In case you don't know
what I'm talking about, their was a 6 part series shown on BBC 2
shown on successive Monday's revealing what goes behind the scenes
on the London Underground, and it's many employees from the many departments in the company.
Filmed over I think, a
period of around 6 months last year, Each episode shown had a
different theme attached to it, on such issues such as fare dodgers
and what happens when you don't pay, The life of a commuter and the
jobs that people do on the network after the last train has gone. I.e during when
most of London is asleep. Although these themes were predominately
featured in their specific episode, there were parts in the episodes
where they would cut to something entirely different, which I suppose
is to keep episode fresh and to ensure the viewer doesn't switch off.
I for one enjoyed this,
partly because as I don't live in the city, and partly, because I
like programs that film the behind the scenes stuff that us public
don't see. Because of the former, whenever a station was mentioned
by the narrator (Julian Barrett, from Mighty Boosh fame) or a station
sign being seen on screen, I immediately paused the programme, and
started to look for it on the tube I had in a separate window! Call
me geeky, but I wanted to know where x station was and on what line
of the tube network! Of course I know about the well known ones, but
I didn't exactly know where, say Hainault was (central line, nr
Chigwell), Chesham (North west of the Metropolitan line, in it's own
special zone!) or Ladbroke Grove (circle line, a few miles north of
Shepherds Bush, West London)
There's just something
about it that fascinates me, probably because of the frequency of
trains during the day, and the fact that there are so many stations,
depending where you live, you're never far from a station (I realised
this on a visit in February, a friend of mine is around 20 minutes
walk from his nearest station in the south, and is a similar sort
of distance for my cousin and his fiancée where they live in North
London). Totally different to where I live, where there is a bus service during the day and on Fridays and Saturdays, and evening service from 7.00 pm.
If you've not seen it,
and don't have anything planned this weekend, I suggest you watch
them all on Iplayer, you have until next Monday 11 pm!
Monday morning
arrived, and the start of the week for most (if not all) of London,
wheras for me and my brother it was the last day of a 3 day trip
where we had taken in a lot, on numerous tube journeys it might be
said. After a bit of breakfast and catching up with Saturday's 'Match
Of The Day' where our teams both won (my brother's quite
resoundingly, to be fair, although my team where involved in the
biggest controversy that weekend!), our cousin kindly took us to
King's Cross Station. We planned to visit Camden and it's delightful
markets, and also my brother wanted to go down Oxford Street again.
After leaving our bags with Lost luggage to save dregging them around
London all day, we walked the short distance to Euston, to get the
Northern Line to Camden Town. Upon arriving in Camden at
approximately 11.45, we headed straight for the world famous markets
that it is known for. Walking down the high street, I seemed to
notice that every third shop was either a clothes shop, a
tattoo/piecing place or a place selling souvenirs! At the end of
these street, where it meets a junction was a furniture shop with
this outside the front:
I also took a picture of the sign on the railway bridge:
At this point, it
was getting on, so headed for the markets and agreed would get
something to eat from within the many food stalls that we eventually
saw. My god there were loads of them! All types of food you can
imagine, Italian, Chinese, Indian, Mexican, Brazilian and even
Lebanese food! After going past numerous food stalls pestering us to
try a sample, we opted for some Chinese food, my brother for some
Sweet and Sour and rice, wheras I opted for Noodles and a mixture of
all sorts. Now the next bit will be mentioning something horrid, if
you're eating, you might want to skip this paragraph:
So once we'd got
some food, we found somewhere to sit, outside this pub right by the
canal. I had just about finished my lunch when suddenly, I saw this
rat run straight past me through a drainpipe! Even as I write this, I
can't get the image out of my head. *Shudders* Don't know where it came from, or where the drainpipe lead to, but
that has been my first (and so far last!) London rat I have seen!
END
OF PARAGRAPH
After
eating Lunch, we explored the market a little more and all it's
trinkets of stalls, and after checking out a few record shops (always
good to browse, even if you're not buying anything). It was near the
entrance to the market that I saw a record stall and in this box on
the floor I noticed contained a record which as part of it's
tracklisting contained one of THE BEST remixes I have ever heard;
Grant Nelson's remix of 'Get on Up' by Jodeci. Might not appeal to
everyone but here it is anyway:
and
here's the original for your listening pleasure:
It
was just past one, and my brother wanted to head back into Oxford
Street to buy a t-shirt for himself and our dad and to try and buy a
Ralph Lauren shoes. But not before I got some good pictures on the
bridge over the canal:
"Hotel, motel, Holiday Inn".. in Camden
Other side of the bridge (see earlier)
After
what seemed like hours walking around (it had probably been one) we
found the Ralph Lauren shop that my brother had desired in Bond
Street. However, our joy (mostly his) was shortlived as they didn't
have want he wanted! On the bright side though we did go past
Sotherby's, the auctioneers:
Not
to be deterred, we headed for Oxford street once again for gifts.
Whilst my brother bought two t-shirts, I opted for two fridge magnets
that looked like street signs; one for our fridge, and one for my
sister and her boyfriend. I also bought two albums from the giant HMV
in Oxford Street; Dj Food – 'The Search Engine' and Kode 9 -
'Black Sun'. At this time, it was late in the afternoon and the train
I'd originally selected as a departure on the Monday, had long gone
(that was 2.37 pm!), so we both agreed to go back to King's Cross to
pick up our bags, and try and get the 16:37 train, to arrive at
Warwick Parkway for around 18:05. After getting our bags from the
Lost Luggage place at Kings Cross and paying the employee on duty
(who looked like a bit of a psycho it must be said, but probably a
nice bloke in real life) the privelege of £25, we made our last
journey from King's Cross to Baker Street tube station, where, via a
stop at the Tesco we first stepped into that Saturday afternoon, to
stock up on bottles of Coke, we walked the last 300 yards or so to
Marylebone Train Station and left London to end the three day
adventure where we'd packed a lot in, stayed in different parts of
London and generally made the most of it.
Epilogue
Across the weekend I'd found a pirate radio station, Kool Fm for those interested,a singing busker on the day Whitney Houston died, experienced inner city London North and South and walked past many of its residents.
The
journey itself takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes and goes through
mostly countryside, which can be very scenic during the journey.
However, it is once the train is going through North West London that
confirms to me that we are nearly at Marylebone. Observing closely
packed houses, overlooking roads that contain the Red Buses, the
outer Tube train depots and the multiple lines at the outer Tube
stations, it's almost like another world, even though they're parts
of London. Most people visiting London wouldn't naturally go to these
places, they will of course go past them (unless their travelling by
air). It's all very different to the centre of London of course,
where it's mostly commercial buildings and a higher density of
people.
We awoke on Sunday,
with one thing on our minds; the day of the main event! Orange
Baftas: The Final Word! The reason why we'd come down here in the
first place! After a quick bit of breakfast (toast and a coffee or
two) and watching the previous night's 'Take Me Out', we started to
make our way back to New Cross Gate Station through the overcast
South London sky. We were leaving as that evening we would be staying
at our cousin's flat in Islington, so arranged with him to meet near
Finsbury Park tube station once we arrived there. By mid morning, we
had arrived in North London at our cousins flat. Over lunch, as he
had to go for a suit fitting for his upcoming wedding, we (my brother
and I, our cousin and his fiancee) to leave at the same time, approximately 2.30 pm, which meant we had some free time in Central
London before we had to make our way to Covent Garden later that
afternoon. Whilst exploring Central London (the famous Oxford Street
to be precise) we came across some buildings that my brother noticed
that had been featured on the TV series 'The Apprentice'
"You're fired!"
We had a look in
various shops, including a visit to Canarby Street, where Liam
Gallagher has a unit there, for his Pretty Green clothing range. He must make absolute mint from this, as a t-shirt had a price of £40 (FORTY!) and a cashmere jumper was about £60.
"Mad ferrit!"
We arrived at the
Royal Opera House (the actual place was next door to it) at around
5.00 pm, but the invitation that I'd received stated we'd have to go
to the back entrance, to the Linbury Theatre. Eventually we found the entrance, and after giving my name
and showing some ID, few went through to the lobby of the theatre.
Expecting perhaps, 2 or 3 more winners, instead there was a sea of
people, some of whom had probably won the competition I won on
Orange, and others who I assume won through a similar competition
via the Times (who support it as well)
After putting our
coats in the cloakroom, I walked towards one of the servers to grab a
glass of champagne. There were quite a few people doing the
hospitality there, with canapes, trays of glasses, or even a bottle, offering to “top up your glass” (I took advantage of this a few
times, it must be said, I had won a competition after all, plus it
was free)
Was tempting, but didn't take one sadly
"Tuck in that shirt, and straighten the tie!"
We were then
ushered into the theatre at approximately 6.00 pm, ready for the main
event. Whilst finding a seat, we were greeted with a Times goody
bag, containing that Sunday's edition of the newspaper, a bottle of
water, a bookmark, a writing notebook and pen and some chocolates all
in a nice tote bag:
Bottle of water not shown, drunk it!
As
for the main event itself, a few minutes after watching channel E! Channel's
footage of the stars on the red carpet, Alex Zane came on stage,
followed by the panel for that evening: comedian Humphrey Ker; Arts
correspondant for the Times, Ben Hoyle and Fashion director Grace
Woodward.
Poor quality, taken on my phone, sorry!
A little better :-p
After these
introductions, Film2012 host Claudia Winkleman came on stage, and
said a few words, and made her way back to the main event, which was
next door.
As for how the
event went on through the evening, we'd watch special clips of
nominated films (ones where they interview stars on set during
filming) Alex would shout “lights up!” and ask for our (the
audience) opinion on that particular film, and depending where they
were seated on the theatre, one of two guys with a microphone would
pass it to the audience member so they could speak and give thier opinion, and the camera
would focus on the area where that particular person was sitting.
We'd also see footage of the BAFTAS event, for certain awards (where
they show you the nominees and the winner would be announced), and
Alex would again ask for opinions from both the audience and the
panel ("X film right to win Y award?" etc.) Having not seen ANY
of the films nominated (oh
the shame!) me and my brother, obviously kept our mouths shut, but I
tell you what, I definitely want to see some of the nominations,
whether at the cinema (if they're still on) or on dvd.
After being given
his award for 'Orange Wednesday Rising Star Award', Adam Deacon, came
into the theatre to give his thoughts on winning, and after him,
radio presenter Edith Bowman who also gave opinions on the winners,
and also a bit of a juicy revelation in the fact that George Clooney
was, in her words “Wetting Himself” at Stephen Fry's jokes during
his job as host for the evening.
Hysterical George Clooney not included
Just before the
end, however, there was a competition, as inside the goody bag was a
unique number, after a few numbers came up on the big screen and no
one claimed for them (some people had gone by this point), eventually
all prizes were dished out. Just before leaving though, my brother
got lucky (not like that!) and grabbed a programme someone had left
(I had asked if there were any more, right at the start of the
evening, before the event, and despite their promises of “Someone
is coming with some more” none were forthcoming; hope someone was
sacked for that error on their part!.. joke) he also managed to swipe
a unattended media briefing document, just casually left on the side, which to be honest you do not
come across in life every day.
As we hadn't eaten since
lunch time, and it was now 10.30 pm, decided to find a Macdonalds
before getting the tube back and then a short bus ride, to my
cousin's house. I found this quite
odd to be honest; it's Sunday night and we can get a Mcdonalds?!
Never the less, I ordered Quarter Pounder with Cheese meal (always a
fave), and whilst we were there, saw two girls from the theatre
earlier who had the same idea as us.
All that was left
to do was to get the tube back to Finsbury Park from Covent Garden. I
was quite surprised to see it busy at this time (11.15 PM), but
nevertheless managed to get back to Finsbury Park tube station before
getting the bus back to the end of the road, and walking a short
distance to the flat, to end Sunday and it's events we'd experienced.
When I awoke early on the Saturday, one thing was
on my mind: today is the start of the London adventure! After
managing to catch our train successfully from Leamington spa station
at 12.10pm, we where on our way, and successfully arrived at London
Marylebone at around 1.45 PM. One of the stations we went through
happened to be Wembley stadium station, and the train stopped for
just enough time for me to take a picture whilst on the carriage:
"We're on our way to Wembley... or maybe not"
Upon arriving in London, we were hungry, which
meant trying to find somewhere to grab some food. My brother was
hoping to find a Greggs (and me if I'm honest, they do fantastic
sausage rolls & cheese and onion bakes!), but instead we settled
for a Tesco a few minutes after leaving Marylebone. After a quick 'al
fresco' (and I use the term lightly here!) lunch outside some very
nice looking apartments (and getting weird looks from the odd passer
by) we made the short walk to Baker Street tube station, for the
journey to Kings Cross, and once there, changed onto the Piccadily
line to Arsenal, from where we would walk to the Emirates stadium,
Home to Arsenal FC. Arriving at approximately 2.45, it was eerily
quiet; fortunately for us, they were playing away up in Sunderland at
that time. It was the first time me and my brother had ever been
there, and even though there wasn't a match on it was still a joy to
take it all in at the time:
Next, it was onto White Hart Lane to do the same
really, although there were playing at home, and were playing later
at 5.30. Before that though, we had to find the tube station to
Finsbury Park. I thought I had found the sign directing us to it, but
it turned out it was a small circular street. Which we ended up going
round, and coming out where we were, bar a couple of Yards (silly
me!)
After successfully managing to get the tube to
Seven Sisters, we hoped on the train to the nearest train station
near the ground, White Hart Lane station. Getting there at around
4.30 – an hour before kick off – it was busy with fans from both
sides. At this point we started to go around the stadium, while I got
some pictures. Quite what anyone who saw us there with two green
reusable bags (co-op ones I might add) and a orange bag on wheels is
anyone's guess, but I'm sure the fans from both sides were wondering
about the result, and debating whether 'Arry would still be at Spurs
next season (It had been a few days since Capello resigned) and not
two lads with bags and a bag on wheels.
My brother, whilst in the club shop, just before
we went to my friends flat, he noticed someone familiar;
turns out it was this Asian tourist bloke who we'd seen earlier –
Scary or what! We made a quick getaway, and hopped on the train to
take us back to Seven Sisters tube station, then from there, to
Highbury Tube station, arriving at approximately 6.00 pm. Onwards and
upwards (or should that be down?) to New Cross gate!
I was looking forward to meeting my friend James.
It had been a while since I last saw him in Leamington, October to be
precise, so this trip also meant it was a good time to catch up.
Upon arriving at New Cross Gate at around 6.45, and a quick stop to the Sainsbury's to get dinner (first pizza of the weekend!) nearby, we started making the 20 minute walk back to his flat. After a while, I noticed a bloke
head in our direction looking towards us: Was he going to mug us? Or
something else; sell cookies or something? No – as soon as we went
past him, I looked behind and it appeared he had a rendezvous with
another man in the middle of the street. Was it some kind of dodgy
deal? Or maybe he was selling cookies, I'll never know but I doubt
they have many cookie sellers in South London!
But what to do in the evening? Because it was late
(8.30 pm by the time we'd finished dinner) and James not really
knowing where to go, we all decided to stay in and play Fifa, the
rest of the evening, until the early hours (well 1ish, when we all
went to bed) and the last thing before catching some Zzzzs was me
pumping up the airbed that me and brother would be sleeping on.
Two weekends ago, me and my brother went to
London, and what a weekend it was! The reason why we went down there
as at the end of January, after entering a competition on the
'Orange Film To Go' section on their website, I received a text to
say I've won tickets the The Baftas: The Final event. I couldn't
believe it! I think I was grinning like a Cheshire Cat for a few
hours, and was the first of quite a few competitions I won in the
space of a few weeks.
The next week, I received the E-ticket that Orange
sent me, which specifically required me to show it along with
Photographic ID, otherwise I would not be allowed in!! Eeep! The
email I received also stated we weren't allowed on the red carpet
(gutted as this meant I couldn't pretend to be a star for a few
minutes, oh the shame!!)
But where to stay? fortunately I had a friend who
lives in SE14 (New Cross, Lewisham for those outside the M25!) with
his fiancée, who has always said that I would be welcome to go down
and visit him and a cousin who lives in N19 (Islington, North London)
who lives with his fiancée, so set about asking if we could stay.
After being notified by my cousin that Saturday was a no go, I got
told Sunday was not a problem, I contacted my friend if we could stay
the Saturday. It was Monday the 6th, when we provisionally
arranged it, he just needed to notify his partner to see if it was
ok, and I received a text from him the next day, saying it wasn't a
problem for him nor his fiancée. At this point I was very relieved,
as the pressure was off me and also meant that I/we didn't need to
spend a penny (no, not that) in a hotel (although we would later
spend a penny in North and South London!)
Accommodation sorted then, along with train
tickets earlier and Oyster cards being received Tuesday the
7th, now time to decide between my brother and I, about where we
wanted to go during the weekend! This took the form of an Itinerary.
It was now Thursday, and I had just started to write it.
I made it very detailed (whilst adding 'Times are
approximate') after the first few entries on Saturday's order of
activities! (Get to London at this time, after that who knows!).
Worked like a monkey typing a Shakespeare play on a typewriter ( I
used good ol' word Processor, much quicker and efficient I must say)
on Friday, before printing it off just after midnight.
If this was a novel, that would be the prelude, is there an equivalent for a blog post?
Coming up... The first thing we did upon arriving in London, and our first trips on the Tube - all in Saturday's entry!
Well after many months of deliberation, I hve finally decided to create a blog of my own!
I like reading blogs of all kinds, as I feel it gives you an insight into what they are thinking about, what they are liking, what happened at x event; that kind of thing. There are some people I follow on Twitter, (hello to you all!) who all have thier own blog which I read and comment on a regular basis.
As this is my first attempt at one, I will probably do things wrong. Any feedback or comments would be appriciated:-)
