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The tube is a wonderful thing 13 July 2008

Posted in Life.

The original London Underground map by Harry Beck

For a city I really don't like, I spend an inordinate amount of time in London. Being a bloke who has a long standing love affair with open space, especially the sea, I do find cities claustrophobic. On the other hand, being a voracious traveller, I do warm to the occasional one; New York, Bath and Barcelona being my favourites (yes I know, I am not unique here). However, there is one thing about London which is excellent, the underground (known as the tube).

Fortunately, where I live I can easily travel 20/30 miles in as many minutes and I honestly can't imagine even visiting London without this mighty institution. I know Londoners complain about it all the time and yes, it's generally full of sweaty, miserable people, but have driven around the place over the years it is becoming increasingly difficult to get from A to B above ground.

Harry Beck, designer of the original London Underground map - my hero

I have started a moderately successful campaign to have people smile at me whilst cooked up down there. Thinking about it now, are they smiling with me, or are they thinking "poor, simple, northern monkey". The latter I suspect.

The Oyster card has also made an immense difference in the ease of getting about, as you no longer have to queue at machines for five minutes to find they don't work, then queue for another five minutes at the ticket counter to be confronted by a miserable, 'Darth Vader' impersonator behind bulletproof glass...

Even the map makes me feel good; a design classic. Well done Harry Beck who is one of one of my all time heroes. Loving his specs.

Baz Luhrmann said "use sunscreen" - I say, "when in London, use the tube"...

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