The Mirror Crack'd: Fear and Horror in J. R. R. Tolkien's Major Works

[Mithalwen]

Originally Posted by Bêthberry

Rather makes Mithalwen's five hours by train pale by comparison, eh wot?

Have you been on an English train recently? I like trains - I went across America twice in three and a bit weeks by train including a 2.5 day leg between Seattle and Chicago. I have inter-railed round Europe and done other major rail journeys in NZ, Aus and the USSR ( one day I will do the Trans siberian). English trains are filthy, slow, uncomfortable and expensive. Southampton is only 20 minutes away and Leeds is in the Grim Upnorth ... and what really worries me is that the journey with 4 changes of train is quicker than the one with 2 .. that is just unnatural....

If the conference were across the Pond it would be more tempting to me too ....

[Lalwendë]

Originally Posted by Mithalwen

Have you been on an English train recently? I like trains - I went across America twice in three and a bit weeks by train including a 2.5 day leg between Seattle and Chicago. I have inter-railed round Europe and done other major rail journeys in NZ, Aus and the USSR ( one day I will do the Trans siberian). English trains are filthy, slow, uncomfortable and expensive. Southampton is only 20 minutes away and Leeds is in the Grim Upnorth ... and what really worries me is that the journey with 4 changes of train is quicker than the one with 2 .. that is just unnatural....

If the conference were across the Pond it would be more tempting to me too ....

Leeds (spit) is truly an horrific place to travel to or from by train anyway. It has rather a lot of aggressive commuters and students and if by unlucky chance you happen to be due to board a train there, you are liable to be trampled to death in the animalistic crush to get on board. Far better to stick with the car (but buy petrol before you go as they have no filling stations)! Or not to go at all as it's not exactly the most civilised of cities. If you have to go, go directly to your destination and do not linger. I have many a horror story... I live in Sheffield of course.

I have the feeling that Tolkien wasn't exactly a fan either.

[Mithalwen]

My cousin went there to a conference and said the train journey was not to be attempted... but I change cars .... it is a long way for my old banger and I have no sense of direction. And I have been put off sat nav by the experience of my previous boss who was routed via Scunthorpe between Sheffield and Chirstchurch because despite roadworks his unit had Thatcherite leanings and would not allow U-turns!