Friday, February 27, 2009

Women Drinking Beer

Old traditions seem to die hard in the UK. Back in the '70's a female friend of mine was at university in London. She was American. As they often do, she and some of her friends went to the pub for a pint. They sat at a table but she went to the bar to order a round. Upon taking the order the bartender, a man, walked away without saying anything. After a short while she came to realize that she was not being served. She asked him why and was sternly told that ladies do not drink pints. Another female friend was in London a few years back and did not experience this. But she was treated this way in Ireland. Most places would not serve a single woman at the bar and when she ordered a pint at a table (with a meal) she was still given looks. I have to ask if this still occurs today? I mean, I do see women crossing the street on their own.

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Gitmo Cat

A cat believed to have fallen off a lorry has been traced by his microchip to have come from France. Now, instead of being sent back the government has given him illegal immigrant status and placed him in quarantine for six months. Under British law he can be put down after one week. I thought only people could be immigrants? What about the birds and the bees? As he is been made an immigrant will he be given human rights? He's a cat. Send him back or place him for adoption. What about other illegal immigrants? Can they be put down after one week when placed in custody? On a sideline note, all children in the UK will have their DNA recorded. Will they also have microchips implanted? This could make it faster to get into the tube, but really. Talk about Monty Python meets Gitmo!

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Borough Market, London

Sad to say that London could be moving in the wrong direction. National Rail is to perform engineering work on the viaduct that passes above Borough Market SE1. That is good news for travelers getting into London. This may be bad news for those living in Southwark and visitors like me. Borough Market is under threat with the planned works. Parts of it and some of the merchants may be forced to move and speculation has it that it may be worst. The Wheatsheaf pub was to remain but it is being demolished to make way for the work. The Market Porter pub has been saved for now but who knows what will happen. I can understand the viaduct work but now Thameslink wants to build a terminal on Borough High Street. As always this may not be good for those who live and work here. The Market is a gem of a tourist site and provides quality food for people living in London. If the market is demolished another London landmark will be lost forever. Yes, these thing happen but how sad that what makes London what is is has to go in this way.

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Piggy Back

Ok, I have no shame. I attached myself to Stonch's blog to get myself out in the public eye. I have been reading Mr. Bell's blog for a long time and I enjoy it. Well, yes and no. I can't wait to come back to London and his blog makes me "homesick". I also want to visit his pub. I may not make it over in 2009 but 2010 should see an increase in London beer sales once I arrive.

My London Blog

Ok, this is my first time writing a blog. I have no idea what I want to say right now but when I return from my drinking session I should have a lot to write. My main interest is in everything London. Well, so are women, drinking and more drinking, but writing about London should be safe. Cheers, for now.