Il Bordello And A Treat

So yesterday. We had planned to go to Belgium (even the ferry was booked) and enjoy a day in Veurne (a beautiful town, like Bruges but smaller and no tourists). However because we had a police officer coming round to take a statement over Ian's stolen bike we felt we should skip leaving the country and do something we could get back from quickly.

So that is how we found ourselves heading to London. There was a huge queue for tickets at both the window and the machine when we arrived (we later discovered it was because someone was trying to get a refund on a future dated ticket and book another future dated ticket!) but we managed to be the last people to get a ticket in time for the train. Phew! Got to London and negotiated the tube from St Pancras to Wapping (I really hate the tube these days but it was my first time on the old East London line since it became London Overground and I was impressed with the new trains!).

Why Wapping? Well, as any Dear Constant Reader should know, Wapping is the location of Il Bordello, my favourite restaurant. We arrived at the start of the lunch service and had bruschetta and calamari as starters. Absolutely gorgeous, of course. I then followed up with my usual, spaghetti carbonara. Washed down with an absolutely delightful pinot grigio. Staff were, as always, attentive but not intrusive. I love that place. Couldn't finish the main, their portion sizes are so awesome.

We then headed back to the tube and made our way to Stratford. We headed to Westfield in search of, and I kid you not, pralines. We did not find any but on the way Jim got himself a lovely watch, bought me some Invictus from the Perfume Shop (whose staff seemed somewhat disappointed to have to sell something to us) and then we wandered passed the Apple Store. Jim foolishly asked "Do you want an iPad?" and, not one to pass up such an open offer, I immediately agreed and thus I found myself the owner of 16gb iPad with Retina Display (i.e. 4th gen). Thanks hun! It is my first Apple device since the iPod video (just checked and found that was 8 years ago!) but I'm loving it already. My beloved Google Nexus is probably going to go the way of my Kindle Fire...

Got home but I had such a horrendous headache that I failed to objectify the police officer when he arrived. I'm losing my touch.

Today I had breakfast at Googies. Work tomorrow. Sigh.

That's The End To All That

Yesterday, whilst off work sick, Jim and I had a discussion and the ultimate outcome of this discussion were the following facts:

1) Moving to Folkestone is about a change of lifestyle.
2) Commuting to London every day would render this change completely ineffective.
3) I am not happy where I work.
4) My job is gone in a few months anyway thanks to my department being dissolved (yes, customer services... the "all weather" department is being dissolved!!) so I'd have to apply for a new job as it is.

Which all lead to one irrefutable decision: it was time to hand in my resignation at work.

What a relief that was. There is nothing quite like the feeling you get in a job when the axe suddenly no longer hangs even slightly near your head.

So that's it folks. The starting whistle has finally blown for the move to Kent. And there is little we can do to stop the momentum here on in, whether we like it or not.

To the next adventure...

If you feel benevolent and particularly generous, this writer always appreciates things bought for him from his wishlist

I Have A Plan

Yes, that's right. A plan. Obviously, you've heard this all before Dear Constant Reader. But I am determined to move from stressful living in London with debt to just getting on with a peaceful life in Folkestone without worry. I must do it. It's time to grow up! 

Yoinked from Asian Hunks

Friday saw me attended Stephen K. Amos' "Feelgood Factor" at the Hammersmith Apollo. It was alright, click the link to see my review.

Otherwise nothing much to report (beyond receiving a very envy-inducing email from Arwen. Tut!). Soon, Dear Constant Reader, I promise to be one post a day exciting!

If you feel benevolent and particularly generous, this writer always appreciates things bought for him from his wishlist

The Dark Streets Of Whitechapel

Work is, at the moment, a source of great stress and upset for me right now. Soon, I hope, it'll all be over... one way or another. By Thursday things should be far more relaxed. Alas not tomorrow though! Sigh. So it came as surprise both to myself, and Jim, when I accepted his offer to go out with him, Denis, Nal, and H for a meal.

Our first stop though was a reconnaissance to the Prince Albert pub, here in Greenwich, which is undergoing refurbishment. Well when I say undergoing, reports had obviously been vastly exaggerated. It was more like refurbishment had just start 5 minutes before we arrived. With little thus to see and comment on we decided to make our way to the station. Much hilarity ensued as we all got our own type of ticket... surely given we were all going to the same place via the same train this was completely impossible but not in London of course!

Our destination was Shadwell from where we were to walk to Whitechapel and one of Jim's newest favourite restaurants; Needoo's.

As always the food was gorgeous and cheap. Added fun was had because Nal has eyes bigger than his stomach. When his order was brought out, an extra table was added to the end of ours. True story.

With added cute but world-weary waiter (I like to make up stories about my stalking victims lives, he struck me as a newly arrived immigrant who has discovered that his dreams of earning decent wages were cruelly shattered upon his arrival to our dismal country) and a lovely atmosphere it was a nice way to forget about all my work stress.

The walk back to Shadwell was bitterly cold. Another cold snap is definitely upon us!

After a nightcap in the local, it was time for bed and the horror of work in the morning... :(

If you feel benevolent and particularly generous, this writer always appreciates things bought for him from his wishlist

Angry Commute

1) Dear Man on Platform 2 London Bridge at 17:50 today. When you decided to walk backwards into me as I stood awaiting my train, I wonder what exactly went through your mind to do it again. And again. Were you perhaps hoping I might pull your head off, boiler it clean and use the skull as a new fashionable Oyster card holder?

2) Dear Lady on Platform 2 London Bridge at 17:54 today. Some of us have the uncanny ability to know where the doors of a train are going to open. Others are too stupid to understand they open at the same place every day and instead position themselves randomly along the platform. I am the former, you are the latter. What this means is I am at the front of the queue to get on (once everyone is off of course), so what was going through your mind when you attempted to squeeze yourself (forcefully and hurriedly) into the one foot of space between me and the door thus getting in the way of those getting off and in the way of someone who has legs that are bigger than you?? Were you hoping to form a new type of graffiti made from your remains after I'd squashed you up into a pulp?

3) Dear Man on the 17:54 Greenwich bound train. You had been seated throughout the journey, whilst I had been standing. I was quite clearly standing waiting to get off. So what ever possessed you to think that when the doors opened you'd rush to push me out of the way so you could gain an extra 2 seconds lead? Did you think you'd be successful in moving me, Jae Kay The Man Mountain? Of course you failed. I trust this will serve as a lesson to you that the overwealming combination of etiquette and hugeness makes me a formidable commuting opponent whom you shall inevitably lose to should you seek to break the unwritten rules of travel.

If you feel benevolent and particularly generous, this writer always appreciates things bought for him from his wishlist

Another Week!

Tuesday: Was quiz night! And, continuing a rather impressive winning streak broken only by the monthly music quiz and our one night off, we won again! Becoming a bit of a habit, and despite belief the contrary we do not cheat!

Wednesday: Another trip to Needoo's began with a visit to Whitechapel, and I believe the half hour I spent waiting outside Whitechapel tube station deserves a blog entry for itself. Jim, Mark and Jo eventually turned up (on time, i.e. late in Jae time ;) ) and we had a pint in the Grave Maurice. Despite it's rather "Backwater town club" feel, the staff and punters were friendly, the Stella cool and refreshing and the sofas comfy. Loaded with some beer and wine from the local shop we finally wandered up to Needoos to discover there was a power outage! We returned to the Grave Maurice for another pint in the hopes half an hour might solve the problem but when we returned we found it hadn't. We sat in the dark with a few other brave customers but eventually, after a few rounds of poppadoms and reading menus by mobile phone light, we decided to give it a miss. A shame as I did enjoy it the other week. Instead we caught a taxi back to Greenwich, and made my first ever trip through the Rotherhithe tunnel. Excitement.

In Greenwich we settled in for a good old Folkestonian meal... at the Gurkha's Inn! Mmm.. we normally get take out but I have to say it's nothing compared to a sit down meal. Tasty. It was a shame, for the owners, that we were the only customers. After Mark and Jo headed home, Jim and I partook of a cheeky one in the local before falling to sleep.

Thursday: Snow Day. Ish. I spent the whole day having my snow hopes raised and dashed repeatedly. Every flurry was a source of hope of snow and perhaps an extra day off work. I went to sleep reluctantly, desperate for a white start to the morning.

Alas...

Friday: Whilst most parts of the south east were able to engage in that most British of sports, moaning about snow, we Londoners had to make do with a little light covering in some places and nothing in others. The trains were working far too well for this lazy man's liking.

But the day was spent at work dreaming of snow and the occasional flurry again created an emotional rollercoaster of despair and hope but still... nothing. Great sadness indeed!

This blogger works for nothing but the joy of writing but always appreciates things bought from his wishlist

New Greenwich Train Times!

Southeastern Highspeed | Ramsgate
Originally uploaded by kpmarek

So today was the first day of Southeastern's radical new timetable. I had two very different experiences.

On the way to Cannon Street things were not going smoothly. Firstly it was pretty clear that everyone from the old 07:03 Charing Cross train and everyone from the old 07:13 Cannon Street train had decided to get the new 07:03 Cannon Street train together. Add on top of this that the train arrived 5 minutes later and you have one very uncomfortable journey in. :( Hoping that with train being on time and the "Oh my, there's a new timetable today?" crowd gone things might be a little better tomorrow.

The trip home... was absolute bliss. Cannon Street trains home were not only on time... but absoltely empty and not only did all the normal sized people get a seat but giant folk like me got one too on the 18:00!! Lovely.

Let's see if the kinks on the morning journey get ironed out, else it might be an even early morning for me from now on...

The train above is not the train from Greenwich but hopefully within the next couple of months will be. It's the South Eastern Highspeed and she's gorgeous.

This blogger works for nothing but the joy of writing but always appreciates things bought from his wishlist

The Week In Briefs

Tuesday: hectic day at work as there was an inspection on. I was selected to represent my team and have an inspector listen in to my calls and ask me questions. This was followed by a trip to the 7th Floor (never been quite that high before!) for a debriefing where I was asked how many breathes I took during the visit and whether the inspector looked me in the eye. After work headed down the pub to see Jim. Won the quiz (YET AGAIN... We Are The Champions!). This was followed by many more hours of drinking and Jim and I stumbled home around 2am... slightly worse for wear.

Wednesday... another night in the pub although we finished it off before 11pm. Hair of the dog and all that. I had not felt particularly jolly at work! Ouchy head.

Thursday... more work. Fucking boring work.

Friday. Workity, workity, work. Then went out for a couple of drinks in the Hammersmith Ram before heading back to Greenwich. Horrible trip home caused by Christmas partying, stupid suits. Got to local to find Jim, Mark and Jo drinking surrounded by Mark and Jo's French friends. Cheek kissing ensued. Awkward. Then a puppeteer joined us and let us in on the next big thing... on CBeebies anyway. I stalked "new" cute bar man



It was a good night and I came home with 36 Mini Mince Pies courtesy of Denis. Score!

Now for our last lazy weekend before the move...

This blogger works for nothing but the joy of writing but always appreciates things bought from his wishlist

Stupid Is As Stupid London Does

I'm no genius. I make mistakes. I'm a flawed and imperfect individual. I recognise this, and whilst I seek to improve I understand that perfection is an impossibility. Yet this cannot stop me believing I live in a city of slobbering idiots.

The people walk up and down stairs without any thought for those behind them. They meander. They stop in weird, but truly inconvenient, places. They can't change the batteries in a smoke detector. They never have their Oyster card/ticket ready. They appear unable to queue. They think putting a bag on a seat in some way implies that seat is now theirs. They push. They shove. They look at you aghast if you point out any of their multitude of failings. They can't work self service machines at supermarkets but insist on using them even when there is a checkout free. They think you're really clever because you know some history pre-1990.

That seems to be humanity. These people can vote. You have been warned.

*Note grumpiness caused by idiotic Londoners may have coloured by views somewhat in this post, normal service will resume... at some point*

This blogger works for nothing but the joy of writing but always appreciates things bought from his wishlist

GLBT Action Committee

So today was the second meeting of work's new GLBT action committee, and the first I've been able to attend (not counting Friday's vigil). Ten of us showed up to try and work out what we were actually meant to be doing. It was an interesting group and our decisions (based mainly on the reason for our creation: dissatisfaction among GLBT staff) were pretty damn great. Best part was it was the least PC meeting I've ever been to.

After the meeting we headed down to Hammersmith's gay bar, theHope and Anchor. This is a totally ungentrified, two room pub with plenty of... character. But as I said to some of the others who turned their noses up at first, it's nice to have these sort of pubs still around. Poppy, the overly excited pub dog, was the icing on the cake (although I think you should leave any food items outside as she has no qualms about bringing you down in search of your food items as one member of our group discovered). Not a bad place and a nice evening was had.

This blogger works for nothing but the joy of writing but always appreciates things bought from his wishlist

A Busy Weekend

Friday night was taken up with the first outing of work's GLBT Action group to the vigil against homophobic violence, which meant I wasn't home until well after 10pm. The next day Jim and I headed down to Mum's new house down in Hythe and whilst we waited for her to get home headed to the nearby pub, the Duke's Head, with George. Trust me, you don't want to go there. 

Mum, Debbie-Debs and Beth turned up and we spent the evening watching telly and eating copious amounts of take away in the new house. Shame Angel Cat and Noodles weren't there, with just the solitary Bella being the only pet to make the move. :( 

Made it home, via Debbie-Debs in Maidstone, ridiculously late but still made last orders at the local. 

Sunday was started with a quick shop around Tesco's before we settled in at the local for the duration. Alcoholic? Me? Never! 

Monday was an "Il Bordello" night. Straight after work, as is the custom on such a night, I met Jim in the Thomas More in Wapping, but found it was now called "Cape". The lager and their mojito's were disgusting and the place was pretty uninspiring. Shame, the Thomas More was an alright pub. Denis, H (birthday boy hence the "Il Bordello" evening) and Nail and headed down to the Captain Kidd, which was still as good as ever. Which is good but shame about the Sam Smith's drinks! 

Karen arrived and our group was now complete, so we made our way to Il Bordello. For those who aren't Dear Constant Readers, this restaurant is probably my favourite in London and was the scene of my first date with Jim. As always the food did not disappoint, with the portions defeating even the hungriest (that was me). Alright I was only defeated on the second dessert but still... ;) Gorgeous place, followed by a DLR trip home and a night cap at the local. 

I'm so tired today....   which means time for a random rugby picture (of James Haskell who is pretty damn hunky!)

This blogger works for nothing but the joy of writing but always appreciates things bought from his wishlist

Trafalgar Square Vigil For Ian Baynham

Whilst I was on holiday in Berlin, the GLBT Network at work was formed. Having put my name down for it, I was invited to our first "event" which was to go as a group to the vigil in Trafalgar Square in honour of the life of the recently murdered Ian Baynham and all other recent victims of hate crime. There was only 4 of us (Stephanie, Paul, Cosimo and I) plus Stephanie's partner, so after gathering ourselves at First Out Cafe, we headed down to Trafalgar Square where a very large crowded had gathered.

Sandi Toksvig led the events with various friends of Ian Baynham, Sue Perkins and many different representatives of organisations including the only politicians, Labour ministers, Chris Bryant and Maria Eagle.

It was deeply moving and the musical tributes by both the Gay Men's Chorus' of various cities and the London Gay Symphony Orchestra were touching. We did our part by distributing candle's (and card to protect one's hands!) around the little part of the crowd we'd found ourselves in.

This blogger works for nothing but the joy of writing but always appreciates things bought from his wishlist

Ooo... A Free "Quality" Paper

The Evening Standard became free today! Despite once getting a column in the London Lite (or perhaps because of), I've always been morally against free newspapers (1) because of the owners and 2) because of the readers who seemed to believe they were doing a service leaving their FREE newspapers on trains for others [who usually already have them!]). And I've never been a fan of the reactionary, right wing Evening Standard. But still I couldn't turn down a free version! I doubt it'll succeed but they had run out well before the end of the working day in Hammersmith.

Now can we get a free version of the Guardian please? Thanks.

This blogger works for nothing but the joy of writing but always appreciates things bought from his wishlist

What Is It With People??

Sitting on my train at Cannon Street, watching a documentary on my iPod, it slowly dawned on me we were running late. Mere moments later the driver came over the tannoy to report that a "member of the public" (for which read "dullard") had walked off of Platform 1 on to the tracks.

Of course this meant we weren't going anywhere until he was safely off of the tracks. Much blowing of whistles and shouts from station staff followed but the idiot was having none of it. Shortly after the transport police arrived and he was quickly dragged off the tracks, behind a platform barrier and just barely out of view much to the frustration of the neck craning passengers. And off we went 10 minutes late.

Why do these people do this? What caused this maniac to think it was a good idea to have a wander on the tracks of Cannon Street bridge? People truly are stupid. I used to have faith in humanity. That probably makes me just as stupid as everyone else. Grr.....

This blogger works for nothing but the joy of writing but always appreciates things bought from his wishlist

A Night In Soho

Last night, after work, Jim, Denis, H and I headed to Yauatcha for a meal (although we managed a quick drink in The John Snow, it's a Sam Smith's pub and sadly I decided to have a bourbon and coke. YUCK!).

Yauatcha is a dim sum restaurant in Soho, and one Jim had I went to a couple of times back when we first started going out. Back then the food was delicious but the staff were... RUDE. Well... there has been a pleasant surprise. The food is still delicious (again must recommend the Venison Puffs which are practically heaven in a foodstuff) but the staff are now friendly, attentive and pleasant! It was a very good night, finished off with some beers (well I had a beer, the other three sampled the wide range of fruity ciders available) at the Crown and the Two Chairmen, which was a pub with good music and good atmosphere despite what the reviews say!

When I say finished off, obviously we did stop for a quick JD and Coke in the local where we dropped off Denis, H and... my phone.

It was a good night, in my opinion!

This blogger works for nothing but the joy of writing but always appreciates things bought from his wishlist

Cruising The River Thames

Friday night, and I was pleased to be home from another week of work. Jim's Mum had arrived from Glasgow during the day so after a brief wash and change of clothes I headed down to meet her and Jim at the local. We had a few drinks with the (off duty) Antonio, and discussed the future of Brazil in world affairs (well Antonio and I did anyway!). Charlie, who was having his last shift behind the bar before he moves to Paris, helpfully mocked Jim and his Mum's Scottish accents. Awkward, but funny.

After taking Jim's Mum to her hotel, we settled back in at the local to say goodbye to Charlie and chat with a few regulars. I told Jim about my crush on a certain someone (who shall go unnamed) which surprisingly surprised him. And then it was time to go with an awkward hug for Charlie (I'm not a huggy sort of a person). Jim managed to avoid shedding a tear, something we should all be amazed by.

Saturday, I was up early and discovered via a Facebook chat that Mum had told my step dad last night she wants a divorce. I'm going to call my siblings later on today to try and make sure they are ok but a Facebook chat with Bethany suggests she is... After that little piece of drama we were up and away to Maggie's in Lewisham for a diet-busting cooked breakfast. Yum yum. Jim's Mum enjoyed it just as much as Jim and I predicted the first time we ever went there. Maggie's Irish charm made us all smile. Following another scarily healthy shop at Tesco's we wandered down to Greenwich Pier to catch a City Cruise ferry up the river. It's no Thames Clipper (as we went on the other week) but that is to be expected as they serve different needs... City Cruises are for sightseeing and are accompanied by a commentary given by a crew member (who come in varying degrees of interest and knowledge, but as they say they don't get paid to do the commentary just keep as afloat).

The Thames was very busy as it was the Thames Festival, and there was steam boats aplenty and stuff going on all along the banks. We got off at Westminster and had a wander by the Palace and the Abbey. I foolishly went to get a bottle of water in the Tesco's by the tube station and discovered it was in fact a one aisle assault course. Never again.

We then caught a boat to Tower pier and another home to Greenwich (the final trip had the best commentary and we even discovered where Cher used to live... he was certainly the most knowledgeable of the three commentaries). We had an evening in with Jim's paleo curry. Yum. Pictures of the day can be found on my Flickr.

This blogger works for nothing but the joy of writing but always appreciates things bought from his wishlist

A Night On The Town

As you may have guessed from the blurry, drunken pictures posted here last night, I took a dive off the new lifestyle wagon and landed in champagne, wine, Staropramen and a really lovely cinnamon ice cream.

It was Karen's birthday (again) and to celebrate an even larger group than last time headed into London. Jim, Denis, H, Karen, Hillary, Graham, Antonio, Mark and Jo were in attendance. We made our way to Ev Restaurant. It's a huge, clean, and rather lovely Turkish restaurant hidden near Southwark station. Jim, Denis, H and I had the Tam Menu (all of it) and it was delicious!

After that we headed to a nearby pub called the King's Arms, and thought "I've had sex on this street". Yeah.. I certainly got around.

Had a really great evening. :D

This blogger works for nothing but the joy of writing but always appreciates things bought from his wishlist

Art Makes Me Laugh

So, having promised my Facebook friends that I would do this for days, Jim and I finally took a trip up the Thames to the Tate Modern.

We caught a Thames Clipper from Greenwich Pier. Last time I got a boat up the Thames, it was a slow tourist cruise with commentary and peeling chairs. The Thames Clipper services was quite a revelation. Comfortable, fast and staffed by a very good looking crew.

We got off at Bankside Pier and headed into the Tate Modern. I've been a few times, but this was Jim's first experience. Again the giggles overtook me at times, as they did at the National Potrait Gallery the other month, and I had to laugh at some of Jim's expressions as he was introduced to some of the tat they have at the Tate Modern.

We quickly left there (after stalking a gorgeous blonde guy... yum), and wandered over the not-so-wobbly-which-is-sad Millennium Bridge, around St Paul's, past the Scientology HQ (very nice inside... the taking money for telling lies business must be pretty good) and back to Bankside Pier.

We headed up on another Clipper to the O2 (this clipper was staffed by two of the hottest men ever), not once in 5 years and then twice in one week, for dinner at the Rodizio Rico. Don't say we aren't obsessive! Then home again on a final clipper, which is now the only way to travel.

I've put some pictures of the day up on my Flickr, don't get too excited, they aren't that good. ;)

This blogger works for nothing but the joy of writing but always appreciates things bought from his wishlist

The Gay Pride Posts

Given that it is Pride season, here are my pride posts from throughout the years:

My first pride was 2003 London pride. I was 20. I might have been out on the scene for years but I had somehow missed out on the events of pride. Firstly, from reading the post and knowing what happens in the future, I was a cruel and heartless bitch to Stephen that day. I want to say I was hanging with the wrong crowd but that's no excuse. Sorry Ste!!

Secondly, Gareth was boring. BORING. What did I ever see in him? He wouldn't even join the parade. Plus he spent the whole time perving over Ben, and I don't think we were quite at that point in our relationship yet if you know what I mean.

Ben, Gareth, Me and Jon

Highlights: Ben. He's always a highlight. Tina C. Free porn.

Lowlights: Sitting in Gareth's front room while he and Jon sorted through clothes thinking "What on Earth am I doing with these people??".

Brighton Pride 2003! I'm not going to lie to you. Brighton Pride (at least back then) beats London Pride HANDS DOWN! Oh look... NO GARETH. Boring.

Ben, Jon and the ever lovely Zoe!!

Highlights: Being back in Brighton for the first time since the bad stuff. Being at pride with Ben and Zoe. The glitter (honestly Jon and Zoe spent the next year finding glitter in their cars from Ben!!). The randomness.

Lowlights: NONE. It was fandabbydozzy!

London Pride and the first Big Gay Out 2004

I was in my "BLAH!" stage at this point. If readers think I moan a lot now, they should all read the posts between November 2003 and October 2004. All 5 of them. ;) Rants all of them.

Highlights: Making up for last year with Stephen. Ben. Pete, the EXTREMELY gorgeous boy. Sam Fox on stage. The suicide pact with Pete when McFly came on.

Lowlights: Grumpy Jae. Silly Big Gay Out being very boring. McFly not taking off their clothes and making love on stage which is the only thing that would have saved their act.

Soho Pride 2004: This was frigging weird. I think I dreamt it all. I certainly can't find a blogpost about it. Me, my date (a tiny but sexy black policeman called Alex) met up with Tom (my scary stalker at the time) and hilarity failed to ensue. WEIRD.

Brighton Pride 2004: (August 7th) Erm... I have no blogpost!!! Well here's the lowdown. One Mister Jim FAILED to show up because he had to go to America for work or some such excuse so our first ever meeting was postponed. Met up with Mark from Croydon who I've only actually met a few times but he used to work at the BBC and put messages from me on their sports TV feed at the bottom of the screen (made up ones of course, but he livened up Wimbledon for me!!). It was... very lonely but fun in it's own way. Remember sitting on the very long train journey home thinking life couldn't get much worse. Little did I know good things were just around the corner.

London Pride 2005

Jim's first pride!! It was low key, in a classy and good way.

Highlights: Jim

Lowlights: Not enough bags of free handouts taken. No Ben.

Europride in London 2006


It was a world cup year so Meredith, Sam America and I headed out on a gay adventure taking in football at the old Ku Bar and the pride parade.

Highlights: Half naked footie supporters stumbling into pride events.

Lowlights: Lots of queuing to see boring football to please Sam America. Not gay enough. No Ben. No Jim.

2007 was my first prideless year. Why? Erm... I had better things to do!

London Pride 2008 and my pictures!

Frankie and Christine accompanied me to pride in 2008 and I educated them in the art of blowing rainbow whistles and attaching pink Union flags to railings. And also had to help some pride stewards hold Frankie back from attacking some poor innocent Christian fundamentalists who were telling us we were going to Hell. Good times.



Highlights: Naked men.

Lowlights: Not gay enough. Boris Johnson.

So really... even though I think Pride has gone massively down hill even in the few years I've been going, I really should go this coming Saturday. Just for old times sake.

This blogger works for nothing but the joy of writing but always appreciates things bought from his wishlist

I Fought The Trains, The Trains Won

Ever been to Barnes? Me neither, until today that is. Up until now I thought it was famous (and famous only to me at that) only for being a former home of the ever delightful MT. But no it’s much nicer than that. How do I know? Because Barnes was a stop on today’s wonderful adventure which is now known as “Jae’s Tube Strike Odyssey”, a quest to get to work.

It all started sedately enough, catching a slightly earlier train to help avoid too much trouble, with a busy train into London from Greenwich. Everyone else obviously had the same idea as me.

At Waterloo East I put Emergency Commute Plan A into place and headed over to Waterloo station. It got me all nostalgic for my old commute to Vauxhall, and I even got my old “usual” train. Smiled as we chugged past the old offices. But my destination was Clapham Junction this time, as I had a fiendish plan to catch the London Overground service from there to Kensington Olympia from where I could then do a hop, skip and jump and be at my work place in Hammersmith.

Upon getting to Clapham Junction I joined the thronging crowds and upon being redirect to platform 2 via platform 3 I had a little mishap. Well with me no mishap is little, as I fell up the stairs to platform 3 in a dramatic, slow motion style. It started with stumble, which I thought I could recover from, then a fall onto my hands I thought I could recover from and ended with my chin hitting a step and me going into Embarassment Minimisation Mode, bouncing up and continuing on almost seamlessly, only noticing when I’d got to the top of the stairs that my hand was bleeding. Mmm. It certainly was a wonderful morning….

Finally I reached the link between platform 3 and 2 and discovered a large, unmoving crowd of people not being let onto the Overground services. I waited there for 15 minutes, with the crowd not moving an inch. Realising the futility of it all, I began implementation of Plan B and followed an old lady who was heading out of the crowd and parting it as she went.

I got a ticket and a train to Barnes, but stupidly had only memorised the directions from Barnes Bridge. Thus ensured a comic search for Hammersmith which lead me through a wet lands area, Barnes village (imagine Kent in London, very beautiful), followed a stupid cycle route that took me all round the residential areas and finally found my way to Hammersmith and work... 10 minutes late. Which was pretty good considering I had got off a train 2 miles south of the river.

Home trip was better, although not for everyone as Hammersmith was closed down as someone had been pulled under a lorry and the air ambulance was in attendance. No buses for those poor tubeless souls. Did mean I got sent home an hour earlier as I'm the person who lives 3rd furtherest away. Yay!

I instead skipped the 2 miles to Barnes thinking "I should have charged my iPod". Happy days.

This blogger works for nothing but the joy of writing but always appreciates things bought from his wishlist