I have to be honest, to admit this is a hard thing to swallow. My car has broken down. Again. If anyone has read my post 'To Birmingham and Back...' it won't be difficult to understand that this is a truly awful thing to happen, as I feel I live in the Twilight zone. My car is my saviour, sometimes it's almost me and him (he's definitely a man) against the world.
I've had it for 6 years now, and to lose it would be like losing a limb. I've relied on it so much, we've been through thick and thin, boyfriends, tears, we've had highs (when we make a destination) and lows (plenty of roadside recoveries). The car really deserves a name, but after the demise of my first car, Freddie (a 1988 VW Polo), I just couldn't quite bring myself naming this one. It didn't feel right.
Freddie is another story altogether and reminds me of my youth - those care free days of teen years. He also went up in flames. One New Years eve, whilst on an everyday errand, smoke started rising from the engine and into the car - I won't forget the stink of burning plastic. I pulled the car over and shortly afterwards the engine burst into flames. In my blind panic and shock I obviously had 'safety first' on my mind as I locked the car door. Although, in hindsight, I don't think anyone would have tried stealing anything from a car that was on fire. My father thought I was over reacting when I rung him up with the news my car was in flames. Thankfully a lady had called the Fire Brigade and the road was shut off - my father and brother had a shock when they arrived on scene. So that was the end of Freddie; I'd spent hours cleaning him, had passed my driving test in him and I was very fond of him. It has been like a quick and intense romance, never to be repeated.
This lump (said with affection) is nameless but nevertheless, we've been through a ridiculous breaking down history. When it breaks down I just want to hit my head against a wall, it's the most annoying thing. It's inconvenient and expensive. The first problems began not long after buying the car in October 2004, I had bought it through the garage my brother used to work at - it had been part exchanged.
Unfortunately the UK is not the driest of countries, especially in winter. My car decided it didn't like the rain, and going through puddles was not for it. Shortly after driving through a puddle it cut out, leaving me stranded and blocking quite a busy cut-through road during peak commuter time. I had to wait to be rescued by a friend from work. I wish I could say this was the only time it happened but I'd be lying it, it did it several times more, sometimes at night.
At this point in my life the AA became a very good friend of mine. I'm not sure how many times I called them out but I was always glad to see them. They'd try and sell me the next level insurance up, I'd just smile and say no thank you.
I won't bore you with all the times it's broken down (I think it may take me forever to recall), all I can say is with most situations 'I've been there and done it'. Stranded by the motorway, just off busy dual carriageways and in the snow. I have to say being honked by women on the school run in their great big cars was amusing. I don't know why they thought I would voluntarily stop on a T-junction with my hazard lights on. I wouldn't like to repeat the words that fell out of my mouth, but I was pleasantly rewarded with their shocked faces.
I eventually had to leave the AA because I had made too many call-outs and they wanted to charge me a premium for the privilege. It was a sad day when I left.
I love this one (it's a 1995 VW Golf, a car of the solid variety) but it drives me (quite literally) round the bend. In my mind it's like a man, sometimes reliable, we'll travel miles and back with no problems whatsoever and sometimes it will stick it's heels in stubbornly and won't budge. Like today.
Starting up with a nice bright rumble, we had no problems getting off on our planned journey, however after remembering I had forgotten the items I actually needed for my trip, I turned round half way down the road. Returning to the car with my belongings, I tried to restart the car. Nothing.
I had to wait until the return of my brother until I got the diagnosis (my new RAC cover doesn't cover me outside my house). The starter motor had gone and there was nothing to be done. My brother, a fully trained mechanic has agreed to fix it on Saturday (and probably demand my gratitude for the next month). I am of course grateful, it saves me a lot of money - those who own cars will know how garages rip them off, the cost of labour is extortionate. However, until then, I have only my bike to carry me out of this village. It's going to drive me mad.
You're probably thinking that I should get rid of this totally unreliable, ancient specimen and trade it in for something newer. But I can't. Not yet. Not until it dies on me completely. It really is a love/hate relationship, there's no other way to describe it.I'll be at the end of my tether one minute, tearing my hair out, ready to send it to the wreckers yard...then after I've calmed down I won't consider it.
We've got this far, there's no point in giving up now.
Tuesday 8 November 2011
Friday 4 November 2011
Progression/Regression
Watching the news about the Eurozone hasn't completely concerned me until now. Not to say I haven't been worried or thought that these are bad economic times, as they obviously are. But I've distanced myself, I mean, what can I do but just carry on?
It then hit me. There we are, nations with so much progression - we don't live in the Dark Ages, we've got computers to do everything and Apps for everything, we even have brand new recycling bins on station platforms (see-through mind you) for our commuter papers. And still. Still something is missing from our lives.
Democracy is a strong word, but do we really have it? - I'm not suggesting a military government, dictatorship or communist state is better, but we're all supposed to have our say. Decisions are meant to be made by ones who represent us, but really, do they understand what's actually going on?
Look at Greece, people are desperate and the government has got them into an impossible situation. As always, the lowly worker is made paid for the mistakes of those in greater power.
I don't know the answer, but honestly neither do the politicians. The Eurozone leaders have to treat the Greek PM like a little child, who can't have his pocket money until he takes proper responsibility. We can't say that this is the best situation the world has been in in history because when we take 2 steps forward in technology and science, we take 2 back with the dreadful financial and economical situation of instability.
I think I would rather live in a much more simple society, if it meant I didn't have my life up in the air. The worst part is we'll never get it back, because everyone is obsessed with possessions, we're past the point of no return.
But who am I?
It then hit me. There we are, nations with so much progression - we don't live in the Dark Ages, we've got computers to do everything and Apps for everything, we even have brand new recycling bins on station platforms (see-through mind you) for our commuter papers. And still. Still something is missing from our lives.
Democracy is a strong word, but do we really have it? - I'm not suggesting a military government, dictatorship or communist state is better, but we're all supposed to have our say. Decisions are meant to be made by ones who represent us, but really, do they understand what's actually going on?
Look at Greece, people are desperate and the government has got them into an impossible situation. As always, the lowly worker is made paid for the mistakes of those in greater power.
I don't know the answer, but honestly neither do the politicians. The Eurozone leaders have to treat the Greek PM like a little child, who can't have his pocket money until he takes proper responsibility. We can't say that this is the best situation the world has been in in history because when we take 2 steps forward in technology and science, we take 2 back with the dreadful financial and economical situation of instability.
I think I would rather live in a much more simple society, if it meant I didn't have my life up in the air. The worst part is we'll never get it back, because everyone is obsessed with possessions, we're past the point of no return.
But who am I?
Thursday 3 November 2011
To Birmingham and Back...
I'm not a very keen traveller when it comes to public transport. Having lived in a village which is away from a variety of things (although this is a very commuter type village, don't be fooled, it's not in the sticks) as soon as I was old enough I needed to drive to get out and about.
So for years I've grown accustomed to flinging possessions into the car and taking off in a direction. Things are a lot slower on public transport and more tedious-having to share your personal space with strangers and being able to take only what you can carry (limiting for outfit choices). In fact now as I sit here analysing my first trip to Birmingham by train, the man next to me is casting a rather offish smell. All I want to do is scream.
So what would make a person like me want to travel by train? Has the price of petrol really risen that high? In one word yes. Now this wouldn't usually tempt me, but costing a mere £20 return when in the car it would cost £60 in petrol I began to sway. That on top of me needing to be at work in London either end of the journey persuaded me that i would already be there-to return back to pick my car would take an hour and a half, it would be pointless.
It has to be said, getting across London with any luggage is horrendous. You either have a choice of climbing up and down stairs for tube stations or dragging the blasted suitcase behind you, walking all the way. If you manage to find a direct bus you're quite lucky, and considering these are the cheapest option I'd suggest these are the best idea-unless there is no space downstairs. When I reached Euston, I was greeted with more stairs - a man kindly offered to help, but in the true London commuter spirit, suspicion of him made me decline
it.
At Euston nothing was actually tricky (maybe the unclear meal deal signs in M&S, which is not the stations fault). It was strange that no barriers were place at the beginning of the platform, but it actually made it easier to walk straight down to the train.
The train company taking me up to Birmingham New Street was Virgin Trains. Although it was maybe no longer looking completely brand new I was pleased with the seat-i'd requested one by the window. It was spacious, I'd managed to fit my luggage on the rack so I quite happily settled myself down for a two and a half hour journey. It was only when the announcer on the train said it would arrive at 15.45 at New Street I realised I'd got it wrong. Journey time from Euston on Virgin Trains on average is 1hr 20mins-a rather pleasant surprise (although I must have known this when I booked the tickets). We flew along through the countryside at a mighty pace (at which I wished my normal commuter train to Waterloo would fly-I'd be home in half the time at that rate). This is one of the biggest positives about not taking the car-it means I can let my mind wander and allow someone else to take me to my destination. Not having to driving meant I wasn't exhausted from concentrating on the road for 2 and half hours, making me fresh with energy to enjoy my friends company.
On my return I didn't encounter any problems on the train either.
It's hard to say which transport is better. I generally prefer my car because it's my own
space and it allows over packing, but at the same time petrol isn't cheap and getting stuck in traffic is almost always going to happen - ending in frustrations as well as delays time wise.
Getting to the station required a lot of effort - even my starting station requires me to beg for a lift there (otherwise a 40min walk or shocking bus service). But nothing was delayed, all trains ran on time. Although I'm sure we all know this isn't always the way with trains.
Overall I'm glad I took the train, it's much more cost effective for one person, if you can book early and get a good deal. When deciding on whether to take the car it's best to weigh up cost and travelling time. It depends what's more important to you at the moment.
So for years I've grown accustomed to flinging possessions into the car and taking off in a direction. Things are a lot slower on public transport and more tedious-having to share your personal space with strangers and being able to take only what you can carry (limiting for outfit choices). In fact now as I sit here analysing my first trip to Birmingham by train, the man next to me is casting a rather offish smell. All I want to do is scream.
So what would make a person like me want to travel by train? Has the price of petrol really risen that high? In one word yes. Now this wouldn't usually tempt me, but costing a mere £20 return when in the car it would cost £60 in petrol I began to sway. That on top of me needing to be at work in London either end of the journey persuaded me that i would already be there-to return back to pick my car would take an hour and a half, it would be pointless.
It has to be said, getting across London with any luggage is horrendous. You either have a choice of climbing up and down stairs for tube stations or dragging the blasted suitcase behind you, walking all the way. If you manage to find a direct bus you're quite lucky, and considering these are the cheapest option I'd suggest these are the best idea-unless there is no space downstairs. When I reached Euston, I was greeted with more stairs - a man kindly offered to help, but in the true London commuter spirit, suspicion of him made me decline
it.
At Euston nothing was actually tricky (maybe the unclear meal deal signs in M&S, which is not the stations fault). It was strange that no barriers were place at the beginning of the platform, but it actually made it easier to walk straight down to the train.
The train company taking me up to Birmingham New Street was Virgin Trains. Although it was maybe no longer looking completely brand new I was pleased with the seat-i'd requested one by the window. It was spacious, I'd managed to fit my luggage on the rack so I quite happily settled myself down for a two and a half hour journey. It was only when the announcer on the train said it would arrive at 15.45 at New Street I realised I'd got it wrong. Journey time from Euston on Virgin Trains on average is 1hr 20mins-a rather pleasant surprise (although I must have known this when I booked the tickets). We flew along through the countryside at a mighty pace (at which I wished my normal commuter train to Waterloo would fly-I'd be home in half the time at that rate). This is one of the biggest positives about not taking the car-it means I can let my mind wander and allow someone else to take me to my destination. Not having to driving meant I wasn't exhausted from concentrating on the road for 2 and half hours, making me fresh with energy to enjoy my friends company.
On my return I didn't encounter any problems on the train either.
It's hard to say which transport is better. I generally prefer my car because it's my own
space and it allows over packing, but at the same time petrol isn't cheap and getting stuck in traffic is almost always going to happen - ending in frustrations as well as delays time wise.
Getting to the station required a lot of effort - even my starting station requires me to beg for a lift there (otherwise a 40min walk or shocking bus service). But nothing was delayed, all trains ran on time. Although I'm sure we all know this isn't always the way with trains.
Overall I'm glad I took the train, it's much more cost effective for one person, if you can book early and get a good deal. When deciding on whether to take the car it's best to weigh up cost and travelling time. It depends what's more important to you at the moment.
An Unholy Dispute
I've found it rather interesting how the Occupy Protests outside of St Pauls in London have begun to challenge something completely different, and highlight a problem with church priorities.
The protest is actually about anti-capitalism, and unable to camp outside the London Stock Exchange (it's privately owned land) the group pitched up in front of one of London's most iconic landmarks, St Pauls. Originally welcomed by the church, slowly as the week has progressed, calls for the protesters to move on have become stronger, backed by legal a move towards action. The cathedral had to close to the public on grounds of health and safety, but protesters have denied any breaches, keeping to regulations set out by the police.
So why was St Pauls shut? Obviously there was a fear that protests would turn violent, that the Wren designed building would be damaged. However, there have been no threats or demonstrations that point towards force or anger by these protesters, although police did clash with demonstrators on the steps on the weekend before last.
Tourists have been disappointed, making the trip over to London - which is not a cheap holiday in this economic climate. So it will be interesting to see whether the church will practice what they preach and 'throw out the money lenders', or continue to be concerned with their own back pocket, as St Paul's loses more money during the closure.
The protest is actually about anti-capitalism, and unable to camp outside the London Stock Exchange (it's privately owned land) the group pitched up in front of one of London's most iconic landmarks, St Pauls. Originally welcomed by the church, slowly as the week has progressed, calls for the protesters to move on have become stronger, backed by legal a move towards action. The cathedral had to close to the public on grounds of health and safety, but protesters have denied any breaches, keeping to regulations set out by the police.
So why was St Pauls shut? Obviously there was a fear that protests would turn violent, that the Wren designed building would be damaged. However, there have been no threats or demonstrations that point towards force or anger by these protesters, although police did clash with demonstrators on the steps on the weekend before last.
Tourists have been disappointed, making the trip over to London - which is not a cheap holiday in this economic climate. So it will be interesting to see whether the church will practice what they preach and 'throw out the money lenders', or continue to be concerned with their own back pocket, as St Paul's loses more money during the closure.
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