When Two Things You Love Merge Together - Magic Happens!

When Two Things You Love Merge Together - Magic Happens!

I'm not sure when it was that I started to become passionate about trains and I couldn't point to a particular time and place where I realized how much I loved them. In fact, my first clear memory of trains was being scared witless when the steam engine arrived at the station and let out its huge 'hiss' after coming to a stop! 

Steam trains hissing when they came to a halt - used to make me hide behind my mom!

(Courtesy of https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g209947-d212199-i143364720-Steam_Train_Rides-Carrickfergus_County_Antrim_Northern_Ireland.html)

Fear soon caved in to being mesmerized by the smell of the train, the rhythmic clickety-click, clickety-click as it traveled over the gaps between the lengths of rail, and the sheer pleasure of leaning against the window to watch the up-and-down movement of the telegraph wires as we sped past them on the journey.  

I used to love watching the telegraph wires from the train window

(Courtesy of http://www.gettyimages.com.au/detail/video/empty-rail-tracks-lorry-travels-along-parallel-stock-video-footage/1B04113_0017)

Growing up on farms in the U.K., our family could not support owning a car, so we relied upon public transport. For the same reasons, traveling by rail was not something we could do on a regular basis. So, when the rare opportunity came along, getting on a train became a fascination, and - until experiencing flying in a plane for the first time - remained my favourite mode of transport. A promised train trip to Southend-on-Sea, Tilbury, or London would be the cause of eager anticipation for several days leading up to it. (See our earlier blog). Even today, the prospect of getting on a train still fills me with excitement- and just seeing a passenger train rattle by makes my heart dance.

The other 'love' which the title refers to is the whole experience of Christmas - especially the build up to the event. For me, there's nothing quite like the gradual increase of excitement as the Big Day arrives - interspersed with the writing of cards, listening to carols and favourite Christmas songs, appreciating the aroma of baking mince pies and sausage rolls, watching new and traditional seasonal movies for the umpteenth time and, yes, even the arrival of the first snowfall.

But the most enchanting thing, for me, is the Christmas tree, with its decorations which evoke the most treasured memories, and especially the coloured lights which whisk me right back to the magic of Christmas as a child. I don't really care too much about presents (though I'd never refuse them!!!); but I do want a tree to adorn the living room, lovingly dressed with lights sparkling out of the window. 

Taken a couple of years ago, my nephew, Mike, and his son, Liam, check out their tree.

Back in the 60's, our family would often take the bus into Southend to look at the 'lights' - the illuminations that came alive when darkness descends. Best seen from the 'longest pier in the world', the coloured lights would be reflected in the water (if the tide was in) and we'd feast our eyes upon them for the whole mile-and-a-quarter walk back from the pier head. (Of course, we would have taken the pier train on the outward journey!) The warmth of the bag of chips (fries) in our hands, wrapped in newspaper (with the malt vinegar seeping through onto our fingers ready for later licking) would enhance the experience!

Illuminations on Southend Pier

(Courtesy of http://picclick.co.uk/Postcard-Epping-Forest-at-Buckhurst-Hill-282212242493.html)

You can imagine my delight upon learning that the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train was going to make its appearance in Sudbury, just 2 hours away from where we live. I had seen various movies of it on YouTube last year, and had made a note in our calendar to explore the possibility of getting to see it, live, this year. Dreams do come true! 

We decided to stay overnight so that we would be able to enjoy the experience without having to journey back home afterwards. It was slated to arrive in Sudbury at 8:50, followed by a performance from 9:15 for half an hour. True to form, it was a little late, but that added to the anticipation as crowds gathered - young and older - clinging to the safety fence, eyes peeled towards the East from which it would make its appearance, with phones ready for the photo op. I'm always amazed at the kindness that emerges when crowds gather together for events like this. There's an excitement in the air, and everyone is touched by the camaraderie. 

Sure enough, at about 9:10, the sound of the whistle echoed through the night air and the first glow of lights from the engine appeared along the track. The train eased its way forward, gradually chugging past us until it came to a complete (and relatively silent) stop along the station platform. It had arrived.!!

We managed to take a short movie of its arrival, and a couple of pics of it from different angles.

We were not disappointed! There were so many wagons with Christmas greetings and scenarios all blinking with a plethora of coloured lights. The crowd's sense of fun was tangible, and the look of wonder on the faces of the children was contagious. Everyone was happy that the Holiday Train had arrived in their town this Christmas. 

When we finally left there, we visited the Science North Festival of Lights - an annual display which raises money for charity. We were lucky to have it almost all to ourselves as most people were still at the station. 

Alan meets Santa!

Display of light trees

Mark, imitating the illuminations

Mark loves deer - in any way, shape, or form!

Mark rubs noses with Rudolph

It was a great way to celebrate the beginning of the festive season and now, since it's December 1st, I can't wait to really get into it. Bring it on!