Sofia's Choice 4... Riding the trams!

Trams arriving and leaving Grand Central

Lady M and me (Sofia)!

Howde Folks,

Last week, after two serious weeks of postings we promised you a more humorous one this week. We remember this one from two years ago. We always find her rushing down to the metro and riding the trams entertaining. The trams were in operation for twenty years before she ventured on them. It was only when a friend told her that it was free to concessionary pass holders that she downloaded the application form and quickly applied for a pass. She loves turning things to her advantage and if being ancient means she can travel for free she will enjoy it.

                                                              ********************



Hope you have enjoyed our first choices. We were so excited to be back that we forgot to tell you who we are. If you have not met Donald and I before, I am the Sofia of Lady M's Sofia Trilogy. She is very proud of us and you may read all about us in Look After Each Other, Sofia's Legacy and Love You Forever. Donald and I are soul mates and reunited after our untimely deaths. Well, actually I was married to his brother, Derek... big mistake! But you can find out all about us on the Net or from Lady M.

For our next selection we have chosen the day she chose to ride the tram the whole way from Birmingham to Wolverhampton. We know that riding the trams is her new hobby. Well, actually it amuses us! Other people follow football teams, take up photography or something but tram riding? She's just such a unique individual, our Lady M. Guess that's why we love her! Enjoy.

                                                               **********

Originally posted on 14/10/2016

On Wednesday last week I strolled down to the Metro Station and caught the tram into Birmingham Grand Central. I observed a strong Police presence which meant either a code red alert in which case I should have left quickly or the Prime Minister was in the city for the Conservative Conference. I decided it was the latter and went straight up to Costa for a panini and cappuccino. Most enjoyable. Then a quick look in the shops before wandering down to New Street and observing or tasting the atmosphere of the pedestrianised area of the city.


Tram arriving for Wolverhampton!

A bustling New Street

Next, back to the trams and wait for one to take me to Wolverhampton. I love it when I give the conductor my card and he/she places it on a reader registering my details and right as an OAP  in the UK to travel for free on buses and local trams/trains. It's even better when I see people paying cash for tickets and I realise just how much money old age is saving me. I was rather alarmed to note the number of peeps who seemed to have no idea where they were, what they were doing or what day it was, they just had heads down and fingers on their phones texting. I observed one person with a book but even he preferred his phone. Conversation? Sadly lacking. That apart, it was an enjoyable and surprisingly leafy journey through the urban environment until we were on the outskirts of Wolverhampton. Then, the tram changed from rail to road and it was buildings and traffic lights. The whole journey had 24 stops and lasted for 42 minutes and was a great experience.

In Wolverhampton I had a wander round the Mander and Wulfrun Centres before returning to West Bromwich. I can also understand why so many peeps with concessionary passes 'ride the buses/trams' rather than stay at home. It is a pleasant way of getting out of the house and watching the world go by!

Whatever your age, enjoy yourself, make the most of opportunities and be happy.





The end of the ride

Tram arriving at Wolverhampton

                                                                   ***********

Why not take a leaf out of Lady M's book and try tram riding or a new hobby this week. Enjoy yourselves and be happy.

Love to you all, Sofia and Donald xxx