I have recently lambasted train travel simply because I don't see the benefits over using the car other than for specific trips like getting from Folkstone to Calais.
But today I did one of my round trips to Reading, and the short Birmingham to Derby leg of the return trip was made in conversation with a lady who boarded in what can only be described as an harassed state, having experienced delays and missed connections on a return trip from delivering her son to her ex-husband.
This lady was returning to her home in Sheffield virtually penniless, but looking forward to starting a new job - her first with pay above the minimum rate laid down by the government. Good news but tinged with the knowledge that her husband of one year cannot join her in the UK under changes that came into force on 9th July. So she finds herself having to save to afford the flights out to visit him at his home in Jamaica.
Sue and I have holidayed in Jamaica and she has lived there over the years so we had something in common and chatted freely, but in reality our lives are worlds apart. However, her lively chat and openness made that short journey a gem that will be remembered and I wish her every success in her new job and hope she finds a solution to the issues that confront her in her private life.
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