London Euston train station. 4pm. 26th Spetember 2024. In a station fully packed of people travelling to all possible destinations in UK, the news of a felled tree stopped all the travellers leaving in an atmosphere of upset and disappointment.
No, it is not the Sycamore Gap tree but another tree felled on the railway tracks somewhere around Preston, a town located between Liverpool and Manchester, in the north west of the country,
All the screens were alerting the cancellation of most of the destinations, among them Edinburgh, my train. With no hesitation I stopped the first AVANTI WEST COAST employee begging for help: "please, I an having a concert tomorrow and I need to be to Hexham by 9pm. Is there any bus replacement?". "I am sure they must have provided a bus from there, you can take the next train to Preston and ask there " said the absent-minded employee.
As soon as I heard Preston, platform number 15! I took my cello, my back pack, my suitcase (almost 30kilos), my food bag just bought at WHS, and I literally flew to the top of the platform - coach D, seat no.5, that's my seat! A whistle from outside announces that the time is off and a new one is ready to begin.
While the landscape changed outside my window, the sweet swinging of the tracks made me falling asleep, wishing somehow that the train would have still taken me to Carlisle and then Hexham.
No need to say that I was wrong. As soon as I woke up the train manager announced our final destination walking steadily on the alley. The end of my journey was inevitably Preston.Sometimes, I like to go against all the odds but this time there was nothing I could do. That night was a very stormy night.
I was angry and worried “where am I going to sleep? What if tomorrow there still won’t be any train?”, I was questioning myself, with the wind and the rain pressing against my new trekking jacket. As soon as I have exited the station, making my way on the steep street that takes to the main entrance, Tommy, a local guy, offered to help me with my suitecase. In the meantime, Laura sent me the confirmation of my accommodation for the night at last minute while, and Josh, a local musician, offered me his seat on the bus on my way to Laura.
A profound sense of gratitude pervaded my body and the night became quiet and reassuring all of a sudden.
At 6:10 am my phone rang, it’s my mom checking if I am awake and ready. At the same time, Jamal, a local driver for a little local company, arrived at the front of my hotel to pick me up to the station. In a moment I realized how much I am going to miss that town and its people already.
Travel notes:
Preston is a city in Lancashire, England, known for its rich history and vibrant culture. It lies at the northwest of England, with a population of around 140,000. Its name probably comes from the abbreviation of priests town.
History
Preston has roots dating back to Roman times, and it played a significant role in the textile industry during the Industrial Revolution. The city's history is reflected in its architecture, with a mix of historic buildings and modern developments.
Economy
Historically a hub for textiles, Preston's economy has diversified. Key sectors now include education, health care, d retail, with the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) being a major employer.
Culture and Attractions
Preston offers various cultural venues, such as the Harris Museum and Art Gallery, the Guild Hall, and the vibrant market. The city hosts several events and festivals throughout the year, promoting local arts and culture.
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