Another day in the Big Smoke

An earlier start today, but the destination the same. Well sort of, this time Central London. As I waited for my train, this time a  GWR train, I realised my Bakerloo journey wasn’t going to happen, as the line  was closed. As with the Underground, there are always other possibilities. On the train, I with the help of my friends, that I was  to meet, decided to jump on the Elizabeth line from Paddington, to Tottenham Court Road, then the Northern line to Waterloo. It would give me a chance to see the new Elizabeth line stations, famed for their vast cathedral interiors. I have to say the signage from the side of Paddington I arrived at for the Elizabeth line, was non existent, but I soon found my way in. The inside of these new stations is vast. 


I was soon at my destination and had a bit of time before we met up in Brewdog Waterloo and I spotted on the map an official graffiti site, nearby, called the graffiti tunnel. I am not super keen on graffiti, but in the right place why not? There were some super examples to look at.




I carried on through the exit of the tunnel and onto the road. A nod to an old tube station, closed as it was on the Bakerloo line, with its Ox blood tiled exterior.


There was a pub nearby advertising Guinness that I liked also.


I think there is always something to look at in London wherever you are. You might not like it, but the variety of designs, the different eras, and the people, make it a very vibrant place. There was an old church tower, the rest of that church had probably been blown up in WW2, a new nave had been built, but unfortunately not in sympathy with the tower. When I got back to the closed tube station, a couple looked lost. They clearly were not aware of the situation with the closed line, or what to do. They also did not understand English! But I managed to persuade them,  that I could show them an open station, so I took them back to Waterloo. They were very grateful. I then walked into the establishment, mentioned above and my friends arrived. 

The guys I met had all worked with me when they were students, during a one year internship then they finished their degrees. For reasons only known to themselves they all came back and worked with me as full time employees. Because of their enthusiasm, knowledge and drive we accomplished some amazing things together, they are always kind, in associating their success which they say was built on their time with me. Well I say if you have good people, it’s easy to do good things. We faced some challenges along the way. It’s always good to see them, they are all great company. Unfortunately one of them was in Hong Kong. Hopefully we will see him next time.


All too soon, it was time to head home, make our journeys to our respective places where we live. It’s been a good day, thanks to them, the rain on the way back, did little to dampen my enthusiasm for a great day out in the Big Smoke.


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