This morning was a bit of a nightmare. The plan was to go to Cambridge and meet friends for Sunday lunch, potter about and then head home in the late afternoon\early evening. What can go wrong I hear you ask. Well plenty. The tubes weren’t running from out nearest station, so we decided to go to Ealing Broadway, Central Line it to Holborn and then get the Pic to Kings Cross (which is where the train was going from). The Central Line was experiencing “severe delays” at the time, so we decided to get the overland to Paddington, then get the Ham-City\Circle to Kings Cross. As luck would have it, the overland was delayed too.
Eventually we got to Kings Cross. Our train was at 12:15 so we had 15 minutes to spare. We got tea, coffee and magazines for the train and found a seat. At 10 past we were told that the train was being held due to a problem at Hitchin. At 20 past we were still sitting on the platform. Nothing to worry about, trains are a few minutes late. Half past still sitting there. An announcement came over the speakers saying that someone was under a train at Hitchin and please be patient, more news will follow. At 12:40 we were informed that all the trains from Kings Cross were suspended and could we please head toward the main concourse. Annoying, but maybe there will be another train soon. As we were talking out we headed toward a group of six people by a member of staff. We asked about trains to Cambridge. I wasn’t expecting the best response, but the member of staff just shouted\barked at us to leave the platform, wait by the scenes for more updates.
As we approached the main concourse there were a few hundred (maybe a thousand) people look with hope up at the non-moving departure boards. The whole vibe of the place was that a load of middle class refugees had suddenly migrate there on their way to freedom. We decided to sack it off and go home. We called our friends and told them that bad news. We were gutted.
So what to do now we had all this free time? We got the tube to Holborn, got off and walked to Bond Street. Oxford Street wasn’t that busy, so it was a nice stroll through Central London. I enjoy this as on Sunday London has a kind of ghost town feel to it. Not many cars, enough people to fill the pavements, but not enough to make you feel squashed. The walk didn’t take that long and before we knew it we were heading back to Ealing on a Central Line.
What does the rest of the day hold for us? Not much I hope. As I write this I am contemplating to either clean the flat, or watch a DVD while listening to the latest Carsten Dahl album Papillion. This is the Dane’s 6th solo album (and his most accessible). Musically it’s clam and soothing Danish Jazz, but the music isn’t simple. There is a hidden complexity to it that makes repeat listens a pleasure as you hear/find new phrase you didn’t hear last time. It is perfect for today. I want enjoyment, but not brainless 4/4 jazz. Cheers Carsten!
thisyearinmusic 