You were very lucky. While I did not do either of those on my visits in 2010 & 2011, on several occasions I had to make last minute changes as announcements were made about delays on various lines. I have never had that problem on the Paris Metro (I may have been lucky but have spent more time there than in London in recent years). Just as well as my French is just adequate and would not cope with station announcements.
Brian, I did get off at a station that was closed, but it was my own doing. There were signs warning of closed stations on the line, but I took a chance that mine was not included in the closures. Alas, it was, and I had to get back on the train and find another route. It was not a matter of getting lost, but rather a matter of poor judgement and taking chances.
Ann, the Oyster pass is a wonderful thing. I finally got the knack of slapping the button hard with the card after several failures to open the gates with weak touches.
My memories of "The Tube" in 1980 were the Punks (in the era of The Sex Pistols), and a mysterious "Circled A" I saw spray-painted everywhere (only later did I learn that this symbol stood for "anarchy"). Rather mind-blowing for sheltered 18 year-old Lil Me.
When we were there in April it was fabulous because the bus system was confusing - but the Tube was so easy to figure out! Loved traveling on it and would do it again! Wish we had something good in West Michigan!
The Harry Beck map is elegant but bears no relationship to the real shape of the Tube. Here is a more recent interpretation that sticks closer to it: http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1384/577152141_b243e4c33f_o.jpg
This Telegraph article has several links to maps including a geographical one showing wot the Tube really looks like: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/travelnews/6219582/The-best-London-Underground-Tube-map-pastiches.html
Also, memorably, and I am afraid I am totally bringing the tone down, the Rude Tube, in which all the names of stations have more or less been replaced by rude words: http://www.steveprentice.net/tube/TfLSillyMaps/rude_map.jpg
JCF, when we went tro London in the early 1980s, it was lovely. I may have seen the circled A, but I paid no mind to it.
Ciss, even with my deplorable sense of direction, I found the Tube easy to use.
Cathy, the map I bought when I was there in July is the Beck map. The other maps may be more realistic, but they would take getting used to, since the Beck is the only map I've known.
You were very lucky. While I did not do either of those on my visits in 2010 & 2011, on several occasions I had to make last minute changes as announcements were made about delays on various lines. I have never had that problem on the Paris Metro (I may have been lucky but have spent more time there than in London in recent years). Just as well as my French is just adequate and would not cope with station announcements.
ReplyDeleteWe got off too soon once but mostly no problem. The "oyster' pass is a great bargain. All transport in London - underground and buses - cheap.
ReplyDeleteBrian, I did get off at a station that was closed, but it was my own doing. There were signs warning of closed stations on the line, but I took a chance that mine was not included in the closures. Alas, it was, and I had to get back on the train and find another route. It was not a matter of getting lost, but rather a matter of poor judgement and taking chances.
ReplyDeleteAnn, the Oyster pass is a wonderful thing. I finally got the knack of slapping the button hard with the card after several failures to open the gates with weak touches.
My memories of "The Tube" in 1980 were the Punks (in the era of The Sex Pistols), and a mysterious "Circled A" I saw spray-painted everywhere (only later did I learn that this symbol stood for "anarchy"). Rather mind-blowing for sheltered 18 year-old Lil Me.
ReplyDeleteWhen we were there in April it was fabulous because the bus system was confusing - but the Tube was so easy to figure out! Loved traveling on it and would do it again! Wish we had something good in West Michigan!
ReplyDeleteThe Harry Beck map is elegant but bears no relationship to the real shape of the Tube. Here is a more recent interpretation that sticks closer to it: http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1384/577152141_b243e4c33f_o.jpg
ReplyDeleteThis Telegraph article has several links to maps including a geographical one showing wot the Tube really looks like: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/travelnews/6219582/The-best-London-Underground-Tube-map-pastiches.html
ReplyDeleteAlso, memorably, and I am afraid I am totally bringing the tone down, the Rude Tube, in which all the names of stations have more or less been replaced by rude words: http://www.steveprentice.net/tube/TfLSillyMaps/rude_map.jpg
All right, that's quite enough links to Tube maps, and I am honestly not trying to take over the thread with them, Mimi, it's just interestin'.
ReplyDeleteJCF, when we went tro London in the early 1980s, it was lovely. I may have seen the circled A, but I paid no mind to it.
ReplyDeleteCiss, even with my deplorable sense of direction, I found the Tube easy to use.
Cathy, the map I bought when I was there in July is the Beck map. The other maps may be more realistic, but they would take getting used to, since the Beck is the only map I've known.
The pastiche maps are so very funny. Thanks for the link.
Cathy I love all your links.
ReplyDelete