The Tube

You have no idea how amazing the Tube system is. The Tube (The London Underground Subway) simply works. Growing up in suburbs of Chicago and going to school in Peoria really didnt require me to use public transportation often. Once in a while I hop on the Metra to Chicago, and take the “El” when I’m in the loop, but it’s not really a fantastic experience more so than a necessity.

The Tube is remarkably accessible in London – the heart of London has a stop in almost every major location. Attractions, monuments, and museums are never more than a few minutes walk from a particular station. It is impossible to feel lost in this major city, since there are signs everywhere. A sign tells you where the nearest Tube station is. A sign tells you what train you need to take and how to transfer there. A sign reminds you where attractions are when you get out of the Tube. It’s so easy getting around London – which is great, since there is so much to do. I would rather my time be well spent at a museum rather than figure out how to get there.

Hopping on the Tube is a breeze – our Oyster cards allow us to merely press it on a scanner to let us into the station. We do not even have to take it out of the protective Ikea vinyl casing. The Oyster cards are good for a week at a time, and cover stops in the Underground Zones 1 and 2 - the most major parts of London.

Right before you get on and off the train, an electronic woman’s voice reminds you to “Mind the Gap” – a national catchphrase often appearing on souvenirs from boxers to shot glasses. (That just means to watch your step). Trains are clean and comfortable, and different lines have various styled cars. All of them have nice seats and railings for standing passengers to hold on to. Maps of the line and its stops along with an overview of the entire Tube layout are posted several times throughout the cars. A scrolling LED alerts passengers what stop is next along with a vocal announcement. The Russel Square station (the one closest to our hotel) looks suspiciously like the tunnel from one of the Matrix movies…