Before “The Great Paws” I had the opportunity to spend a great deal of time in the UK during which I home and pet sat full time, some were repeat sits. I traveled a lot by rail and coach and always enjoyed being able to take photos and videos along the way.
Once whilst traveling from Oxford back to London, I sat in the front seat of the upper level on the coach for the best view. As we were getting close, I set my phone down on a ledge in front of me.
As I put on my coat, I watched my phone slide down a gap between the windshield and the ledge. The charger still in place, I attempted to pull it up like a fishing line and then it came undone. A gentleman beside me, tried to help to no avail.
Upon arriving to Victoria station, the driver explained that the panel was secured since that is where they kept the electronics for WiFi and cameras on the coach. He took my details and gave me the info on where I could follow up and make a claim to retrieve my phone.
Now as a long time, experienced traveler, I had more than 14,000 photos stored on my device. I had apps and tickets to continue on my travels. Fortunately I had my laptop and was able to retrieve my ticket. What I did not do was retrieve the actual address! This was a repeat sit and I knew how to walk there but it was by now night time and I was exhausted. I got a black cab and explained to the driver and he said, “Get in, we’ll get you home” which he did following my “walking directions”.
I immediately sent an email to the address given to me and by next morning received a response that my phone had been retrieved and was ready for me to come pick it up at the main headquarters, in Oxford!
So off I go. I had to make a R/T and be back early enough to feed the cats dinner!
Back in Victoria, I told the story to the fellow at the ticket counter and he gave me a ticket for £5. In Oxford, I told the woman at the station that I need to get to their headquarters and why. She put me on a company shuttle for employees. One of the other passengers, another driver, reached over and fastened my seatbelt. It was a short ride but lovely ride through parts of Oxford I had not seen. I really had no idea where I was going nor how I would get back. After I picked up my phone, they brought me back.
It was early still, so I went to the grounds of the Cathedral and visited their lovely coffee shop where I enjoyed delicious cake and coffee.
It had turned out to be a delightful day.
One that was full of kindness from strangers that will not soon be forgotten.
Sorry no pics, phone was asleep.
But these are from the top of the coach taken before my phone’s escapade!
