Braving the Underground

'Smack.'

Oh don't you worry about that sound, it was just me face- planting the floor on the District Line. This is the London Underground, probably the best and worst thing about the capital. Rude people - correction - infuriating people, Barbados conditions and cramped carriages. In fact, I would go as far as saying that the District Line should be rebranded as a horse and cart. It goes around 5mph and feels like an apocalyptic earthquake is sweeping the streets of London. I digress - here is my guide of what to expect when you step on the joys of our London tubes.

Awkward Eye Contact

Don't make eye contact with any fellow tube commuter for a duration longer than 2 seconds. No I am not staring at you, nor do I fancy you and I definitely am not up for staring lovingly into your eyes. I am, in fact, squashed against a glass window and you happen to be in my direct line of sight. Sorry to disappoint.

Invasion of Personal Space

I don't even know your name, we've only known each other 35 seconds and are practically chest to chest. Do expect squashed conditions and to be body pressing against a random bloke (or woman). Don't get too excited as it's definitely not as sexy as it sounds - especially when someone has their moist soggy armpit in your face. I do feel like shouting, 'let's slow down, were moving too fast' as someone decides that they would quite like to squash up to me like a magnet.

Frustrated Platform Commuters

The carriage is literally packed and you are sardined between two grumpy 7am commuters. The train stops at the next station and an irritable bloke outside shouts, 'move down the carriage, there is plenty of space.' What do we do being typically British? Absolutely nothing of course.

Leaners

When I am not working 9-5, my other part-time job is being a leaning post - said no one. Yet, I am astonished how many underground commuters mistake me for a shiny, metal inanimate object.

Getting Close and Personal with the Floor

It's also blatantly not a tube journey unless you face-plant the floor, while dragging the stranger down at the side of you to save yourself. Just me? Ok, we'll move on...

Leaners Revisited

I am not sure who I have it in for the most; people who lean on you or people lean on the entire central pole. The rest of the poor travellers are left like Bambi on ice with nothing to hold on to. Sometimes, I feel like slapping them but then remember that it's illegal and I'm also not brave enough.

Don't Lean on the Closing Doors

In theory, I can see both sides of this. In commuters defence, we can't move to even scratch our nose while the driver can do a few cheeky star jumps in his mini cabin and not be wedged against the doors. On the flip side, after three attempts of trying to close them, people should really think about MINDING THE FLIPPING DOORS.

So there you go! Now you know what to expect and while I really haven't done well in selling the London Underground to you, it's worth mentioning that it is the most efficient way of getting around the capital. It's also kind of nice to see that others share your Monday morning misery, after work couch potato state and weekend antics. Maybe I wouldn't have it any other way. Maybe. 

Two dead after helicopter crashes into a London tower then plunges to the ground

 Two people have died - including the pilot - after a plane plunged into a newly-built tower in central London this morning.

Nine more people were injured as the plane hit the top of The Tower St George Wharf and burst into flames.

It is thought that low visibility conditions caused the plane to crash before plunging into the rush hour traffic below.

Witnesses reported low cloud at the time of the accident, suggesting the pilot may not have seen the crane in the bad weather conditions.

The plane crashed only 20 yards from a Vauxhall station, where eye-witnesses said people were frantically screaming as firefighters attended the scene.

One witness said the helicopter was 'rocking and shaking from side to side' before plunging to the ground.

UPDATES

Lots of updates to come on here! Sorry that I have been absent, however, work is hectic with the Christmas period coming up. However, I promise to devote full attention to this blog from now on and my love of everything newsy!

Coming up, expect London spectacular 'Rock of Ages' review, why you should choose Costa coffee over Starbucks and I'll also look at whether universities are doing enough to set students up for the work place after graduation.

Subscribe for much more.

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Lavish London

Thinking of taking a trip to the big city? 

     By Lauren Vamplew 

THE hustle and bustle of London is strangely addictive. Never before have I felt so comfortable being in overcrowded shops and busy tourist areas. This is all because there’s something magical about the capital city. Flurries of tourists snap pictures of the Big Ben, as Tower Bridge sparkles in the dark and quaint boutiques keep customers flowing through the entrance until late. The great thing about this city is that there is no opportunity to get bored. Shopping, theatres, sight-seeing, bars and restaurants keep the vibrant city alive. Not to mention the newly regained British spirit echoing throughout the capital. The magic of the Olympics and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee has brought over international tourists in aim of discovering what London has to offer.

London’s sight-seeing attractions make the city feel animated and energetic. Buckingham palace is the perfect attraction for those who love picturesque scenery and charming architecture. Likewise, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey both have intricate decorative detailing that keep onlookers admiring the surroundings. If you prefer relaxing with a drink at the end of your day, there are some bars sitting at the side of the Thames which are perfect in the sunshine. The London Eye glows in the night sky, as Tower Bridge shines and the city gives off a vibrant radiance. By day, St James’s Park is full of businessmen taking in some fresh air on their dinner break, as well as families and children taking pictures in front of the water. With plenty of space, it is ideal if you want to sit down and eat some dinner after a long afternoon of shopping. So if you are like me and get caught up in the heart of the city, you will find sight-seeing a wonderful experience.

 

If you have never been to watch a show in London, then make sure Wicked is the first you tick off your checklist. The show is comical, with hilarious characters that spin the story of the Wicked Witch in The Wizard of Oz. You will feel a mixed bag of emotions - tears, joy and laughter - so make sure you take your tissues and prepare to sing along! If this hasn’t sold you, then Mamma Mia is a popular choice amongst theatre goers, as well as Shrek and Ghost. All you need is a few bags of sweets and it’s show time.

Being one of the leading fashion capitals of the world, London is great to satisfy those shopping urges. The stores are ten times bigger and there are many great outlets lining the streets. It hosts the usual favourites, however, the department stores are bigger and there are plenty designer boutiques if you are spoiling yourself. Forever 21 has recently been brought over by America, offering beautiful feminine clothing. If you head to Covent Garden, you will find located all the designer shops that make the area sparkle even more.

The great thing about Covent Garden is that by night it is a gorgeous place to round off your day. The downside is that it comes with a bit of a price tag. If you can overcome that then there are some great restaurants lining the pebbled streets, situated outdoors with waiters who keep filling up them cocktails. There are also many balcony bars that overlook the hustle and bustle, twinkling fairy lights and relaxing surroundings. Many entertainers perform in this area, so it’s nice to see the strange and crazy acts that London has to offer. Also, if you wander around properly, you may just be able to find the happy hour bars. Perfect.

I Heart London by Lindsey Kelk Review

I Heart London by Lindsey Kelk

REVIEW 

If you have read the entire series of 'I Heart's' you would probably been an emotional wreck before even reading the first page. Yes, this is Kelk's final part of her fabulously sparkling story of a 30 something woman who runs off to New York after catching her cheating fiancée in the back seat of her car doing the dirty at her best friends wedding. Main character Angela Clarke's adventure has, so far, took her to the Big Apple, Hollywood, Paris, Vegas and finally back to London. 

After saving her career and glittering life in New York by starting up her own magazine, the last book saw her accepting Alex's marriage proposal. Now it's her high maintenance mothers birthday meaning that she has to return back to blighty for the first time in two years. Things quickly - and naturally - begin to spiral out of control as her mother suggests they get married that weekend in their tiny back garden, with her ex-finance 'Mark' in the crowd and stirring up trouble. 

With the arrival of her American best friend Jenny treating the wedding as a military operation and causing friction between herself and Angela's British best mate, 'Louisa' - the ceremony soon turns into a dreaded nightmare. 

Prepare to get through a full box of tear-filled tissues by the end of the book. The words 'THE END' was the most traumatic feeling, 'WHAT WILL I READ NOW!'

That being said, the final book is hilarious and witty. You can completely relate to the main character who has way too many drunken injuries and gets herself in several awkward situations. Think Bridget Jones with a slightly more glossy edge. Comparing this book to the first, all the characters have grown and developed as the author has matured along with the story. Throughout the series you have had the glamour, the tears, laughter and empathy. 

I sincerely hope Kelk never stops writing books as her humour carries the novel well - not to mention her valuable knowledge of designer shoes and MAC products. 

I tweeted Lindsey Kelk to tell her how much I loved the series, she said: "Aww, there will be other books! 

"And maybe more I Heart's one day."

Lets hope so!