Don't get me wrong, I love living in London. I also love the fact that we will be hosting the olympics next year, and I understand that this means disruptions to travel as necessary improvements are made. This doesn't curb my frustrations from the last two days though...
Tuesday - Shopping in Oxford Street
Admittedly, it has been a long time since I have been through London Victoria during daylight hours.... and it will be a long time before I do it again! Talk about chaos! Certain exits and escalators cannot be used - is this clearly signposted? No! Are there idiotic tourists getting in your way? Yes!
You're lost, you're confused, I understand that... but do not stop in front me! Or worse - stop and get out your map, decide that you have gone the wrong way, and then after blocking me for five minutes push past me to continue your journey!
I finally got to Oxford Circus and thought I could relax and get into shopping mode. No such luck, because Oxford Circus is also undergoing "improvement works", and before I can experience the retail joys that Oxford Street has to offer, I have to navigate my way out of the station.
Luckilly, for TfL (Transport for London) staff, my return journey was far less stressful. A lot longer, but less stressful. I decided to avoid Oxford Circus and London Vicky altogether and go home via Bond Street and London Bridge - aah, the good ol' jubilee line, you never let me down - well not on weekdays anyway!
Wednesday - Returning to my East London roots (brap, brap!)
TfL workers and Boris Johnson can breathe a sigh of relief, as my fury today is not aimed at them. I could have travelled via London Victoria again, but why put myself through that torment when I could experience the delight that is the London Overground service. If you haven't tried it, I can thoroughly recommend it, it is pure bliss!
So what was it that sparked my fury? An idiotic cab driver. I phoned for a cab to transport me to my nearest overground station, a company that I frequently use for its prompt and reliable service. I'm waiting outside and get a phone call from an unknown number.
It's the cab driver: "yes, I'm here"
Me: "Where are you? I'm standing outside and cannot see you"
Cabbie: "I'm here, at X building"
Me: "But if you're here, I would see you"
Cabbie: "I can't see you"
Me: "because you're not here!"
Cabbie: "come out onto the road"
Me: "I'm on the road, if I was more on the road I would be dancing in the traffic!"
I waited for almost 50 minutes - he never showed up!
So what lessons have I learned? Avoid London Victoria at all costs (until January/February 2012); and to pray daily for the serenity, to accept the fact that I am surrounded by idiots!!!
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