Delinquents in Dover and Cathedrals and Castles in Canterbury

I said Goodbye to Rodney and Gill, feeling a little sad as I just don't know when I will next see them, and climbed aboard the National Express bound for London. I think it is a concern, however, when the driver stops the bus and gets out a map book on the way... but we did make it in the end. Once we reached London, it felt like we were being taken on a personal tour of the 'hot spots' of London's riot areas, e.g. we passed by Clapham Junction, which looked in a sorry state. Shops for that whole end of the street were boarded up, including the Debenham's and JDs which were often seen on the news.

Once we reached London Victoria Coach Station (I had missed London town, it has to be said...) I hauled my suitcase out from underneath the coach and found the Gate for my coach to Canterbury, which was not for an hour and a half. I decided it might be an idea to go to the bathroom, being that I had another two and a half hours to go on the coach. So I looked around where I was standing thinking ... 'toilet... toilet, toilet, toilet... BINGO!' as I saw a sign for the toilets. Problem was that there was also a flight of stairs TO the toilets, and I had my suitcase. Fail. I looked for other options. In the next terminal there was a toilet which was ground level. Great success! I waited patiently in the line, suitcase in hand, handbag on shoulder and backpack on my back and reached the point where you pay your 30p and go through the metal bars. I fed my 30p into the slot and pushed my suitcase through, the bar moved. And stopped me. So effectively, I had paid 30p to allow my suitcase through. FAIL. I then had to pay another 30p to get myself through! If that wasn't enough for me to shake my head at, I then struggled to get my suitcase into the cubicle... and ended up in fits of giggles at the whole situation. It meant I did walk back to Gate 7 thinking how much nicer it is traveling with someone else, and not all by your lonesome - it is always nice to have someone to watch your bag whilst you pee! I then had only just found a seat and saw that coach 007 to Canterbury had arrived, so went outside. Only to find out it was the 11:30am service, an hour earlier than the one I had booked, but the driver didn't seem to mind, so I climbed aboard and made my merry way back down South, to Canterbury.

I arrived in Canterbury and called Kat, who walked ten minutes to come and meet me. It was easy to recognise her, and I couldn't help but comment on her broad Kiwi accent! So nice to hear - naturally. We waited for her husband to meet us with the car, collected some essentials from the Tesco and went back to their place, which is only a 10 minute walk from the City Centre/Cathedral.

Kat and I caught up on the past however many years (she was a year behind me at Long Bay College, and later worked in Pet Mania in Browns Bay where I saw her a few times) and relaxed in their back garden, which was nice after a long morning of traveling by coach. After an EPIC feed of the thickest steak I have ever consumed, egg, chips and salad expertly made by Kat's husband, Simon, we took a tiki-tour to Dover to see the White Cliffs. It was less than half an hour away from their place which was awesome, and on arrival we parked where the National Trust signs said the cliffs were. We climbed out of the car and Kat disappeared down a hill, and as Simon and I were walking towards her I questioned her '...So where are the cliffs?', and she smiled and said 'We're standing on them!'. The views were beautiful, you could see right across the channel to Calais - it is amazing how close the countries are!

Dover Port

That's the white cliffs :) On the right...

That's Calais in the background!

Perched on the hill to our right was Dover Castle, so that was our next stop. Simon dropped us off and went to get petrol, and Kat and I were left at Dover Castle, which happened to be closed, to get 'snap happy' as Simon put it. Annoyingly, it was hard to take good photos over the fence, so we decided to be 'Dover Delinquents' and jump the fence- which looks easier than it actually was....but the photos we managed to get were totally worth it!

King of the Castle!

Trust me... this was harder than she is making it look... 

So bad-ass right now! Eeeek!

Dover Castle... amazing.

Quackles and Paddles do Dover 

Today I woke at a leisurely time and walked for ten minutes to get to the city centre. I went to the information site, found a Starbucks, ordered my Soy Chai Latte and sat down to determine a plan for the day. I began with Canterbury Cathedral. I have seen many Cathedral's in the past week, but one cannot come to Canterbury and not go! I paid my £9 and spent an hour inside, making the most of my nine quid! Once again, plenty to see inside - the thing that impressed me the most was The Black Prince's regalia, dated from the 1300s - insane!

Canterbury Cathedral

After I left the Cathedral, I wandered through the old Pilgrim's hospital, which is not actually a hospital at all, but a home of hospitality - quite an interesting place to visit. I even went on a river boat historical tour (excellent) and then found my way to The Norman Castle, walked through the park and  took some photos from the top of Dane John Mound and then even managed to find my way back to Kat and Simon's - great success!

Norman Castle

The view of Canterbury (that's the Cathedral!) from Dane John Mound

We had a chillaxed evening eating pizza and watching movies - (and I did a spot of blogging) before Kat remembered that I had promised to hold Mildred, her Bearded Dragon, before I left... I was quite apprehensive about this, but.... I did it! And Mildred was *lovely*! Nothing to be worried about at all! I even had a 'go' on her scooter... well not really... just sat on it! I have had an excellent few nights catching up with a long lost friend - this is something Facebook is just so good for... you can catch up with people who you have relatively lost touch with - and it is so nice! It has been great to see her, and to meet Simon. Tomorrow I coach back to London town, then fly to Edinburgh, Scotland - I am very much looking forward to seeing "Sunday in the Park with George" as part of the Fringe Festival - Huzzah! Glasgow follows Edinburgh, before making my way down to Carlisle then Lancashire. Happy days :)

And with that, I shall leave you with some more photos and yet another...

Cheery bye :)

Not so sure about this.... eeeeeep!

Not so bad...

Kat and I - Canterbury 2011

Sarah meets Mildred

Go Scooty go!

Brrrrrrmmmmmm!

Cathedrals and stones in the grass

On Wednesday I left my hotel room in the Ibis, Bristol and made my merry way to the Bristol Temple Meads station. I caught the train at 10.23am, Starbucks Soy Latte in hand and found somewhere to put my luggage… which happened to be the opposite end of the carriage to where I was seated. This will become important later. The train left and I settled into my seat with my headphones in and that mornings copy of the Metro. More news of carnage on the streets of London, and today, Manchester. 

At about 11.30am Salisbury station was approaching, which was where I was to met Rodney and Gill. I packed up all of my belongings and commenced the trip to collect my suitcase. After fighting my way through many bodies who seemed to all be in a rush I had my hands on my suitcase, lifted it up, propped it on its wheels and aimed for the door.  Which subsequently shut in my face. I smacked my hand down on the ‘open’ button which was glowing to my right, to no avail. I pushed it again. A boy who was standing nearby said ‘Sorry… I don’t think they open again once closed…’ to which my response was ‘Are you Sarah-ious???!!!!’  So there I was, ready to go by in front of the door to exit at Salisbury station, so close, yet so far. I had to go to the next station and cross the line and come back again. I figured this worked like the London Underground, it would be ten minutes tops. Wrong. An hour and a half later, I finally arrived at Salisbury station, as the train coming back the other way takes the long route, and stops at every little town. Well that was an hour and a half of my life I can never get back!!

Rodney and Gill were patiently waiting for me (shifting their car from the temporary car-park every 20 minutes) and we were finally off to explore Salisbury. The Cathedral, like all the others I have seen since being in England, was incredible. Just huge, unbelievably old (1220) and ornate. On walking into the cathedral grounds we noticed a statue of a man holding a coffee cup where I am sure some other religious figure once stood. I was a little baffled as he seemed so out of place, and then we realised that there was an exhibition on inside and outside the cathedral, and this was a part of it. There were 20 examples and I think I managed to locate 13 of them.

Myself and the giant woman! 

The most entertaining sculpture inside the cathedral! 

Stunning colour!

The most interesting part of the Salisbury Cathedral was the Magna Carta, which is the document that set down for the first time, the relationship between King John and his subjects and their rights. It was written in 1215 (OMG!!!) in Latin on vellum, and the writing is so teeny tiny and neat, but I had no chance of reading what the hang it said being I don’t read Latin… but it was just incredible to see something with my very own eyes that is from 1215. It is so difficult to even comprehend something that old. Especially being a New Zealander! Salisbury Cathedral also has Britain’s tallest spire, which is 123m high, and the world’s oldest mechanical working clock (dated 1386).  I know people will say ‘...seen one church, you’ve seen them all…’ but I would have to a certain degree disagree… there are different ‘things’ at each and every one. Some even house surprises, like the time I went to Chichester Cathedral and who should be buried there but Gustav Holst!

Salisbury Cathedral.

After we had some lunch we journeyed onto Stonehenge. I was under the impression that Stonehenge was on a hill, and set way back from the road to the point it was not easy to see from the road. But we rounded a corner, and BANG there it was! Something I have only ever seen on the television or in books and on the internet was in my line of vision, from the car! I got in for free (thank you Anne and Dave Nellist + National Trust membership!) and listened to the audio guide all the way around the stones. It was cold and incredibly windy (as Rodney’s hair would suggest!) but quite cool to have been there, and now it is something I can add to the list of things I have seen and can now talk about. The stones are believed to have been erected between 2400-2200BC, but even now people don’t really know why. There are so many theories, but what I thought, was how cool it would be if Dr. Who was real and we could just go back in time and see what it was all really about.

Rodney and I at Stonehenge

On Thursday Rodney drove Gill and I to Brighton. I have heard about Brighton, and I know several of my London town friends have gone there for weekends away. I also knew it had a beach. Yusss! The weather was not great, but that aside, I always like to see the ocean. I think seeing the ocean makes me feel at home in some ways – being I have never lived all that far from the sea! We went to see the Royal Pavilion, which I thought was rather Indian looking as far as architecture goes. I had no real idea as to what it was we were about to see, but given the excellent and informative audio guides I soon found out! The Pavilion was built in 1787 as a seaside retreat for George, Prince of Wales, who later became George IV. Queen Victoria also frequented the residence during her reign although she didn’t like it there due to the lack of privacy. It has now been set up as a museum, and has been restored really well. The banquet room was the most impressive of all the rooms – although the kitchen was pretty amazing too! A lot of what you see there (furniture/furnishings) are all original, and incredibly well preserved. It really is worth seeing if ever you are in Brighton.

Quackles and Paddles in Brighton

Me near Brighton pier

The insane kitchen at the Pavilion

The equally insane Banquet room at the Pavilion. 

That evening was really exciting as Rodney had arranged with a fellow musician, Steve, to bring a flute to the RMA band rehearsal at the Royal Marines Eastney Barracks – and for me to join in on the rehearsal! It was really fun being given the opportunity to play (of course I mean fright (sight) read!!!) the repertoire for the evening, which included such pieces as 633 Squadron (which I have always wanted to play!), Robin Hood Prince of Thieves, Hits from the Movies and others. I was disappointed we didn’t get to play Pirates of the Caribbean, as it was the same version I gave my school Orchestra last year! It was nice to meet a whole bunch of ex Royal Marines who served with my Grandfather and they all commented how much better looking I was. I would reply ‘Yes- I get that from my mother’. Haha. I remembered last night how much I enjoy playing in a large group, and will be further investigating Auckland Wind Orchestra when I return. It was also nice to have a blow on a flute, and I was impressed with myself as I managed to mostly play everything. Turns out I am a better sight-reader than I thought.

My part for the evening :)

Today (Friday 12^th August) we all went to Winchester to have a look around the town, and the Cathedral. I rode a bronze piggy (as ya do) and went into The Great Hall, which is where King Arthur’s round table is located. Much to my dismay, today I found out that King Arthur is a myth. We went into Winchester Cathedral (I know, another church!) which is the largest Cathedral in England. It is also where Jane Austen’s body lies (see, there are interesting treasures every church you go!) and it was constructed in 1079. A random fact about Winchester Cathedral is that it was used as part of the film set for ‘The Da Vinci Code’ in 2005.

Riding a Piggy :)

King Arthur's Round Table.... HUGE!

Winchester Cathedral. Note the lovely English sky.

Yep... Jane Austen lies under here...

I've seen many Cathedral's, but they never fail to impress!

We finished the day with a trip to the Winchester City Mill, and once again I got in for free with my National Trust Membership –yusss! It started milling corn in 1086, and remained in use until the early 1900’s.  It was then used as a laundry until 1928, and then became a youth hostel until quit recently. In 2004 it was purchased by some rich people and handed over to the National Trust, where they restored the mill and it now grinds corn once more to make flour, though more for interests sake than mass production! Another interesting place to visit.

I have had a wonderful four days with Rodney and Gill, they have taken me on so many day-trips and looked after me so well - I'll miss them when I go as I am not sure when I will next see them!

Today we are all taking it slower, I am trying to pack up my suitcase which yet again seems to have vomited all over the place... and we are off to see some Scarecrows later (some sort of Scarecrow festival!) and tomorrow I head Canterbury (via London!) to catch up with Kat Walters (who I went to school with) and her new husband. More adventures to come... watch this space!

Cheery bye :)

Oh! I do like to be beside the seaside...

Mutignano Village. What a place. Picture a quaint Italian Village, where the streets are narrow, cobbled and worn, where thousands have walked before you have. Imagine elderly Italian women sitting under the shade of grape vines where their Fiat Bambina is parked. Imagine tiny wrought iron balconies with flowers pouring off of them… old wooden shutters with peeling paint and the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through the air. Imagine this is a village called Mutignano, population 560...and it does exist…not far from Pineto, Italy. (Pineto is just below the 'calf' of the boot of Italy!)

Looking down the street of Mutignano Village 

Fran and David have friends, Andy and Claire, who they have known for years. Andy is Italian, and Claire is English, and they both live in London (both in the health services too, Andy is a physician and Claire an Ophthalmologist.) The interesting, and beautiful fact of the matter, is that many, many years ago, Andy’s Grandfather made a fair bit of money in America and came back to Italy with it. In 1932, he built a Mehtodist church up the hill, in a tiny village known as Mutignano. This is one of those villages which are reserved for movies. It literally looks like a scene from a movie, quaint – and quiet!

Over the years the church was sold, but recently became available on the market again… and who was to buy this old church, but the Grandson of the man who built it. (this story can’t get any better – I love it!) (Jeez - I hope I got this story right!) Andy and Claire have converted this lovely old church (complete with bell tower!) into something quite spectacular, yet still maintaining the uniqueness that this indeed, was once a church, in that it still looks like a church from the outside. Inside it has enough sleeping arrangements for 8 in beds – not to mention all the other space available. Three bathrooms and an amazing balcony with a spectacular panoramic view of Pineto – it really is a stunning place and somewhere I have felt really honoured to stay in. I love how this place holds a special and unique family tie, and that once again the property is in family hands. I love the fact that there are two large paintings of Andy’s grandparents that hang above an old chest of drawers in the lounge, as a reminder of who was here first. It is such a special thing, and such a nice story…and those who know me well, will know that I love that kind of thing! Andy’s parents were married in the church too… really – this story couldn’t have been written better.

This is the view of the sunset from the rooftop balcony... just stunning.

So whilst in Mutingnano/Pineto, my days consisted of getting up when I woke (bliss! – though I do miss Michael Buble singing me ‘Everything’ each day…), showering, sitting down to freshly brewed coffee, fresh bread and cheese and the sweetest most delicious fruit, and heading out of the church house down to the beach. This isn’t your usual beach, either. This beach consists of hundreds of beach umbrellas and loungers, complete with bronzed Italians in tiny bikinis (don’t panic, both old and young and of varying shapes and sizes!)

AMAZING... a sea of umbrellas and loungers!

On the first night, Andy and Claire took us to Atri, another village 10km from Pineto where we enjoyed a casual Italian feast of some sort of soup with square cut spaghetti pasta and borlotti beans (yum!) and spaghetti bolognaise. Of course it would be rude not to wash this down without some wine… There were a lot of villagers there, families enjoying some time together etc. There was even live music and about 50 of them started dancing, like a line dance that they all knew which looked like so much fun. There were elderly people right down to teenagers who were joining in on the fun – so Clair and Fran decided that they could learn fast and joined in too, and it has to be said that Clair picked it up quite quickly!

Clair and Fran heating it up on the dance floor

We were then driven (so wonderfully by David) up the hill a little more to a village called Atri. I could feel myself falling in love with this place, it was like I simply couldn’t drink in the surroundings through my eyes enough! We walked around, (in amongst hundreds of Italians – I hardly saw another tourist the whole time!) and sampled some real Italian gelato… OM NOM. I had coconut, naturally. Clair – Panna Cotta. We just enjoyed the scenery and the atmosphere and then headed home again for some sleep… so that we could wake up and lie on the beach the next day.

Coconut and Panna Cotta Gelato... OM NOM NOM!

Basically the days that followed were spent waking up, eating, lying on the beach, swimming, eating, drinking, drinking, eating, lying on the beach, reading and swimming. Did I mention eating? So. Much. Eating! But all AMAZING traditional Italian meals… a lot of pasta! One night we ate at the beach and had arrosticini, which is a traditional dish from the region of Abruzzo (which is the region we were in) We had lamb arrosticini, which was cut into teeny tiny cubes and cooked on a brazier shaped like a gutter – and were delicious (even for me, who is not a fan of lamb!)

Arrosticini on the beach... WOW. An Arrosticini party would be so cool.

It was nice to chill out at the beach and watch the sun go down and then enjoy each others company, and the wine which flowed plentifully.

We had a meal at a nice restaurant, which felt like it had about nine courses… I felt a food baby coming on but in Italy, it is seemingly rude to not eat, so eat I did!! We had another restaurant meal where I chose a Margerita pizza with Olives and Capers (YUM!) accompanied by a splash more wine. Pecorino wine, which is the local wine and was divine (yes… indeed I am a poet!) 


One night we even came back to find that every nook and cranny in the village was filled with musical instrument makers, from lutes to guitars, harps to harpsichords... I was in my element!

How special to see a violin being MADE! WOW.

L-R: Claire, David, Fran, Myself, James, Andy and Julie (Debbie was photographer!)

So by now I am guessing you have noticed a pattern… eat, drink, lie on the beach, swim, read. It is a hard life, and one I have thoroughly enjoyed for the past week. Great food, wine, company and loction – al sums up for an outstanding holiday, really. And when I say holiday? I am basically on a permanent holiday for a number of weeks… today I am back in Rome, and off to the Airport in about an hours time to fly to Bristol, stay for one night then onwards to Salisbury to be collected by Rodney and Gill, for more sightseeing and holiday. I have had *such* an amazing week, it has been wonderful getting to know my 'first cousins once removed' better and I have been well and truly spoilt. Likewise I felt spoilt by Andy and Claire, who I had never even met before... I met some really lovely people last week :)

David, Fran and I outside the house... my favourite wall in the street!

I was incredibly saddened to see what has happened to London in the past few days. I am sad that there are so many young teens, and in some cases – children, who are getting involved in the riots. The youngest to have been arrested I just heard is just 11 years old. Naturally, being the age level I am so passionate about teaching, I am just so sad that this is the case. I think it is time for a curfew as a start… and for all those spectators I keep seeing on the news to get inside and out of the way so that the Police are able to do their jobs.

And this, I leave you with a bitter sweet 'Cheery bye' and hope that the riots stop, and London can start picking up the pieces. I have come to really love London - and it is just so sad to see what has happened to it in such a short time. I know things are sad when you see natural disasters taking over... but when the city is being destroyed by the very people who live in it? It is just beyond words unreal.


Cheery bye... 

The view from the house

Bella Italia!

On Monday the 1st of August I left the flat on Claverdale Road for the last time living in it. I made my way at midday to Paddington Station where I was to catch the train to Tiverton, being collected by Fran (first cousin, once removed- thanks Rob!) at the other end. The train journey was pleasant, and I passed the time by watching a documentary on my laptop called "Food Inc". I wondered if this was the best choice as tears sprang from my eyes and a tiny "awwww" squeaked from my throat when some baby chicks were being killed, but a very good documentary all the same. 

On arrival in Tiverton, Fran and Maria were there, ready and waiting. We enjoyed a pleasant evening at Fran and David's- cousin Claire being there too, before retiring for the night. We were up and rearing to go the following morning for our mini road trip from Devon to Bristol to catch a 12:15pm flight... Destination: Roma!! 

We expected it to be hot on arrival into Rome, and it was. Gloriously so! We all had jandals at the ready to put on, found our rental car (a Mercedes Station wagon) and ventured out of the airport with the help of someone called Tom. TomTom. Haha! Thank goodness for in-car GPS! We found our way to the hotel, which turned out to be just a 15 minute walk to the Colosseum! The streets of Rome are as manic as i remember, cars and 2 wheelers everywhere, little signaling and seemingly no lanes to drive in- it seems a free for all! 

The arch of Constantine

I love the colours in this photo! 

The hotel was fantastic- and better still I was really spoilt with my own room. We briefly had a rest then met up for a walk in search of dinner. We found the Colosseum easily enough (pretty difficult to miss I'd imagine) and walked the circumference- something I didn't do the last time I was there. I was still impressed at the sheer size and architecture of a structure that is so old- it's just incredible and something everyone should see at least once in their lifetime! We ended up at an Italian restaurant for dinner where we enjoyed two types of pasta and wine, fantastic. After a day of traveling and wandering the streets of the city centre, we decided to head back to the hotel and get some shut eye. 

On Wednesday morning we woke early, had breakfast and got a taxi to St. Peter's Square. This taxi ride was an adventure in itself as the driver wound in and out of other cars and two wheelers, pumping the accelerator as he drove... As in he would put his foot down and then release it until it has slowed too much, then pumped it some more. And then came the brakes- who do I thank for the invention of ABS?! We made it in one piece, clearly the driver was skilled at driving in his city. 

Inside the Vatican

We arrived at St Peter's square and Fran and David went for a wander, as Claire and I joined a group tour of the Vatican Museum, which meant we could beat the queues and gain some knowledge along the way. We had thought the man who approached us about the tour had said €20 each- only to later find out that it was €40 each and between Claire and I, we were short €30 (including a €20 deposit!) so my first adventure of the day was to locate an ATM! I managed this ok, we paid, and we joined the tour. It was well worth it to beat the monstrous queues that probably began forming hours before.

Clair, David and Fran in St. Peter's Square

Me in St. Peter's Square (It was SO hot!)

I was so pleased to have the opportunity to see the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel, as these were two things I missed out on last time. The Vatican museum is really something. So impressive and so ornate. Some of the ceiling frescoes were in 3D - but most were 2D but painted to *look* 3D. Even upon studying the ceiling carefully it was hard to see it was really only 2D. The gallery of tapestries was incredible, although I felt rushed by the pace of our tour guide at times. The tapestry of Jesus whose eyes follow you as you walk past was creepy. The gallery of maps was incredible too- and the length of the galleries one end to another... Wow. There were hundreds of people packed in there, but had it have been empty it would be awesome fun to roller blade one end to the other! On our way down to the Sistine Chapel we got the chance to peep through the Pope's quarters keyhole in this huge, heavy wooden door. Claire enjoyed peeping on the Pope- and when I did I was lucky enough to see a Swiss Guard walk by! I did take a look at the photo I took of the keyhole later, and noticed the key marks to the right of the keyhole. I think these were put there after a night on the wine from church...You know, the key just wouldn't go into the keyhole! That Pope. I bet he knows how to party ;P

Clair peeping on the Pope

Hmmm... suspicious markings to the right of the keyhole...

On entering the Sistine Chapel, having already had the paintings explained to us outside, it just took my breath away. The personal sacrifice that Michaelangelo suffered when painting the frescoes is astonishing. His back vertebrae are said to have fused together throughout the course of painting as he was basically bent over backwards for four years- painting 1,100m squared of the ceiling. The last judgement was the most interesting of the paintings- depicting the second coming of Christ and the Apocalypse.

Inside St. Peter's Basilica

There was an error in his paintings... Adam was painted with something he shouldn't have been painted with. A navel. Prize to anyone who knows why this is not quite correct... But it seems this was painted on purpose. Could this have been Michaelangelo's sense of humour- thinking Pope Julius would be too thick to notice? I just think it was all really interesting - how all the patron saints have been depicted. A real impressive work of art. 

Impressive works of art much???!!!!

I was really pleased to have had the opportunity to see a few things I missed last time- and heck; when I come to Rome again (notice I said when and not if?!) then I just know here will be even more things to see! How spoilt I feel to have already been to Rome twice. 

In the early afternoon we drove for 2.5 hours from Rome to Pineto... A small seaside village resort on the Adriatic coast.... and oh! What a place!! Just wait until I blog about it...

Cheery bye :)

Please!! Don't piss off the driver!!

So. Friday morning, my last day of school before the summer holidays, I boarded the Number 2 bus for the last time to get to work. It was about 7:33am when the bus arrived - for a journey which usually takes about 10 minutes in the morning. We arrived at Brixton station at 7:50am. So somehow we added a fair whack of extra time to our journey. 17 minutes. How? You may ask... Well...

The stop after the one I got on at, the driver let about 10 people onto- despite the bus being rather full. Imagine a crowded lift, where people are jammed shoulder to shoulder, except the short people (like me) who are pretty well buried in strangers armpits- and then imagine more people pushing their way in. The driver then refused to move the bus, to the point where the engine was switched off, until people would "Move down the bus!!!".
Where to? I looked around... Into the bosom of a "woman" who I am certain was a man... the huge hands and hairy knuckles seemed to be a dead give away. There was nowhere to go- people were getting angry, shouting how they had paid for this journey, shift the effing bus, what kind of a driver are you?... You get the idea. I was just standing there thinking how happy I was that I won't have to do this anymore after today. People started to move down, being the bus officially didn't seem to be going anywhere. I ended up pressed up against the "woman" I mentioned previously... Now certain it was a lady-man. 

I don't like small spaces. I don't like other people breathing my air - or me having to breathe theirs... I do not like having my body pressed up against strangers.... but there I was, face pretty much buried in the lady-mans chest. Finally the bus moved. Sighs of relief all round. 

Next stop. Rear doors open, a few people get off and I'm relieved of my duties of lady-man bosom sniffer. Doors about to close. Girl barges her way on with two travel sized suitcases on wheels- cracking me in the shin with one of them. Bus driver starts shouting. Fellow passengers getting distressed. Driver shouts "Get off the bus you can't get on in the rear and you haven't bloody well paid!"
Girl shouts back "Please! I'll pay at Brixton! I have to go to work and I have all this luggage's (hmmm... Luggage perhaps?) so I can't walk!! Please!!!"

Silence. 

Grumbles from fellow passengers. 

Driver shouts again; "GET. OFF. THE. BUS. NOW!!"

"Please, please driver let me ride - you're making everybody late!!" Engine cuts out. Again. 
Other passengers now visibly distressed. Me? Laughing on the inside and smiling to myself thinking how I will not miss London public transport dramas when I go!
Fellow passenger, old man, calmly said to the girl;
"Hey - we have all paid for our journey. By you refusing to get off, we are delayed -which is unfair. Please hop off..." Nice. 
Girl start shouting in Spanish at the driver as she stepped off the bus and let her "luggage's" fall to the curb after her, getting a camera out of her handbag and running to the front of the bus, photographing the driver. I'm sure I heard some foreign swearing... Engine starts again. 

On the way to the next stop- an African man said really loudly "You're not a driver. You have no compassion. You are a wicked man. Wicked." He actualy sounded a lot like Rafiki from The Lion King. Read it again, in Rafiki's accent. 
Driver cuts the engine. Again. But started again rather promptly... driver perhaps thought better of pissing off a bus that was clearly overcrowded.

Fellow passengers begin making vocal sounds of distaste and some of great anger...tutting,
huffing and puffing. I still smile. 

Driver tells the man if he doesn't like it he can get off. Passengers start panicking that the engine is going to be cut once again... But thankfully the driver continues on to Brixton station- where people are pleased to alight!!! 

What a fantastic final journey to work before the holidays. Love it! 


Go on... have a LOL!
Cheery bye :)