Bath or Bust - Day 1 - Monday 18th September 2017 - The sharp protrusions prevent a comfortable landing.

It's 6 pm and it's peeing down outside or it was.  It may not be now as I am overawed by my hotel room, which is grand.  It's bigger than some London studio flats.  Clearly, the room is intended for two people as my free complementary bottle of wine is accompanied by two glasses; one for me to drink from and the other one for me to cry into.  Real tears of loneliness.

Anyhow, today I set off from home and as ever, the train that I had intended to catch had been cancelled.  Through a process of self-compromise, I went for my second option.  I arrived at Paddington Station in good time and bought that staple of a healthy diet, a sausage roll and a bottle of water.  As I waited for my train, I gazed up to the rafters and admired the sharp protrusions of the ceiling supports, presumably there to stop any of those birds with delusions of grandeur from setting up their nests and shitting on those wicked passengers, walking beneath their fluctuating rear ends at the wrong moment.

I caught my train.  Unsurprisingly, they let you know that your train is ready for boarding but in the meantime the platform is as far from where you are standing as the Earth is from the Moon.

My journey was uneventful.  Stephen King book to wile away the slightly delayed journey.  The only event being the Guard politely confronting the lady on her mobile.  Fair play to him, we were in the Quiet carriage and to be quite frank, I had no interest in hearing about her future move.

I arrived in Bath and wandered around a bit.  Luckily, there are maps almost everywhere ensuring that when you get lost, it will only be for a short amount of time.  These maps are curiously circular.  This suggests to me that either Bath considers itself to be the centre of the world or else, the places of interest fall either within or on the circumference of this circle.

I found the Francis Hotel which to me looks intimidatingly posh.  Instead of a conventional reception desk, you have a concierge desk.  They checked me in and explained my room wasn't ready.  I was given the choice of waiting or leaving my case.  Leaving my case for a few hours was a good choice.  I wandered around a bit trying to get my bearings.  I am curious how despite its history, Bath still has a high street almost as familiar as any other area.  McDonald's still lurks amongst the familiar coffee chains.  Fortunately, there are other interesting places to visit.

I went to the Herschel Museum of Astronomy and learnt a lot about the musician/astronomer.  Also intrigued by the issue of 'Wonder Woman' (volume 1) issue 51 which featured Herschel's sister.  It appears that early issues of 'Wonder Woman' featured a page dedicated to inspirational women.  See everybody, comics can be educational.

When I entered the establishment, the staff member explained how to explore the premises and apologised that owing to a broken lock, I wouldn't be able to go outside into the gardens.  I was offered a guide book by way of compensation.

As I walked around, I saw the damaged flagstones in Herschel's workshop, he accidentally poured molten glass on them as he was creating a lens for his telescope.

After the museum, I went for a walk and located a crescent but not the Royal Crescent (I don't think with a watchman's sentry post.  The bins have signs on them, preventing people from feeding the birds.  I am sure the birds will soon be suing the local council.

By way of finishing the day, I went to a steakhouse indulging in overpriced food including a pretty good raspberry creme brulee.

My evening plans have altered owing to heavy rain.  As such, I think I will stay in my room, reading, watching television and drinking a glass of complementary wine.  Also need to plan an itinerary for tomorrow.  Good night!

                                                                                    Barry Watt - 18th September 2017.  

Afterword.

The Stephen King novel I was reading was 'It'.  A jolly novel about growing up in the company of a killer interdimensional 'clown'.  'It' is published by Hodder.

I stayed in the Francis Hotel in Bath.  Very nice hotel.

http://francishotel.com/

McDonald's is a major franchise that I still have no desire to plug, although it serves its purpose.  They have a website and I am sure that you can find it if you really want to.

The Herschel Museum of Astronomy was an interesting find.  It's hidden down a side street, so possibly only gets occasional visits.  Worth seeing!

http://herschelmuseum.org.uk/

'Wonder Woman' is a comic published by DC Comics and stars Diana Prince as the eponymous Wonder Woman of the title.  Still considered one of the so-called trinity within the DC Universe, along with Batman and Superman.

http://www.dccomics.com/characters/wonder-woman

Photos.

A 'Polite Box' (whatever that is outside Bath Station).

Shameless discrimination against Gulls.

Fading sign on the side of a building.  The past can be beautiful.

William Herschel Museum.

It's a cone and a bit of foliage.  Modern art.

Mini crescent.  One of several in Bath.

Angel on the side of a building.

                                                                                                                                   BW.

Blackpool Bonanza - Day 3 - 21st June 2017 - All the little people caught in the showers.

I woke up this morning and I was amazed to see no sun, just clouds dragging themselves across the sky for my urgent attention.  Big grey clouds.  I went to breakfast and for a short time the sun struggled out to play.  By the time, I walked to the Model Village, the weather was all over the place. The walk took me away from the main Blackpool thoroughfare and out through the residential areas until I eventually stumbled upon Stanley Park.

The Model Village is effectively on the outskirts of Stanley Park.  I spoke to the man who was in charge and he gave me the pen and a quiz, which is used to help people to find their way around the Model Village, which is actually quite big.  With the possible confusion of the guest house and the hotel, it is fairly easy to follow the paths and when you get really lost (particularly trying to solve the quiz questions), the people maintaining the village give you a hand.  The village has a castle, a prison and pretty much every other amenity you could need, although I didn't see a miniature public toilet.  I particularly liked the gravediggers with their open coffins.  Totally unexpected yet amusing.  Also the house where the crook is creeping around the back, whilst the policeman is hanging around the front. An accident waiting to happen or not as the case may be.

I then headed off to the Zoo.  Very expensive entry prices and also very wet as the showers began in earnest.  Nothing like looking at miserable animals, avoiding the rain when they could.  Having said that, the Sea Lions were enjoying themselves.  As seems to be the case with most zoos, they always seem to be working on one section or other making it difficult to get from point a to point b.

I noticed more street art today, some of it clearly condoned by local businesses, yet quite a bit of it is more spontaneous.  Blackpool has a quality of squalid creativity about it.  There is a poverty beneath the veneer of shiny frontages, neon signs and lights.  Homelessness always seems to be apparent as you walk around.  I am not sure if over time, you would feel more or less safe in Blackpool.  The local Council is clearly imposing various measures to prevent anti-social behaviour such as fining cyclists for riding on the pavements and also imposing fines on drinkers in the park.

Blackpool is a funny place.  It attracts older people and families, although as a single traveller, it is harder to adapt to the place.

I had a meal today in an American diner style place.  I really feel as though Blackpool should have some decent restaurants.  I am sure they are around but I have missed them.

I am off to see 'Evita' now at the Opera House.  Let's hope that it doesn't rain again!

I walked to the Opera House and joined the queue for the Pet Shop Boys (the venue adjoins the Empress Ballroom where they were performing).  I quickly realised the error of my ways and entered the Opera House's foyer.  The police on horseback outside were clearly there to reenact a key scene from 'Evita'.  But seriously, it's good that they were there.  Where there is a long, snaking queue, there should be police or at least, security.  Someone to manage the partial chaos.

The Opera House was like a big cinema auditorium.  In fact, I wonder if that's what it used to be. 'Evita' was wonderful.  A spiky, intelligent and downright cynical exploration of the Perons and their 'regime'.  Using Che Guevara as the extremely subjective onlooker was an inspired choice.  The Perons come across as ruthless manipulators who just happened to perform good acts.  I am sure that a more objective viewpoint could be possible but not when you use the figure of Che Guevara as your narrator and you analyse the facts.  I had never seen 'Evita' before and I was expecting Eva Peron to be a saint like figure.  Boy, how wrong was I!

Tonight, I was made aware how friendly the majority of the local people in Blackpool are.  In fact, I wonder whether the tourists help the dynamic or hinder it at times.  Community functions through some level of stability and tourism is a fluid element.  I suspect that the local people are still friendly out of season.  It's nice to just have a conversation with someone without there being an ulterior motive or objective behind the discourse.

I left the Opera House in a good mood and was approached by someone else for money.  I hope that the economic situation improves soon.  Back in my room, a quick read then bed.  Tomorrow, I leave the land of the English Eiffel Tower with its blue lights permeating the night sky.  Back to the mean solitary streets of London.

                                                                                   Barry Watt - 21st June 2017.

Afterword.

The Blackpool Model Village is rather lovely and is well worth a visit.  They have a website:

http://www.blackpoolmodelvillage.com/

Blackpool Zoo is probably a better place to visit when you don't have to put up with intermittent showers:

http://www.blackpoolzoo.org.uk/

The Blackpool Opera House is quite impressive and is apparently one of the largest theatres in the UK.  It definitely wasn't full when I attended and it also suffers from the weird odds and evens seating setup, I described in my previous blog entry.  Here's their website:

http://www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk/venue/opera-house/

'Evita' is currently touring and will shortly be in London.  My opinions on the Perons are based on my own interpretation of the musical, you may feel differently:

http://evitathemusical.com/

The Empress Ballroom looks like a very impressive venue:

http://www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk/venue/the-empress-ballroom/

Eiffel Tower is a funny little thing in Paris:

http://www.toureiffel.paris/en

                                                                                                           BW.

Photos.

Street art.

Pretty flower.

The Gravediggers in the Model Village.

Street Artist in the Model Village.

Lovely property in the Model Village.

Yep, it's a Giraffe.

Simian relative.

Camel.

Peacock.

Groovy Blackpool Hipster.

Vandalised Street Art.

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Blackpool Bonanza - Day 2 - 20th June 2017 - Where am I?

After a wonderful night's sleep as a result of the local nightclub (if that's what it was), which must have closed at 2.30 am, I woke up at 6.30 am (fortunately, I have now closed the window, so with any luck tomorrow night's sleep won't be as disrupted).  I had a shower, allowing the cold/hot sensation of the shower to reinvigorate me then at about 7 ish, I went into the dining area for breakfast.  The usual continental breakfast fare, croissants, fruit, ham and cereals.  Through an exciting combination of some of these elements, I have at least been able to function.

I returned to my room and read.  At just after 9.30 am, I resolved to visit the Grundy Art Gallery.  I arrived there at 10 am.  It wasn't open.  I then took a walk along the Promenade in the other direction, away from the piers and other tourist attractions.  I was mainly struck by how many closed bed and breakfast's litter the seafront.  The seagulls seem to be the only species thriving from tourism.  I returned to the Grundy Art Gallery.

A lady warmly greeted me as I entered the Gallery and I walked towards the bizarre dysfunctional family art installation ('Love Life' by Emma Hart and Jonathan Baldock).  An usher told me that I could stand in the living quarters if I wanted (basically, the art installation was partially made up of a bizarre series of linked rooms).  She also directed me to the film.  A couple eat Monster Munch crisps, watch TV, perform violent acts with each other involving a stick and physically handle frying sausages in a pan (not for the squeamish).  Although, the installation was crazy, it was crazy in a good way.  There was also a room dedicated to Punch and Judy, which was apparently one of the inspirations for the work as a whole.

The other exhibition consisted of a series of photographs of Blackpool and the French Riviera, focusing on the essential similarities and differences between people enjoying their holidays in the two locations.  Essentially, there doesn't seem to be that much difference.  The exhibition, 'Shirley Baker: On The Beach' made me want to spy on people on the beach, which of course, one can do when you are in a coastal resort.  Art can be inspirational.  But seriously, it's fascinating seeing photographs of people relaxing on holiday.  It brings out a different persona in some people.  Not always a better one.

I left the Gallery and in some respects, I wish I had spoken more to the staff.  The Grundy Art Gallery seems to be an interesting creative space, although I doubt it gets many visitors, although I hope I am wrong.

I then headed off to the 'Star Trek Exhibition', where I was given a lengthy talk from the customer service guy concerning an application I could download to enhance my experience of the exhibition. Basically, it's an exhibition of costumes and props.  At its most interesting, it did suggest how influential 'Star Trek' had been on the development of technological gadgets.  In many respects, the iPad and iPod seem to be very similar to various devices on the show and its spin-offs.  Also the idea of memory sticks seem to have been invented by the show.  The exhibition was okay, but hardly life changing.  I think the shop may see more action than the exhibition as a whole.

I then went for another long walk, eventually ending up at the comic shop I went to yesterday.  They were open but didn't have the comic I was looking for, although the customer service guy seemed nice.  Weird hours though.  12pm until 4pm on the day I went there.

I continued walking, gazing at the sun, eavesdropping on the conversations around me and spotting the pair-bonders with their hands tightly linked.

I went to eat fish and chips in a cafe where I performed the act of brinkmanship with a member of staff.  I lost of course.  But seriously, I waited ages once I had been given the bill; so long I went to find the waiter.  I then learnt that he seemed to be the only member of staff in the cafe at that moment explaining why he forgot all about me (he was dealing with both the takeaway aspect of the business and the cafe in the bit next door, which he couldn't see).  I forgave him mentally.

I am now back in the hotel.  I have felt more upbeat.  I don't really feel like doing much.  I am off to the theatre tonight that should cheer me up.  Blackpool continues to elude me.

I also forgot the elderly gentleman who asked me for money.  Homelessness and coastal resorts seem to have an unfortunate (and growing) connection.

This evening, I went to the Grand Theatre to see 'Waiting for God'.  Imagine my surprise when I learnt that the seats are separated into odds and evens.  10 next to 12 next to 14.  Why on Earth, was this seating arrangement encouraged?  Well acted performance with just the right level of pathos from a playwright who is clearly exploring intelligently, sensitively and humorously his own issues surrounding ageing and mortality.  Geoffrey Holland and Nichola McAuliffe were great.  The play was pretty much a summation of all of the great ideas from the television comedy series, which continues to be repeated from time to time.  It was a pity that the audience wasn't larger for the show.  Oh yes, the bang incident...  During the show, a loud bang was heard.  It transpires it was the lid exploding off of the top of bottle of sparkling mineral water.  I was hoping it was a champagne cork, it definitely wasn't and it certainly made everyone including the cast flinch for a second.  Also whilst killing time prior to the performance, I discovered a secondhand bookshop with loads of plays in the window.  The weird world of synchronicity strikes again.

But in all the excitement of today, I forgot the panda on the pavement.  It was tiny, yet I still noticed it.  What could it mean?  Did a child lose a loved one?

                                                                                 Barry Watt - 20th June 2017.

Afterword.

The Grundy Art Gallery is well worth a visit and they have their own website.  The two exhibitions I mentioned are on there until August 2017:

https://www.grundyartgallery.com/programme/current/

'Monster Munch' crisps are made by Walkers and have changed over the years in their design and flavours:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monster_Munch

Punch and Judy has a fascinating history.  To see more, please see the below link:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Punch_and_Judy

The 'Star Trek Exhibition' is a paid exhibition that is almost worth a visit.  It's based on the 'Star Trek' series created by Gene Roddenberry:

http://startrekblackpool.co.uk/

iPad and iPod are made by Apple who surprisingly have a website:

https://www.apple.com/uk/

The Grand Theatre Blackpool is a nice old building and has its own website:

https://www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk/?gclid=CLKGpafA-dQCFc0V0wodHRwGiQ

'Waiting for God' was written by Michael Atkins.  He wrote both the play and TV series.  Please see the links below for more on the TV series and play:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waiting_for_God_(TV_series)

http://www.seabrights.com/waitingforgod/

                                                                                                                          BW.

Photos.

The eponymous Panda on the pavement.

Clearly a property has been knocked down, I love seeing the traces of the demolished property.

Closed hotel.

No vacancies at a permanently closed hotel.

Klingon face cast.

A Tribble.  Hairy little fur ball.

Cockpit of the original U.S.S. Enterprise from 'Star Trek'.

Blackpool Tower and other bits and bobs.

Good advice.

Grundy Art Gallery.

'Star Trek' gadget.  Dead ringer for the iPod.

                                                                BW.

Blackpool Bonanza - Day 1 - 19th June 2017 - 'Jack played on the tracks...'

Poor Jack! Day one of my trip to Blackpool.  It's 3pm and I am laying on the bed, relishing in the delights of functioning air conditioning in my Ibis Hotel.  Rarely functions at work, so it may as well work somewhere.

Typically fraught journey to Blackpool.  Problems with a signal in my home station, resulting in a slightly different route to Euston.  I arrived at the station on time and headed for the quiet carriage on the train.  Not realising that my seat was at the far end of the carriage, which required me to traipse from one end to the other.

I was sitting next to a quiet lady who seemed to be alternating between writing flowery prose (well, her handwriting was pretty, it could very well have been a resignation letter from a much despised company of tea makers or cheese) and randomly fidgeting with the contents of her handbag.  On the other side of the aisle, a couple of cyclists relayed anecdotes as though they were going out of fashion.  A sixty nine year old kayaker regaling the guy next to her with stories of her youth; how she used to pull the crust off of her bread and hid it under the carpet.  The cleaning lady apparently condoned and covered for her behaviour, by removing said pulpy mess from its fabric hiding place. Also her tale of reading ten books which she borrowed from the library when she was a child and read beneath the landing light in a couple of days, distracted from the excellent collection of Burgess' 'Enderby' novels, I was trying to read.  Still the misunderstandings between the male and female cyclists that always seemed to be caused by references to Milton Keynes were worth the price of admission alone.

Upon arriving in Preston, I had one minute to catch the train to Blackpool North.  One thing suitcases aren't is light when you are running over a bridge and lifting them down stairs.  Once on the train, I slightly relaxed.

Since arriving in Blackpool, I have seen a number of fish and chip restaurants, quite a few tattoo parlours, as though it is compulsory to adorn your body with art, possibly nautical when you travel further north than the Watford Gap.  Also seagulls.  Proper seagulls with attitude and physiques to make all of the mid-morning pub dwellers ashamed of their bloated, beer enhanced forms and pasty, light deprived faces.

The hotel room is basic yet comfortable.  It does what it says on the tin.  The admonishing letter given to me with the key card to get into the room was a nice touch, criticising me for spending so much more on my room by booking through an external online website that wasn't them.

Anyhow, time to go out... More later.

I walked along the Promenade, astounded by the assortment of amusement arcades, bed and breakfasts (with vacancies) and restaurants.  I particularly enjoyed the signs requesting donations for next year's Illuminations.  In places, Blackpool looks tired.  The paint is chipping on the decorations outside restaurants that may have gone out of business and fading posters.  I was interested to see two or three palm readers scattered around, promising to deduce your future and to help you with any issues you may have.  One lady closed early for the day, presumably through lack of business. Lifelines are a niche market when the location of your next penny is your primary concern.

I found a comic shop.  It was shut.  I admired the people on the Pleasure Beach rides.  The intrepid ones on the roller coaster plummeting to the ground.  Everything seems really expensive.  Although, deals are available if you wish to visit two or more attractions in one hit.

Oddly put off by the fish and chip outlets as they all seemed to offer fish and chips without specifying the fish.  Choice seems a given in London (and pretty much everywhere else) but perhaps, one size fits all in Blackpool.

The beach was pretty.  The gulls posing elegantly for photos.  At one point, whilst walking, I believe I was shat on by my feathery friends.  My fate seems fair when you consider how many photos I was taking of them.  Revenge is a dish best served anally.

I ended up going to an Indian restaurant which was okay but decidedly more enticing than the McDonald's, Pizza Hut and KFC that I saw as I continued my wanderings.

Still not sure how I feel about Blackpool, but back in my hotel (Ibis Styles) to generally relax. Maybe, my problem is the fact that I don't know how to relax.  Shutting down is anathema to my system.

                                                                               Barry Watt - 19th June 2017.

Afterword.

'Jack played on the tracks.  He's not playing anymore' is part of a safety campaign by the British Transport Police to prevent people from going onto the railway tracks.  Please see the below link for more details, which also includes the poster I saw on the train:

http://media.btp.police.uk/r/14056/number_of_people_risking_their_lives_on_the_railw

Ibis Styles Hotel in Blackpool is part of the Ibis chain.  Reasonably priced accommodation that you can apparently purchase more cheaply through their website:

https://www.accorhotels.com/gb/hotel-9148-ibis-styles-blackpool/index.shtml

The 'Enderby' series of novels by Anthony Burgess consists of 'Inside Mr Enderby', 'Enderby Outside' 'The Clockwork Testament' and 'Enderby's Dark Lady or No End to Enderby'.  Available as a collected edition from Penguin.  Very funny books.  Especially, if you are feeling cynical about the delights of life.

McDonald's, Pizza Hut and KFC are all quite well known and also probably have their own websites but all you need to know is that they provide fast food.  Please check them out if you like, lots of people do.

                                                                                                                             BW.

Photographs.

In the hotel, a threat or a promise?

Rollercoaster on the Pleasure Beach

Odd campaign for what is ostensibly the primary attraction for most visitors to Blackpool.

Faded grandeur.

Restaurant using comic imagery to see its wears.  I am not sure whether it opened whilst I was there.

Pensive seagull.

Slightly understated decoration on the Promenade.

                                                                 BW.