Happy Valentine's Day!!!
Trip Start
Jan 14, 2010
1
8
17
Trip End
Apr 07, 2010
Where I stayed
Backpackers Lodge
Portsmouth, England, United Kingdom
Sunday, February 14, 2010
The train ride was actually quite lovely! I got off at Fratton since the Gun Wharf train station was out of commission at the moment. This meant that I had to find the bus stop and hitch a ride from there. I made it safe and sound, clearly. From there it was lots of window shopping. While I did manage to get a steal of a skirt for 5 pounds... that was the only purchase I made. After the shopping, I decided it was time for an exciting trip up the Spinnaker Tower! The trip to the top is only 28 seconds. Once out, there is the first tier. On this floor there is a big rectangle square of glass to walk on... and look ALL the way DOWN. I crossed and even managed to look down! The panoramic views were amazing! I couldn't believe it! I was in the Spinnaker Tower... someplace I've heard about but never thought I'd get to go! How amazing!!!! Supposedly, I could see all the way to Bognor Regis ( a sign told me). Not so sure I could find my house. Next I moved up a floor to the second level. Slightly smaller but still amazing views! The third floor stands over 550 feet in the air with an open top roof. It was my favorite! The fresh air, the view, the sky... it was spectacular! I didn't want to leave! After arriving back down at the bottom, I made my way into the cafe of the tower for lunch; enjoying the views for a brief moment. Before I knew it, it was time for the Chinese New Year festivities to happen! In the center of the shopping center, there was the conclusion of the dragon parade, dancers, and martial arts. The show was wonderful! At the end of the event there were even firecrackers! What a great conclusion to my shopping adventures than with a surprise experience for me!
By the time the celebration was over, the shops were closing down. I decided to make my way to my hostel. It was called the Backpacker's Lodge and was located in South Sea. South Sea is a good 30 to 45 minute walk from the Wharf, but it was a wonderful one! I walked through the University of Portsmouth, along the coast, and into the town. After following some lovely directions given to me by a bus driver, I found the hostel! The outside looked frightening, but before I had a chance to back out... someone came to the door. Inside the establishment was very cozy and the staff was amazing! Super considerate and friendly... even asked if I wanted an extra blanket. Note to other travelers: Great hostel, 15 quid a night.
Downstairs there was a lounge with a pool table, living room with tv, eating room, and a full on kitchen! My room was an all female room with 2 sets of bunk beds. I had bed number 2... aka on the floor by the door. After getting situation, I packed back up and headed out on another walk. Turns out the hostel was only one block from the beach! On top of that, there was a park and a carnival pier. The pier was rather sad, with only an arcade on it... but still pretty. As I walked, I watched the sunset over the beach. The end of another day. I headed back to the hostel since EVERYTHING in the town closes at 4 on Sundays anyway. Socialized in the lounge downstairs for a bit before heading up to my room. When I got there I met my roomie of the night named Katalina from Germany. Nice girl, but I don't think we'll be BFFs. We both had had really long days so we opted to head to bed after a bit of talking round 8:30. Around 11 another girl snuck in. Not sure where she was from but it wasn't around the area. Katalina left at 530 in the morning to catch a train. The other girl left at 7. I left at 7:30.
At this point I wanted to make my way along the sea front to see all the monuments and the Clarence Pier. All of the sights were amazing! Being that Portsmouth is a severly Navy town, the anchors and sailor monuments were great! The goal was eventually to head back to the Historic Boat Docks for the remainder of the morning. After about an hour of walking and sightseeing, including a very sad castle, I made it to the boat yard. With the student discount it was only 14 pounds which is really a steal for everything I saw and did.
First I went aboard the HMS Warrior. It was at this time that my pictures turned more pink on my camera for some reason. Did not like. I did, however, like the boat! It was really cool to see all the decks, cabins, and cannons! The views from the deck were wonderful! From the ship I could see the Spinnaker Tower and the rest of the harbor! After that I managed to make it across the yard to the HMS Victory! It was an old school ship... think Hook, with multiple levels and views to go with it. Each ship took at least an hour for me to get through. The history was fascinating. Nelson was the caption of the Victory... I was actually standing where he was killed. After he died, they soaked him in a tub of brandy to help preserve him till they made shore. Weird. What's even more weird is the joke that one of the workers said - Apparently to mourn his death, the entire crew took to drinking for the night... what one can only imagine to be a "full bodied" brandy. Ew.
Upon leaving the ship, I made it back in time for the boat tour. It was a 40 minute tour filled by amazingly humorous commentary and lots of views of cruisers and war ships. There was also a place called Spice Island... where sailors use to go get drunk and *ahem* meet ladies of the night. The history emulating from this place was incredible! Every step and statue held a story. Now while, I have the worst memory ever for details, I still love reading each of the placards and listening to the tour guides. The entire place fascinated me! The museums were all that were left on my agenda so I went through each one carefully. In the Rose Marie museum, a lovely older gentleman told me all about how he used to be stationed here and everything that he saw and did. It nearly brought me to tears.... seeing the passion and history he held with him. What a wonderful person... sharing what he knows with me. Apparently he found it humorous that I was attempting to take pictures with the figurines. Well, what can I say. About 5 hours later I emerged from the museum in one peace, filled with pictures and memories.
I made it back on the train with no problem! I think I'm finally getting the hang of it... kinda! Then from Chichester it was back to Pagham on.... you guessed it... a double-decker bus! Oh, that was the only purchase I made. for 1 pound I got a double-decker keychain. Well worth it. :-) PS - bit of trivia... the only triple-decker bus is in Harry Potter. Getting home felt wonderful! As much fun as I had (and I truly had a remarkable time), it was nice to see the family. I was able to meet Michele's sister, whose daughter Lilly is staying with us for the week! I'm excited!
I was worried before going that it would be weird traveling alone. I found that I really loved it. While company can be nice... it was really great being on my own time schedule and seeing everything I wanted to see. Soooo not worried about doing that kind a trip again! Now just gotta plan the next great adventure! Tomorrow... Fishbourne to see the Roman Palace with the family!
