Mapping Union Jack (part 1)

First time in London and I must say that it takes more to convince to be a place of choice for me to work and play. Even after spending 2 weeks of my break in UK, there is something missing – just that I don’t know what it is. Heathrow wasn’t as I’d imagined. Known as one of the busiest airport in Europe, I expected it to be crowded and infested with Indian migrants trying to make a living in UK. Instead, it was empty, so empty that even the floor cleaners had so much space racing against each other on their cleaning machines. The British must have vacated England for Austria for the Euro 2008, sadly as spectators since they didn’t even qualify. What is wrong with British football? They have so much talent from every corners of the world cramped into a single league. Yet, they can’t even produce a winning-eleven and win against Faroe Island.

Took the train from Heathrow to London, changing 3 times between trains (or tube, although I don’t know the difference), before reaching the hostel at Great Portland Street. I don’t know whether it’s my imagination or not, but the whole train ride was as if I was crawling in a huge elaborate labyrinth, snaking through the underground of London. The smell of gasoline/grease was strong and fortunately, they had electrified the whole railway system. I’m sure the mayor wouldn’t want to take the blame for suffocating half of the Londoners underground. He has enough problems dealing with anti-Iraq-war protestors camping outside the Parliament House – amazingly since the first day the British government sent their troopers to Iraq. I wonder if protestor is a profession. It could be, since someone somewhere must have fed and even pay people to protest. Remembered that I met someone in New Zealand, who was even sponsored a flight ticket by some agency to organize protest as far as Nepal. Maybe I should take up that job. I’m sure a loudhailer and a rain-coat won’t cost too much.

First day in London was confusing. Sense of direction was really put to the test as I stared clueless at the complex train map. Can’t even stand still at one place without being knocked down by the rushing crowd. Maybe I should attach hazard lights to my head so that I won’t be obstructing traffic. There was always someone running somewhere, late for work, hurrying for the next show, or rushing their dog to the loo (do they have urinals for dogs? I wonder). Steps to remember – get to the right station, get to the right platform, get into the right train. If follow these simple steps, maneuvering your way in the underground would be a walk in the park, according to my brother, although I wasn’t convinced. (to be continued)