Weekends, Soho, Pride and death on the line
This weekend was more low-key than last weekend, which was probably just what we needed as the previous weekend started when we went out for drinks in Soho for Clifford’s drinks to celebrate his moving in with Tony. We like them both but haven’t known them for too long so it was fun mixing with a group of people that we haven’t hung out with too much before. It was one of those evenings when you don’t think the cocktails are very strong but then you realise you are actually quite drunk. It was a good evening, far too many Michael Jackson jokes though.
Following recovery from the hangover the day after we went to Pride which was fantastic, the women were all stunning - not because they were lesbians I hear you say, perhaps it’s because they are more confident and aware of their sexuality? They also seem to have generally bigger breasts. Interesting. Not sure why people can be homophobic when everyone is happy and smiley and loved up and respectful - why choose the opposite of grumpiness and greyness and hatred? It was a baking hot day but we met up with Catherine and Hazel and Stewart and had a great time before eventually going to an Italian restaurant and eating so much we had to break away from the table to get some air. That pretty much ended the day as we were too stuffed to do anything else, it was quite late by then though.
Sunday was a rare day when I had a lie-in but then we realised that despite still being quiet full from the night before, we had arranged to meet Tony and John for Dim Sum in Soho at noon. We were running late when we reached the platform at Finsbury Park to get the tube in. The Victoria Line and Piccadilly line are right next to each other at Finsbury Park and we mused on which line would take us their quicker when I made the fateful snap decision that we would take the Piccadilly line. All seemed to be going well, we had made good speed and then just after leaving Caledonian Road the lights started to dim and the driver came over the address system and said he was losing traction so was going to speak to the control to see what was happening. Shortly after this he came back on to tell us that there was a person under the train in front of us at Kings Cross and that we would be stuck here for some time so to make sure all the windows were open. He then came out to count the number of passengers on the train to report back to control. It is really frustrating and you get filled with a sense of complete hopelessness when you realise that your going to be stuck for a length of time and there is absolutely no way you can contact anyone to explain where you are or why you are going to be late.
I was impressed with everyone’s attitude though; there was no despair or anxiety, mainly humorous comments and little jokes and comments here and there. After about 45 minutes the drive said that they were going to have to evacuate the train - though the technical term for this is apparently ‘de-train’ he said staff were coming to help us from Caledonian Road to lead us out. Everyone had visions of walking over uneven ballast in high heels in the dark or emerging from the other end of the completely covered in grime and dirt.
Apart from people being a bit miffed, again there was no panic or frustration, I actually found the whole thing very exciting - and you have to bear in mind, your day is never going to be as bad as the poor sod stuck under a train or their families. Indeed it was actually a bit like an Open London weekend you get at the bank holiday! We were in the first carriage so naturally we were the last out - it was quite strange walking though the entire length of a deserted tube train before being led out through the drivers cab. To be fair they got us out quite quickly, I was surprised when I stepped into the tunnel at how flat and smooth it was - there was no ballast at all, but then I don’t think you would need it underground. The tunnel was also rather clean. The walk itself was straightforward, it took us around 10-15 min before we reach Caledonian Road where the emergency services were waiting for us in case anyone needed assistance. There were no refreshments though which I was expecting, a poor state of affairs! We were very lucky it didn’t happen in the rush hour when everyone is crushed and standing up because there’s not enough room or a few days earlier when it was red hot in London, it just doesn’t bare thinking about. It was interesting how you sort of form a bond with people in situations like that, it was rather a shame to all say goodbye once we reached the surface.
This weekend was mild in comparison, I spent most of it watching cricket, stroking my kittens and eating cake. Went for birthday drinks on Saturday but I didn’t think we got messy despite the photographic evidence…