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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:
Dawnedlightly · 15/09/2017 12:10

Please don't worry! I'm a proper anxiety driven mess at the moment but today I've dropped ds off at the underground to go to one rail terminal and taken a bus, overland and dlr to city where I'm about to board a flight. No delays, everything's calm and friendly with a minimal friendly police presence. I know everyone's triggers are different but still, Flowers.

HarrietVane99 · 15/09/2017 12:11

Don't get an Uber. If you want a taxi, get a black cab. Or look on www.tfl.gov.uk to see which is the best bus to take.

If there are three adults going, it's presumably not just your decision to make?

viques · 15/09/2017 12:11

'I read somewhere that they are more likely to attack on Fridays when Muslims are safe in mosques'

What a ridiculous statement. Do you write for the DM?

Curtainsider · 15/09/2017 12:11

I'd go probably. I'm not foolhardy by any measure.

It's such a big place.

Musicaltheatremum · 15/09/2017 12:12

My daughter lives in west London. I messaged her this morning and she's fine. I refuse to worry about it. She could get knocked over by a car this afternoon crossing Acton high street. Life's too short.

JustDanceAddict · 15/09/2017 12:13

I find this incredibly insulting living in London and using the tube on a regular basis. Do you think as Londoners we don't value our own and our loved ones' lives as much as those who live in the provinces?
Terrorist attacks are completely random and you're more likely to get killed crossing the road.

thecatfromjapan · 15/09/2017 12:13

SunSeptember Do you not know any Muslims that work? I think this must be a weird USA-based meme.

itshappening · 15/09/2017 12:13

I live in London and have recently lived outside London. Either situation, I would still go. The chances of an attack have been there for years, and they will be there for years. Tomorrow is not really different. I suppose it is possible that this will unearth a new terror cell and they may have other things planned, but that is a maybe and even if it is true, it likely won't affect you.

It is unnerving for you, I do understand, but if you felt yesterday that you wanted to go, it is logical to feel the same today. On both days you are more likely to lose your life in the car on the way from home to the station, but we take that risk all the time because we are used to it. We have experience of many many times when nothing happened on a car journey. So we feel ok, but any minute that could all change.

I think in a way since living in London that is how being in the city has become for me. It isn't a one off. I have experience of frequent trips around the city and on the tube etc so it starts to feel like something normal and safe, which most of the time like car journeys it is. Any minute it could change. But it is statistically still a safer bet than a car journey at the moment.

Curtainsider · 15/09/2017 12:13

It's not meant to be insulting though.

CruCru · 15/09/2017 12:14

Realistically, there will be loads of Police around this weekend. You'll be fine.

sparepantsandtoothbrush · 15/09/2017 12:15

Telling the OP to get a grip is unkind and unhelpful. If you're in London all the time then obviously you have to just get on with things. If you're an 'outsider' and don't do the underground a lot then it is daunting at the best of times. The underground is loud, smelly and busy. If that's something you're not used to then it can be unsettling.

Having said that, I would still go. Just be extra vigilant and try to enjoy your day out OP

MrsTrentReznor · 15/09/2017 12:15

Carry on as normal!
It's a numbers game. What are the chances that you will get caught up in something awful? Absolutely miniscule.
You are more likely to be in a car crash.
London will carry on as normal and and so should you.

ConciseandNice · 15/09/2017 12:15

It will be fine!

itshappening · 15/09/2017 12:16

Oh and yes, they certainly don't care about Muslims being safe. Most of the people jihadists kill are Muslims. They are the world's biggest killer of Muslims. According to some experts, they reserve the worst of their hatred for Muslims who in their opinion are better placed to see the error of their ways (not subscribing to/fighting for ISIS) than those raised outside Islam.

formerbabe · 15/09/2017 12:16

I read somewhere that they are more likely to attack on Fridays when Muslims are safe in mosques

Well if you read it somewhere, it must be true Hmm

guilty100 · 15/09/2017 12:17

I'm sorry, you are being really silly.

Original poster
pinkunicornsarefluffy · 15/09/2017 12:17

Ok, for all those being rude about me. I live in a very rural area with very limited public transport. The furthest that I usually drive/travel is around 20-30 miles by car or maybe further if I am going on holiday, which might be 75 miles say. I suffer from anxiety and am on medication. I do not drive on motorways due to fear.

So to clarify, this trip is already very far out of my usual comfort zone. Yes, we are going to Harry Potter and I was already pushing myself to the limit to be able to make this trip.

So now this has happened, my friend is unsure what to do, as am I.
We are not used to travelling in cities, or in London, or on trains etc etc.

OP posts:
paxillin · 15/09/2017 12:17

I just said on another thread I expect hysterical threads "I was going to go to London, do I cancel/ Oh no, I need to cancel my precious child's school trip/ What about MEEE, I almost went to London".

This is not about you. Don't make it about you.

In other news, 10 million of us live here, including more than a million children.

PigletWasPoohsFriend · 15/09/2017 12:18

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

Are you usually so overly OTT?

My DH is currently working in London.

Many people live and work in London.

What exactly do you propose they do?

thecatfromjapan · 15/09/2017 12:20

I suspect that the mood tomorrow will be extra-helpful.

Londoners are generally pretty helpful to people navigating their way around the transport system, especially those with children.

It will, honestly, be fine.

shoeaddict83 · 15/09/2017 12:20

Just on a side note (totally off topic) we went to harry potter play in april and its AMAZING!!!! Properly incredible the 'magic' they do on stage, you will love it! Haev a fantastic time and dont let this worry you

ShiveryTimbers · 15/09/2017 12:21

Just go for it and don't stress! Once you get here you will find that everything is very relaxed and normal. If anything you will statistically be safer because everyone will be being extra vigilant. The Tube will be quicker, cheaper and more convenient for you -- but you can always get an Uber if money isn't a worry (you will get stuck in traffic though!).

MarmaladeIsMyJam · 15/09/2017 12:21

Harry Potter studios aren't even in London Confused

Penfold007 · 15/09/2017 12:21

Go and enjoy yourselves. Be as vigilant as you would normally be. If you don't fancy the underground make full use of the buses. I'm a Londoner and if I'm not in a mega rush often get on a bus, you see so much more.
If you have time take a ride on a river bus and see a different view of our city. Enjoy your weekend.

dontbesillyhenry · 15/09/2017 12:22

Please seek help for your anxiety. You are restricting your life massively

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