Public Transport

I've been away up north for the weekend.  Fairly good time too.  But, it is a wee while since I've made that particular journey on public transport, and I have a few observations to make.

1)  The Big Issue is a pretty good read when you are on a train. (Note - a pretty good read anyway, but when you're on a train, you have the time to read it).

2)  Engineering works go on at the weekend - and must cost train companies a fair bit of money in replacement buses.  In spite of the horrendous north-east weather, the buses were comfortable - and, importantly, on time.

3)  People are ignorant and inconsiderate.  At least the ones on our train were.  There was the guy who took up a whole table (and two seats - though that was more due to his size than anything) for his laptop, who then proceeded to crunch through a packet of chipsticks and eat a Double Decker the loudest I've ever heard anyone eat.  The woman opposite us (with a ring emblazoned with the word MUM across it in huge letters) who spent the entire time texting and receiving texts - with her phone at full volume.  And there was the carriage full of kids, which was our own fault really - picking the carriage next to the station door wasn't smart.  But seriously, when parents have kids under 5 on public transport, think of ways to keep them occupied and don't let them scream every 5 minutes.

At least the event I was home for was a success - despite the drifting snow, the blizzards and the freezing temperatures.  I'll be hoping the weather changes for the better by March.