What would YOU put into railway / travel room 101??

Am I turning into a Victor Meldrew?

Yesterday, I grumbled at the access / reception to Locomotion at Shildon, though I revelled in the exhibits.

Knaresborough ... I fancied an ice cream, and walk up to a booth advertising cones with one of those big GRP cones outside. "Can I have one of those cones" please. "Oh - we don't do those any more - machine was taken away a while ago". Hmmm - perhaps you should take the advertising cone away too then? Thanks for the offer of scooped flavoured ice creams but I can't; a risk of certain ingredients making me ill, even in very small cross-contamination quantities that you get from the way scoops are rinsed.

I won't be using the same B&B in Darlington next time having had two room swaps in the six nights I've been there - one because of an unsealed shower (new room and they had forgotten to seal it!), the next room because as soon as anything electric was switched on (like the TV) the circuit breaker blew. And I ended up in a room that was nice enough, but the window was out to the conservatory / hotel's laundry room and for privacy the blinds had to be kep closed. They had quite a few rooms ... sounds of washers and dryers until late at night and from early in the morning. Sure, it was cheap - but perhaps just a bit too cheap for me.

In good time at Darlington Station this morning ... so went into Punkpin for a cheese and marmite toastie advertised outside on a movable board, and a coffee. "Sorry - they've been sold out for a while" so I upgraded to a breakfast in a roll. £5.74. I presente my Bite card. "That will be £6.10" err ... I don't think so. Can you take the Bite card off, please. "That will be £6.78". Err - "so where did the £5.74 come from" asks I. "That was a previous transaction". Hang on ... £2.99 (Coffee) + £2.75 (breakfast roll) as advertised ... "ah but that was before you presented your bite card". Grr!

It's fashionable to complain about youth. May I instead have a grumble about old ladies with more luggage they can handle. One old dear getting on the train at Darlington and her friend seeing her off lifts her bag on and stands chatting. Need must and a rather gruff "excuse me" so that I could get on - and they look at me daggers for disturbing their farewell. And ... while on luggage ... if the youths assault you with their bags you would get upset. But the old girl with her handbag over her arm, with wheel on it - shoving those fithy wheels into my leg time after time as she chatted with her friend trying to stow luggage - should be forgiven, I suppose!

Victor Meldrew? Perhaps I should go onto room 101! Or perhaps members would like to suggest their own things for room 101?

On a positive note - so much to write about on this trip. Some great journeys, some lovely, lovely people met. Some great places and a lot of things learned. And looking around at how others live, and (over)hearing conversations that are sometimes hard to avoid even with just one working ear, I thank goodness for what I have, and for the problems I don't have.

Without exception, railway staff have been professional, helpful, well informed and have made the week a real pleasure. And that's been so emphasised by a mixed bag, including some contrasts, away from the industry professionals.