tube tottering
So I was on a bus for ten hours last night coming back from Edinburgh to London, didn't get much sleep the past few nights (traveling, out, hostel life, night bus ride-all not wonderfully suited for quality sleep). I show up in London around 745am during morning rush hour. Public transit is a complete madhouse during morning/evening commutes. Like my face is in your armpit, yours in your neighbors, and we can't tell whose arm or leg or bag is whose. It was so crowded at Victoria Station, where I came into, I actually had to wait for several trains to pass before getting on one. Here's the meat of this tidbit: Once I was on (and I mentioned I hadn't slept much, therefore my balance I think wasn't quite right. And, keep in mind I also hadn't showered in three days and had been traveling/walking/hiking the whole time=sight for sore eyes), I took off my backpack (my back was killing me from carrying stuff around so much over the weekend and that morning already) and was attempting to arrange my two small, but awkward bags between my legs for the ride and make more room where my backpack would be for people to stand, when the train started moving -pretty abruptly. I completely lost my balance before I knew what was happening, flew backwards into the person behind me (who sort of caught me and pushed me back forward before I fell too far) flailing my arms in the meantime. I caused a business man to laugh out loud (which seriously doesn't happen much on the Tube-no laughing aloud allowed please), and a few others to grin. The nice thing about it being crowded is I didn't actually fall. But I think I did provide some entertainment for the morning commuters. I have some great pictures to post soon and some more little anecdotes. For now I have to go to sleep because I have an interview for a temp. job as a teaching assistant tomorrow...Wish me luck (anything will help with the monetary sit.)! Oh, and as a small aside, I've seen two films lately-Volver and Little Miss Sunshine-both totally worth going to a theatre for in my opinion. Check one or both out if you haven't already! I am thinking of all of you and miss you!
posted by Steph at 00:16
7 Comments:
i love your stories.....they make me smile/laugh and well it seems it also made others, too. Just think, you and your falling over embarassingly might be the reason they didnt have a crappy day or the only time they laughed all day, that's quite a service you are providing to all those londonites :) they should pay you for that!
Steph- you really should write a book or something about your experiences. I agree with Ratna. I can't wait to get out there...I know that I'm gonna fall on someone and break their arm or something. I hope.
Speaking of breaking arms, did you know that George Allen came up with the so called Marriage Amendment? I had no idea...I dislike him more and more each day. :{
Jimmy and Alex are here reading tarot cards (she bought her own deck!) So if I seem a little distracted...
Ratna- the peanut butter cup! You should get a cardboard box and cut out the top, larger part and the bottom smaller part (cut it out in the shape of a peanut butter cup with ridges and stuff) and paint the wrapper part black, keep the front part brown, and then cut out some strips of cardboard to make the ridges to go around your body (though I guess that wouldn't be necessary). Take some saran wrap and tape it from the back part to the front...and tape old peanut butter cup wrapper on your legs or something. It might work...it does in my head.
Steph, you should be a gypsy. That would be hot- I can send you some cheap jewelry from American thriftstores and a bandanna. Or a Texan. Yeah, that would be funny, woman. Ratna, you cool.
this definitely gave me a visual of a stinky, unabalanced, tattered steph. I MISS YOU.
ps. i got a phone card today, so expect a call.
Stephanie just thought I'd let you know that somebody in the group said, "where is Stephanie?" I responded, "she's in London visit her blog." Of course, they were talking about another group member... just to let you know, you're making an impact over here, too.
is that true? they have rules on the tube? outlawing laughing sounds like something you'd hear in a communist country.
Dianna-Glad to hear I'm providing amusement for people on both sides of the Atlantic! Hope you are doing well and not too overloaded at work!!
Cynthia-There aren't like official rules posted or anything, but there are a few things that are UNDERSTOOD, ya know...you don't hear much laughter :)
LOVED the tube story-- and all the pics on the site. Sounds like you were able to laugh at yourself. Those stiff Brits. Ah, our loss is Britain's gain. :)
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