So Winter's finally got into gear over here following what UK weather forecasters have described as the warmest January in 15 years. Suddenly it's gone all arctic from this pretty mild start to the year, apparently due to a system of high pressure sitting over northern Europe and Russia. Woke up this morning to find that everything seemed to have a light sprinkling of castor sugar - an effect snow has of making things look more interesting that I even did a double take at a dog turd on the pavement (or was it because I was taking extra care not to fall foul of undercover canine treachery?).
No thoughts of making any epic dash for the bus this morning given slippery conditions, though a little jog might have warmed me up against the wind-chill factor. Froze my hand off on the tube holding onto a pole whilst standing up in the carriage aisle - my tube goes overland a few stops before it reaches my underground station but even so, those poles must be connected to something outside the train for them to conduct that much frost-bite induced pain.
So maybe we can look forward to a White Easter - the way the weather is these days I wouldn't be too surprised. Climate change is definitely our doing and possibly our ultimate undoing. There can only be so much abuse the planet can take before the damage is irreparable and no amount of political posturing and bickering at world summits will be able to prevent this. It's about time the World took responsibility and the so called leading industrialised nations which make up G8 should be showing the way.
Instead of merely paying lip-service to the public about these issues whilst remaining chiefly concerned about economic policy, these governments need to assemble structured plans of action as each day brings yet more evidence of the harm we are doing to our environment.
25.2.05
21.2.05
Crashing The Gonzo Gates
Bequeathing us the form of journalism he developed during the 60s and 70s known as gonzo (which entails a cocktail of fact and fiction with elements of the real or imaginary consumption of drugs and/or alcohol), Hunter S Thompson took his life on Sunday evening at his home in Colorado with a gunshot to the head. Since then the tributes have been flowing for this colourful, hard living exponent of his own creation - the original gonzo hack. He summed up his own philosophy succinctly: "I hate to advocate drugs, alcohol, violence or insanity to anyone but they always worked for me." A true maverick, he once rode with the Hell's Angels then had a spectacular falling out with them (which spawned his first major book 'Hell's Angels: A Strange and Terrible Saga', in 1967), and kept a peacock as a guard-dog.
His style was brought to a modern audience by Terry Gilliam's 1998 film of his best known work 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas', starring Johnny Depp as himself. Beneath the drug and alcohol haze, he was a sane and astute moral commentator who never minced his words where politicians were concerned - he was known to be opposed to the re-election of George (W) Bush, describing a consecutive term in typical fashion as, "four more years of syphilis." An inspiration to writers worldwide desperate to follow in his free-wheeling path, Hunter S Thompson leaves them to mourn the passing of their gonzo Godfather. Some of the more anarchic moments in his raucous life can only be imagined from his observation that, "When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro."
However, a more fitting epitaph for this literary champion of counter-culture is his assertion:
zzzzzzzz"Some may never live, but the crazy never die."
R.I.P Hunter Stockton Thompson 18/07/1937 - 20/02/2005
His style was brought to a modern audience by Terry Gilliam's 1998 film of his best known work 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas', starring Johnny Depp as himself. Beneath the drug and alcohol haze, he was a sane and astute moral commentator who never minced his words where politicians were concerned - he was known to be opposed to the re-election of George (W) Bush, describing a consecutive term in typical fashion as, "four more years of syphilis." An inspiration to writers worldwide desperate to follow in his free-wheeling path, Hunter S Thompson leaves them to mourn the passing of their gonzo Godfather. Some of the more anarchic moments in his raucous life can only be imagined from his observation that, "When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro."
However, a more fitting epitaph for this literary champion of counter-culture is his assertion:
zzzzzzzz"Some may never live, but the crazy never die."
R.I.P Hunter Stockton Thompson 18/07/1937 - 20/02/2005
18.2.05
A Wonky Chinese Experience
Met my friend Learo after work yesterday for a few beers and a couple of games of pool at The Black Horse pub off Oxford Street. It's not far from a few English language schools so you get a good mix in there of foreign students, after-work drinkers and shoppers ducking in for a bit of respite from the hordes on Oxford Street. When we meet for a drink we usually go for something to eat in Chinatown afterwards; well, we've made it a mission to eat in all of the restaurants there in an act of research and to satisfy our own culinary curiosity (if not our waistlines). Quite a mission actually given the speed with which restaurants fold and new ones spring up there.
Our traditional fuelling station was that Chinatown institution, Wong Kei (Wonky as pronounced by a waiter I overheard answering the phone once) - a restaurant of legendary status for the slapdash manner of its waiters (with the reputation of the rudest in London) and cheap but decent food. The seating system to the uninitated can seem quite strange but makes perfect sense once you realise that this is not an establishment to leisurely linger over a meal - this is an in-out slophouse of the highest order! People on their own are usually sat on the groundfloor whilst if you are plural, you're given the (in)famous direction, 'Upstairs!' or 'Downstairs!'. Regardless of where you're sent, you'll be sitting next to complete strangers (management policy to maximise seating) which always makes the visits entertaining, especially later on in the evening when everyone's had a few beers.
The sad truth is that the place is past its heyday, when the waiters were truly rude, slapping plates down in front of you with a scowl and directing you to your places with a 'You sit here!'. Now the levels of rudeness have gradually evolved to something like civility and you even get a smile and a thank you sometimes - I almost miss the 'What you want?' request the waiters used to bark when taking your order! However, there are still a few waiters there who know how to scowl and it wasn't that long ago that I was there on my own and having bent down to rummage in my bag, heard a bang and sitting up again saw that the bowl of won ton noodles I'd ordered had magically appeared unnanounced, waiter nowhere to be seen.
The full comedic value of the rude waiters who used to throw menus around and swear at you in Cantonese/Mandarin has been reduced which long-time customers bemoan, but at least the quality of the food remains. The golden rule here is to keep the orders simple - you pay cheap prices for good basic food. Don't expect to get quality steamed sea bass in soy sauce with ginger and spring onion here - you can't go wrong with the noodle soup dishes or the meat and rice combos such as barbecued (char siu) pork on rice. Change is inevitable I suppose and maybe related to commerce as they refurbished the restaurant last year to smarten it up a bit. However, the pantomime past is commemorated as you can now buy Wong Kei T-shirts with 'Upstairs!' & 'Downstairs!' on them.
Example of a classic waiter-customer dialogue I've heard in my time there:
Customer: (Having stuck his hand in the air for 5 mins to be noticed) Excuse me, can I have a knife and fork please?
Waiter: (Takes one look at the customer's plate of beef ho fun noodles) You lazy boy! No learn use chopsticks hmm?
Customer: Um, no so can I have a knife and fork...
Waiter: (Snorts) Ok, but more next time you learn chopsticks hey?
(Strides off muttering in Cantonese)
Despite this, I've never seen a knife and fork request refused there!
Anyway, Learo and I are in a moment of culinary diversification (well, in terms of Chinatown eateries) so the last few times we've been to different restaurants. Last night we went to the recently opened Chinese Experience, which was frankly disappointing. The decor is all modern and sleek to the point of being bland and the staff do not fit this interior. They are all smartly dressed but seem to have been trained with the Wong Kei manual; this kind of staff has its place in an establishment such as Wong Kei's, but in a modish restaurant charging above average prices, you expect decent and efficient service. Moreover, the food wasn't up to standard for a place seeking to be a cut above all the other restaurants in Chinatown - Learo's char siu pork on rice was half the size of its Wong Kei counterpart and the meat was actually dry and hard, making us think that the kitchen had microwaved the moisture out of it; my stir-fried rice noodles were similarly proportioned and bland.
To be fair, we arrived quite late and were told the kitchen was closing so they just managed to squeeze us in. Being a new place I suppose you can overlook staff teething problems for the moment. However, the kitchen is less easy to forgive though there have been good reviews of the dim sum menu, so a return visit at a more decent hour might yield a less wonky experience.
Our traditional fuelling station was that Chinatown institution, Wong Kei (Wonky as pronounced by a waiter I overheard answering the phone once) - a restaurant of legendary status for the slapdash manner of its waiters (with the reputation of the rudest in London) and cheap but decent food. The seating system to the uninitated can seem quite strange but makes perfect sense once you realise that this is not an establishment to leisurely linger over a meal - this is an in-out slophouse of the highest order! People on their own are usually sat on the groundfloor whilst if you are plural, you're given the (in)famous direction, 'Upstairs!' or 'Downstairs!'. Regardless of where you're sent, you'll be sitting next to complete strangers (management policy to maximise seating) which always makes the visits entertaining, especially later on in the evening when everyone's had a few beers.
The sad truth is that the place is past its heyday, when the waiters were truly rude, slapping plates down in front of you with a scowl and directing you to your places with a 'You sit here!'. Now the levels of rudeness have gradually evolved to something like civility and you even get a smile and a thank you sometimes - I almost miss the 'What you want?' request the waiters used to bark when taking your order! However, there are still a few waiters there who know how to scowl and it wasn't that long ago that I was there on my own and having bent down to rummage in my bag, heard a bang and sitting up again saw that the bowl of won ton noodles I'd ordered had magically appeared unnanounced, waiter nowhere to be seen.
The full comedic value of the rude waiters who used to throw menus around and swear at you in Cantonese/Mandarin has been reduced which long-time customers bemoan, but at least the quality of the food remains. The golden rule here is to keep the orders simple - you pay cheap prices for good basic food. Don't expect to get quality steamed sea bass in soy sauce with ginger and spring onion here - you can't go wrong with the noodle soup dishes or the meat and rice combos such as barbecued (char siu) pork on rice. Change is inevitable I suppose and maybe related to commerce as they refurbished the restaurant last year to smarten it up a bit. However, the pantomime past is commemorated as you can now buy Wong Kei T-shirts with 'Upstairs!' & 'Downstairs!' on them.
Example of a classic waiter-customer dialogue I've heard in my time there:
Customer: (Having stuck his hand in the air for 5 mins to be noticed) Excuse me, can I have a knife and fork please?
Waiter: (Takes one look at the customer's plate of beef ho fun noodles) You lazy boy! No learn use chopsticks hmm?
Customer: Um, no so can I have a knife and fork...
Waiter: (Snorts) Ok, but more next time you learn chopsticks hey?
(Strides off muttering in Cantonese)
Despite this, I've never seen a knife and fork request refused there!
Anyway, Learo and I are in a moment of culinary diversification (well, in terms of Chinatown eateries) so the last few times we've been to different restaurants. Last night we went to the recently opened Chinese Experience, which was frankly disappointing. The decor is all modern and sleek to the point of being bland and the staff do not fit this interior. They are all smartly dressed but seem to have been trained with the Wong Kei manual; this kind of staff has its place in an establishment such as Wong Kei's, but in a modish restaurant charging above average prices, you expect decent and efficient service. Moreover, the food wasn't up to standard for a place seeking to be a cut above all the other restaurants in Chinatown - Learo's char siu pork on rice was half the size of its Wong Kei counterpart and the meat was actually dry and hard, making us think that the kitchen had microwaved the moisture out of it; my stir-fried rice noodles were similarly proportioned and bland.
To be fair, we arrived quite late and were told the kitchen was closing so they just managed to squeeze us in. Being a new place I suppose you can overlook staff teething problems for the moment. However, the kitchen is less easy to forgive though there have been good reviews of the dim sum menu, so a return visit at a more decent hour might yield a less wonky experience.
10.2.05
Phantasmic Popera
Yesterday evening I watched my second musical show. I've been to loads of plays and other live performances in London's 'Theatreland', but have always passed on the musicals. The first one I saw was 'Miss Saigon' a few years ago, and even then it was only because a friend persuaded me to go as the show was on its final run in London.
However, last night's showing of 'The Phantom of the Opera' was actually fantastic. Perhaps it was because my companion and I had no idea what to expect (her first ever musical show) apart from a sketchy understanding of the plot (the programme was thin on details and fat on adverts). It was a lot more dynamic than I presumed, with plenty of excellent imaginatively atmospheric sets; the whole vivid performance itself was very tight, demanding the audience's attention. The familiar Lloyd Webber pop opera hits were deftly sung by a skilled cast and soared with the hypnotic cadence of tunes such as the signature 'Music of the Night'.
I envisaged at least a few slow moments but none emerged and we were both transfixed by the whole spectacle, along with the rest of the audience. In all it was a great evening out - I saw a very nice show with very nice company. A highly enjoyable and recommended experience, although as with most things, it might not be everyone's cup of tea. The only thing to mar the evening was the melon-sized head of the guy sat in the row in front of us.
However, last night's showing of 'The Phantom of the Opera' was actually fantastic. Perhaps it was because my companion and I had no idea what to expect (her first ever musical show) apart from a sketchy understanding of the plot (the programme was thin on details and fat on adverts). It was a lot more dynamic than I presumed, with plenty of excellent imaginatively atmospheric sets; the whole vivid performance itself was very tight, demanding the audience's attention. The familiar Lloyd Webber pop opera hits were deftly sung by a skilled cast and soared with the hypnotic cadence of tunes such as the signature 'Music of the Night'.
I envisaged at least a few slow moments but none emerged and we were both transfixed by the whole spectacle, along with the rest of the audience. In all it was a great evening out - I saw a very nice show with very nice company. A highly enjoyable and recommended experience, although as with most things, it might not be everyone's cup of tea. The only thing to mar the evening was the melon-sized head of the guy sat in the row in front of us.
9.2.05
Murphy & Sod Strike Again
Yes, I cancelled my bankcard and my travelcard and have to wait a week for re-issue, plus I had to pay for a new gym pass. Yes, shortly thereafter my travelcard wallet was found at the bottom of the laundry bin. Yes, Murphy's Law and that of Sod are pre-eminent forces in this universe.
Yes, it is very very annoying. At least I found it before today, the beginning of the Lunar New Year - Year of the Rooster/Chicken, which my superstitious mum says is a good thing...now I don't have to hear her telling me what bad luck I'm supposedly going to have all year. Well, Happy Lunar New Year anyway.
Yes, it is very very annoying. At least I found it before today, the beginning of the Lunar New Year - Year of the Rooster/Chicken, which my superstitious mum says is a good thing...now I don't have to hear her telling me what bad luck I'm supposedly going to have all year. Well, Happy Lunar New Year anyway.
7.2.05
Lost & Unfound
Not one of the better days I've ever experienced. Got up and left for work adamant that I had my travelcard wallet (public transport again!) in which I also keep a bankcard, work and gym passes and a few business cards/contact numbers, in my jacket pocket, but a fumble as I rounded the corner of my street told me no. Already late, I ran back to the house and sprinted up to my room to search the pockets of my other jacket which I'd worn the previous day but no again. Now, I'm generally a creature of habit and more often than not keep things in the same place. The home for that travelcard wallet is a jacket pocket and not finding it in any was extremely frustrating.
I had to concede to time however, so grabbed some money and ran for the bus stop. Today I've been racking my brains as to where I saw it last, which was Friday evening when I went for a few drinks after work - I didn't lose it during the course of the evening as I used it to get the nightbus back home. So I've either lost it on the bus, in the street, or somewhere in the house (my contact lenses were in their usual place in the morning though!). I must admit my memory from Friday is a little hazy but I do remember the journey home.
So, if I did lose it on the bus or in the street I've been lucky that nobody has taken advantage of my bankcard, which I checked earlier. I've put a stop on the card and ordered a new one (I'll be on credit from friends until Thursday!) but you just know that by the Laws of Murphy and Sod, my travelcard wallet will turn up in some nook or cranny once I've gone through the whole rigmarole of replacing passes etc. How annoying and I'm just frustrated with myself because I seldom lose things even after a drink or three! Oh well, the World spins on...
I had to concede to time however, so grabbed some money and ran for the bus stop. Today I've been racking my brains as to where I saw it last, which was Friday evening when I went for a few drinks after work - I didn't lose it during the course of the evening as I used it to get the nightbus back home. So I've either lost it on the bus, in the street, or somewhere in the house (my contact lenses were in their usual place in the morning though!). I must admit my memory from Friday is a little hazy but I do remember the journey home.
So, if I did lose it on the bus or in the street I've been lucky that nobody has taken advantage of my bankcard, which I checked earlier. I've put a stop on the card and ordered a new one (I'll be on credit from friends until Thursday!) but you just know that by the Laws of Murphy and Sod, my travelcard wallet will turn up in some nook or cranny once I've gone through the whole rigmarole of replacing passes etc. How annoying and I'm just frustrated with myself because I seldom lose things even after a drink or three! Oh well, the World spins on...
3.2.05
The Nightbus Experience
Perhaps I should rename this blog the Public Transport Blog with all the mentions of it in the past few posts. However, I suppose that's just a reflection of my life in London and how I go about it, ie via public transport! A group of us have had a Spanish friend staying over for the past 5 days so much public transport was used during this period. If you've ever been out for a late night in London somewhere, chances are that you've had the 'Nightbus Experience'. The phenomenon of various people all ranging from sober to merry to the more unconscious states of inebriation, catching public buses to take them home/more parties/straight to work, at crazy times of the night is one which many people take away with them as a memento of London.
Depending on the hour and the passengers, the atmosphere can be a bit party-like or sometimes it's a sombre pre-hangover feeling. Indisputably though, it's the weird and wonderful things to be heard and witnessed on nightbuses which culminate in the 'Nightbus Experience'. Of course there are the inevitable elements of some overexcitable idiots who spoil it for everyone by trying to settle drunken disputes in an aisle full of standing (well, staggering) passengers, as well as those drunken pontificators who decide to bestow all their inebriated wisdom on their fellow travellers and forget the art of debate, thinking that theirs are the only voices worthy of hearing. Sometimes on a nightbus journey you're thrown a real gem and we were treated the other night to the sight of a tipsy girl flouncing down the stairs with a small, but perfectly formed, coconut in her hand as we sailed through Islington at half past three in the morning on the N19. I remember asking a couple of strangers sitting behind whether coconuts were in season or not and another meaningful nightbus debate was born.
Oh, and you haven't had the true 'Nightbus Experience' unless you've fallen asleep on one and woken up somewhere that you've never been before...
Depending on the hour and the passengers, the atmosphere can be a bit party-like or sometimes it's a sombre pre-hangover feeling. Indisputably though, it's the weird and wonderful things to be heard and witnessed on nightbuses which culminate in the 'Nightbus Experience'. Of course there are the inevitable elements of some overexcitable idiots who spoil it for everyone by trying to settle drunken disputes in an aisle full of standing (well, staggering) passengers, as well as those drunken pontificators who decide to bestow all their inebriated wisdom on their fellow travellers and forget the art of debate, thinking that theirs are the only voices worthy of hearing. Sometimes on a nightbus journey you're thrown a real gem and we were treated the other night to the sight of a tipsy girl flouncing down the stairs with a small, but perfectly formed, coconut in her hand as we sailed through Islington at half past three in the morning on the N19. I remember asking a couple of strangers sitting behind whether coconuts were in season or not and another meaningful nightbus debate was born.
Oh, and you haven't had the true 'Nightbus Experience' unless you've fallen asleep on one and woken up somewhere that you've never been before...
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