My Train Journey This Morning

[wobbegong]

What's that white stain running from the crotch area down the trouser leg in your avatar?

Sandwich Spread?

[Mich the Tester]

All ran smoothly this morning; just a shame I ended up sharing a 1st class compartment with some trade union representatives who were discussing how 'the rich' get all the privileges in 'the capitalist system'. Interesting to see that trade union reps get 1st class tickets reimbursed while campaiging for the 'common man' in 'the capitalist system'.

[Mich the Tester]

0816 train was filled beyond capacity, so waited for another one half an hour later. Then arrived in Amersfoort to change to Utrecht train. First train going to Utrecht was overfull, so waited again for another one, had to sit alongside smelly pleb in second class, despite having first class ticket. In case you ask, no, you can't reserve seats on Dutch trains.

Arrived an hour late.

Must shortly get another train to the Hague for a meeting before returning home this evening. Hopefully train won't be too full then I can contribute to the Monica thread without people peering over my shoulder.

[gricerboy]

Day off yesterday hence the omission of any details of my rail related activities on this forum yesterday.

Following the chaos that ensued from the technical hitch with the reservations system on Tuesday, it was nice to have my own seat back and enjoy a solo rumination on a rail related topic without being disturbed by sexually frustrated teenage girls.

However, not all was good this morning. Whoever had my seat on Tuesday had drawn a cartoon penis on the back of the seat in front and I had to endure the entire journey confronted with this obscene graffito. I did complain to the train manager but I was not convinced he was taking me seriously so I will be emailing FGW's customer care depertment with a photo of the obscenity that I took on my mobile phone. I will also be reserving a different seat in future.

[Mich the Tester]

Train home this evening has just arrived at the traditional spot for delays due to ´sudden failure of signals´. Again, signals have failed ´suddenly´ and train must now ride at low speed. This ´sudden´ failure of signals has now happened every day for the last two week between 1730 and 1900 CET in exactly the same place.

I suppose it could be an extraordinary run of bad luck to have such regular ´sudden´ failures.

[Mich the Tester]

Got the last seat in first class this morning. Read the Times; amusing story of Mahmood Ahmedinnerjacket's speech at the UN and all the western spoilsports that got up and walked out.

Train, remarkably, not delayed.

[GillsMan]

Train on time. I get first class seat next to fat man. Train rolls through East Croydon then stops. Signal failures mean we have to roll back into East Croydon. Who knows what's going to happen. A train on the platform is going to leave to another moderately convenient London station so I jump on before it goes.

Not even standing space in teh first class carriage.

[gricerboy]

There was a notice on the station about "Dry Trains".

As somebody who does not indulge alcoholic beverages I welcome this move and hope for one that it is introduced across the British rail network.

Time and time again, my journey is ruined by the inane rantings of some drunk Scotsman. Even when the said individual has been detrained I am still subjected to the molestations of his empty cans of Youngers Tartan rolling up and down the aisle. Enogh is enough so COME ON RAIL AUTHORITIES, IT'S TIME TO TAKE ACTION ON THIS SCOURGE OF OUR RAIL NETWORK.

[Mich the Tester]

As somebody who does not indulge alcoholic beverages I welcome this move and hope for one that it is introduced across the British rail network.

Time and time again, my journey is ruined by the inane rantings of some drunk Scotsman. Even when the said individual has been detrained I am still subjected to the molestations of his empty cans of Youngers Tartan rolling up and down the aisle. Enogh is enough so COME ON RAIL AUTHORITIES, IT'S TIME TO TAKE ACTION ON THIS SCOURGE OF OUR RAIL NETWORK.

What could be wrong with a glass of champagne with my eggs benedict in the morning?

Anything wrong with a wee dram before retiring on the night train?

[Mich the Tester]

Anyway, back on topic; travelling outside rush hour this morning; Dutch railways therefore see fit to provide one of the longest intercity trains I have seen, with about 2 people per carriage. Can sit in peace!

I just wish they'd turn the bloody heating on!