A Gap in the Market

I went to buy a newspaper while in Edinburgh in June. It was not good timing. England had just lost to Germany in the World Cup. So I reverted to type and tried a joke.

"Do you have any where Enaglnd won?" The newsagent looked at me with a mixture of pity and then understanding. Being a Scotland supporter he too had long suffered for his team. But I think the sympathy was mixed with thinly disguised satisfaction.

Then it struck me. Maybe there should be a newspaper where the opposite happens. "Rooney scores wonder goal as England progress to Quarter Final." "Police arrest intended rapist". "Bankers turn down bonuses". Boy oh boy! I would enjoy reading that. Even though I knew it was all poppycock. It would still give me a few minutes of joyous relief.

Local Customs

Lothian buses in Edinburgh don't give change. It was a shock, or at least a surprise and a pratical challenge. I wasn't about to insert another £2 coin in the box just to buy a £3 Day Rider ticket. So we reached an impass, the Driver and me. I briefly resorted to my grumpy hang-dog expression.But he was more positve.

"Has anyone got change for a £2 coin?" he called towards the back of the bus.

Then a wonderful thing happened. Ten, maybe more, people - all women - began fishing in their handbags and purses. They just took the time to help. And someone succeeded. She pieced together exactly the required amount and we made the exchange.

As I paid the rest of my fare the Driver apologised for the 'no-change' system. I felt bad for being such a grumps shown up by all the others pulling together to get through the day. I liked Edinburgh even more from that point on.

Five Minutes of Fame

Heh, heh! I got an articled published about the bike trip last Spring. It was in the second edition of Boneshaker magazine (http://www.boneshakermag.com/) and looks really nice.

Of course, you don't get paid for such things but then authors have to suffer for their art. Just like cyclists.