Trains

This morning the trains were wonderful. I even got a seat on a direct train to London - no stops. I think I made it to work in record time - 45 minutes. I loved it!

This evening, I left work a little later than normal and did a little bit of shopping. I made it to the train station just after 8 PM. This was also good because I was able to catch another direct train- no stops. I was also able to get a seat again. I chose one next to one person and facing two others. As I sat down, the man directly in front of me said something - which I thought was directed to me. Since I had my iPod on, I took out my earbud and asked him if he had said something to me. He said no, but the man next to him began asking me questions instead. He quickly discovered I am American and the rambling began. It was soon evident that both men had been heavily drinking - and as they later told me, it took them the good part of the day to reach their current level of silliness. They also spent a great deal of time reviewing the Psychology book belonging to the guy next to me. They saw some pretty strange things in the book in their current state of mind. All in all, I think they kept everyone in the coach very entertained.

So my commutes today were swift and entertaining - a good day.

February 3rd

It was fun trying to get to work today. All of the snow on the sidewalks turned to thick ice and the trains were only running twice per hour. So it took me almost 2 1/2 hours to get to work. I made it though. It was better on the way home - just crowded. There is no more snow or ice in London proper - but there is plenty still in Surbiton. I still think it is pretty in the parks and gardens.

Today would have been my grandfather's birthday. I have thought of him a lot today. He was so full of mischief and humor. I see him in my kids sometimes and it makes me smile. I see him in my mom sometimes and that makes me smile too.

Now that I am here, I find myself wondering more about his time in Europe during WWII. I have been thinking of doing a little research into it and maybe going to some of those places. I am a little afraid that it might depress me though. I will let you know if I follow through on it.

Snow messages

Throughout the day, the occupants of the flats around me spent time in the back garden building snowmen and having snowball fights. This was about all I could do in the clean snow that was left:

Still Snowing!

Winter Wonderland

Here is what I woke up to this morning:

History is all around

Today my colleague and I met a contact for lunch. This isn't really the point of my story, but the name of the restaurant was Balls Brothers of London. Very good food - but very strange name.

Anyway, on our way to the restaurant, we passed old and new buildings all mixed together and I saw a lone church tower standing in the middle of a little street. Apparently it was left over from the war - the rest of it being bombed out.

After lunch, we stopped by St. Paul's Cathedral - which is unbelievable! Outside, we walked over a stone in the walkway placed there in 1897 declaring Queen Victoria's thanks to God upon the 60th anniversary of her ascension.

Later we passed St. Mary le Strand - another church in the middle of the road - but this one intact and very pretty.

Then we walked through Trafalgar Square before catching a cab back to Mayfair.

Just another day in London.

No big deal - apparently

I have always thought that the public announcements in the UK are said in such a matter of fact way, but contain very dramatic language. For instance, the airport security messages in America regarding baggage are very strict, but basically say your unattended luggage may be confiscated. In the UK, the announcement will say, "Unattended baggage may be confiscated and destroyed."

Well - today I experienced an announcement that I almost missed because it was said in such a normal way - as if it is really no big deal - happens all the time. It has kind of scared me. Are you ready? Here it is ...

"The Central Line has been suspended between Marble Arch and Liverpool Street due to a person under a train at Tottenham Court Road. Minor delays are occurring on the rest of the line."

Scary??!!