Underground Manners

A funny thing happened the other day. I was on my way to Waterloo Station and decided the quickest way to get there was via London Liverpool Street Sation, then get the Central Line to Bank Station and from there, get the Bakerloo line, which goes directly to Waterloo Station. All of this of course was happening underground; London Underground, one of the oldest tube networks in the world. Okay enough of the travel log.

While evenings tend to be rush hour as everyone makes their way home. You are never an ear short of something comical or experiencng a comdey show down below. Today was no different. Under the City of London, there is life to be discovered. It is a sight to behold and the one liners that come your way, stay with you for a very long time.

Well, on this occassion, it was the train driver. Fair to say it is bl**dy hot down under and when the heat gets to you, you are not responsible for your actions or the words you utter. What a lame excuse? There is no reason to be rude because you are having a bad day. However, it does happen and such is life.

As usual, you will get the announcement over the intercom saying, "Doors closing, do not obstruct the doors." Unfortunately, someone may have done so unknowingly. Needless to say the train driver comes banging on the intercom and I mean his bodacious rant was rather animated in delivery. It got me thinking; when did we fall short of our ability to be civil on the job? His words were, "What part of do not obstruct the doors don't you understand?" At first, I could not help but think to myself, is he asking a polite question or is he just being rude and feels he has the right to speak to London Underground passengers the way that pleases him? It is either he has another job lined up or he is just naturally bold with no reserve or remorse whatsoever?

I must add, his little tirade got a few chuckles from passengers and hilarious that it was taken so well. If I had any premonition that I was going to hear his choice of words that evening; I would have taken a tape recorder along and recorded it for archive purpose.

While his words were rude and uncalled for in my opinion, it was also funny to dissect his question. Truly speaking, what part of 'Do not obstruct the doors' don't people understand? Is it (A) 'Do not' or (B)'Obstruct the doors?' Same way you would ask an indivividaul; 'What part of No don't you understand?' Is it the 'N' or the 'O?'

I guess that's life on the underground for you. Never a dull moment!!!

If you want more interesting stories about life down below London, visit:

http://londonundergroundlife.blogspot.com/

London Underground Map from Google Images