Now platform eight, Overground train towards Ilford
First stop Forest Gate station........next, Manor Park........ Ilford
Off I get!

Westminster station....Eastbound Jubilee line to Stratford then onwards to Ilford
I'm standing and thinking why can't all underground station have the same kind of safety precaution....... Just think..... No more fatalities!
A young woman has just sat beside me eating....... MacDonald 'junk' food!
First stop Waterloo..... Southwark..... London Bridge
The train is full but warily quiet
"The next station is Bermondsey"
Canada Water....... followered by Canary Wharf........ North Greenwich "Exit for the O2" information given on the tannoy
Now Canning Town (the home of London City Airport
A gentle reminder that " This train terminates at Stratford" is announced before moving to next stop, West Ham...... And ......Stratford
Now I must find the right platform for Ilford where I have an appointment

Today is the last Friday, the last day of twenty-ten and I for one will not moan for it's exit. On a personal level the year just passing was an Annus Horribilis:
A year of experiencing the great loss of a beloved sister, through cancer, an experience I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. 
A year of loosing two colleagues, again to cancer
A year of recession not just here in the UK but all over the world.
I shall wave GOODBYE to twenty-ten with vigour and say HELLO to twenty-eleven with baited breathe and see what the year will bring me and mine
Don't get me wrong.........there have been some good times as well:
The meeting of new friends
The births of new borns and marriages of family and friends.

Just passing the Emirates (football) Stadium so not long before we reach our final destination, Kings Cross.
Met one train buddy, hugged and chatted all the way to Victoria station where we parted - I getting off at Victoria station, she going on the districts line towards St James's Park station

We're now approaching Stevenage where two man and one lady..... no two ladies join our carriage
The doors now tightly shut, the train pulls out and races fast along it's way to it's next destination
No train buddies...... I wasn't expecting to see anyone anyway, after all, this is not the usual time of meeting
So I guess I won't be seeing them until next year....... Twenty eleven..... Two thousand and eleven! The eleventh year of the twenty first century...... WOW!

08:11......... Standing at platform four, platform's edge, alone and a tad cold....... correction, s female commuter has joined me....... now a male commuter clasping a hot drink in his hands. I am envious of him. Why? You may ask..... because his hands are being kept warm
In my world
"Do you want me to hold your hot drink for you?"
"Why?"
"So you can straighten up your tie of course!"
"How kind of you" He says handing the hot drink to me
"Think nothing of it"
I wrap both hands firmly round it's rotound body and caress it and in return it oozes and transfers it's warmth through my hands thus putting a smile on my face
"All done" arms stretched, he tries to retrieve his hot drink
"Not quite straight" I lied
And seconds later the train pulls up, opens and welcomes us in
"There you go"
The train is warm and welcoming
I am now sat alone albeit with seven other commuters scattered around my carriage

Commuters already standing, eagerly waiting to disembark at the first stop, Stevenage. I can't wait to get home to parade my goodies
Today is the last Thursday of the year twenty ten

Sat on the 17:37 to Peterbrough - platform eight. No sight of a single train buddy. The train begins it's journey in darkness
I am HAPPY! My stress level is back down to zero level (for how long you may ask?...... Well..... you're guess is as good as mine)
Why?
I am sat alone accompanied only by shopping bags galore:
A bag full of goodies from Body Shop, a couple of office dresses and a pair of office trousers from Zara, a couple of office pumps from Jones's
That's it am afraid....... time was of the essence thus retail shopping exhausted for the meantime. My wallet has certainly lost it's chunkiness and is marginally slimmer than it was
I am please with myself
I can smell yoghurt..... Head up, nose alert trying to gage where the smell came from
Then I see a toddler covered in strawberry yoghurt and her father wiping her face with tissue. The mother was reading aloud a story from a children's book. The toddler's dolls and other toys scattered around and eateries of some sort laid out on the table in front
"They've made it into their lounge!
WHY?

I have a military retail therapy mission after work to day, I'm taking a juxtaposition detour from my usual non-scenic route to Victoria station. I'm taking my wallet out for it's long overdue exercise. It's a case of a 'before' and 'after' picture (fat wallet - slim wallet)
House of Fraser.......
TM Lewin......
Zara........
Jones's......
Hawes & Curtis....
Hobbs......
Let the sale begin!

"Yep!......... Yep!........ Yep!........ Bye" click
The best mobile conversation heard in the train...... Very discreet indeed!
Train stops at Kings Cross, platform eleven
Now on the southbound Victoria line and spoilt for choice..... Where to sit? Next to him, her, eni meeni myni mo......
Green Park station already. Next stop is Victoria station....... ME STOP!
"doors will open on the right hand side"
And so it does!

"Blah! Blah! Blah!" another pathetic appoligies for stopping at every f****** station!
My stress level is now at one point five!
There's a middle-aged man in my sight who's got his mouth ajar, with his tongue sticking out...... And nope! he's not asleep...... Weird
In my world....
"Shut it, before I shut it for you mate!"
"I'm sorry..... What was I thinking"
He shuts his mouth and his tongue is out of sight

The fog has not lifted and I'm beginning to think that i am on a ghost train...... Aaaaah! Stevenage... the first group oif commuters join my carriage, perhaps this isn't a ghost train after all...... Phew! Panick over! For a moment there I thought...... I thought...... Oooh! Forget what I thought! 'Daft mare' comes to mind

It's a pea souper out here...... I heard the train long before seeing it. As it slowly stops in front of me I notice that it's exterior has also been ravaged by the severe weather..... it was absolutely filthy! I wonder what kind of 'makeup' Gok Wan can pull out of his bag (a wry smile falls on my face)
The train stops at Biggleswade....... No commuters enter our carriage, the station is like a ghost town. The fog seems to be getting thicker as the train continues it's journey. The fog is like an invisible tunnel...... and the train speeds through it
I am sat next to a young man covered in facial hair........Arlesey station now........ and another ghost town! I guess most people are returning to work next Tuesday
Facial man is asleep! I can barely see his skin colour........ He is f****** hairy!
In my world......
"Why so hairy young man?"
"It keeps me warm"
"Wear a f****** scarfe like everyone else and stop giving me that 'not your b***** business' look"
"I'm sorry...... I'll shave it off as soon as I get the chance to"
Just passed Hitchin station

08:00....... Door slammed with disgust as I begin my journery to the station. Drove to St Neots today
Why? Has my regime of (joy)walking to and from the station ended? Of course not!
So why drive?
I'm laden with Xmas presents returns....... to be replaced by what I REALLY WANT!
Parked car and brisk five minutes walk to the station
08:06 now showing 'delayed to 08:17' and the 08:20 albeit 'on time 'will now stop at ALL STATIONS!!!
08:20 train is not in sight and it's now five minutes late....... Can I hear the reason why given? Hell no! Unless they announced it via a dog whistle.......08:25.......here it comes
"Due to train failure in Huntingdon, this train will stop at all stations blah! blah! b**** blah!
My stress level has gone from zero to nought point five.......

12:20...... Family gathering outside for our annual Xmas family photographs and final hugs, kisses and goodbyes
12:35......... Homeward bound and waving goodbye to Xmas gluttony
The A1 southbound from Wetherby to St Neots begins. DOS man is driving all the way

We're now at Sandy..... One heavily laden commuter disembark and only the cold air breezes into the carriage, bold as brass...... seconds later the doors shut
The next station is St Neots

I'm sat on the 15:52 from platform ten at Kings Cross after succumbing to the Xmas last minute present shopping.........now at Stevenage........ Where was I? Every year I swear it'll be the year that I don't fall into this man made festive trap! Where people rush arround shopping for gifts for families they hardly see or speak with, spending money that they haven't got and (re)paying for it in the New Year! I bet if you were to stop and question some if these shoppers, young and old alike, about the history and why we celebrate this particular event......... Most will not have the foggiest idea!
Xmas has been spolit by self gratuity and much more ......... I'm going to stop in midflow ...... next station is Arlesey
Why am I stopping in midflow? I'm exhausted and feeling a tad low ( not really eaten properly since having a dodgy stomach)
It's getting dark now...... I have forgotten to wave goodbye to London until next Thursday ...... the next station is Biggleswade and no-one gets off my carriage
I glanced out of the window....... Darkness has truly formed as all I can now see is my own reflection staring back at me!

The train arrives at Kings Cross, platform three....... The concourse and adjacent platforms awashed with Xmas presents/luggage pulling commuters! I am forced to fight my way through what seems like an attempt to that of swimming against the tide!
Finally standing on the southbound Victoria line......seconds later train arrives and I bag the last remaining seat. The train is now packed with commuters as we leave Oxford Circus towards Green Park
My destination....... Victoria station

Stevenage stop brings in a flock of commuters, like birds migrating, they enter, flapping about, getting rid of excess snow before settling down
Spoke too soon...... A person has sat beside me..... A person? No gender specific? That's because they're casually dressed in jeans and wearing a 'The North Face' emblem style dark jacket, sporting short hair and their back slightly contorted - hence faceless
Aaaaaah! I'm ninety per cent sure it's a twentysomething woman!
I sip some more tea........ which is now getting cold...... and gaze out of the window
It's a WOMAN!
She has just taken out a romantic novel (I know, you might say I'm being sexist and anyone can read whatever they want).... as I was saying...... She has just taken out a romantic novel from her (ladies) HANDBAG!

Headcounted only fifteen commuters....... Train now at Arlesey and two lost souls have entered and the train speeds away
I take comfort in my tea and watch a female commuter putting on her face. I look out of the moving train and the field's covered in it's own blanket of virgin snow...... untouched by man or animal's footprints
Now at Hitchin...... four commuters
"Good morning everyone....... this train will now be calling at Stevenage, Finsbury Park and London's King's Cross" male voice on the tannoy announces
I sip my tea some more and enjoy having a two seater to myself

07:58......... cancelled
08:18....... on time
Before leaving the house several winter rituals were done: de-icing of car, starting the engine, checking First Capital Connect timetable (where I found out the above cancellation and running of trains)
DOS man drives me to St Neots station and kindly buys me a cup of tea. My stomach is still delicate...... what with the continued side affect of food poisoning!
First stop...... Biggleswade and with only one commuter joining our rather ghostly carriage, the train moves in towards it's next stop

06:15...... On the delayed 06:00 from Gatwick straight to Victoria station
DOS man is having a bacon roll and a mug of coffer...... and me? A Remnie tablet for that stubborn stomach of mine!
sometimes I wonder....... WHO'S THE BOSS OF ME?
The carriage is half full of sleepy head holidaymakers returning to the big White blanket that's covering most of the UK

18: 35....... made our way to to the restaurant and sat down for that 'last supper'
There is a meeting at 19:30 at the Maspalamos Princess hotel regarding our (p)flight ....... fingers crossed eh!

DOS man kindly handed me my hand luggage and I walked towards the ladies toilet, opened the toilet door and was shocked to see a young man getting dressed!!!!
What the F***! What the hell is HE doing in the ladies toilet? I stepped out a bit and looked up at the sign........... a picture of a man stared down at me! I heard a little voice inside me....... What the hell AM I doing in the men's toilet!
Needless to say, I'm not quite sure who was more embarrassed............ ME or HIM!
I made the fastest exit known to mankind and sheepishly entered the ladies, slamming the door behind me

19:01................. DOS man and I are sat at the reception, fed and watered twice over........ what do I mean by this?
Well....... let me take a moment to reflect on the happening of the afternoon........ our luggage were taken and secured for us, we then found a nice spot near the pool bar and settled down for a read, drink and snooze. Around four or thereafter, after having enough of the good weather (and feeling slightly sorry for my friends and family back in the Uk) we made our way back into the Tabaiba Princess hotel and headed straight for the (piano) bar.
In my world I would have lined the table with the usual suspects........... but in my stomach's world....... it's tea with lemon slices ! b***** tea all the way!
18:15......DOS man goes and asks for the key to get my change of clothing (jeans, twin set and boots - yep! I'm now appropriately ready for what lays ahead for me

12:08............ a female Thomson rep came marching into the reception
"For all of you waiting for the twelve ten transfer to the airport, please can you gather round me as I have information to give you"
So we gathered around her as she took our names down
"Ok....... we are now going to be staying at the Tabaiba Princess hotel for lunch and dinner"
"But we've already checked out........ and they've cut off our wristbands!"
I look at my wrist, then at DOS man and smiled......... our wristbands were still attached to our wrists so we're going to be ok!
"We were given vouchers for lunch the night we arrived" I chirped, looking pleased with myself
"So were we"
"We weren't"
"For those of you without vouchers please come over to the Maspalomas Princess hotel and I will give you your vouchers....... the rest of you will only need vouchers for tonight's evening meal plus a bottle of water each"
"I'm sorry" I interrupted, "but can you clarify the last sentence for me....... does that mean no helping ourselves to the all inclusive alcoholic drinks? This is my brain talking, not my stomach....... my stomach has it's own idea, sticking two fingers at all exotic food (bar bread) and alcoholic beverages (bar soft beverages)
"Well....... again, for those of you with wristbands, I don't think they'll be any problem....... unless they insist on removing it"

DOS man goes off to the bar.......... alas! no sangria or pina colada  for me......... after having a debate with my stomach and the latter winning....... I begrudgingly ordered FANTA!

I'm hoping to take some of this beautiful weather back to the UK (in my world, the sun would shine at my beck and call).
I've had a good time here apart from the last few days of food poisoning....... my stomach is still a tad worst for wear as I type (at least my jeans will definitely zip up later!)........ hold on, DOS man has just arrived from his visit to the Thomson's office..... with a glum expression.
"Well......... he begun, shaking his head
"Our flight has been delayed for eight hours.......... yes, you heard right.......EIGHT HOURS" he repeated
"So what happens now?"
"We're still getting our transfer to the airport at 12:10 as they're not sure of check-in time"
"So does that mean we're returning here?'
"No, they assured me that whatever happens, we'll be taken to a local hotel for lunch and relaxation"
Oh dear! good and bad............ more sun but I hate the uncertainty of not knowing what's happening!

11:23..........DOS man has just checked us out of our room and I'm sat at the large reception of the Tabiaba Princess hotel in a weird combination of attire.........WEIRD? Well picture this......... (DOS man kindly bought me a nice brown leather boots which I couldn't fit into my already full luggage)........ so I'm wearing my new found 'friends' below and on top.......... white pairs of shorts and a black vest......... so I'm dressed for the Gran Canaria up south and dressed for the UK down north. My jeans, twin set jumper and cardigan, scarf, gloves, hat and sheep skin coat are waiting in the wings for my makeover on the plane just before touch down........... that's if our plane takes off on schedule (fingers and legs crossed eh!)

I forgot to mention........ last night we received a bottle of champagne..... curtsey of our Thomson reps
Why? One of our tours was not added correctly thus missing it and re-arranging it for another day....... that was very nice of them!

I have just remembered that today is the Winter Solstice. A reminder that spring is on its way.......... Yeah right! 
Happy Solstice everyone x

A trip to the Gran Canaria would not be complete without enjoying a leisurely day at sea. So today is the catamaran trip. We were picked up outside the Tabaiba Princess hotel and driven to the port in Puerto Rico where we were welcomed on the 'Super Cat' our catamaran for the day. DOS man and I dashed for the top deck and sat on the front deck chairs believing that we had the best sea front view....... until......
"Just to let you know that the ocean's a little bit rough this morning and you may get splashed" warns one of the catamaran staff
No-one took heed
"Ok...... if you want to stay where you are, please make sure you have your cameras and all gadgets put away or they may get ruined"
And just as he disappeared, what happens? Yep! Water engulfs the catamaran .......... and SOAKS the all f****** lot of us!
THAT WILL TEACH US NOT TO LISTEN!
After a few screams followed by laughter, some of us made our way down to dryer quarters, heading straight to the bar.
"What would you like?"
"Fanta, please" remembering my dodgy stomach of the day before
We sat, drank and got talking to a Glaswegian granny who was on holiday with her eighteen your old grand-daughter and her grand-daughter's seventeen year old friend.
"Look what's over there"
"Its the jacuzzi we were told about"
"Shall we try it?
"Why not"
And off came our clothes, bikinis and swimming trunks already on, we jumped in!
A couple more people joined us..... we laughed, we drank and chatted amongst ourselves all the time our glasses were being topped with more of whatever was our poison 
The catamaran sailed across the azure coastal waters of the west coast. taking us towards the Bay of Gui-Gui, past the unspoilt coastline not forgetting the magnificent cliff formations, hidden coves and golden beaches. I kept a conscious look-out for dolphins (we were told that sometimes they can be seen) but didn't see any........ what a pity! When we arrived at the Bay of Gui-Gui the catamaran anchored and we were served a sumptuous lunch on board.
For those who wanted to take a deep in the ocean do and for those who didn't want to don't 
Unfortunately the time went quickly and before a blink of the eye, we were making our way back to port - a good day had by all!

Yesterday was our trip to where the inhabitants live in caves. Our tour guide first took us into a dusky,cavernous interior of the cave bar, and next to the bar is a small church.  We were warmly greeted by the female owner of the bar who the tour guide had informed of our order (her speciality being tapas - all for six euros per person). We sat in groups and we're served red wine, a bottle of fizzy drink and a bottle of water between us. The tapas consisted of many dishes but the one that I remembered most was their traditional spicy `mojo´ sauce that was  served as an accompaniment to the local dish of salted (wrinkled) potatoes.
Silence at the table..........
'Hello, my name is Nikki"
"Hello, my name is..........."
And so on, breaking the ice. Most of our fellow eaters were teachers or ex-teachers from different parts of the UK. I only had a small bread roll. Why? Because prior to our stop here I was doing a little projectile vomiting (I believe it was something I ate the night before that hadn't agreed with me). Anyway, I watched the others tuck into the tapas on the table and enjoyed our talk, one topic being the the snow crisis 'back home'. After the meal, we strolled to the bar which was just a stone throw from where we'd just eaten. The atmosphere is heavy with the aroma of the cured hams that hang suspended from the ceiling. There's a layout of spicy 'mojo' sauce, excellent goats cheeses (I was informed were made in the area) and bottles of wine that are produced in the vineyards at the bottom of the valley. DOS man sampled the coffee laced with rum and loved it.
It's amazing what you can find in the cave homes; plasma tv, darker shade of brown leather settee, to name a few.
My night ended with an manage-et-trios with the bathroom sink and the toilet......... with an empty stomach, I fell asleep feeling sorry for myself

NEWS FLASH! 
I've just heard that trains from King's Cross to Peterborough have been suspended due to 'loss of power on the line' ......oh dear! I'm thinking about my train buddies who I know will be affected by this.
First Capital Connect.............SORT YOURSELF OUT!

We are now on our fourth day of our break......and loving every moment of it...........Am I missing my daily commute to and from work? HELL NO! The commuting here consists of strolling along the Atlantic ocean, along Maspalomas, along the many swimming pools and bars scattered around both the Tabaiba and the MasPalomas Princess hotels. meeting new people from different parts of the globe and learning about the area. Las Palmas is not far away.........North East from Maspalomas to be exact

There are plenty of activies within the Tabaiba and MasPalomas hotels; mini golf (from ten in the morning to midnight), tennis, archery, snooker, large human chess game, the piano bar and variety of evening entertaiment to name a few. They have golf courses for golf lovers and massages (Thai) and spa area. The one that amused me was the 'Fish Spa'..............why? did I hear you ask! Well in case you've never heard of it (I have seen it it other Spanish resorts).........it's basically a spa full with tiny fish whose main purposes are to nibble at your desired spots. So imagine them nibbling at your fingers for that pedicure, your feet for that manicure and psoriasis treatment............and for those brave enough, nibbling all over your body for a full body treatment.......... not quite the same as a chocolate wrap is it?

The weather is beautiful today, twenty six degrees and Mother Nature has decided not to send a drop of rain nor wind.........I look up to the sky and mouth "Thank You" remembering what was said on CNN news this morning - The UK and other parts of Europe were having a weather crisis! SNOW! SNOW! and more SNOW!. Areas covered with thick coating of the white stuff! People being stranded on motorways, side roads and airports......... at Heathrow airport, they are only allowing limited planes to take off (but not land) and Gatwick? My main concern.............. is still a 'no fly' zone. Thousands of passengers are enduring cancellations and have been warned to contact the travel agents before travelling to the airport, oh dear!

Ok..........back to Maspalomas, Gran Canaria.........

" Do you want another drink!"

'Yes please...........Pina Colado"

We're sat just outside the pool bar, beside one of the many pools ........reading and drinking ( I have finally finished another Patricia Cornwall novel)

"There you go"

"Thank you"

Our plan for today?

Visit the Dunes of course.........so after showering and having breakfast we made our way through the back gates (operated only with guest key card), cross over towards the now running canal (this canal way bone dried on Wednesday night as we strolled across one of the many bridges), stopping only to ask for directions.

It's basically two kilometres from the Tabaiba Princess hotel with the mountain behind us. Gazing up to the sky, I try to engage with Mother Nature.........yes, it may have rained again last night but this morning the sky is blue and the clouds are white and fluffy hence our decision to visit the Dunes. There's a loud noise coming from the canal as water gashes through it, running side by side as if in unison with us mare mortals. Ahead of us slightly to the left, the Dunes in plain sight and camels doing what they do best, giving tourist camel rides across the Dunes..........then my eyes caught a glimpse of the beach............the sea...........and holidaymakers! 

"Shall we do the beach first?"

"Yes....... why not?

The Atlantic Ocean was enticing us to it's coastline and we followed like lemmings to get a better view.........and it was worth it! The magnificent ocean waves came and went and came again, teasing, showing it's beautiful and ugly side

Then.........Mother Nature decided to play a cruel joke........... the heavens opened and poured................ and poured, soaking us before stopping in mid-flow. One minute a downpour, minutes later.........sun ( twentysix degrees at the moment). We decided it was best to make our way back to our hotel and do the Dunes another time

Did I say it was Mother Nature's prerogative to change her mind? Well......... guess what? She did AGAIN! Reverting to gale force wind and rain putting off our intended visit to the Dunes...........maybe tomorrow!
So what did we do to occupy our day? We ate.......... We drank........ We sat on our balcony reading and drinking until the wind got the better of us, forcing us back inside where we............ continued to read and drink!
So tonight, after supper, we sat at the piano bar listening to some medleys of tunes from yesteryears and sipped on cocktails slipping back to distant memories.........aaaaah! The good old days when I was young and free and life seemed simple.
We're off to watch tonight's entertainment which starts from ten to late. At least if we're worse for wear, we can crawl to the lift and to our bedroom........ no worries about a ride home eh!

Mother Nature seems to have changed her mind...........the rain has ceased and the sun is out to play! Well, it is her prerogative after all.

Last night ended with heavy down pour and wind. I was looking forward to visiting the Dunes tomorrow - we were informed that the best time to visit was a day after it rain, something to do with 'better gripping on the sand'.
Mother Nature woke us up early.........what with the force of the wind outside our bedroom window and the loud noise of the rain, I thought of home and the snow that is crippling the UK.  CNN news had said that Belfast International and Belfast City airports were suspended at the moment and the latter being suspended until MONDAY! So far the UK airports have not been affected so fingers cross eh!

Met with one of our reps in the morning and did the usual 'meet and greet'. After polishing a glass of sangria DOS man booked a couple of trips
We're going on a catamaran called the 'Super Cat' - leaving from Puerto Rico. We were informed that the catamaran has it's own Jacuzzi . It's an all inclusive trip so MORE DRINKS, MORE FOOD!
The second trip is travelling into the interior of the Island, meeting the natives of the Island who are known as the 'Cave people' because they live in caves...........Not quite the same as the cavemen of yesteryears though.......these 'cave' people have plasma tv...........yes you heard me.......PLASMA TV!
We're also going to do our own thing........not sure what yet..........more spontaneous less planned albeit we are definitely going to the Dunes. The rep this morning warned us of what/who we may encounter.......he called them mare cats .........what he really meant were encounters of the nudist/exhibitionist kind. ........ (now which one of these am I? I think the latter perhaps)

Ok.........what's my first impression of The Tabaiba Princess Hotel? The reception is large and the ceiling is quite high taking into account of the three floors. The Tabaiba Princess is twin to the Maspalomas Princess Hotel both situated in the area of southern Gran Canaria. The hotel is very festive with giant snowmen, trees, reindeers et al. A trip in a glass lift took us to our abode for our duration in Maspalamos. The bedroom is spacious and modern.
After unpacking and freshening up our first stop was to the 'piano' bar for some good drinking and pleasant piano listening  

On the plane and sat at the end seat, next to the aisle. Next to me is a big tattooed ape...........I mean, a loud chav, passing himself as a man and next to him, closest to the window, is his mirror image...........but he's slightly shorter, slimmer and blond.

They come in a pack..............group of eight in total - them, their chaveses and their little chavletts.........Totally misbehaving all the way!

Wait a minute.......before you call me a 'snub' or a 'hater' of all things 'sugar and spice', I truly adore children.............on a very minuscule level and not in confine spaces like a plane!

They're playing loud music and talking loudly.............why? To hear themselves over THEIR music of course! The big tattooed ape keeps on elbowing me and snorting, sneezing or coughing! Why don't he use a f******* tissue instead of spreading his germs!! I may not be able to choose my neighbours in this case but I am ninety nine point nine percent sure we won't be staying at the same resort. It's not even the children that are getting on my nerves, it's the two imbeciles sitting besides me.

In my world.........

I've rounded up all the loudmouth gits, who have no respect or consideration of their surroundings, sat them at the tail end of the plane gagged only with a small gap for a straw to pass through............in case they need to be watered!..........In my world

I was right..............They're NOT STAYING AT OUR HOTEL! We are staying at an all inclusive, four star hotel called the Tabaiba Princess hotel at Mas Palomas which is situated in the south of Gran Canaria  

Sat on the Gatwick train ready to wave goodbye to the UK and soon to say hello to the Gran Canaries....... Winter blues.......be gone!.........Sunshine rays.......hello!
The train is semi full with holidaymakers munching away at their baguettes, rolls, sandwiches and drinks....... Perhaps fuelling themselves for their journey ahead
We have just passed Battesea Power station and dogs home

"Platform four for The 22:22"
Train is sat in darkness at platform four..... So we stand in an orderly queue and wait........and wait
Spotted a semi train buddy
"Hello"
"Hello......Haven't seem you on my walk to the station"
"It's the school run"
Puzzle look on my face
"You'll see me next week, when they're off"
The train comes alive...... Lights......ON!......Doors OPEN! And in we get. Out of the cold into the warmth.......NICE!
We chit chat all the way home
Biggleswade came and went

So...... Why Earls Court? You may ask
Hollywood Arms on Hollywood Road South-West ten......... so aptly named ......... to be exact.
Well it was a short film premier that a special person I know is the star and main actor in. I am...... We are PROUD OF OUR LITTLE MUNCHKIN!
Oh! Just an afterthought and name dropping........ Hugh Grant was at the Hollywood Arms sipping his poison

On the Piccadilly line going to Kings Cross and homeward bound
It's eleven stops in total from Earls Court to Kings Cross
DOS man is coughing
"Do you want a tissue?"
"Yes please"
"Here"
"Thank you"
He blows......... I blow
"What's that then?" asked a man sitting opposite us
"Our own orchestra"
This raised a smile from all
"A mucus duet" chuckled DOS man!"
21:21:30...... Arrived at the concourse and the next train to depart from platform eleven is the 21:22....... So thirty seconds to get from the concourse to platform eleven........ Speedy Gonzales we're not!!!
So we wait patiently for the 22:07, with hot tea in one hand and a bar of chocolate in the other...... Yummy!

A group of us huddle together and chatted all the way non stop through Stevenage and then King's Cross where we wished each other "Have a good day!" and went our seperate ways.
The southbound Victoria line however, was a totally different experience...........PACKED all the way to Victoria station and stuck in the middle aisle with the BO lovers!!!
Oh to be somewhere hot, sandy....chilling out and sipping on a long tall glass of whatever I like at an all inclusive five star resort........wait a minute........I will be TOMORROW!

07:00...... Lift to station AGAIN! Arrived at the station at07:06........and guess what?
I inserted my season travel ticket into the slot ......... and it didn't re-appear!
"Have you damaged our machine again!" a smiley reception from a young male First Capital Connect staff
"That's the third time in six months!"
He gets his keys, opens the machine and retrieves my now tattered looking ticket and hands it to me
"Thank you"
Maybe it's time for a new ticket eh?"
I turn and looked at the ticket counter........ And both empty! Here's my chance to renew my ticket whilst time is on my side
"May I have a new ticket please? This one is frail around the sides"
"Oh yes! .......I see"
A couple of minutes later...... Presto! New ticket
"Thank you"
"You're welcome"
And off I go through the barrier with ease and straight to platform four where I was joined by my train buddies

This evening was spent at Cambridge Vue cinema, courtesy of  the free London magazine, 'The Stylist'
The film in question is 'Love and Other Drugs' starring Jake Gyllenhaul(?) and Anne Hathaway. I thought it was a good film both funny and sad......... Jake being an eye candy.
SPOILER ALERT?
Not on this blog! I shan't spoil it for people who may want to see it........... Go and see it and judge it for yourself.
Thank you 'The Stylist' for a 'freebie' night out!

Arrived at King's Cross concourse at 16:27 and the departure display for Peterborough is platform nine (the loser's platform). I walk the long walk slowly towards platform nine with time on my side. I am now sat next to a middle-aged bespectacled man dressed in jeans and a wollen jacket like zipped Cardigan with faux fur collar. He is engrossed in his paperback book. I stretched my neck like a meerkat and noticed that many of my fellow commuters are asleep......... Aaaaah! My next door neighbour has also been had by sleep deprivation and has join the sleeping group! Day has turned into night and all I can see out of the window are shapes of illuminated little and large buildings. The carriage is eerily silent; no coughing, no sneezing...... Just silence in the air. I'm being drawn towards sleep deprivation....... I WILL FIGHT IT! I will FIGHT IT! I will fight IT! I will fight it'........Snnnnoooozzzzzz!

On the northbound Victoria line going to Kings Cross
"The train is now ready to leave.........stand clear of the closing doors"
I'm sat comfortably for my journey 
"..........Green Park. Change here for the Jubilee line"
Standing room only as the train travels to it's next destination.........
"Oxford Circus...... Change for Bakerloo and Central lines"
Next station is Warren Street.........Change here for the Northern line"
Train is now full. Nothing exciting going on here, just commuters wrapped up warm for their journey home

I have just missed a southbound Victoria line train! The next train arrived five minutes later and in the meanwhile the platform steadily became full. I was joined by a tube buddy and we exchanged pleaseantries
"Are you all set for xmas?"
"Not quite, I've yet to buy presents"
"Mine's nearly completed"
And so on.......and so on until the train arrived and we were soon parted by the sea of commuters both disembarking and embarking. Standing room only until Warren Street station where I managed to bag a seat.
"The train will remain at this station for a few minutes due to Blah! Blah! Blah!"
"Appologies for the delay  Blah! Blah! Blah!"
Then a sudden surge of commuters being pushed towards the long aisle
"Can you move along?"
Blank faces.......
" Stop f****** pushing!"
"Stop swearing please!"
More pushing between the two culprits........more explitives from the (gentle)man and all the while the other commuters looked away (myself included)
Adults behaving badly eh!!
Victoria station didn't come soon enough!   

07:00........ Waiting outside the front door, for my lift to the station. Weather's quite mild albeit a pea souper! Sod's law...... When the weather was terrible.......no lift!
Right....... What did I see on my commute to St Neots?
Fog lights, bike lights and nothing more because of the FOG!
07:10........ Dropped outside the station door, kissed and waved my DOS man goodbye, straight through the barrier, up steps, across the bridge, then more steps and straight to platform four and my usual spot..... first of the St Neotsian train buddies! Then the other train buddies arrived one by one
The topic this morning was........ Who's bringing what for our Xmas breakfast together on the morning journey next week (Sadly I'll be out of the UK) And the X factor ( I keep forgetting to tune in)

The next station is Welwyn Garden City where more get on than off. It's getting darker outside now........ "Blah! Blah! Blah! Welwyn North", informs the tannoy
A young boy has boarded the train with his parents and they are sitting behind me
"How many stops dad?"
No reply
"How many stops mummy?"
"Five"
"What........
"That's enough Sam!" interrupts his dad
I'm interrupted by a text regarding the Russian hat. One of my adopted daughter has sent me a picture text of one and I sent a 'buy! buy! buy! reply! Finally, I am now a proud owner of a much wanted (perhaps not needed) Russian hat! But at least I can take great comfort in the knowledge that I am ready for the next bout of really cold weather......... Bring it on Mother Nature!
We have now passed Stevenage and going towards Hitchin. The boy and his parents get off at Hitchin.......This is a slow train

On platform five for the 15:41 Finsbury Park to Peterborough. Saw something that put a smile in my face
What? You may ask
Under one of the 'arrival' information for a Kings Cross train ..... 'Train unavailable due to a member of the train staff'
Perish the thought....... Did he 'fall asleep' on the job? Did he refuse to drive??????
Yep! You're guess is as good as mine. I'm now sat on the 15:41......."We will shortly be arriving at Potters Bar" Female voice comes out of the tannoy. It's a raggerty train....... just like the one I took going home a few days ago. The train is full but not to it's capacity
The commuters are so unfamiliar to me, they're the weekend commuters, I guess! I'm sat at the three by two seats facing each other. Two women sat in front of me and two sat beside me....... "We will shortly be arriving at Hatfield"
At Hatfield station, the train stops opens and six commuters get off replaced only by one jumping on. The train is so quiet, welcome to the Marie Celeste

17:00 ....... Managed to get on the northbound Victoria line to Walthamstow Central. Tonight's plan to Dover St has been scrapped at the last minute........ I was looking forward to it, but hey ho! These things are sent to try us
I'm off to Finsbury Park to meet others and decide where to go tonight. I say ' have a change of clothes? Then anything goes!
The train is filling up and now standing room only albeit not packed. Now at Euston where several commuters disembark  but none enter   The next station is Kings Cross St Pancreas .........my usual stop
I mentally waved it off as the doors shut tightly moving to the next station, Highbury and Islington then Finsbury Park station
As I take a look at the other seated commuters I see tired faces and bodies 
Next station is where I get off! Where work ends and fun time begins.......

The train arrived at King's Cross on platform nine so off I get, through the barrier, out of the main station, down the steps into the underground, through more barriers, down the escalators and trhough the loooonnnng tunnel towards the southbound Victoria line. When I finally got to the platform, it was packed solid with bodies and I had to wait patiently until a train arrived, stopped and go off again, leaving some room for me and other commuters to walk further along. So naturally I wait for the next train and wait. The platform is still choc-a-block! The train arrives looking timid and stops in front of me, the doors slides open and lets out commuters.
"Please let people out first otherwise you cannot get on!" barks the driver through the tannoy
"Now for those inside refusing to move along......Please move along and let more people in, thank you!"
Yep! I got on but only just! I am now snuggled between a young woman and a middle-aged man almost doing mouth to mouth resucitation with the young woman. I shield my behind with one bag and my front with the other.....why? you may ask.......PERVERT ALERT!       

07:16........ Packed bag for tonight's girlie night with my female train buddies...... We're at Dover Street, near the Ritz hotel letting our hair down, painting the city with our glam, charm and doing what us girls do best........ HAVE FUN! Cos girls just wanna have FUN! FUN!
Ok let's flash back to the now...... 07:16.......journey to the station a tad later than previous mornings. I guess I can blame it on last nights shenanigans both at the bar, where my train buddies and I wined and dined, then later on the Peterborough train where some of us were a tad merry! I forgot to pack last night hence reason for leaving home late. I was still aiming for the 07:40 so I had four walking speeds; run, jog then fast walk and when out of breathe, even slower walk.......I got to the turning for Station Road, saw the Peterborough train pulling in, tried to run but my legs refused to adhere to my command
That train pulled away and before I had a chance to plead with my legs, I saw the 07:40 from St Neots to King's Cross train pull in at platform four and knew then I wasn't going to make it! I started walking slow for the rest of the way. I am now sat beside a lady in one of those puffy looking coat. Today is Friday...... The best day of a working week and many commuters are in informal attire....... Jeans day! I've just noticed a young lady clipping away....... I do believe she's in the middle of making some form of jewellery, she's got wires and wire cutters...... How w(e)ired!
Biggleswade station stop brought in more commuters but there were no seats left for the majority of them.

Tonight is not only about the 'Outer London Society' xmas meal........... it's also about saying farewell to one of our young train buddy, an adopted daughter (eat your heart out Maddona and Angelina Jolie) who is leaving us to work nearer to Nessy. You will be missed by the gang kiddo....... keep in touch and look after yourself....... Love, love and more love xxx

On the 21:07 train to Peterborough from platform two with my (rowdy) train buddies........
Why so late? Nothing to do with late night at the office
We were on our 'Outer London Society' Xmas meal at a nearby bar. There were ten of us. We drank, we ate, we drank some more and presto........reasons to be cheerful one, two, three!
We've occupied the first carriage and I'm sat with the 'quiet' group.
Picture this....... My side, the posh side....... table with a newspaper and a bag on top and us chatting quietly amongst ourselves. The rowdy side........... table with a couple of beer cans and a bottle of red wine drank out of several 'liberated' glasses. The carriage becomes merry as it departs from King's Cross and becomes  infectious with other commuters joining in........... well it is the festive season after all!!!

Zig zagging the many police cars and vans parked in Westminster 
It's a case of spotting a police man every step taken
Why?
It's the second day of the fourth demonstration by students 
What do they want?
What was promised 
 to them prior to the election. Politicians are doing what they do best.............
I believe in the saying 'A promise is a comfort to a fool'

Southbound Victoria line's platform is packed but I'm not quite sure what the problem is. No train...... just commuters pushing by. Here comes a train...... It's in total darkness..... It stops and has a 'No service train' illuminated on it's side
"Blah! Blah! F****** Blah!.....due to defected train Blah! Blah!f****** Blah!..... Excuses after poor excuses! I wish I can get away with not paying my fares with excuses. First train left without me...... second train came and took pity on me, letting me into it's bosom........ At least it's reasonably warm inside this train. I'm train surfing today as there is standing room only. Legs apart, knees slightly bent and away I go........
"Mind my leg! Mind my leg!"
Shouts an elderly man sitting behind me with one outstretched leg
"I'm sorry"
I move slightly away so not to step on his leg
"Thank you"
Every stop he stood up to let commuters disembark and embark
Should have stayed home old man..... There could be tears before bedtime mate!
Victoria station arrives and I, like so many other commuters, disembark and walk towards the escalators, through the barrier and embrace the coldness of Westminister, London.
I did a detour on my way to work......Marks and Spencers to buy a hat. Any hat will do now that my head is feeling the cold. I really wanted to buy a Russian faux fur hat but hay hoy!
After looking at my many options, I decided on a red pillar box hat with a little side bow, queued up, paid and put it on my head. I'm quite pleased with my purchase

08:19...... just passing Finsbury Park. Stevenage came and went without me even noticing, too busy trying to keep warm...... the train has stopped in mid-flow: one, two, three, four, five, six, seven seconds later and it's moving again albeit at a slow pace. My feet and fingers are f******* cold!
My neighbour steers from her slumber and makes a noise. Other commuters have started getting up from the seats and wrapping up. I wait a little longer and as we got nearer to Kings Cross station I too stand up, stretch for my coat and wait for the train to stop and let us out

"Blah! Blah! Blah!"
I nod and smile
"Blah! Blah! Blah!"
I continue to nod and smile trying not to engage with her. It's just that I had planned to get a little shut eye this morning
I'm my world
"Look lady...... I really don't what to converse with you. It's not because I am not social but if this had been yesterday morning or even tomorrow, I would have been quite happy to chitchat .....but today! It's not happening! COMPHRENDO??"
"Why of course..... silly me! What was I thinking! Please ignore my insanity"
I am now sat feeling the cold..... Yep! She was right!
B********  First Capital Connect! If I were a man, my balls would be frozen by now. But instead my nipples are standing to attention! It's B******* FREEZING!....... I sit and freeze, too stubborn to put on my coat and proof my neighbour right. Come on train, hurry up and get to Kings Cross. On arrival at Kings Cross, I couldn't jump out of the train fast enough.

06:10...... Had a battle with THE BED and LOST. The thought of what lays ahead of me; the weather, the darkness and commuting this morning just didn't appeal to me much. Each time I tugged at the duvet, it seems to tug back. Finally kicking me OUT!
So I slammed the door behind me at 07:11 and begrudgely made my way to the station.
07:36..... Through the barrier, up the steps, across the bridge, down the steps and forward to the edge of platform four..... Within minutes the train arrives and invited us in. I managed to bag a seat next to a middle-aged Asian woman all wrapped up from head to toes.
"Excuse me please"
"Oooh yes"
"Thank you"
I took off my gloves, scarf and coat and as I was putting my coat up on the rack above.... I felt a tug on my jacket sleeve. It was my neighbour
"You may want to keep your coat on"
"I'm sorry?"
"They've forgotten to put the heating on today"
Aaaaaah! Now I know why she's all wrapped up.
"Thanks...... but I've just walked nearly two miles from home to the station and I'm hot"
Basically I was really telling her to mind her f****** business!
I sat down and she continued to chat away

Made a whistle stop to House of Fraser in search of a Russian hat....... Whisked through the handbag, scarf, gloves and tights section........ NOPE! No joy!
I'm now sat on the northbound Victoria line to Kings Cross.
There are two school girls chatting away loudly. One is sat next to me the other is sat opposite
"Blah! Blah! Blah! "
"Blah! Blah! Blah! "
I am really not interested in......'She said and I said and you know what I mean!
In my world
"I don't f****** care what she said.......... I don't f****** care what 'I' said and I don't f****** know or care what you mean! You inconsiderate imbaciles....... SHOUT THE F*** UP!"
And with my invisible remote control I press 'mute'
They continue through sign language.......
The train stops at Kings Cross and the clock displays 17:04 so I jog through the moving crowd, up the escalators, two steps at a time. The departure display nearest to platform eight is working today and shows 'Peterborough' platform eight. It's now 17:06...... Four minutes on my side. I enter the train with a sigh of relief and look for a vacant sit but alas none
Managed to get a seat at Hitchin station. Next stop is St Neots and homeward bound I go.

I'm having flashbacks about my earlier encounter with ..........the field mouse! aaawwweeehhh!
I'm on the first southbound Victoria line train......whoopee! Standing room only though but the worst place to stand.......the middle aisle with all the BO lovers. I stand near the door holding on to the bar. I look to my left, staring at the profiles of the commuters seated. How weird.......I thought one woman was a witch because of her profile; pointed nose with a noticable spot at the end. Another had a bulbous nose, another buckteeth and another, a tefal head!
Oxford Circus.......now upgraded to the long aisle and I decided to 'surf' all the way to Victoria station      

There are pros and cons in arriving late to the platform: yes I may have been warm downstairs but now there are six commuters in the front of the orderly queue..... so my chance of getting a seat goes down to 'slim' or not at all!
The train arrives and as it slows it's speed, I had a quick look inside and see only a few vacant seats. The train stops, opens and I eagerly wait for the others to board and grab their seats before me. Needless-to-say I and a couple of the unlucky commuters, who have not find seats in the first carriage continue to move to the second, third carriages before striking lucky
"Excuse me please"
Young gentleman with eyes closed, wakes from his sleep mode, looks up at me, smiles and stands
"Thank you"
I sit, he sits and with folded arms, closes his eyes once again

07:05..... My journey begins. I was walking briskly to St Neots station minding my own business when......
SHRIEK! A field mouse scurries in front of me doing a mad dash into nearby bushes
SHRIEK! SHRIEK! Then I ran for dear life until I couldn't run anymore.
In my world
Like the 'Pied piper' I would gather all the field mice with a tune and march them to the edge of the River Ouse and DROWN the little buggers! Ah! but would that make me a serial killer I wondered??
I HATE RODENTS!
Any way, I'm now walking again.... out of breathe of course when a wicked smile sets on my face.
A quick session of bright light flashes in front of me!
A female driver has just sped past and a speed camera has been activated
"Smile lady, you're on Candid Camera!"
At least it took my mind off the field mouse. Arrived at the station at 07:29 and like yesterday morning, I wait downstairs in the relatively warm station until 07:36. The train arrives on time at platform four

Last night I watched a documentary (Little man: Looking for love) about a young dwarf called Matthew, a New Zealander who travels to the US to attend the annual conference   called 'Little people of America' with the hope of finding himself a dwarf bride. He meets an English woman and they click straight away. Most people at the conference are American who have come from different parts of America for this annual conference. For one week he mixes with like-minded people where "I don't have to look up people"s noses for a change"

Interesting documentary but alas sleep deprivation has conquered and I retire defeated.  

The 17:40 arrives at 17:32 and I begin to walk to platform two and sit nearest the door
A one-sided conversation I heard on the train.....
"I've saved you a seat and it's platform two"
Cheeky monkey! How can you 'save' a seat for someone? This is not a f****** reservation train!
Eh! Eh! Eh!..... A gentleman has now occupied the 'saved seat' and not a pip from her but she doesn't look happy. Her friend finally arrives and because it's now standing room only, stands and chats beside her......
The moral of this story is...... If you want a seat, come earlier!

17:13...... Walking up the steps towards the concourse
F****** waste of a trip! Now I have to wait for the 17:40
Oh!....... Should I or shouldn't I?
Should you or shouldn't you what? You may ask
Should I or shouldn't I ask a woman I have just spotted wearing a Russian hat, where she got it from or in my world....
" I love your hat"
" Why thank you"
"Can I be honest with you?"
"Fire away"
"Well..... I think your hat will look better on me"
"You think? I KNOW it'll look better on you...... Here, you have it"
"Are you sure?"
"Think of it as an early Xmas present
It fits me PERFECTLY!

Victoria line southbound to Brixton station......... This is not my usual journey home
"This is Pimlico"........Doh! I've lost my thoughts...... Now where was I?
" This is Vauxhall....... stand clear of the closing doors"
"This is Stockwell"
........ As I was saying...... Not my usual journey home. I'm looking for a certain winter hat and I've been informed that I should check Brixton Market ....... Phew! Got that in before ..........
"The next station is Brixton where this train terminates"
State the obvious why don't you!
I am now sat on the northbound Victoria line heading to King's Cross
So........ Did I find what I was looking for?..... HELL NO!
Picture this..... Scene set........
"I'm looking for a certain hat"
"What kind? I have different ones"
" I'm looking for the Russian type...... You know, the one that's furry round it and sits firmly on your head"
"Yes......I have" He points and my eyes follow to where he points
"Where?"
"There"
The ones I could see were the furry hats with flappy ears
"No not that"
"Ah! But they are Russian hats" And continues to try to convince me
"No they're not!
I am not amused....... I walked off ignoring his pleads for me to buy one........
"Because it will suit you"
Yeah right........ My money suits to line my pocket a little while longer!
And then I found myself doing a U-turn back to the station
Brixton is not familiar to me but loud music can be heard coming from the shops around the Market
Euston station and it's 17:09........ Well I'm definitely NOT going to be on the 17:10 tonight!
Drat......... and double drat!

The train is on a go slow!.... Please don't stop! YES! It's picking up speed as it passes Finsbury Park station.......Nooooo! It's slowed again! YES!..... NO! It's f****** playing with my head...... I'm being HEADF*****!!!!
Standing room only on the southbound Victoria line apparently "under good service on all underground line" ...... What do they want? A f****** medal!!!!
I managed to bag a seat at Warren Street station. Nooooo! Someone is playing heavy metal music LOUDLY!
In my world
I go up to him, slap the back of his head and he automatically turns it down..... DONE!
Guess what?.......
" We're currently being held behind a red signal" train drivers voice is heard through the tannoy.
Obsacles! B***** obstacles! Always something or another!

06:57......out in the bitter wilderness. All wrapped up and ready to face the oncoming slaughter that lays ahead of me. As I walk towards the station I meet several other walkers: some walking towards me whilst others walk ahead. 07:23....... I enter the slightly warm station and decided to wait there and then go through the barrier around 07:35. Commuters enter the station with cold air blowing out of their mouths, like dragons home from a victorious battle. Like-minded commuters stand beside me and wait. Some have joined the two orderly queues: one for tickets, the other for hot drinks and a bite of some sort.
07:35......I go through the barrier and make my way across the bridge towards platform four and head straight to the platform edge. Annoucement is heard but inaudible but guessing by the actions of others, I turn and head towards platform three and wait. I can see the train in the distance...... and then...... it stopped, opened and slammed it's doors tightly. I needn't worry about not getting a seat, there were an handful of empty ones and I move towards the first available seat.
I now sat beside a thirtysomething woman in almost identical attire as myself: black trouser suit and poloneck
Woman in front is putting on her make-up. I do believe this is a train NOT an extension to someone's bathroom!

Couldn't get off the raggerty train fast enough! The train stops at platform one and I get off........ into the thick mist that encumbers  on St Neots. I pulled my scarf around my neck tightly and took comfort in knowing that the fog was better than the icy snow of last week

Once again there are no train buddies in sight. It's quiet apart from the racket coming from the raggerty train.....chuck! chuck! f****** chucking it's old heart out. It should be in the train grave yard NOT HERE! And the other racket is coming from my next 'bum' neighbour...... tap! tap! f****** tapping away, bashing on the keypad!
In my world
Tap! Tap! Tap! goes the keypad tapping at my neighbour who is naked and laying on the table, black and blue from the abuse. Now she knows what it feels like eh!
Still in my world
"Stop that f****** racket! This is not your private office!"
"I'm so sorry, how inconsiderate of me!"
She closes the laptop and puts it away, apologising profusely
"Thank you!.... And yes you were a tad inconsiderate"

Missed a northbound Victoria line, but a minute later another one arrives, stops inches away from where I stand and opens it's mouth and I entered and nabbed the seat nearer to the door and sat quietly
Green Park station comes and goes........."Stand clear of the closing doors" and off we go to the next station.
Oxford Circus station now and quite a few disembark leaving space for newcomers.
"The next station is Warren Street. Change here for the Northern line.......This
 is the Victoria line train to Walthamstow"
"The next station is Euston..... Change here for the Northern line and London Overground train"
Then King's Cross is announced and I stood up and head towards the door. The big clock is showing 17:03 and telling me that if I don't get a move on I'm going to miss the 17:10.......so I take heed and walk briskly towards the concourse.
The departure display board shouts at me....."Platform ten B!"
The clock is mocking me......17:07! I have now picked up pace......... making it to platform ten B by the skin of my teeth
It's one of those old raggerty train (I pay nearly five thousand pound for THIS!) and take a seat next to a woman who is occupying most of both seats and area! HUMBUG!!!
She's typing loudly on her Toshiba laptop either oblivious or selfish about me or the other commuters. She's even tucked her luggage under the table! Selfish cow!

Southbound Victoria line..... Getting through the barriers was a nightmare! There were hundreds of commuters waiting to go through. Something to do with crowded platforms. So I wait patiently......like I f****** have a choice! After what seemed like eternity, I pass through the barrier and make my way down steps, up steps (all the time, fighting my way through the oncoming human traffic). I walk quickly down the escalators to Victoria line and wait for the train
It arrives and.......Yep! Standing room only!

Commuters from Stevenage station are now on board and I am still standing...... at least it's not the slow train.......next stop is King's Cross
I am standing at the first carriage and there were no train buddies here just strangers and our only common grounds are: travelling on the same train and going to work in the big London city. Most are smartly dressed in office attire.
A woman standing closest to me is playing with her lips..... tapping it, rubbing it and pulling it...... Maybe she thinks she's kneading dough....... Bread anyone?
No-one's speaking, just sneezing, splattering, I mean coughing and occasional yawn...... Welcome to the ratrace of working life in London!

07:05.......Out into the cold frosty morning a little on the late side. I decided to take my time this morning and go for the 07:40 train to King's Cross.
My walk was much more steady than last week. I have put away my (ouch) hug boots and now wearing sensible walking shoes. The snow has melted, leaving the road and pavement clear - however the surrounding field and grass are covered with ice, looking white rather than green. Now standing on platform four for the now delayed 07:40 waiting for the train to arrive at 07:44. The tip of my fingers are like icicles ( hope they don't break off the same way!)
"Blah! Blah! Blah!.......platform alteration..... Blah! Blah! Blah!....... Now arriving on platform three"
"F***! F***! F****! As I turn heading towards platform three like the others! Why am I bothered about the platform charge?
Because I was right at the front of the orderly queue knowing that I had ninety nine percent chance of a seat but now...... now I'm at the f****** back of the queue!
In my world......
"Gangway...... I was first here so I should get on first!"
"Why off cause you should'" the othe commuters say in unison and they move out the the way for me.
The train arrives with a silly grin on it's face and I knew for sure that this morning I'll be standing all the way to King's Cross!

Other than the time delay, I couldn't fault it....... it was spacious, clean and FAST!
Well I'm now sat on the 20:20 from platform eleven B
The train is NOISY! But it's not the children but a group of grown men (who should know better) shouting, swearing and being arseholes. My neighbour is fast asleep.

Stratford International was like a ghost town. There had only been three of us on the bus and I got chatted with a woman going to Ashford
"I think your train's from platform two"
"Thank you..... and have a good evening"
"You too"
I was told the expected time of arrival was 19:45
19:45 came and went..... 19:55 and I'm still waiting!
I took the escalators back up and spoke to the young male staff
"Do you know if there's been a delay to the 19:45? I asked
He looks at his watch then the screen in front of him
"It's running late"
"I f****** know that you twerp"(in my world)
"When is it arriving?"
"Any minute now"
"Thank you"
We exchange smiles and down the ecalators I go AGAIN!
20:05...... the (fast) train finally arrives
But I'm now in a fowl mood!
F****** slowest fast train I've known of
Should have, could have, would have taken the underground train if I knew......
Hindsight is all too well after the event eh!

I am not a happy bunny!!!!!
Why?
Well I travelled to Ilford for an appointment with my hair stylist and to cut a long story short.....
Homeward bound from Ilford Overground station
"Sorry to bother you but I'm trying to get to Kings Cross" I asked the male staff at the barrier
"Well..... He said, with a moment thought
....... go down to platform three, take the train to Stratford then platform eleven fast train to Kings Cross"
"Thank you"
That journey was fine.... got to Stratford and made my way to platform eleven. I was the only one on the platform and thought nothing of it but got worried when other commuters passed me by and DISAPPEARED ........ and still no train! I started walking towards the 'disappearing' arch and saw a couple of Transport for London staff chatting amongst themselves
"Sorry to bother you.....
"Go ahead"
" I'm trying to get to Kings Cross"
" Hop on the bus and we'll take you to Stratford International fast train to Kings Cross

06:00......Brrrr! Brrrr! Goes the alarm. I stretched out my hand and silenced it. My attempt to get out of bed was scuppered. Why? Because my liaison with the snow yesterday morning has left me briused, aching and in pain. I took a look at St Neots weather forecast for today...... 'Minus three' I clicked on 'Sky News' application on my iPhone and scanned for East Anglia and First Capital Connect, then I gazed through the bedroom window and the snow was mocking me, challenging me to a tête-à-tête but this time I WILL NOT TAKE the bait. Today, I am giving Mother Nature the one finger salute and stay in my safe and warm bed for a little while longer....... Today, I'm taking care of number one....... Today, it's Me, MYSELF AND I!!!!

The roads were cleared of snow unlike the pavement which was white and in some parts glistering. I started my homeward bound trek with trepidation ........I certainly didn't want a repeat of this morning's torrid affair! Two male joggers run past me and I was filled with envy! Why couldn't I run like them? There they were jogging in sleeveless tops and shorts and me....... 'Moon walking' wrapped up in my black coat, wholly scarf, hat, gloves and hug boots.  Oh to be young, with stamina! I took my time walking, one tiny step for man........ one large step for ME (kind) and slowly but surely I arrived home without taking a tumble. Don't get me wrong, I had a couple of 'nearly' but managed to stay up!
Arriving at my doorstep gave me such a high.....I was so grateful to be in the arms of my soon to be, warm home........ And tomorrow........ tomorrow is another day....... today is taking a bow and moving away into just being history or in my case her (story)

On the 17:10 from platform two and sat next to a train buddy chatting away until another buddy turned up and sat in front of us. We chatted and exchanged tales of our activities.  More commuters join the carriage and now only standing room only. The train departs from King's Cross and starts its journey ..........fast train journey to; Hitchin, St Neots, Huntingdon and it's final destination Peterborough station. The train journey went quickly even though it slowed down a few times before reaching Hitchin station but we were so engrossed in our conversation. It was too dark to see out of the window and I didn't know what St Neots had in store for me weather wise. Next stop......St Neots, train stops, opens and threw us out of its warm belly into the harsh chilly town. We said our good byes and went our separate ways

08:48...... King's Cross FINALLY
I'm on the southbound Victoria line, standing room only. I'm wondering what Westmimster is going to be like, weather wise.......well I'm just about to find out

Train stopped at New Southgate station (not one of it's normal stops). We have now been informed that the train is now stopping at Finsbury Park then King's Cross..... So that's good news! The train has now stopped! My arse and left arm's feeling slightly bruised/sore now.
"Blah! Blah! Blah!.....point failures in King's Cross"

The train is terminating at Finsbury Park station due to "failure at King's Cross"
"F***! F***! F***! here we go! The train has just picked up commuters at Stevenage and it's standing room only. Well at least I'm seated all the way. I'm hoping my underground journey fairs better but I won't hold my breathe! This train is now on a 'go slow' motion!

Made a BIG MISTAKE this morning....... I left home my normal walking time not taking the severe weather into account. Needless-to-say I missed the 07:17 and now sat on the 07:32 with one train buddy. It was like an assault course getting to the station WHY? Damn snow..... Looking nice and White and freshly laid, caresing and trickling down my face as I make my way out. I remember when I was young looking forward to getting out in to the snow but now.....now, I look forward to getting out of the snow into a warm place. Then I had an intimate relationship with the snow....... DOWN! DOWN! I fell! My arse and the snow united as one for a few seconds! I picked myself up and was in two minds as to whether I should turn round and go home or be brave and continue. I took the latter option and paid dearly for it! The snow wasn't satisfied with just one bonding as I took another 'arse' fall. My hug boots may be warm but don't do much for this snow. They're not 'hug' boots but 'ouch' boots, I thought to myself.
"Are you ok? Asked a voice in front of me.
"Yes thanks" I lied as I picked myself up and dusted the snow off my coat. In my world........
"Are you ok?"
"What does it look like? .......no I'm not f****** OK! If you're really concerned though, you can give me a piggy back ride to the station"
"Jump on"
In my world.

"16:22 departure to Huntingdon from platform five"
I decided to jump on this rather than go for the 16;40 from platform nine. I didn't want to chance it. I went and sat at the nearest seat beside a young teacher....... How did I come to this conclusion? She was marking her students' homework on the train..... Unbelievable! It's amazing what people do on trains. Some people give out their bank details via phone, some talk about their personal affairs to name a few.
I'm sat at the two by two seats and sat opposed me are two more ladies, both middle-aged and both visually dressed - one has her earplugs on and listening quietly to music on her iPod, the one is reading her book

08:08......On the Piccadilly line from Heathrow T5 to South Kensington. Stayed at the Sofitel Hotel, Heathrow T5 overnight. This is not my usual route to the office and I'm surrounded by unfamiliar faces. Most of the commuters are travellers from Heathrow airport...... destination? Homeward bound I guess. The train is now full but not yet packed to the brim as we travel towards the next station, Boston Manor. I notice that most of the commuters are casually dressed. The young man sat beside me is watching a film on his 'HTC' mobile. More commuters embark at South Ealing..... the train is now PACKED!
Someone is on their mobile talking loudly but I cannot hear what's being said. Another person has loud music coming out of their iPod oblivious to the nuisance he is causing to his fellow commuters.
The train has now stopped in midflow....
"Blah! Blah! Blah!......due to red signal" male voice can be heard on the tannoy.......
I feel lost in transition as I, like the others, wait patiently. YES! It's on the move again. Disembarked at South Kensington station and headed for the District line to St James's Park station.
Westminister doesn't seem to have been affected by the heavy snow. It's like a different country! The cold chill is there but there's no sight of snow anywhere.

06:55..... Out into the big chill! The pavement is covered with a thick sheet of freshly laid snow, just the way I like it.
07:10...... Now standing at platform four with the usual suspects, waiting for the 07:17 First Captial Connect fast train from Peterborough to King's Cross.
I'm still getting over last night's adventure to our local cinema. What happened? Well, last night DOS man and I were at Cineworld cinema in Cambridge, large mixed bag of popcorn and large diet coke 'combo' between us. He wanted to see 'Jackass' in 3D..... Big mistake! Why? My viewpoint on this film is...... Why would anyone PAY to see this? A bunch of grown men acting their shoe size, not their age....And after scanning the audience I came to the conclusion that 'Jackass' is a 'Boy' thing. I am not going to go into details other than my action alone spoke volume......that is that I either had my eyes close or near to projectile vomitting whilst sitting though the movie...... NEVER AGAIN!
Southbound Victoria line..... Didn't have to wait long for a train and bagged a seat at Euston station.

Platform nine (the losers platform) for the 16:40 is showing up at the main departure board so I make my way towards it with time to spare. I am now sat next to a grumpy looking old woman. She is continually fidgeting: searching her brown handbag on her lap, searching another larger bag on the floor by her feet, taking something out and munching then sticking her finger in her mouth and starts to use it as a toothpick eeeewwaaahh! She's now looking in her handbag again.... Both hands in her handbag for a while...... then out comes a digital camera and spectacles. She puts the spectacles on and begins to view photo snaps from the camera. The carriage is quiet and I stretched my neck to see why. Many commuters are asleep, others are reading their newspapers, one gentleman is watching something on his Apple Mac iPod.
I'm beginning to regret sitting next to Miss fidgety!
I have my fingers crossed and hope she gets off at the next stop otherwise I'm stuck with her until St Neots..... like Siamese twins!
"The next station is Biggleswade" says the annoucement and no sign of Miss fidgety getting off...... Wait...... She's ruffling through her handbang AGAIN.....and out comes receipts, approximately four and she looks at them one by one digesting every word.
I can't wait to get away! St Neots station doesn't come quick enough!

Left the office earlier than usual in case of delays or problems with the Victoria line. The streets towards Victoria station is busy. I missed the train by seconds and waited for the next one. "Due to industrial action, Victoria line trains are not stopping at Pimlico, Warren Street and Tottenham Hale stations" bellows the tannoy.........that's fine by me! I managed to bag a seat straight away and watched as the carriage filled it's hungry belly with cold looking commuters
"Warren Street is closed.......the doors will not open at Warren Street" this time a female voice comes though the tannoy.  The train arrives at Warren Street, stops for a couple of seconds and starts moving again without it's doors opening
I am sat next to a school girl in grey uniform on my right and a middle-aged man in jeans on my left 

The train arrives on time and stops a few yards short of where I stood, opens and welcomes us in. There were plenty of empty seats so all rushed into the train doing a Right! Right! Right!...... we all went and there were enough seats for us all.
"Victoria line and Northern line are running on 'Special' today"
"Special?.....is that for 'special people?".....laughter erupts through our carriage. So far so good. There's no interruption to our First Capital Connect journey to King's Cross. Stevenage stop came and went.....King's Cross is heaving with hundreds of commuters both inside the concourse and outside. I make
my way to the underground entrance and join the growing queue outside the gate and wait to enter. Five minutes later and I'm inside walking down the steps towards the barrier and then the escalators......Southbound Victoria line to Victoria station......
A train has it's door's mouth opened and I thought luck was on my side.....but alas it was not! The train had been stood there for a while and was PACKED! I deccided it was better to wait for the next train than to attempt to get into this one......so I mentally waved it goodbye when it finally departs. The next train came soon after and I enter and stand. A male voice filters through the tannoy.     
"......where this train terminates at Victoria"
That's fine by me! The train is packed to the brim but I managed to bag a seat at Oxford Circus. The train has stopped in mid flow.....
"......waiting for the train in front to depart from Victoria station" annouced the tannoy...... with an appologise to placify us. I'm not looking forward to my return journey home!

06:50.....Depart from the warm comfort of my home to confront the dark icy chilly white blanket covering the pavements in St Neots. Picture this......The six o'clock alarm screamed at me to get up and I stretched out my right arm searching in the dark for the 'off' button and managed to turn it off, rolled over intending to take advantage of my DOS man being around to give me a lift to the station...... then I remembered! Today is STRIKE DAY.... Courtesy of Transport for London's boss..........Mr Crow...... HUMBUG!
I lept out of my bed, switched on the bedside light and saunter my way to the bathroom. 
07:02.......Arrived at St Neots station, received a big hug and kiss from my DOS man and made my way begrudgingly through the barrier, up the steps, across the bridge and down the steps to platform four. Minutes later I was joined by one train buddy, two train buddies, three, four....nine of us all in all. We greet, we hug and chatted about; the weather, X factor and the weekend.
"I tried to take my plane out yesterday" said the one train buddy who was lucky enough to have his own small plane.
"What happened?"
"Well..... It took about half an hour to scrape the ice off the screen, but then the battery was dead!
"Oh dear!

"Excuse me please, may I?"
"Yes off cause" he smiles, stands and waits patiently as I disrobed; first my gloves then my scarf and finally my coat
"Thank you" I smile and sit
"You're welcome" he smiles and settles down besides me
He is slightly on the large side but tall enough to carry the weight. He had a red fleeced jacket on. His full hair peppered with grey strands. He reads the 'Evening Standards' with one knee up in the air against the small tray in front of him......"How strange!" I thought to myself

Standing on the Northbound Victoria line......"to Seven Sisters only!" screams a male voice on the tannoy. The platform is packed as the train arrives. Once opened there was a rush to enter. I am one of a few lucky commuters to get seated and seconds later the train is full. At Oxford Circus many disembark leaving space along the long aisle. My fingers are crossed hoping to get to King's Cross in time for the 17:10. Warren Street comes and goes - now Euston station and a reminder to "Please remember to take your belongings with you" followered by "Stand clear of the closing doors" and " Please keep your luggage with you"
Kings Cross station finally arrives and as I step out of the mouth of the train, I glanced up at the nearby clock...... 17:04. Anxiety begins to build as I zig zag my way through the crowd, running as fast as I could up the moving escalators, through the barrier and up the short flight of steps. The time is now 17:06....the clock is mocking me with it's rather annoying bright light. I ran up more steps and head straight to the concourse where I eagerly search for my train...... And there it was, in bright neon light 'One' under 'Platform" so once again I zig zag my way through through the maddening crowd to platform one just making it with just a minute to spare

Southbound Victoria line is empty..... Well almost empty. I stand at the platform end chatting to a 'tube' buddy, a gentleman who actually gets on the same First Capital Connect train and at the same station as myself but sits in another carriage hence not a 'train' but a 'tube' buddy
We chat until a train pulls up letting us into it's warm belly albeit it full belly. Fortunately I bagged a seat at Euston station. The train is now full to its capacity and standing room only. Silence lingers throughout and only the ruffle of newspapers cuts through the cold air. Commuters absorbed in their own little world.
Now walking up the Victoria station escalators, through the barrier stopping only to put on my coat, scarf and gloves stopping at Marks & Spencers via Cardinal Place for today's lunch .

07:05 DOS man kindly gave me a lift to the station........door to door service.......on a frosty morning......NICE!
Already on platform four is one of my namesake, all on her own
"Good morning"
"Good morning" followed by a tearful sniff
"What's wrong? I asked?
She shows me a story in the Metro newspaper and I skim through it. Something about a woman who had her car and mobile phone stolen - the end story was her father passed way in hospital because of the theif..... SCUMBAG!
We talk about it and whilst in conversation another train buddy joins us, then another.
07:17 the train arrives and our normal carriage is half empty. I spot only one train buddy on it and we head straight towards him
We talk about our outing to 'Aunties' Thai restaurant in our local town last night, we toasted our new addition to 'our family', we talked about our pending Xmas meal

Compared to where I was yesterday..... Surrounded by bikini clad and barely dressed relaxed people to commuters heavily ladened with overcoats, scarfs and gloves..... I know where I would rather be right now.
The train is quiet apart from an orchestra of coughs and sneezes and the turning of newspapers
The man next to me is fast asleep and has his arms folded and legs slightly apart. His mouth his tightly closed as if you'd need a crowbar to praise it open. At least he wasn't snoring..... Train slows down has it arrives at Hitchin and...... Up jumps my neighbour, grabbing hold of his luggage and disembarking at Hitchin station. Next stop...... St Neots

On reaching Victoria station I and other commuters were turned away from our normal entrance
"Please make your way to the other entrance" bellows a Transport for London staff so I turned left and went round 'to the other entrance'
Once downstairs I was met by a sea bed of commuters..... Like a lemming I follow the lost souls towards the District and Circle line not quite sure of the reason behind this padomeniac furore
I believe it was something to do with the escalators not working but don't quote me on that!
"Keep to your right and straight for Victoria line, right for District and Circle line"
I floated along, down unfamiliar stairs and what seemed lilt eternity, finally arrived at the my desired platform.
"Due to a passenger under the train at blah! blah! blah! Central line is closed, please use alternative route"
What with the starting and stopping to our journey to King's Cross we missed our planned 17:10 but managed to get the 17:40 from platform two

08:05......Gatwick underground Southern train platform one to Victoria station. Just leaving East Croydon station and the train is PACKED!
A young woman talks loudly on her (pink) mobile
"Guess what my mobile bill is?"
"F****** three hundred and blah!blah!blah!"
"Yeah you heard!" laughs loudly
"Everyone kept asking to use my mobile on holiday.....plus I went on Facebook"
"I'll have to use on of my credit cards innit!"
" Told my dad....thinking that he'd give me some money..... He F****** told me to use my credit card. He's got five grand on one and eight grand on another"
I switched off then...... The land of credit card isn't in my remit..... I can proudly say that I've NEVER OWNED ONE!

07:41....At Gatwick airport underground station after an early morning wake up call from the hotel, shower and full English breakfast. Today is the beginning of the rest of my life......I mean today is the beginning of reality AGAIN! Milling through the South terminal to the underground ticket office for our ticket to join the ratrace.......I HAVE TO PAY TO JOIN!!!
My destination?????....WORK!
So Westminster......here I come!

Why?
The thought of going back to normality, the rush hour, the crowded London tube, the delayed First Capital Connect trains........just doesn't sit well.
My mind comes back to today and a smile spreads across my mouth as I take another sip and savour the moment.
13:40.....lunch consisting of salad, for starters and swordfish as my main dish.
14:30...... back in our room for a quick shower and relaxation.
17:30........ Refreshed and ready for the night Market in Los Abrigos. Walked along the coast line and enjoyed the fresh sea air.
Thr Market is small and disappointing.
19:05......return to our room, en route the lobby, clutching a tall glass if Pina colado.
20:15........showered and donned in evening wear trekked down to the restaurant for our 'last supper'

Today is a last full day so we packed as many activities as we possible could: Breakfast? No! Why? Overslept..... I blame it on the on tap drinks! 10:05..... Finally dragged myself out of bed and into the shower. My outfit for the day laid on the bed;
Bikini......check
Linen White trousers.....check
Black tank top......check
Flip flop........check
iPhone .......check (my BFF - Best Friend Forever)
My Patricia Cornwall novel.....check
White sunglasses......check
11:25 and making our way to the pool nearer to the beach. After finding a spot we flung our beach towel on the edge of our seat and made our way to the bar.
"Pina Colado.....por favour"
"JB and coke.....por favour"
"Gracias"
Sipping my Pina colado I take a three hundred and sixty degrees look at my surrounding and feel a twinge of sadness

I'm sat by one of the many pools in our hotel San Blas, overlooking the beautify ocean. The ocean and the sky seem to merge as one and seems to go on forever. Cambridgeshire and London are a million lifetime away..... Bitter wind and frost? Not here.....it's as if spring has sprung. I take another sip out of my tall slim glass filled with sangria, ice and a slice of lemon and continue to read 'Predator' by one of my favourite fiction writers, Patricia Cornwall. The sun smiles down at me as if recognising me.....somewhere in time, familiar with my entire being..... recharging me with much needed energy. I sip more sangria, I am engrossed in my book, I soak in the sun and relax both mentally and physically.

We decided to venture into the small fishing village of Los Abrigos which is a short drive from our hotel.

We walk along the picturesque harbour and pass an amazing selection of fish restaurants and were spoilt for choice. We decide on our second choice and and was immediately met by a young Spanish waiter.

"Buenas tardes"

"Buenas tardes"

"English?"

"Si....... Yes"

Smiles all round as he escorts us to our seats. A wine list is shown and we proceed to order.

"Two glasses of white wine and a bottle of still water...... por favor"

He disappears returning with our order.

"Thank you"

He hands us the main menu

"What do you recommend?"

"Sea bass or Hake........ but all our fish on the menu are very nice"

We order and he disappears again and while we wait for our meal, we relax and watch the world go by in front of us. Our order arrived, we ate, we drank, we got lost in conversation whilst watching the locals in their boats getting on with their every day activities.

Yes the waiter was right....... the meal was indeed amazing, the fresh fish we ate were succulent.

Los Abrigos is a beautiful village and a must for visiting if you are ever in the vicinity. Here you will be able to sample a taste of the quieter side of their culture.