Literally doing the walkabout

If youve been to London and are from the southern hemisphere you are almost sure to have heard of the 'walkabout', a rather infamous australian chain of 'pubs'. I dont know of another pub/ bar environment where people have more fun. Drunken fun to be honest because there is little other reason why people flock to the walkabout. They may say 'Oh the rugby is on' or 'its the last test of the series', and yes there are always sporting events on the big screens, but its not the sport that gets the most attention.

If youve been to the walkabout there is no doubt that you will have either seen, or drunk a Snakebite, which is half fosters, half stronbow cider, and a dash on cranberry cordial...absolutely horrible!

So anyways, being the film geek that I am, I went to St Pauls to photograph a Park that was used for one of the most significant scenes in the movie. I get to Postmans Park, take my photo, and head back to Temples to meet dayne and the rest of the gang for one or two beers. I get there, take out my camera to show dayne my photo, and I dont see my 512mb sony memory stick that was in my pouch, that sinking feeling sets in, I dropped it in the park! The reason I didnt hear it fall? I was listening to my MD. A £75 memory stick gone, and the park is a fair distance from the pub, but after half a pint I decide that I'd be foolish no to at least try and find it, so I head back, running, jogging, speed walking in the desperate hope that the photo I took will not be the most expensive photo I've ever taken.

I get to the park, and guess what? I'ts still there, laying on the floor, directly beneath where I was standing, the relief! So I head back to the pub but this time use the underground cause I'm really not that fit. It still involves loads of walking. So i get back to the pub, loads of beer later and is well.

Wake up this morning, with a rather unpleasant hangover (not that hangovers are ever pleasant) and seriously aching legs. I drag myself out of bed, shower (feel slightly better now) and head to work, a few hours later and I start hearing reports of what all of you have by now heard. London is being attacked by terrorists. At first it was said to be power surges, but that many in such a short time? I dont think so. There are a number of reports, but it looks like 7 underground stations, and 3 busses have been attacked/bombed. Luckily not that many fatalaties, but loads of serious injuries. Please pray for these people and their families.

This has really brought London to a standstill, the transport system has been crippled, and there is definately alot of unease in the air, I say 'unease' because thankfully it isnt as bad as it could have been. There isnt any panic, or fear going around just concern about whats happening, and slight comfort that its over.

My only discomfort? I'm a million miles from home, and its not that that bothers me, its the fact that I cant comfort those that worry about me, I know I'm alright, but because they cant see me, they dont.

If this kind of thing is going to happen, then I suppose its better in London, no one is more prepared than this city. Emergency services were put into action immediately, and stability/calm acheived.