Smoke Free

London goes smoke free on 1 July and let me tell you, I'm counting the days. Pubs will now be inviting places. Restaurants will be appetising.

Check out this biting commentary Smoking ban: the benefits
by Time Out London columnist Michael Hodges.

Hodges also had some harsh word for London cyclists, ouch. Two-wheeled fascism: the trouble with London's cyclists.

As a pedestrian it made total sense. I'll have to re-read it now that I have a bike.

Two Wheeling

Check this out - I won a folding bike from Time Out London magazine. I didn't want to reveal it until the bike was actually in my hands. Here it is - a Ridgeback Emmisary. Seven speeds, came with a rack and has its own bell. Would you believe the contest was sponsored by British Gas? How ironic.

Rode the bike home today along the Canal from Kings Cross to Paddington. Took me 50 minutes door to door including 10 minutes of walking the bike from my office to the canal. That's much better than the two hours it takes me to walk. Now that the Tube is getting steamy, no air conditioning and it seems to be facing constant delays, the bike is a super alternative.

Quick lessons learned include braking is opposite to the US. Left is back and right is front. Plus, I immediately learned to ride on the left as I nearly caused several water crashes. Also, ring that bell. Going under overpasses takes some care as well - they have low head room.

The best part is that I feel free for the first time in London - and - people smile at me. Some even said Cheers when I let them pass. I am happy as a lark. The bike rides like a dream.

I'm thinking of naming it Ike the Bike although am tempted to call it George like my Houston Scion.

Overheard on the Tube

Time Out London magazine has a weekly feature which I usually read half-heartedly, called Overheard on the Tube. It is little tidbits that someone, I suppose on their staff, has heard while travelling along the Tube lines. Frankly, I didn't get it since I rarely heard people talk on the tube. Clearly it was invented.

Well, tonight on the tube I finally overheard two chick-a-dees talking and it was worthy of the Overheard on the Tube column.

Girl A: (heavy make-up, super short skirt, purple stockings, black coat and Ugg boots) Your earings match my lips.

Girl B: (over-processed hair, camel hair coat, black earings) No they don't, they match your coat.