It's funny, to be here in London. I have been taking some time to observe some of the differences between here and there. Some of the things seem to just work so much better, while there are a few NYC things that I dearly prefer over London (such as the smoking thing... I hate when people light up a cigarette when I'm trying to have dinner!).
The subway is one of my big points here. They have variable pricing based on how far you are going. This means that, like in DC, you have to swipe your card (no tokens here, either) both going in and going out. But they don't have any horrid cages at the turnstiles like in NYC so you don't feel quite so trapped. And the platforms are all clean. They also have basically one point of entry into each station, so that there's really not as much reason to bicker about how many toll-booths are needed. One station? One toll both. And you can understand every announcement they make on the PA system. And get this: They have a monitor that displays (accurately, mind you!) how much time until the next train gets to there. Now, the Underground is not open all night. But when it is, they do say fabulous things like, "Mind the Gap."
The theatre tickets here are cheaper than on Broadway - but you have to pay for your program. But when you stop at the concession stand to buy one, you can also buy chocolate or soda to take to your seat. And they have ice cream at intermission. Because Brits aren't as nasty as Americans - they understand that it's bad manners to spill, so they simply don't.
Why can't we be more like this? I guess it's because we're American and we don't want to have to be responsible for anything. Or maybe it's because we haven't got a queen. I want a queen... MUMMY!!! I Want a QUEEN!!!!
Posted by Jon at April 20, 2003 08:54 PM | TrackBackJust be glad you don't have to take the Tube at rush hour, or have not yet gotten stuck on a broken down train. (I lived there, and apparently it's only gotten worse since I've been living in NYC)....
Posted by: sam at April 22, 2003 02:43 PMThe Paddington station was closed for a few days. Good thing I didn't need to go there. Although I didn't find it to be anywhere near as crowded as the NYC subway - even at times that are NYC's peak rush hour (6:15pm, for example)...
Posted by: Jon at April 23, 2003 06:12 AM