, plus a gorgeous old pub with hanging baskets bursting with colour. I am always envious of their skill with plantings a variety of colour and great shapes.
Later we collected our cases from the hotel and we made our way down to the cruise ship terminal where our ship loomed high on the skyline. It looked impressive the closer we got.
Our suitcases, resplendent with their new locking devices, were swallowed up into the chute while we waited several hours in the terminal area for our boarding call. Soon we were on our way down the gangplank and inside our floating hotel. Enormous on first sight and all a bit confusing but we will find our way no doubt with in a short time.Our cabin is lovely. On the 12th deck and forward of the ship. The holiday begins......
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