The Anonymous Widower

New Year in the South

Last night, I went to a New Year’s party in South London. Because of the various transport options and the fact that I can’t drive, I decided to take two buses; a 21 to Lewisham and then a 75 onwards towards Croydon. If it hadn’t been New Year, but say a Sunday lunch, I’d have taken the East London Line and walked to and from the stations at both ends.  But in a way, I wanted to prove that someone who has had a stroke can cope with the same problems everybody else has to deal with.

So how did I cope?

The outward run was pretty easy, as I’d done most of the journey on the 21 before. I had thought of taking the East London Line, but I wanted to be sure of the interchange for the return. I did have to wait about fifteen minutes for the 75 at Lewisham and the wait would have been improved if the bus stop had had a proper display announcing the arrival of the buses. I also got off at the wrong stop and had to walk back, but that was my mistake.

Coming home was slightly more difficult and this was mainly due to having to take the N47 to London Bridge from Lewisham rather than my intended 21.  But as there was no information of any sort at Lewisham, I felt that keeping going was a better option than waiting. From London Bridge, northbound buses were thin on the ground and everything was rather crowded, so in the end I got a 43 to just past the Angel and walked home. It wasn’t the best option, but I quite like walking cities at night and always have.  The trip didn’t appear to be too dangerous, with the biggest obvious danger seeming to come from police cars rushing up and down everywhere and some fairly frightening characters on the bus. But no-one bothered me in the least way at all.

So would I do the trip again on a New Year’s Eve?  A lot depends if I get invited to a party again.

But I wouldn’t chose to stay as late again and would probably prefer a train or tube back most of the way.

On the other hand, why miss a good party!

So thanks to all who entertained me last night.

January 1, 2011 - Posted by AnonW | Food, Transport/Travel | Buses, London, New Year