h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I had a pleasant band gig last night, in Erith, which went very well, Chicken and jacket supper, and a couple of ales to wash it down, but the highlight was finishing bang on time, so looking like a chance to catch an earlier train than usual, as I was scheduled to work on Sunday.
Just as we are packing up, someone came up and started discussing the vagaries of playing the accordion, so delaying our departure. This was to have an uncomfortable knock-on effect.
On arrival at East Croydon station, I discovered I had missed my connection by two minutes! Oh well! The 00.17 should get me into Victoria in time to catch the last tube. The indicator board advised it was an 8 coach train, on Platform 4, so I dutifully made my way to the end of the platform to get me closer to the Underground when the train arrived. Horror!!! Platform alteration. The train was due in on Platform 1! Everyone legged it except me, of course. I went as fast as possible and was just emerging from the subway as the doors started to close. A policeman stood looking at me (having passed me in the subway) as I yelped 'You '. ( I couldn't believe I said it. I Never swear!) He asked 'Do you want this train?' (stupid question!!!) So I said yes, to which he forced the door open for me. This was carriage 6 of 8. And the >disco> train for all the ravers coming up from Brighton, as well as the late arrivals from Gatwick airport. So I grabbed a seat, right by a broken toilet. Lovely!!! After getting my breath back, I gradually made my unsteady way to the front of the train, realising that the platform alteration had delayed the train by 5 minutes. It was going to be tight. On arrival at Victoria I made as much haste as I could to the Underground. The gates were still open, so I made my way down the stairs. bodies streaming past trying to race to the last train. Now just to cross the concourse, the ticket barrier in sight when 'This is a passenger announcement. This station is closed. There are no more trains leaving this station. Please leave by the nearest exit! This station is closed!'

Back to the stairs, and a slow walk to the stop and a night to Trafalgar Square to connect with another home. After a 15 minute wait it arrived, and I got off just past Trafalgar Square, due to two Police cars blocking the stop, with the flashing. Couldn't see a reason. Time for another trudge as my departed from the opposite side of Trafalgar Square. And yes! My pulled up just as I'd crossed the road. I could make it. Feet away. Then! Three teens lurched in front of me, causing me to stumble and miss the bus. Now resigned to getting home as and when. 15 minutes later another, empty turned up, so at least guaranteed a seat for my aching legs. However I knew that my road was closed, with diversions, due to emergency road works, which entailed a 15 minute walk in either direction. So I really thought my luck had changed when he stopped at a stop and stated that a certain was running part way along the route, which just happened to stop right outside my flat! So I decided to risk it and save my legs. To my The next wasn't due for 25 minutes! At that time of night it only runs half hourly, and I'd just missed it! And I'd got off the early. So much for saving time. I now had a 1km walk ahead of me, Not what I really had in mind. I was now thanking my lucky stars that I'd left the bulk of the electrical gear at work. And so home, finally, at 03.30, having set off at 23.20. And some people dream of life as a Musician? All I can say is I am pleased I do it for pleasure because, with travelling time included, the remuneration on 11 hours is not worth it.

On the plus side? Next week, the gig is local (for the rest of the band, not me) and is from 19.00 to 22.00, so I could be home before sunrise!

you love to live in the fast lane don't you
slow and easy up herewell! I do

hope the legs held up ok MMF

Good grief, what a horror trip.

Glad you made it home after all.

What a catalogue of problems. I hope you survived and weren't too lagged to go to work today.

Take care,

Websailor

Oh dear MMF. Some nights (or days come to that) just seem to conspire against one. Makes you wonder who's ghost spirit you nudged accidentally (and unknowingly) doesn't it?.

Relieved to hear you made it home (eventually) though in one piece.

Man

Oh dear!

lil xx

Sorry to hear about your awful journey, MMF.

Next time, book a taxi!

Thanks all.

Webby, I had to be up at 08.30 for work that day. My Sunday in.

Icy, the taxi would have been very . The detour goes from Chiswick roundabout, via the Great West Road, then down South Ealing Road.Around 3km ish? Decided not to waste the on something sensible, like at the quiz tonight...

It is not normally that bad. Just the compounded problems, all through someone stopping to chat for 5 minutes!

MMF

You clearly need a few contract riders: limo, free beer, that sort of thing. A42130153

Oh dear!
Glad you eventually made it, though.

Sounds down right horrible! Glad you finally made it home in one piece.

When you are famous you will look back on that night with much fondness!

Lil, pleased you didn't say rich!!!

Guess it goes with the territory.

At least it was 'local'. Not Brighton etc.

MMF