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AIBU?

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Original poster

Going to London tomorrow - what to do :(

453 replies

pinkunicornsarefluffy · 15/09/2017 11:52

Posting here for traffic, I am going to London tomorrow, train from here to Paddington, then Euston, then Watford Junction.

Having just seen the news about the bomb, I am now terrified. I rarely go to London and this is so scary. There will be 3 adults and 3 children aged 9, 10 and 13.

If we don't go, we lose £600, but what price your life or your kids life?

We are still thinking of going and doing bus or taxi from Paddington.

Has anyone got any advice on transport ?

What would you do?

OP posts:
MarmaladeIsMyJam · 16/09/2017 07:15

LOL! Do you love under a rock? I don't like HP and even I know there is a mahoosive theatre show based on it in London at the moment!!

Lots of people think they are going to London for the studios tour though, I've no idea why.

And no I don't live under a rock, I'm actually still in London now as I've been to see the show the last two nights.

OP there is a lot of building work going on at the theatre at the moment which is making queuing to get in from the side streets a bit more tricky, so make sure you aim to get there for 6.30 to get through it he security scanner, get your bags checked etc.
It's really amazing, I hope you're still going!

LadyintheRadiator · 16/09/2017 07:51

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Dixiestampsagain · 16/09/2017 08:19

We're taking our two DC up to London today too, they are 7 and 10. I didn't for a moment think of cancelling but I did try to avoid letting them see the news yesterday, just so they wouldn't worry, as the last time we were up the tube line got evacuated because of a 'suspicious package'. Hope you have a good day, OP.

ordinarywalls · 16/09/2017 08:30

If this helps, download 'Citymapper' on your phone. It's free. Or you can access it citymapper.com I think. You put in where you want to go and from your current location it gives you all of the journey options. Walking, tube, bus, taxi. How long they will all take, how much they will cost. Directions to bus stops etc. This might make you spend less time on the tube if you realise another option would be quicker/more cost effective. If you feel safer on buses, remember you can get 2 buses within 1 hour for the same price as 1 bus (£1.50). If something's going to take an hour on the tube but 20 mins in a taxi then you may prefer to get a taxi if you can afford it. But citymapper helps you to work it all out!

I live in London and I use that app all the time. And I say you should still go. And have fun!

Androidsdreamofelectricsheep · 16/09/2017 09:01

I think London Luton airport has added to the confusion about where London begins. I grew up in Watford and Greater London ended at Bushey Arches, but even in those days people saw Watford as an add on to London (not my snobbish DM, mentioned above, who was worried to death that we might develop Watford accents!)

BananasAreGood · 16/09/2017 10:04

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Halfsack · 16/09/2017 10:50

People who are telling op to get a grip and that she's being dramatic are being very unreasonable. It's going to panic people and make them not want to travel. Especially with kids. Try not to be put off. Just be aware of your surroundings and try and enjoy your day.

WhatsThisNow · 16/09/2017 14:03

When people feel irrational fear, it's a good idea to challenge it and help them to see it for what it is. Enabling it only fuels it.

Millions of people live in London. They are all out there today living their normal lives. Adults and children alike. It's human nature to feel anxious but it's a good idea to try to get over it.

Original poster
pinkunicornsarefluffy · 16/09/2017 15:20

Update we are here st the hotel in Watford.

For those saying it's not London, well to me I dont know exactly what to call it. , I said London as we were going to London Paddington. If Watford isn't LOndon then I'm sorry. Grin

The tube was very quiet, we went Bakerloo to Queens then it ended so jumped in another which went right to Watford Junction.

I'm just relieved to be here. My DD is ok but annoyed that I tricked her into going to London. Grin She knew nothing about yesterday but had seen previous attacks in the news.

Thanks everyone.

OP posts:
PoppyPopcorn · 16/09/2017 15:34

My DD is ok but annoyed that I tricked her into going to London

Sounds like you have a lot of work to do on her anxiety too....

13bastards · 16/09/2017 15:40

She's probably picking up on your anxiety.

Youcanstayundermyumbrella · 16/09/2017 16:07

You can reassure her that she's in Hertfordshire, not London, which is one of the Home Counties.

StickThatInYourPipe · 16/09/2017 16:16

Ah jeez guys I basically missed the bits about Watford so I am the dickhead and assumed the OP meant the stage show. Tbf the first mention of Harry Potter did not include the studio tour so could have been either. It was right after that someone said that that Harry Potter Studio wasn't in London with a confused face which is why is was surprised that there was someone who seemed to not have heard of the show in London - it just made me chuckle a bit.

Hands up I apologise, I didn't realise people thought Watford was in London so I will go back under the rock I obviously live under.

Great that that is the only part of my post that gets picked apart for two pages. Bowing out now

StickThatInYourPipe · 16/09/2017 16:18

Oh and OP I'm glad you had a great time and to revert back to your original post, I think it's great you were able to control your anxiety and not let the dicks win by limiting your life

columbo77 · 16/09/2017 18:26

Hope you have a lovely time

@pinkunicornsarefluffy My DS is

columbo77 · 16/09/2017 18:31

Sorry pressed too quickly

@pinkunicornsarefluffy my DS is on duty working as an interactor today/tonight (the staff that are working around the tour)

He is wearing his Slytherin school uniform (which is one of the costumes from the film but he doesn't know which actor wore his one)

He isn't allowed to bring it home to show us because it is worth over £2,000, he has to take it off during his breaks too and at lunchtime so it doesn't get dirty

He loves working there though, hope you enjoy the tour Smile

Maddy70 · 16/09/2017 18:32

Go? Why wouldn't you? You have more chance of being killed on the way to London than when you are there.

MarmaladeIsMyJam · 16/09/2017 18:37

Maddy70 she's here. RTFT.

Maddy70 · 16/09/2017 18:38

Apologies. I didn't read the last page. Glad you're there

imablackstarnotapopstar · 16/09/2017 19:22

FFS - a minor incident and it's panic central when you're not even heading into central London!!

Your poor DD! She doesn't stand a chance does she?!!!

pollymere · 16/09/2017 19:22

I was more fascinated by your route. You can get directly from Paddington to Waford via the Bakerloo Line. On the terrorist thing, life needs to go on. I went to New York in the summer and had never been because I was scared of terrorism. Yet, I travelled and lived in London for years. I've realized you can't let things stop you, the risk is actually minimal and otherwise your not really living at all.

Amanduh · 16/09/2017 21:17

I always rant about them advertising 'warner bros studio tour london' and 'things to do in london - harry potter studio tour' yeah Watford isn't London.. I suppose you went through London though. Glad you went OP

Original poster
pinkunicornsarefluffy · 17/09/2017 08:17

Yes, it's called Studio Tour London hence why I said London, so people need to complain to Warner Brothers, how am I supposed to know Grin.

Going to London tomorrow - what to do :(
OP posts:
Liiinoo · 17/09/2017 08:23

OP The important thing is - did you enjoy it? Was it worth it?

I was in central London yesterday and was amazed at how busy it was. Much more than normal. Whilst it was annoying that sightseers were getting in my way don't these people know how very busy and important I am it was great to see that people are not being deterred by terrorism.

dolcezza99 · 17/09/2017 08:33

how am I supposed to know

Basic geography knowledge, perhaps.