A visit to Stratford, the new Shopping centre and the Olympic Park, 2012 but in torrential rain

On Wednesday April 19th with a torrential downpour above Kings Cross station I took the decision to visit Stratford, to find the new Westfield Shopping centre mad get as close to the Olympic Park by going to the special viewing platform over the workings and at the London Dockland Light Railway above ground station of Pudding Lane. I knew that a trial Olympic Synchronised Swimming event was being held in the Olympic Stadium and I hoped without any expectation there would be somewhere to buy returned tickets. I experienced Wow several times but not about the stadium buildings or the Olympic Park Site. Nevertheless as someone who remembers the 1948 Olympics from radio listening and the newsreels and wished to have been old enough and wealthy enough to attend, this was an overall exciting occasion. I look forward to my trip in early August although at present I have no tickets for the site myself but two for football at Wembley and two for Football at St James.
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The chosen route from Kings Cross was the Victoria Line underground to Islington and then the London overground line to Stratford via Hackney. From there I took the Docklands Light Railway connection to Stratford International. At the time I was unaware it was possible to walk to the International station via the lower level mall at the Westfield shopping centre or when dry over the new bridge from east end of the shopping centre.

There are no ticket barriers at present on exiting the DLR where nearby the Olympic Village is in its last stages of completion. It is a short walk from here to the lower level of the Westfield Shopping centre via the huge empty entrance hall to the International Station departures. International and National trains will come here as well as the regional High speed lines provided by South East Railways. I later discovered that there is a short ride from here to St Pancras for about £9 return while that from Ebbsfleet where I will be staying it around £15 and taking 18 minutes so for my main journeys I will travel to the International Centre from the North East and book tickets to and from Ebbsfleet and then finding my way to the Travel Lodge. However I will investigate how to do this by using the Internet and the telephone beforehand. My experience so far with Oyster card is not encouraging

At this lower level of the centre there is what has been called the Eastern Market with a mixture of food providers and eat and drinkeries from the middle and far east as well as Waitrose. At this point I had no idea of where I was in relation to the Olympic park or Stratford Town centre and station. I purchased a sandwich and a small bottle of water from Waitrose and then found myself somewhere to sit to consume the sandwich and water. I was struck by the size and comprehensiveness of the centre even on this level, with Smiths, Foyles, Curry’s, Primark and Mother Care and Boots. There was also the first group of food and drink outlets in the Fast Food area covering McDonalds, KFC, Subway Sticky Rice, Spud U Like, Harry Ramsdens and Olive Oil and Oregano. I progressed some distance to see that there was a huge Marks and Spencers building with access to the Food Hall. There was access from here Stratford Station and the bus centre where work had been completed years before where I had a family connection with the town.

I then decided to go to the top floor where there is located a number of restaurants including Pizza Express, Nando’s TGI’s and Las Iquanas (10) five on side with tables outside looking into the concourse below. There is the entrance to the Vue Cinema, and Ten Pin Bowling as well as security guarded entrance to the Casino which is on a higher. There is a separate lift entrance from the ground floor. There is a huge Food court below on the second floor, with Fish and Chips Yo Sushi, Tossed, Tortilla, Lotus Leaf, Chicago Rib Steak and Banger Bros with and give always plus six others, thirteen in total. It was at one end of the second floor that I rested a while in one of the comfortable armchairs/settees which are provide as general sitting areas at the approach to John Lewis which is located at the Stratford station end above Waitrose. It here that the I discovered what was to prove the second surprise of the day.

At the top of the store at the far end away from the restaurant there is the 2012 souvenir store which covers the length of the width of the store with all manner of branded and UK goods aimed at the International visitor with prices to match. For about two thirds of the length there is huge viewing window with eight to ten benches and a central guide man. One directly overlooks the Athletics Stadium in front of this is the temporary Water Polo building and to the side of this swimming pool with the tall viewing tower incongruously between them. In the distance one can see the buildings of the City of London although with the rain the view was not a clear one. From our perspective the external views of the buildings are not impressive although was affected by all the on going landscaping and other work continuing and the rows of tents and other construction site activities. However saying this I do not want to convey and overall negative reaction as there was a tremendous air of excitement and anticipation which one does not usually associate with shopping centres which was packed out with users rather than visitors like me. The less expensive eating places, especially the coffee shops and store cafes were well used. It was early doors for the restaurants and Eastern market.

There are in fact seventy establishments providing food and drink at all levels and prices within the centre and others as I shall explain outside and this includes nine establishments on the ground floor.

There are forty three establishments in the category of mixed fashion, thirty in the category of accessories watches and jewellery, thirty with health, beauty and hair dressing, twenty eight with foot wear, twenty four with games, toys, hobbies, twenty with women’s wear, fifteen phones and electronics, fifteen with fitness and sports, thirteen with books, magazines, papers, confectionary and stationery, eight homeware, seven men’s wear, seven lingerie, five banks and exchanges, four services, four photography and art, two opticians and one travel agent! That is a total of approximately three hundred establishments within the centre. I have no idea what this means in terms of staff but I am guessing at three to four thousand and which will have impacted on the local and area economy although given the transport network it is assumed that staff, especially the managerial staff will have come from all over London. There is car parking for five thousand vehicles in three areas and with one having nine levels with access from the A1 and A112 in addition to Stratford High Street. There are also two major hotels and one rented apartment blocks integral to the centre.

The weather cleared up for me to undertake some exploring outside including the main above ground walkway between the centre and Stratford station and town centre which comprises a wide pedestrian bridge over the railway lines and from the International stadium to the roadway across which is the Olympic Park. Along this there are large international restaurants intended for visitors from the five continents who want to eat before or after visiting an event session and with some events having three events a day this is how the figure of seven million walking the walk have been estimated. All the restaurants have covered outside seating areas in the open malls.

A feature within the main centre is the presence of up market vehicle manufacturers with BMW featuring their Gran Coupé, Westfields their sports cars, and the Harley Davidson range together with the latest models from Honda, Mini, Hyundai, Tesla and Nissan. There is also the Gumball 3000 drive tour event.

While by the time I walked the internal malls and external malls and the bridge(twice) I had gained a good idea of the scale, location and sense of where everything was in relation to the two stations, the Olympic Park and the town centre, working out where the various rail transport lines are took some time on the return journey, especially as I had forgotten that I had taken the overground to Stratford and then a different line to the International. At Stratford there are there different areas of platforms. Platforms can be reached directly from the ground level entrance opposite the bus station or from the high level, which enables access to one underground line which is above ground while to get to the overground line you have to under lines to one side of the main entrance and which takes you up to either side of the pairs of platforms. Similar you have to take the life or escalators up from the station’s main concourse to go down to the platforms which include the overground Dockland’s Light Railway and which is of course part of a different operating system to the London overground system with provides across London transport which includes Richmond to the West and Croydon to the South. It is these two destinations which surprised me and which tempted me to explore on one of my remaining days on this visit.

All the walkabout made me tired given my lack of recent activity because of the weather so I made my way to the travel lodge as directly as I could albeit in the midst of the early evening rush hour. Returning from Stratford International to Stratford from where I had walked) yep I did that in the confusion) I went from Islington to Victoria and from Victoria to Croydon. I collect a McD Big Mac and medium fries on the way to my room so that by late evening I was hungry but made do with a cuppa soup and a can of Pepsi( I know a break in the water only era) and digested the experience.

On the way I had overheard a couple attending the synchronised swimming trials discuss how they were getting to the site, and checked out the London Prepares site to see if there were any return tickets available. The London Prepares is separate from the official Olympics Ticket sale and resale site and where the pre events tickets are made available in association with Ticket Master UK. I kicked myself soundly for not exploring the options when first booking this trip, although in fairness it was Lords/Oval cricket orientated and at one period I had considered extending this trip to cover both Durham games in the capitol. I had even been sent an email advise of the sale of tickets for the swimming event.

I also brought with me the Time Out London Pocket guide to the attractions of the capital as well as the Games schedules and preparatory events and which I have also had since the turn of the year but admittedly had not studied. There was therefore no excuse for missing out on getting to an event at the Park When I debated another trip for the Para Olympics the cost of accommodation had become horrendous. There is still the possibility of a hospitality package during the period when I am down and this I will investigate immediately on returning to the North East. It was time to turn my attention to cricket, weather permitting. As I am correctly anticipated there had been no play at Lords or at the Oval. I was to make two visits to Lords and the Members Pavilion and a splendid day on the buses visiting Teddington, Richmond, Wandsworth, Clapham Junction and Brixton. I shall report on these as soon as I can but at present the experience of experiencing fills my day.

Kings Cross new Departure building

My trip to London has commenced exceptionally well. More by luck than intent I booked on the 10.25 which commences at Newcastle central so one therefore has a choice of seats and I was able to find a facing forward table and make use of the power point and use the lap top for the whole journey. I enjoyed the flask of orange juice and pawn mayo sandwiches with crisps as part of the meal deal purchased from Azda and eaten early having set off without breakfast.

I thought the omens were against when yesterday evening I went to collect the suit trousers from Sketchley’s at the Asda Bolden supermarket before attending a relay performance of Rigoletto from the Royal Opera House at the Cineworld. The dry cleaners were closed which was a disappointing surprise as I was convinced that the assistant had said the service was open until 8 pm except Sundays. I shopped for some travel tissues before going to ask the adjacent outlet if they knew the time of opening only to find it was open and the assistant had gone to the look. The cost of the clean and repair was £11.25.

I bought the meal deal and then went to the first floor for the socks. Meanwhile I had a minor panic because I could not find the credit cards which had slipped into the coat lining. I had with me the print out receipt with reference number and had forgotten that I also had the reference number on the mobile. The collect machine did not recognise the credit card perhaps because I did not punch in the reference number. The usual ticket desks were empty so had to go to the concession counter where the young man had no experience of the collect ticket and had to be shown every move. The added problem was that the reference number was barely decipherable and I had forgotten about the telephone message. However I was able to get an excellent seat on my own centre row and opera was stunning in every sense. I will write separately. We have reached York where there is a Giant Wheel opposite the station

I commenced preparations for the trip late, made a list and was systematic. I washed clothing and ironed, and bringing the case downstairs commenced packaging so that by this morning there was only a decision about a second pair of trousers and the shirts together with the getting up bag. I selected the thickest black trousers having packed the grey house jacket, having decided that the green coat and the dark grey light pinstripe suit did not go together despite the country gentleman look. The trousers needed an iron especially one of the leg edges.

In have brought soup packets plus cutlery, can opener and waste bags , but not tins. There will no croissants or pastries on this trip but the voucher from Smiths for Time Out covering my trip which provides for a Big Mac McChicken and medium fries for £2.19 may be used. I am now just above 16.7 and the loss of more than a stone and a half begins to have good effect in appearance, belt size and keeping trousers up. It is nearly five years since I was at this weight and I am determined to continue to under 15 now, amending the original target of under 16.

The plan is still to go to Lords tomorrow. Despite a weather forecast of potentially heavy showers. I bought the Time out for a check on cinemas as I have the Cineworld vouchers with me and planed to use at least one possibly two now. There is the Chelsea game tonight and QPR against Spurs on Saturday evening if the cricket is a washout or not going well. I plan to check out where I am staying in Olympic week in August where the is supposed to be an 18 mins fast ride to St Pancras where there is a direct line to Wembley Park. I missed out on the test event at the Olympic Park 18-22 but may go and see if there are returns or fresh tickets when I go for my looksee on Friday unless the weather is so poor tomorrow that going to Lords is not worth the effort. I have the Time Out London 2012 pocket Guide which reveals that the Pudding Lane DLR station is the best stop via Stratford. I want to go to Stratford for the new Shopping centre so will make a day of it and if entry on to the site is not possible without a ticket I shall go to the view box platform if that is also open.

I had some interest in the other passengers in the compartment close to me. A young man had also made a bee line for the adjacent table with computer, phone and earpiece. He resisted the coffee at £2.20 wanting some food snack but later went to the buffet and brought back a sandwich, I looked after his things while he was away. Two young men got on Darlington from Catterick camp I guessed. They did not have much with them. They were investigating futures outside and in the force. There were lots of phone calls. I wondered if they had been injured. There was the talk of army pension paid monthly. Their situation interested but confused. Later two young business men sat behind me. They were involved with the German market and had concerns about the person conducting training of German speaking(but what). They needed to find the right person. I wondered what SIPS stood for.

I had a coffee and drank the soup before the journey ended sorting everything out so I was read to leave on arrival. The train parked behind another. There is continuing work on station beyond the new bridge walkway between the platforms and where there are now new lifts as well as stairs on each platform. Above the area of the main train there is now the high arched roof with sky above.

The first development is the sense of open space as you leave the trains. The seats before the former departure board have been removed and now placed at the side so that those awaiting to meet travellers can sit until their arrival. It is possible to reach the new departure area via a small channel close to the new underground train entrance.

The new area is stunning, brilliantly lit and fully operational on both floors. There are some stores to one side still to be opened but it is as good as finished. It is remarkable in design and I will go back without luggage to fully explore. This I did on the following morning as it was evident that play at the cricket would limited. In fact there was no play at all or at the oval where Surrey are entertaining Worcester

This time I approached from the St Pancras station, having seen that the Boots Meal cost £3.79 or less compared to £2.50 back home. Later from Waitrose at Stratford Westfield, I purchased a cheese and celery sandwich with cold bottled water for £1.87. I mention this because at the far corner of the new departure building there is access to a pub restaurant. The Parcel Yard and which as the name suggests was used for parcel by the GPO in times past, Now situated on the first floor with left luggage below and toilets, similarly separate and distant from the main concourses for security reasons there is an attractive Dickension atmosphere Inn but with 21st style prices for food with starters in the £7 as well as puds and main courses £10-£22. I reckon a good three course meal here will set you back £30-£50. There is a large Costa Coffee on the ground floor, there are several restaurants with Terrace Tables on the first looking over the concourse.

Below the restaurants there are the usual suspects, Smiths, Boots and M and S and a small number of other outlets including one for books, There are opportunities for others. The former first class lounge has been retained with access from the area. One can still go directly onto the platforms by the entrance to the suburban stations or at the other by one of two entrances to the new underground warren to the underground stations for the Victoria, Northern, District, Circle and Metropolitan lines but you have to be prepared for long walks as these now take you either under the roadway to St Pancras at both of its ends or to the entrances to the various lines.

There appears to be a plethora of new ticket facilities as there were at the previous bookings office but with a separation from the separate underground ticketing so that advance purchase through the Oyster card system is highly recommended. There are two departure boards at each end of the concourse. I did not work out if it is still possible to position jump to avoid the rush as everyone goes early for the spare unreserved seats. I will check on this over the next three days. In addition to the spaciousness what catches the eye and makes for the splendid atmosphere is the vaulted ceiling which is lit in soft pink. I will need to check on the shade.

Outside there are major workings underway on both sides of the roadway primarily by taxis. With that along side St Pancras continue into the distance, Quite a few people were taking the pavement despite the rain, suggesting an explore when the weather is OK one day. For those used to the improvements made in recent years to other main line stations then the new Entrance facilities at Kings Cross may not create in them the sense of WoW I continue to experience. The building is worth a visit especially when the rest of the area has been developed as planned.

With the rain persistent and not likely to clear I settled for plan B which was to investigate progress at Stratford and the Olympic site.

Midlands Visit 2012-1

I commenced my second 73rd birthday celebration weekend in succession at seven in the morning without a plan for the time before travelling to the Midlands with the aim of arriving at 3pm the earliest booking in time without paying a premium.

My first reaction was to decide to undertake some writing until nine but on inserting the new USB storage device to transfer any work completed from desktop to lap top for continued working I discovered an application for debugging and speedy up operations and this eventually required me to reboot having closed down the desktop overnight.

I used the process time to sort out the dried washing up and prepared a food bag for the trip after putting out the general rubbish. The food bag is only for emergencies except for a prawn salad en route as otherwise there are four three main meals out including one combined with a theatre visit, possibly four or with one in doors so to speak plus two other meals provided, I have access to a microwave for the breakfasts of mushrooms and tomatoes and or porridge. There was one hiccup in that I put the general Wheelie out before taking the shells off the prawns, always a messy process, and the heads stink out the house waste bin if left for only a couple of days.

I decide to write until about nine, then pack and then vacuum the floors and wash the day room and kitchen floors which is a bit like wearing clean underclothes whenever one leaves the house in case one has an accident or becomes ill and requires medical care. I take the decision to leave around eleven to eleven thirty.

Last night I enjoyed the third and last of three Master Chef Final programmes because the individual I liked most won. Most of the time I fail to comprehend the ingredients used or appreciate the emphasis on balanced flavours and the complex process involved under time pressure plus the extraordinary presentations are mind boggling. Earlier in the week the winner was preparing starters which included truffles at 90 Euros’s each individual plate. Next week I will begin the Leveson reporting again which will include the detailed examination of expensive hospitality offered by journalists from various newspapers.

There were two other programmes enjoyed last night although I used the fast forward button going through American Idol which should have reduced the number of contestants by one but where in fact another was eliminated because of warrants for his arrest after giving not once false particulars but several times and having been identified from his stage appearances and having failed to disclose to the programme makers there was no alternative but to expel him and wish him well and this was followed with photos of him leaving to be picked up by the appropriate authorities.

The main viewing was a catch up on the Sopranos which I hope to cover before departure. As the series has progressed into its penultimate series the violent departure of Tony’s closest allies continued coupled with the disintegration of his family life. The fourth episode of the season commenced with the elimination of the New York couple caught up the war between the three rivals trying to take control of the Carmine crime family interests

The fate of Tony’s wife Carmela was much to the fore as she decided she no longer wished to cope with her son A.J ( Anthony Junior) and then embark on an affair she has previously verged at the brink, with a Priest, and two associates, the last being Furio who Tony is now having Italy scoured to bring retribution for having dared to fancy his wife. Carmela’s problem remains that of Catholic guilt and living off the proceeds of violent crime together with living with a man who has regular sex with the girls at the strip club and also attempts less clinical relationships with any woman who takes his fancy and reciprocates interest. About the only thing in favour of Tony is that he is not violent towards women, surprising given the way his mother treated him.

Son AJ continues to show all the signs of following his father and has become your average teenage scumbag, lying, cheating, make use of everyone to further his interests. This time in All Happy Families he is told to go and stay with his sister after a concert in New York City and not with his friends in a city hotel. Meadow is not enthusiastic as she is with her boyfriend so when AJ telephones to make excuse she covers for him and he and his mates get drunk and do drugs with the outcome that he wakes up with his face stuck to the carpet and his eyebrows shave off. When he uses the F word she decides to pack him off to Tony.

Having got Meadow into college she has the same ambitions for A.J who shows every indication of having no ability or interest. When his grades are below the minimum requirements for entry the parents are summoned to the Principal of the High School and he and Carmela have an instant sexual attraction so she accepts an invitation for a private lunch and later dinner.

Being Carmela she discusses her growing carnal desire with the latest priest who understandably advises against sin and suggests they talk the situation over with Tony. She cannot accept the strictures drawing attention that to her husband’s continuing infidelities in addition to his criminal activities which she feels are being sanctioned by the church.

A passionate sexual relationship develops in episode six of the season, Sentimental Education, in which the Principal leans on the Grade’s Director to fix it so that AG gets the minimum required. Understandably the Principal feels guilty about allowing his sexual passion to override his professional integrity and when Carmela begins to exert more pressure this time on helping to get AJ into a good college, he snaps and breaks off the relationship. Carmela who had briefly warned him about the implications of a relationship if Tony found out does not take the rejection well and utters a threatening warning.

Meanwhile AJ has quickly tired of being with Tony and pleads with his mother to return home. Earlier Tony has bought AJ the latest four wheel drive jeep vehicle built like a tank after hearing that a couple of kids from the High School were killed joy riding. AJ is told he can take the car out once and then it will remain in the garage with his mother holding the keys until he improves his grades. AJ’s solution is to cheat.

Tony is not coping well without a regular woman and he sends Dr Melfi a large basket of toiletries suggesting he wants to return as her patient. She discusses the development with her therapist and he suggest Tony is attempting a cleansing so as to start again. She is upset because the letter with the delivery indicates that he continues to blame her for what happened. He eventually apologies, profusely, and she takes him back as a patient where he admits his attraction to Christopher’s woman Adriana.

What I had no appreciated before is that her club is located in New York City and which perhaps explain why Tony and his crew use the office at the club to conduct meetings and other business under the misguided belief that as Adriana has no criminal previous the Feds would not be interested in her and therefore in them meeting there. It was when Tony and his crew were using the office for a private Poker game that attention of the group is focussed on what a desirable creature is Adriana. When Tony arrives one evening to use the office she is taking a snort of cocaine and invites Tony to join her. They talk and she admits she wishes he had been her father because of his kindness and understanding

Dr Melfi is pleased when Tony talks of his attraction before getting involved which she tells him is a sign of growing insight and maturity. As when Carmela discusses her situation with the priest and others she lists all the arguments against involvement but is seeking permission and approval. In Tony’s instance he subsequently makes his way to the club late evening bumping into his daughter Meadow who is there with boyfriend and other college friends who comment about her father’s commitment having said he has an office in the building (episode Irregular Around the Margins.)

Adriana is pleased to see him and expresses the wish that she could do a line of cocaine and Tony says he is not adverse so he drives her to her family home neighbourhood when she knows someone who can supply them. There is every indication given the lateness of the hour that a physical relationship is also on the agenda, However they have a major accident and while Tony escapes without a scratch she is badly bruised on her face and neck caused by the car seat belt. However that Tony was not injured but she was, becomes the immediate cause for gossip that she had been going down to him while he was driving. Just about everyone is laughing at the concept.

By coincidence Christopher had been sent away overnight on a job for Tony and when he returns he quickly learns of what is being said and goes ballistic. He collects the injured Adriana from the hospital and then beats her up and goes looking for Tony. In truth Adriana was being nice to Tony under pressure from the Feds to find out what he and his crew were using the Club for. She had also been suffering from irritable bowel syndrome brought on by stress which had not helped with her sexual and general relations with Christopher. She had become vulnerable and open to anyone paying her nice attentions, something which Tony has capability.

When Christopher goes for Tony the crew take him to a deserted spot with the intention of whacking him however Christopher reluctantly accept the explanation. They hijack the emergency doctor when he is coming off shift in order to convince Tony further. He takes his cousin, the one training to become a professional masseur who gets the doctor to admit that the injuries were consistent with those from a car seat belt. In order to cement the understanding Tony takes Carmela, Christopher Adriana, and a couple of others out for meal at a result where other crew members including the principal gossip, a fellow captain are also having a meal by prior arrangement. The gossip comes over to greet Tony’s party and he and Christopher shake hands. However there is every indication that bridges have been burnt, the die has been cast, etc.

My immediate memory is of two other stories. Tony is increasingly irritated by the behaviour of released from prison crime boss Feech La Manna who is always dominating conversation with tales of his past exploits. Because of his improved insight and a comment by Carmela Tony has been alerted that his crew humour him because he is the boss and they are afraid of they can do. She feels this is the same of the wives towards her. This is partly why she feels isolated and hankers for a meaningful relationship.

In addition to the garden work incident Feech does a deal with Johnny Sacks, the former New York Underboss who is part of the three way fight for control of the Carmine family interests. The daughter of the Jewish doctor and gambling group member is marrying and at the wedding Feech and his crew bring a car transporter and their weapons and load up the most expensive cars in the pound. The doctor appeals to Tony to find out those responsible and if he can rescue the vehicles. When Feech is summoned he brings Tony a cut saying that he got a better deal from Johnny than Tony would have offered using his joint operation with the Russians and Sicilians.

Tony discusses the situation with his associates and decides that he will not make the same mistake as before in giving people chances and will nip the situation in the bud. His advisers suggest a different approach to whacking him. Christopher calls one day on Feech to bring a bespoke suit he had promised. They are invited to drink wine with peaches but Christopher explains that they have to take some hot large flat screen TV’s to a garage. Feech cannot resist rising to the bait and offers them the use of his own garage lock up for a fee. His Parole officer supervisor arrives having been tipped off and demands to see inside his garage. We see Feech on his way from court back to prison where presumably he will now have a further long stretch to complete his originals sentence and contemplate revenge.

The other story also concerns another of the parolee’s, Tony’s cousin. He works hard at the Chinese Laundry and at gaining his professional Masseurs certificate. His boss is impressed with his effort that he offers to set him with his own business. His wife is delighted with his rehabilitation and in the first episode the couple with their two sons are invited to use the pool at the former Family home of Tony and Carmela although he is present for the event. Their new life is short lived. Tony the cousin finds $12000 and starts to gamble heavily at night as well as working to prepare the premises owned by his former boss and now partner. When the couple row and the partner visits Tony’s anger spills over and he beats the man up thus ending the relationship. In the final scene we see him meeting with boss Tony asking if the job Tony had mentioned with the crew is still open.

I did not set off until after 11.30 so hungry pulled into a lay by after leaving Ryhope and before joining the A19 and enjoyed salad although with the portion small I was quickly hungry as the day progressed. I resisted the temptation to snack and my intention of losing another stone before the end of the cricket season commences in earnest.

The rest of the journey continued without incident although there congested traffic in the opposite direction in the area before Nottingham. I stopped for a comfort break and a drink from a can of Pepsi brought with me. I only consumed part of the can before depositing in the bin. The traffic from the A 38 M1 turn off towards Mansfield was busy with mid Friday afternoon traffic.

I arrived at the Travel Lodge just before the start of Cheltenham Gold Cup. I have only ever been to one live horse race, the Epson Derby taking my bike when fifteen or sixteen and to a Point to Point even earlier in which a relative was riding. I had switched from listening to a double CD on the music associated with the John Thaw Police Detective Programme Morse only to find the Film reviews were only available on Digital or the Podcast with Five Live devoted to Cheltenham. I have mentioned that in the new Sky series Luck with Dustin Hoffman, a trackside syndicate had won over $2 million with a an accumulator. Some at Cheltenham, a visiting Irish man had won over £1 million with a five horse accumulator win which had ended with combined odds of 163000 to 1.

Running in the big race of the week, the Gold Cup was a horse who had won the race in the previous two seasons, a feat not accomplished before. I listened to the race in car as arriving at the site there was no time to book in and turn on the TV. The horse was second favourite but was pulled up unharmed before the half way mark in the race.

I then went to the convenience store for a new can of shaving gel and a new pack of disposable razors. Although I had shaved I looked and my face felt that I had not. I had been experience this for several days now which I believe was due to a cheap supermarket brand form can. Certainly using the gel and a new razor I looked and felt better. The two items had only cost £2.83.

I unpacked and set up the computer before going to a restaurant for an arranged meal. My companion for the evening was delayed so I had opportunity to watch a large number of early evening diners arrive. The place offer two two course meals for £9 during the day, previously £8 for several years, if taken weekdays before 5 otherwise it is one of those two for one restaurants where the main courses cost between £9 and £15 if ordered on ones own so it is inevitable people come in groups with a large percentage of families. Although located along a countryside main road with only villages in the area it is very popular at weekends and there were few tables available when my companion arrived. However the establishment is well staffed and organised. I enjoyed a large chicken breast crown smothered in barbecue sauce, with coleslaw, corn on the Cob and potato chips, with a Pepsi while I waited and good American coffee afterwards. Back at the Travel Lodge I enjoyed another coffee. Across the way there is a Bakery that provides Bacon rolls in the mornings except Sundays but now the Lodge is offering Hot Panini’s and Muffins on a 24 hours service at £3. I resisted and will continue to do so over the weekend.

Tomorrow there is a prebooked pre theatre meal and evening show so I had hoped to go to bed late and have a good night’s sleep in order not to tire during the show. As I am finishing this off in the middle of the night the plan has so far gone awry