[rush hour in leicester]

Today I had an experience of what some non-studenty types would call "real life." Instead of working from home or meandering into my office at uni. at the safe, after rush-hour time, I gathered my wits and prepared to brave the 8:00am mad rush at Leciester rail station. As we pulled into the station car park without having to dodge a million angry Londoners..erm, I mean communters of course, we marvelled at the lack of cars. Hrm, maybe the station had closed for this Thursday, the 3rd of November. Hrm, perhaps not. I ambled into the station without anyone breathing down my neck huffing and puffing at my daring choice to actually look at the departure board. Wow. I qued up to buy my ticket. Only three people in the que and, now this is unbelievable, every SINGLE ticket selling kiosk was actually open and working! That meant that there was hardly any waiting time. No angry, fidgity, nervous people in the que huffing and puffing about being late for work...Wow. Then, now this might really surprise you, the ticket seller spoke!!! He mentioned the unseasonably mild weather, he wished me luck on my conference, he bid me good day. WOW! Now, this would never (ok, maybe once) have happened in busy Londinium. Right. Then I could actually walk to my platform with out zigzagging between grumpy business men and women intent on running over anyone in their path. I found the platform. I then found a chair to sit upon as there was hardly anyone around during this supposed rush hour. Then the train arrived. The digital sign said "Do not board next train." I found the conductor. I asked him. He was helpful. I got on the train. I found a seat. I say again for those of you who haven't travelled on a train, in London (or into London), at rush hour: I FOUND A SEAT. I actually enjoyed my trip in musing at the passing countryside and marveling at this simplier life outside of London.