Tube Talk

Seeing as it is another snowy day, and I still have a cold, and I'm not wearing any pants right now (leggings are my new favorite thing) I think it's time to offer my readers (all two of them?) some random insights about the London underground system.  I'm not sure why the above criteria justify the offering of insights--but hey, why not.

The Tube

• They really do tell you to "mind the gap" each time you step on or off the tube.  At first, I found this gentle reminder unneccessary.  There is no way someone could get their foot stuck in, much less fall into, the gap between the train and the platform--it's way too small.  However, now that I've pretty much traveled the entire underground system--well, almost--I can honestly say that there are some gaps that are definitely worth minding (i.e. Piccadilly line at Holborn station: northbound).  
• Riding the tube is a bit depressing.  I think this has a lot to do with the greyish lighting.  Also, no one speaks to any one else.  It's always a bit problematic figuring out where to look--it's so packed, but you don't want to get caught mindlessly staring at someone.  It is for this reason, I think, that most people bring reading material, or plug themselves into headphones and close their eyes or stare at the ads lining the inside of the train.  I still like to covertly watch people when I ride the tube; my favorites are the ones who read over their neighbor's shoulder.
• Tube strikes and repairs happen frequently, so you always need to be prepared for delays or figuring out alternate routes.  On the way to my Dickens City walk, someone had either fallen/been pushed/jumped in front of a train: another delay for the London underground.
• After a long day in the tunnels of the tube, your snot turns grey.  It's a fact.
• Never try to fight the doors of the train.  Unfortunately, I speak from experience...  the group I was with all made it on, and I almost made it, but the doors shut on me!  Embarrassing.  I ended up having to jump back onto the platform and wait for the next train. 
• Some of my favorite station names:  Elephant & Castle, Chancery Lane, Tottenham Court Road, Queensway, Tooting Broadway, Paddington, Piccadilly Circus, and of course my beloved local station, Mile End.