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“This train is for Cockfosters”
London calling. Hello?
I’ve finally made it out of Frankfurt, arriving in London this afternoon. After wisely getting a week “Oyster Pass” for train-bus transport (£24), the first thing of amusement I see is the Underground train from Heathrow on the Piccadilly line, which proudly announces in a repeating digital message, “This train is for Cockfosters.”
It took me a bit to figure out that “Cockfosters” was the name of the station at the end of the line– but not before I’ve decided that “cockfoster” is my new favorite insult.
My sleep accommodations were reserved the night before: Palmer’s Lodge, a new hostel, with high references. It turns out to be conveniently located, not too far from the City center, on the Jubilee line — in a nicely updated Victorian residence. I’m sitting in a leather chair in the hostel’s lounge, surfing on the free Wifi, and watching The Godfather on the flat panel. What could be better?
All’s well on the luggage front
I was supposed to be in London on Friday, but due to the mild problem of not having any luggage, I rescheduled (for an additional $100) to fly on Tuesday. Leastwise I’ll be flying Lufthansa. Say what you will about the Germans; at least you can take it for granted that your bags will arrive with you. Note to self: is there anyway to avoid a Shoah reference here?
So yesterday, after a near-sleepless night when I was awoke convinced all was lost, and that I’d have to take it to the mattresses with British Airways, I schlepped out to the airport again. (’Cause there’s no getting through to them by phone.) And back to see Frau “Bru Baker†(that’s what it said on her name tag) at the stalwart luggage desk, who informed me that, yes, my bags have been located, and will be delivered forthwith! After a bit of a run-around, one showed up in the afternoon — the big one full of electronics, with all contents intact. And thus, there was much rejoicing, with some mild wringing of hands over the second, yet-to-be-delivered one. That one, containing clothes and other essentials showed up this afternoon, after I spent the day breezing through some of Frankfurt’s abundant museums.
On that topic, finally a bit of practical advice: Frankfurt has a lot of museums — 26 or so, in fact– which for the most part, are located near each other, along the Main river. Get a Two Day Museum Pass at the Tourist Office, and you can visit them all..for a mere 12 euros ($15 or so), 6 euros for students (or those who still carry their student IDs to seem much younger than they are). As compared to 6-8 euros entrance fee at just one museum, this is an must-have value for frugal travellers.