The journey begins

Saturday at last!

Mum came to the railway station to see us off to London. Eli and I finally finished the packing with about five minutes to spare before the taxi arrived to collect us. Now the hard part begins. The train to London won't be too bad, we have done it before.

Ah, well I spoke too soon. Got on the train and they had not booked us a wheelchair space, despite me having specifically requested one. Not to worry, there was a spare one so we got in the space, after moving a crowd of kids and sundry luggage out of the way to fit the wheelchair in the designated area. Next problem, the toilet goes out of order about Kendal so now we have a few hours travel with no access to a loo!
Bless you, Virgin Trains! At least the staff have their wits about them. They detrained us at Warrington Bank Quays and took us along the platform to another wheelchair space, with a working toilet nearby. Only problem was, it was in first class. That wasn't a problem, actually :D

Taxi from Euston to Victoria, train to Gatwick Airport, shuttle bus to the hotel and FINALLY we get to our rooms to find there is only a double bed made up, with a sofa bed needing bedding. On raising this issue with the desk, we are told we can have a twin disabled access room (which was actually what I ordered!!) and are moved down to the ground floor. At least everything comes to he who waits (or she, in my case). The dinner was good, but a very long wait as it was a very busy time in the restaurant. Bed was very welcome, after I repacked my bags. Only to find.. problem! I had, in my rush, not packed ANY CLOTHES for the days in London!! So it was just as well that I didn't feel like going anywhere...