This week has been another interesting and exciting week for me. With lots of challenges to overcome, starting with a tube strike by the London Underground on Monday. It could not have come on a worse day for me as at Midday I had an audition on the other side of London to get to. The trip using the tube connections would have taken me about 50 minutes normally. So when I heard about the tube strike I gave myself an extra hour and half to use the buses with the goal to get there 30 minutes before my warm up time. A Northerner’s ignorance! I also thought it would be a great idea to take my trusty pink wheelie trolley bag with all my belongings rather than just a back-pack. [Which turned out to be a blessing as I’ll tell you later.]
It started well as the first part of the journey was OK, my bus stop is relatively near the beginning of the bus route so I was able to get a seat with my bag. For the first 5 minutes I thought, goodness this tube stress is just malarkey, I have a seat and the bus is moving! HOWEVER at the next stop next to what would have normally been a busy tube station the amount of people waiting for the bus was just insane. The only thing I can compare it to is leaving the Manchester City Football stadium at the end of match and everybody trying to get on the same bus. The bus was packed both upstairs and down within minutes, bodies against bodies with very little wriggle room. People were pushing, desperate to get on, they seemed willing to risk getting their limbs trapped in doors, with families not being able to board together they had to agree to separate and travel on separate buses. The risk assessor inside of me was wishing I had a seat belt but I was quickly reassured because we were moving at a snail’s pace.
We were making very slow progress and the minutes were slowly ticking by. I was conscious of the time but kept telling myself “You left with plenty of time, you will make it”. Then suddenly it was announced that due to the long delay the bus was now having to change route and proceeded to kick off all the passengers a mile from the stop it was supposed to take me to. My adrenaline kicked in and I managed to walk to the next connection which was a mile away in about 10 minutes. But the bus stop I had planned to use was queuing around the block. Remembering the crush that I saw earlier I decided to walk back along the route and find a quieter stop. Every road was jammed solid, the buses, taxis, cars weren’t making progress even the bikes were finding it difficult! Success! I found the terminus for the bus route and managed to board the bus and soon we started moving along side streets towards my next destination, but when we joined Oxford street again we ground to a halt.
I only traveled 800 yards in 30 minutes, with my audition time looming, I worked out it would take me about 35 minutes to walk the remaining 2.5 miles, and that If I stayed on the bus I would probably miss my slot. So I asked the bus driver to let me off and luckily he was a very nice man and he let me off at the next stop. I then zoomed and jogged like nothing before. Friends of mine will laugh as I am a terrible runner and would have been better off doing jetés down the pavement. So I weaved through the crowds with my four wheel wheelie bag (which has now had a very good review based on its mobility skills!) And to be honest, I must have had the look of fearless determination as people began to move out of my way as I flew towards them.
Now I’ve been kicking myself for not getting a picture of the crowds for my blog, but here are a few I have found online. I must admit I did try to take a picture but people look at you very funny and I didn’t want to advantage of other people’s misfortune.
That was certainly an experience, glad that you didn’t miss your audition or be late for class. Shame though you didn’t qualify for an Oreo cake 😉
So happy I made it in time, I usually like to get there at least half an hour before warming up when things allow. Hope you’re well Kevin 😊.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Wonderful story! And a mile in 10 minutes? That used to be my goal when I was still running 10k races! You earned the burger for sure. Too bad about the cheesecake, though. 🙂
Some days a salad just won’t do 😄. I like it that they freely give you chilled water to drink and refills too. I hope your music season has started well Peter 🎶.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Woowww !!! It’s crazy !! Congratulation my dear Charlotte !! 🙂 ..I think for my next time in a big city, I will learn the roller skates :-)))
Take care of you and all the best !!
Yes roller skates would have been very useful. I daren’t cycle in London 😳. It certainly got my adrenaline going 😄.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Frankly, I would not dare either. And rollerblading, only on sidewalk, not on the road…. You are like wonder wooman 🙂
You could have played it forward on the cheesecake. After all burning calories after eating is just as good as before. Glad you made your schedule.
I’m trying to be good after eating well all over Christmas 😄.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Join the rest of the world. 😀
That was quite an adventure, Charlotte! You were smart to keep your cool and remain level headed as you made your way in time. Congrats to you for, I’m sure, successful rehearsals. Hugs 💕
I found out today that it wasn’t my year Janice, but that’s ok I’ve been invited to try again next year. I always just keep trying you can’t win if you’re not in 🙂
Best wishes
Charlotte
Great attitude Charlotte! I’m sure you will succeed! I wish you all the best always. ❤🤗
May the Lord continue to bless you Charlotte through the ups and downs of rehearsals as you are the best and that will always beat the competition.
Every audition is another learning experience another step, and I have got lots more to do.
Best wishes
Charlotte
That took real determination! It is a wonder you had enough breath left for singing audition or rehearsal!
We had mutterings about strikes during a frenetic day of hopping on and off buses and underground and overground trains, but no disruptions not quickly overcome. We were nervous about being late to see ‘Evil’ but made it to the Apollo in good time.
I was fine the adrenaline kicked in, I slept well that evening too, bonus.
I love ‘Wicked’ so glad you made it, I used to sing the roles of Galinda and Elphaba, Popular is my favourite I saw it in London a several years ago.
Best wishes
Charlotte
The singing in those roles is demanding, and when accompanied by the acting which goes with them is a challenge indeed!
I meant ‘Wicked’, of course. *Gives self a slap*
🙂
Shu! what a mess, when the transport works properly it works wonderfully, when it doesn’t it becomes a nightmare. I often ended up walk running, at rush hour, to get to appointments, and shows ect. Well done for making both appointments. Hope the strike is over soon, and life gets back to normal, and that you get the part you auditioned for. Best wishes and blessings, Charles.
Walk-running is a perfect description hehe. No success but that’s fine there’ll be another opportunity. I enjoyed the audition 🙂
Best wishes
Charlotte
Yes, I do the walk-run thing quite often as I am a bit slow in getting up in the morning and get late, so have run-walk the last mile or so to work! Sorry you missed but there is lots going on in London, so I’m sure there will be lots of other opportunities. Best wishes and blessings, Charles.
I hate being late for anything so I understand how worried you must have been on that journey! I remember the rail strikes when I worked in London in the late 70’s and the queues for the buses and not getting home til very late in the evening! Horrible! Your wheelie bag did such good service! You would have been so much more tired if you’d had to carry your belongings. I am so pleased you got to your appointments on time 🙂
With love, Clare
I hate being late too. Exactly I was moaning to my Mum about how heavy my backpack was before Christmas with all of my books and shoes etc. so this Christmas I got this lightweight Kipling bag very manoeuvrable.
Best wishes
Charlotte
I love the idea of you jetéing down the crowded streets of London – the sight would have cheered up a few grumpy commuters, I’m sure! No doubt the running was more practical, though.
Hehe I am crazy enough to do it. I’m just glad I had my trainers on and my audition shoes in the bag.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Glad you made it in time for the singing and afterwards a well earned reward for walking the talk with a nice cheeseburger and Coke. A great story.
Thanks Gerard, it was a very nice reward I enjoyed the audition and my treat. I didn’t get it but that doesn’t stop me trying. 🙂
Best wishes
Charlotte
Sometimes the best transportation is walking. Glad you made it.
I quite enjoy walking around the City, I was relieved I can’t stand being late.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Wore me out just reading through your adventure. Time to go eat supper.
I hope you had something nice to eat Tom. Glad you enjoyed my day.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Wow, I applaud your quick thinking! Happy to hear that you made it on time AND thrilled to hear that you were able to escape the clutches of the wicked cheesecake… #AGirlHasToDoWhatAGirlHasToDo
Why is it that all the nicest things to eat are so cruel to the hips! I can’t wait for dance classes to start back up again next week so I can eat more of what I like.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Oh my Charlotte-such an ordeal for you! SO happy you made the audition and I am sure did well. Cheeseburger… viola a great idea to boost your steps! x
I was quite pleased with myself. It was a good audition, I didn’t get it but I’m young yet. The cheeseburger was delicious.
Best wishes
Charlotte
There will certainly be more auditions in your future! All you can do is your very best. Yay for cheeseburgers Charlotte!!! x
Whew! So glad that you made it on time with all of the crowds. Glad that it went well too. Next time the Oreo Cheesecake! Walking is good, just takes a lot of time.
Stay well Charlotte, Darlene
Thank Darlene, the next audition I get I’m going to jog to the Hard Rock Café and get myself an Oreo Cheesecake for sure! Hehe.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Oreo Cheesecake before Burger!
Yes! 😁
That was exciting. You seemed keep your cool and adjusted your plan along well. Glad to hear you got there in time.
I was quite calm really when I realised I had 15 mins to warm up my voice I was happier still, and I think that I sang well.
Best wishes
Charlotte
What an adventure!! I remember walking the Strand and the Mall one day when I was a LOT younger – loved the experience with so many things to see! do you know what the outcome of your audition is?
Yes, I didn’t get it, but that’s just how it goes they want to see me again next year so that’s a good sign. I learnt whilst at High School not to get upset about parts I went for and didn’t get because my Mum said get used to this if you want to work in the arts if you can’t deal with it do something else.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Sounds more like a dash about. Glad you reached your destination on time.
That would have been a better title, Dashabout! Thank you.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Nightmare! Well done for overcoming it x
What leaving the Oreo cheesecake! Haha. Lots of practice dashing about as you know!
All my best,
Charlotte
I am glad you reached your destination in time.
I was glad too Thomas, I can’t abide being late.
Best wishes
Charlotte
<<Still picturing Charlotte doing jetés down the street…
Haha I must do that and put a little clip together…
Best wishes
Charlotte
I hope the audition was a success. You deserve it!
Thanks, Rhys it wasn’t but that’s fine it was a lovely audition I enjoyed it.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Your experience of strike day was eerily similar to mine, except that I only left myself an extra hour (and I’ve lived here for 20 years!) and missed my train from Paddington. Why they had to arrange a strike day to coincide with my dad’s birthday, I don’t know – very rude. I only wish I could claim similar levels of energy and determination! Hope the audition went well after all that.
I must admit I did think that when I realised the strike action was on that day, Why?!
It did go well, I didn’t get it but there’s always next time.
Best wishes
Charlotte
did you humn some sarcastic Jimmy Buffet? cheeseburger in paradise? I made a fancy purple soup whereby simple cabbage is done up in a sois vide type method – i.e. a specific amount of water and simple cabbage is heated gently then strained. as i don’t own a vaccuum sealer system, i had to special order a boil in bag from a camping outfit, mine packit gourmet – as i was too chicken to find out if i bought the wrong bag if i were to use a standard ziplock plastithene. or at egg poaching no boil just under it- cooke a bag of cabbage just about an hour….and again strain. i used the cheesecloth but noted i would have done well with a fruit mesh strainer and paper coffee filter. hint, not taking excuses should you claim incorrect tool, lack of kitchen accumen – I managed so so can anyone! to this rather bland affair was added bits fried elsewhere and bathed/drowned in the proper purple. my attempt said to try it with scallops and something known as salicornia/sea bean…yeah, not finding that at the market. so i used capers for the salty pop of brininess carrots and as i couldn’t find radish the crisp texture component? what?? REALLY! i had to pop a tin of sliced water chestnuts from the Asian Aisles. adding carrot and shallot otherwise. -instead of safron and radish if you’re following and promptly wonder if you were humming your Jimmy Buffet – Cheeseburger in paradise! Happy New Yea, Charlotte.
I didn’t Starman I didn’t know that song, but I liked the lyrics for dieting January. It was ‘heaven on earth with an onion slice’. Perhaps I’ll have to write myself a song about Orea Cheesecake he he. I’ve not eaten purple cabbage or scallops but you made that sound quite nice.
Happy New Year Starman.
Best wishes
Charlotte
What a nightmare! It reminds me of some experiences I had with the bus I took to the school where I used to work–and like you, the reward for putting up with the long waits, crowded buses, and frantic runs between connections was always some good food! I admit, I probably would not have had the strength of character to resist the Oreo cheesecake as well . . .
You are really such a brilliant writer, Charlotte, as well as a fabulous singer (I’ve just started studying Quando M’en Vo with my voice teacher, and I’m using your recording as optimum guidance). When I read your post, it felt as though I had been there–and even though it was a real experience, you wrote about it in such an exciting way that it might as well have been in one of my favourite novels! I hope that someday you will write your memoirs, as a famous opera singer–people get so much more inspiration from people who not only know the topic they are writing on, but write in such a compelling and attractive manner into the bargain. Have you ever thought about someday writing books on opera/singing technique, to share your knowledge and experience with others in another sphere of influence besides your blog?
Best regards,
Cate
Thanks for your lovely message Cate, I keep all of my notebooks so you never know!
I can recommend you look at some of the masterclass youtube videos with Joyce DiDonato and Renee Fleming.
Best wishes
Charlotte
So glad you made it in time. I can picture it for sure!
Fabulous, I am glad that a picture popped into your mind. I hope it had plenty of pinkness.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Oh wow! Well done with navigating London! I am so glad you got to your appointments. Good luck with your auditions! x
Thanks Christine, I’m getting around London quite well now, I always check out the map routes the night before.
Best wishes
Charlotte 😊
Wow, quite the adventure!
Hehe it was! 🙋🏼✨
Best wishes
Charlotte
Jeepers, Charlotte. I would have ate the Oreo cheesecake, anyway. This is the beauty of democracy. 🙂 I am happy that you made it to both destinations on time. Yet, I would have hoped people could handle these things in a better way opposed to going on strike.
Absolutely love this line: “Sadly, I had not walked far enough for an Oreo cheesecake.” Fabulous!
You are quite the adventurer maneuvering the streets of London. Are their burgers the same as in America? Just curious. Good luck with your auditions. Glad you made it to both your appointments. Enjoy! 🌼
I’ve not had Hard Rock burger in the States, that’s interesting. I think I remember McDonald’s ones were a bit bigger in the States but that’s maybe because I was smaller when I had one.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Thank you. I am curious about many things. I am confined to my bed. Exploring and learning something new each day fascinates me, regardless of what it is. I am looking forward to hearing about your auditions. Have a wonderful day.
Best wishes to you too.
Nancy
Isn’t that what’s wonderful about blogging Nancy, it opens up a world of interests and you can pop in and out of. All my best wishes and thanks for visiting my blog,
Charlotte 🙋🏼
Oh dear, it must be an absolute nightmare trying to get anywhere with all the strikes and travel difficulties in the London area. Well done to you for dealing with it calmly, making it to your audition and giving us a lovely account of your adventure. Tires me out just reading it! x
Thank you Chris, when everyone’s above ground you realise just how many people there are in such a relatively small area.
Best wishes
Charlotte
I am out of breath just reading this.
Wow, that was quite the adventure! I can just picture you plowing through the crowd on the sidewalk: “Look out folks, here comes Charlotte!” Glad you were able to make it in time. Also, walking a mile in 10 minutes? I’m impressed (it usually takes me twice that long, and I’m a fast walker, but then I’m usually not in THAT much of a hurry).