Day 5: On the move and Drugs, lots of drugs. (Going it alone)

Today I moved location from the North the South (of London obviously)...

Right so we woke up very late again and everything was a bit of a rush, but I managed to pack in time and still go out for breakfast; kind of wish we didn't. 

We walked through a place called Alexandra Palace* and found a local cafe, went in and ordered...it all seemed normal until we realised the owner of the cafe was busy dealing drugs to many of his customers. 

What would happen:

1. The customer would come in,
2.  Sit down,
3.  The owner would then go over to them, place it on the table,
4.  Take the money,
5.  Then they would immediately get up and leave.

 Could you be any more obvious? We ate the greasy breakfast with caution and got out as quickly as possible. 

*Alexandra Palace is an astonishing place, it holds picturesque views of the whole city and the actual palace was where BBC first broadcasted. 

Alexandra Palace 

After this it was time to get on the move, this is when I regret bringing the amount I did. I now had to go it alone on the tube and around the city. I hoped for it not to be busy but silly me, its London of course it will be. As I struggled through the long tube station tunnels to get to the platform I knocked people, I got in the way and I became one of them annoying tourist where I had to stop every minute to relax my arms from the strain of all my bags. I became what I complained about yesterday (oh dear). 

tube app

After 54 minutes, 20 stations and 2 changes, I made it probably with alot more muscle than I previously had. If you know me well that means none. The last change I made was onto the DLR- docklands lgiht  railway, which is an above ground train service (still ran through TfL). The trains have no driver and are automatic, I sat right at the front and oh my, it was scary. At the speed they go it was like a rollercoaster especially with all the hills and bends the line has. 

DLR 

Once I finally found where I was next staying, I took a walk over (well under) the river to Greenwich to find where my work placement was for the next two weeks. To get over the river there isn't a bridge, instead there is an underground tunnel...you could definitely tell you were underwater due to shiplike underground smell of fish and stale water. 

Over in Greenwich I quite easily found the building but (no it wasn't that simple), I was stopped by a pair of youths and asked ''do you want to buy'', obviously I presumed they meant drugs, I politely replied with "No thank you'' and their response was "Oh are you sure, you look that kind of guy", I was shocked, what did they mean...I don't look like a stoner?- so thats twice in one day I have had an incident with drugs. #sayNOtoDRUGS


I resisted the walk back and got the DLR, once again another rollercoaster experience. I then became independent and did my first ever lone shop in Asda and got all the essentials for my breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

Tomorrow I start my work placement at FE Week on the magazine Campus Weekly. It should hopefully be an exciting and valuable experience, so check back tomorrow for an update on my first day. 

(HOLIDAY OVER :( ) 

Day 4, Theatre, Bubble Tea and the Boris Bikes.

"Today we circled London on a lost and long adventure".

We took the long tube journey across several lines making it finally to Canary Wharf, in order to collect the keys for my place of stay following tomorrow for the next two weeks. The majority of  the district was classed as a smoke- free zone but the 'rebel' high financial business profiles did not seem to comply to this; #power. 

The amount of men and woman walking round in their tailored suits made me feel like an Eastender (stereotyping) and the sophisticated synced walk made me look like I needed Etiquette lessons. However the area was a stunning place surrounded with tall buildings (don't think they can be classed as skyscrapers when compared to New York). Even the tube station had some class about it. 

Moving back over to main London; as I like to call it, I attempted to shop on Oxford Street but the crowds got the best of me and I couldn't cope, I'll stick to Exeter next time, thats worse enough. Yes at the moment, I may still be a tourist but the slow walkers who just stop in the street right in front of you makes me lose the will to live. 

me on the Boris Bike

Over to a vaster area of the city 'Hyde Park' where the sun came out and I experienced a Boris Bike. Upon leaving 'Hyde Park Corner station; I thought I would be clever and walk through Hyde Park over to Knightsbridge to find Harvey Nichols and make my debut taste on the famous 'Bubbleology Tea'. After judging the long walk (what I thought was the right way), we decided to hire out the Boris Bikes and ride through Hyde park towards the other end which I just presumed was Knightsbridge. I couldn't of been more wrong! After the 15 minute cycle (I was breathless, my legs were aching and I wasn't in a fit state), we returned the bikes to one of the docking stations and I went to one of those 'YOU ARE HERE' maps to discover I had gone in the complete opposite direction and rode straight past Knightsbridge/ Harvey Nichols which was originally just a short walk from Hyde Park corner. Next it got worst as I dragged my feet through this busy street for about 20 mins until I finally got back into Knightsbridge and found Harvey Nichols; the tea was worth it though, if you ever get a chance try out the bubbleology: do it! It's a unique and replenishing taste. 

bubbleology tea

logo

palladium theatre

Next stop: Theatre. Seeing I only paid £20 for the tickets I presumed I would have back row, upper circle seats but we actually had decent seats in the stalls. I waited nervously for the show to start expecting someone rather tall to sit right in front of me, however the theatre was not  at all full, which was a bit embarrassing for the show. 

The direction of the show could have not been more obvious it was the work of Harry Hill but that made it brilliant. It started and finished with up beat loud catchy songs and the audience felt as part of an X-Factor audience. The comical spoof on the classic well known characters made it comical and relatable and the play on the sob stories just caught on with the audience. 

My favourite character was the talented check out lady who worked on the till at 'TESDA' a pun on Tesco and Asda. The set was multifunctional and forever changing. Simon ( played by Nigel Harman) was ultimately fabulous; as said by himself and well Louie, was just Louie. The talent of the main girl; Chenice (played by Cynthia Erivo) was outstanding and led to the audience to a loud gasp and an endless applause.

 The musical wasnt your classic musical but that wasn't to be expected due to the figures on the production team and the plot the musical was following; a mick take on Simon Cowell and his success with his talent shows. On the other hand it does terribly mock many characters from the previous series and judges/ presenters (Cheryl Cole & Dermot O'Leary). It puts the X-Factor into reality and on my own personal opinion could destroy the success of the tv show, due to it putting all the rumours and speculations said about the show into truth. 

seat/ view

entrance to Chinatown 

After the theatre we got a glimpse of Soho nightlife and ate at a Chinatown restaurant. If you have been to Chinatown before then there is not much else to be said. (Expensive; adequate food, Chinese and busy). 

  

London Marathon

An early start and a late finish; the day of the 'Virgin Money London Marathon (2014)'. 

(SJA Uniform)

Today was the 34th annual world recognised London Marathon and I volunteered for the second year running as a First Aider on behalf of St John Ambulance; a volunteer-led, charitable non-governmental organisation dedicated to the teaching and practice of first aid. I have been a volunteer at the charity for over 5 years and since regionalisation of the charity in 2013, a member for the Youth Regional Advisory group. I have achieved my Grand Prior award and am now leading cadet at our Torquay Unit. I have competed in many competitions, took part in many training courses and attended the new training pilot courses for a service delivery cadet back in 2013. 

The day started off slow with us being placed at tent 7.5 (just up from the finish line), due to the nature of the 26 mile marathon we did not receive any casualties until gone 13:00 (bearing in mind we had been there since 8:30)- first came the elite runners then followed by the 'fun' runners. 

All area medical pass

I had my celebrity spotting eyes on top performance and saw Tom Daley, Jimmy Carr and Chris Chittell (who places Eric Pollard from Emmerdale), these celebrities were all spectators. We also saw Mo Farah who came 8th at his London Marathon debut. However due to us being 'back stage' I felt constrained not to ask for pictures, although I did fan girl for a few seconds (hours) over Tom. By this time we were also very busy and it was imperative to put your casualties first rather than gawping at the well known figures. 

'Eric Pollard- Emmerdale' 

At 13:00 we were flooded with people having all kinds of problems; cramp, sickness, dehydration, low blood sugar, cuts, blisters and the list is endless. I came across a few inspirational people which is the reason I love what I do, hearing their stories whilst treating them really does give you that wow factor. 

One man was 79, from Mexico and had travelled especially to London to complete his 46th Marathon, another man was 21 stone last year and whilst watching the 2013 marathon it gave him determination to lose weight and compete in this years. Both of these men completed the marathon in just over 5 hours. Many did the marathon as a race and for fun whilst overs did it for charity also to tick it off their 'bucket list'. 

backstage on the Mall

The event had high media coverage and our first aid station was right next to the media tent, I did try and poke my head through the gap a few times but I failed. I also tried my best to walk past the cameras though none of them seemed live at the time, claim to fame = unsuccessful. 

The day is always long and tiring but it is definitely worth it due to good you are doing and the satisfaction you get when helping to save lives. 

Well done to all the runners, race officials and the St John Ambulance volunteers, another successful marathon completed. One day I would really love to run (probably walk) the marathon due to the atmosphere I witness whilst volunteering; also the free goody bag you get at the end and of course the well deserved medal. However after viewing the pain and condition of a minority of runners at the end it does give you that doubt. When the casualty  first comes into your care the first most common thing they say (if they are conscious) is "why did I do this to myself?",  but they always leave on a high note after coming into realisation of what they have just achieved. 

SJA signage 

_____________________________________________

After the marathon I had a strong coffee to give me energy (no I had just not ran the 26 miles but I was drained) and then took a short tube journey over to Covent Garden where I enjoyed a lavish chicken salad at Co^te. We also got served Wine but shhh dont tell the Mother. 

Day 2- What a day!

As we awoke (much later than planned) we made our way over to Stratford to check out the new Queen Elizabeth Olympic park which had only just re-opened at the start of the month. I had been to the Olympic Park before the Olympics for the Schools Games and taking into account it was still unfinished, I thought it was a fantastic place, however this time my opinion had dropped, it was a disappointment- what happened to building a legacy? 

I was given the impression that 'Stratford City' had once again been forgotten about...the area looked a mess and was just once again large areas of undeveloped land. The Olympic Stadium had lost its glory and the Aquatics centre was just like any other swimming pool. The park was bare and the staff seemed unmotivated- all the excitement and success was lost and it just looked like it had just been scraped back together in order to gain some money from the tourists. 

The areas where the temporary structures for the Olympic games once lay were just mud pits and all fancy signage and imagery was desperately in need of an uplifting marketing boost. I had to make the visit a bit more interesting, so decided to pay the horrific price of £14, just to go up the 'Orbit'- the crazy infrastructure that was iconic during the 2012 games. Upon entering the 'Orbit' we were giving a 30 second tour guide who accompanied us up the lift and told us what we could do. If you put two and two together, not much can be said in 30 seconds, and the amount we were told that we could do, im surprised it even lasted 30 seconds! Yes, up the top there were astonishing views of the city (minus the destroyed park below) and to make it a bit more interesting warped mirrors were added so you could view yourself in a warped way- I had no idea on the relevance of them? Then to top it off you had to plummet  down over 400 steps just to get out. 

The Orbit 

Destroyed Stadium 

View from Orbit 

We then made our way over to the 'Emirates Air line' (the cable cart across the Thames). Coming out of North Greenwich station (the one for the O2) It was interesting how different the arena looked so close up and how it was a village within itself, lined with restaurants, bars and cafe's. The 'Airline' was given a airpot style system with the use of boarding passes and the Emirates fancy red uniform but we were unsure on whether this mode of transport was in conjunction with TfL (Transport for London) or a separate system; although you could use your Oyster Card*. The 'Airline' gave you great views of Greenwich and Canary Wharf but if you wanted pictures you had to be speedy (it was over very quick). 

View from the Airline

After wondering where we ended up, we found the next tube station and aimed to get to Tower Bridge, but with my wonderful London knowledge we ended up at London Bridge which has no link with Tower Bridge at all; similar names got the best of me I think. When exiting this station you were brought right out by the Shard, which is a unique and tall building but still vastly empty and not much use, unless you're rich and want to eat at the restaurants on top or pay to view the top- no thank you. 

The Shard

By this time I was flagging and needed to 'Eat, Drink & Sleep'. A quick Coffee fix did the trick. Next we ended up at Tate Modern and it just reminded me of any other free art gallery with lots of vast empty space (there was no exhibition on which is usually the exciting part). We then went across the bridge over to St Pauls Cathedral which was absolutely massive, I had another coffee fix whilst sitting on the steps of the cathedral; with the sun setting and blinding my eyes. 

We then decided to make our way back into the 'City of Westminster' so made a spontaneous jump on a bus and luckily it took us to Oxford Street- if you are no rush, the bus is brilliant. For starters its cheap and you get to see so much more than you would on the tube (obviously as you are not underground). We made a quick walk up to Soho where I took some snaps for my Photojournalism project and then headed over to Knightsbridge and got some further photos. 

Chaos at Knightsbridge Station

Getting back from Knightsbridge= Disaster. - The station is undergoing improvements and the inward escalators are under maintenance so the only option was the stairs. Due to the amount of people, they were only letting a few people through at a time to ensure no safety breaches whilst getting down. This caused a large backlog of people which caused everyone to change and go into 'lets all push until we get somewhere mode' 

One man said to another woman "alright no need to push, you aren't going to get there any quicker". Her reply "in some situations you just need to push", he was told! 

Today made me realise that the Olympic Park has well and truly been downgraded since its glory in the Olympic days and the tube isn't always the best mode of transport when exploring the city. 

*DONT use your Oyster on the 'Emirates Airline' it messed up our travel cards and made us go into debt with TfL. It took more money off that it should of done and made us pay more as we did not return using the line. The easiest and cheapest way would be to just buy a 'boarding pass' from the Emirates station. 

Day 1

 Devon- London 

As I carried my bags through the station at Newton Abbot, I thought why does it look like i'm going away for a month? Then I remembered I am....

20+ T Shirts - CHECK

St John Ambulance Uniform- CHECK

Enough Black Skinny Jeans- CHECK

Suitcase full of cosmetics- CHECK

Underwear & socks- CHECK 

Laptop, Books and College Work- CHECK (not that I wanted to check that) 

Firstly the train was delayed for 5 minutes, it may not be long but when your mums car parking was only valid for a limited time it was a risky extra 5 minutes. After boarding the train I realised the struggle I was going to have with my bags so I just dumped them all on a spare seat and waited till I had help at Exeter. It was a relatively calm journey along the rivea line to Exeter with most people gasping over #Dawlish. There was me thinking "I have already been along this fixed line several times since it was open" but people were still astonished apart from the one man sat behind me "Oh, they haven't done a very good job with the wall"- Well just to let you know the work is an ongoing process 'mate'. 

When arriving at Exeter the train was swamped with students, many remained unseated and just lay across the middle of the isle angering the OAP's. 

At Reading we were joined by many of the 'Londoners' and all the locals with their bottles of budweisers-  loudly sipping away while discussing their holiday plans. 

When arriving at London Paddington,  I was bursting for the loo and with classic London ways the loo's were accessible at a 'small' fee, after having no change I had to go through the hassle of getting some, then only to find out the barriers were unlocked and you could actually go to the toilet free of charge. 

Moving on, the tube was so simple, I felt just like a local just gliding through with my 'Pre-Paid Oyster'*...When in central London I was desperate to go to the BBC News centre and to my excitement I found out you could actually view the whole newsroom as well as 'The One Show' studio (after the airport like security checks) ...it was really weird to see all the camera's automatically move around unmanned filming the newsroom for the opening titles of the news, as well as being able to see the presenter in the studio and on the screens; it really was live. 

Whilst watching rehearsals for this evening's broadcast of 'The One Show' it took me a while to realise Alex Jones and Chris Evans standing there with his child wrapped around his ankles, thank god it was only a rehearsal. They always look so much smaller in real life than they are on the television. 

After getting weird looks from Alex and Chris, whilst taking pictures of them just doing their job, it was time to leave and move on. I took a quick browse round the flagship store of  Debenhams in Oxford Street where I went in to work mode and complained about the mess and folding of the garments. However they get posh engraved name badges where as I get a makeshift printed one. #NotImpressed. 

I then followed doing the usual tourist bits, followed by one more disappointment when not seeing 'Liz' at Buckingham Palace...I suppose I have still got 3 weeks left to spot her though. I also saw the MI5 headquarters and its just makes me think, how much do they know that we don't? (lots) 

Today made me realise this really is the place I want to be and it would be my dream job to work in the BBC Newsroom or even in the production team of a show,#Determined. You also get free publications around the city which are always an interesting read whilst on the tube. 

*the Oyster Card is so efficient, especially if you have a railcard, you get cheaper travel anyway and with the railcard on top you get a further 1/3 off at off-peak times. I contemplated just buying a day travel card but found out if you spend over a day travel card amount, they just automatically stop charging you as you get an automatic day card- clever or what.