Two friends travelled to Bordeaux for their year abroad- Megan by train, and Ryan by car and plane. They both departed from their hometown of Hull, but this is where the similarities end. Snoop at their texts and you might realise that sustainable travel is more convenient than you thought!
Ryan: OMG, my dad is already so annoyed at this traffic. It’s crawling, I almost wish I’d gotten on that train with you…. jk!
Megan: I did tell you that trains don’t get stuck in traffic! FYI I’m having a fabulous time with my Kindle and my oat flat white. Rail is the way forward!
Ryan: It’s been an hour and I’m still stuck in traffic! I wish we had an airport in Hull? ):
Megan: We don’t need an airport when we’ve got a train station with direct services to London. You could’ve jumped on with me and then gotten the Gatwick express, which would still be so much better for the climate than driving! Anyway, GTG, I’m about to change trains.
Ryan: FINALLY arrived! I was already annoyed that they charged my unsuspecting dad a £7 “drop-off charge” and then the security staff confiscated my favourite aftershave because it was over 100ml!
Megan: Those airport security rules are brutal! If you’d got on the Eurostar with me, you could’ve taken as much liquid as you liked! Plus, you’d love the delicious pastries in their lounge.
Ryan: I’d love a pastry right now! I didn’t have time to go to the airport lounge because we were stuck in traffic for ages. I’ve settled for an overpriced chocolate bar from the vending machine.
Megan: I imagine the food prices onboard that plane won’t be much better. Anyway, have a safe flight and text me when you land!
Ryan: Safe, but not enjoyable! They charged me £50 because my carry-on was ONE centimetre too big! And then I was squashed into the horrible middle seat! I felt like I was being punished for not paying for another add-on.
Megan: What a nightmare! BTW, on the majority of trains, there’s no middle seats… even if you leave seat selection to chance, you know you’ll never have to sit in a middle seat!
Ryan: I wish planes were designed like that! Speaking of which, surely you’re not off the Eurostar already?
Megan: I am! I’m on my final train, the TGV. France has incredible trains, with beautiful views of the French countryside.
Ryan: I’m jealous, my view is of this conveyor belt at Baggage Reclaim, and of all these suitcases that aren’t mine!
Megan: Yikes! Surely you’ve got your luggage now though?
Ryan: Nope! Most other suitcases have been collected, I’m pretty sure they’ve lost mine. I didn’t think this day could get any worse!
Megan: Now in Bordeaux! That’s so frustrating about your suitcase!
Ryan: Tell me about it! I think the inconvenience of flying has convinced me that I should try travelling by train…. now where do I buy my railcard?
