Documenting the adventures of Sohail Mirza
I’m vehemently opposed to abusive language in general, especially in public, but England seems to do worse, apparently with people spitting on rail attendants.
They take this problem seriously enough to equip the attendants with DNA swab kits. Maybe it’s the liberal North American in me talking, but a tad excessive, no?
Today is a beautifully sunny day in London’s southwestern countryside. But don’t be deceived. It rains here an awful lot.
Yes, yes, you’ve heard it before, it rains a lot in England. But, how much?
Well, it rains here so much the roofs of houses have barnacles growing on them. Yeah, the stuff that grows on the outer hull of ships!
Today’s breakfast was hurriedly picked up from Caffe Nero in Surbiton, UK. I’m on my way to Alton out of Surbiton rail station and only a few spare minutes in which to pick something up and eat on the run.
What you’re looking at is a Belgian chocolate muffin and an English breakfast tea. What’s not shown is a pre-made chicken salad sandwich from Nero which was absolutely flavourless.
So why is my muffin upside down? Everyone knows the way to eat is save the best for last, and the cap of a muffin is always the best part. So, you see, there’s no choice but to start at the bottom.
In contrast to the sandwich, the muffin was delightful with tea.
Overall, decent for £5.60.
This train stops in Woking.
Top deck of a double-decker, but I gave up my front window seat to a group of kids.
Believe me, I was more thrilled to be on the front row of a double-decker than they are. Now I’m grumpy.
If you’ve been following me on my London trip, you may have noticed a lack of updates over the last 24 hours. Unfortunately the updates will remain sparing until Monday when I return to Canada.
This weekend I’m in the English countryside attending an event that is exciting to me on a personal level. The event being in the country means data access is off the table. Bear with me though as more details will be posted on Monday.
For now, sleep.
Look, they left the lights on for me.
Today’s journey starts late but starts at Waterloo station. Playing it by ear today since I’ve run into some friends!
Next stop, Burger King. Yes, keeping it cheap today.
Smart phones are awesome, until they’re not.
Sure they’re smart, but they are not great phones at all. When traveling be sure to pack a dumb phone as well.
I’ve been relying on my smartphone for Internet access, mapping, and of course blog posts from the road. It’s been stupendously useful in that regard. Unfortunately, in large part I’ve been planning my day around the charging needs of the phone though. These things are major power hogs!
Then there are practical issues associated with them.
Raining outside? Be careful with that touchscreen; too much water and you lose electrical conductance on the screen meaning your touches won’t register. Bright outside? Might not be able to see the keyboard. Cold and your hands are gloved? Good luck with that touchscreen!
When the battery is running low I have to flip through settings turning off various radios and features. Now the smartphone isn’t so smart.
I suppose much of this is common sense, but you know the saying. Sometimes common sense isn’t so common.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not sorry I have a smartphone at all, but lesson learned. Pack a dumb phone as well. Oh, and make sure your phones are unlocked.
In London they make a fuss about the Marble Arch. I don’t get what the big deal is though… it’s only marble. Back in North America our arches are golden.
Seasons Away 
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