Tube(ualr) Man!

Tubular Man! Oh I am so funny, and love using outdated expressions.

 Have you ever just found a song that is so outstanding that you just love and makes you want to sing and dance until the last notes ring out. Lately for me I am really into Little Lion Man by Mumford and Sons. As soon as it comes on I can’t help but move and tap my foot to the beat. It really makes me want to sing, and sometimes I indulge myself…in inappropriate places, which brings me to the subject of today’s post. The Tube.

            What could singing and the tube have in common? Nothing unless the sentence goes something like, people will look at you funny if you try to sing on the tube. The tube is the subway of London; only the train literally goes through tubes, tunnels to get you to your destination. Its one of the main transportation methods of London’s population and is extremely old. London has buses and the overground but the underground has these unwritten rules that define tourist from a seasoned traveler to a London local.

Rule #1: Don’t make eye contact. One thing I terribly fail at, mostly because as hard as I try not to make eye contact, I CAN’T HELP IT! There are so many interesting people from cute boys to people who dress up as monsters/zombies. (I am not kidding here!) Yet get on the tube at rush hour and literally you lose all personal space and people still manage to avoid eye contact. Alas, I suppose it will have to be something I will learn. 

 Rule #2: There is to be no talking on the tube.  I couldn’t believe that literally no one would talk until I experienced it. Now this isn’t a hard and fast rule, as some people break it but for the majority, it’s completely quiet. All you ever hear is the lady chiming in to remind you to “Mind The Gap” (I will touch on this later). I learned from Londoners that time on the tube is your zone out time, they aren’t purposefully ignoring you, and it’s just the end of a long day at work. I just find it so frustrating because where do I meet all the cute boys, the Tube. (It’s so ridiculous. I guess I will have to spend more time on buses.)

Rule #3 Mind the Gap. This is serious stuff guys; there is a gap between the platform and the actual train you ride on. It’s so ridiculous, I know to even think that you might injure yourself, but hey shit happens. So watch what you are doing. I am just saying.

Rule #4 Carry your tube map. It seems simple because the Underground has so many maps all over the place. Don’t fool yourself, it’s like a jungle and a maze had a baby and then let people get lost in it, just ya know, FOR FUN. If you carry your map and plan your destination ahead of time, you really shouldn’t have any trouble. Though always be aware because its tempting to second guess yourself and get off at the wrong stop with the hoards of people who get off. My advice here is to just be aware of everything. It’s really the best thing to do. On the plus side, there is security and employees everywhere, so if you get lost, ask because its better then staying lost.

That’s really all the rules I have. London’s underground is so convenient and is the main method of transportation for the population. Its good to always be aware because it is very easy to be stolen from, but if you are smart then you shouldn’t have a problem. I would recommend that even though the whole “not talking” thing may not be your thing, but if someone came to your town and disregarded all your rules, well how would you feel? Its nice to just sit back and enjoy the slice of life you experience on the tube, it makes for some awesome people watching.