So it’s back to work after two weeks of family and gluttony.
I spent much of the Christmas period away from London, visiting family in various parts of the county. The iPad seat holder was a revelation but I think even the kids became bored by the third showing of Frozen in two days.
We started our journey going up north to the extreme flatlands of East Yorkshire. This is a place where the smallest of bumps is called a hill and there seems to be an almost uninterrupted stunning view of the sky.
From there we journeyed down to the Home Counties staying in a chocolate box Buckinghamshire village where you expect Miss Marple to appear at any moment.
We had a couple of trips to the park and the local market town but our contact with the outside world was limited as most places were closed.
What struck me was how isolated I’d be if I lived in either place. I don’t drive and so was totally reliant on others for transport for four days. Both villages we stayed in are quite well served by buses (two an hour) but this service all but shuts down over the festive period.
For the first time in my life I felt a real appreciation for London Transport. I can jump on a bus, train or tube and travel to any part of the capital and feel a real sense of freedom. I also find that it’s easier to transport kids on public transport as the boredom factor can be alleviated, sometimes just by looking at the people your travelling with.
I know that travelling through this city can be stressful and a right pain in the arse but it’s so much better that being completely reliant on others or totally stuck in the same place with little kids for four days. So, I’ve resolved to stop complaining about the tube and embrace my commute. I’ll use it as a learning opportunity not just reading and listening to music but looking at the people around me. Who knows maybe I’ll even strike up a conversation?
