Londonium - Part 1

The ancient Romans called it that - Londonium. But now all and sundry call it London..and me calls it Lovely Lively London..

Gulf Air which is actually Air Deccan + a cushion - courteous staff (Our Indian hosts / hostesses are better and more efficient but more on that later) flew over the English Channel, we could make out the end of the coast of the France and the coastlines of the United Kingdom.

A few stray white clouds came between us and the greenery that was Great Britain. A greenery that got lost in a swirl of mist and sea in the distance. You cannot help but wonder at the small size of this country which once ruled the world. No mountains or hills also not many man made mountains of glass and concrete which one can spot over Mumbai or Delhi. Vast expanses of green gave way to buildings which appeared to have a geometric symmetry as the plane continued its descent. We could make out the London bridge over the Thames as it snaked through London. Closer to the ground, the view gave way to Logistics company's warehouses and soon we hit one of Heathrow's many runways. It is said Heathrow is one of the world's busiest airports. Realised this during our return when our plane was in a long queue at the run way.

In spite of all this, everything was neatly organized and there was smooth access from the plane to immigration and to our baggage. Soon we were descending into the bowels of the earth to catch the famed London TUbe. The London Tube is narrower than our Chennai / Mumbai metro with seating only along the sides. So you sat facing the oppsite sides of the train and the space in the center was just enough for one person to walk through. There were three doors on each side. The one in the center wider than the two in the corner. And ofcourse you had standing space near the doors. But nevertheless very small compared to Indian standards. Maybe we could fit all the passengers in one London tube into one compartment of our Mumbai metro. Well another difference.. here the doors close!! And a voice keeps telling you to "Mind the gap" between the train and the platform.(This "Mind the Gap" is so repetetive that its got a kind of cult status in London. We actually spotted a panty - in a showroom ofcourse - with the afore mentioned words printed strategically!!) The voice also tells you which line and which station you are on. Maps are also clearly drawn and an LED display also informs you the next station so you will never ever get off in the wrong station.

No one checks your ticket, we hardly spotted any tube workers or police men. We soon realized why. Scores of CCTV cameras all over the place. In the US people protest against "Big brother" watching you, well those people would have a seizure if they saw London with "Big Sister" watching over every centimeter of London.

Checking into the hotel, had a little problem understanding the accent but soon we were on our way. Well it was a Friday night and our host took us to see the night life of London. The stiff lipped Brits were exactly the opposite on a Friday night. SHouts and hoots of laughter and throngs of people everywhere. All the pubs and restaurants were crowded. Looked like the entire city of London was out to drink and party. And if you drink too much you ofcourse need to pee. London recognises this problem and has a solution. They put out mobile toilets. Looks like a monument with 4 corners which can service 4 drunk men at the same time. Wanted to take a pic but didnt want the drunk Brit reliving himself to get the wrong idea and come bounding after me!!

~~ End of Part 1 ~~

If you can stand some more stuff on me gushing about London..watch this space!!