Wrong Way Corrigan

Categories: uncategorized

Date: 26 May 2006 11:29:58

Let me tell you of a man who decided to fly a light aircraft from the east coast of the USA (New York, I think) to the west (Seattle, I believe). He took off and flew a very long way. The next time he took his bearings, the hapless aviator found that he was flying above Ireland. The man, who's name was Corrigan, thus earned the name in the title of this post.

I simply tell you this anecdote to put the next tale in perspective.

Had an interview yesterday (don't think I got the job tho', not bothered) and, to save the hassle of finding a parking space near the office, took the train. Travelled from Newport to Cardiff and successfully attended interview (omitting to mention risk-assessments in my responses, which probably cost me any chance of getting the job - it would have been with ex-offenders after all! D'oh!). Made my way back to station, after detour for a coffee and a trip to Lush. Checked the departures board and saw that a suitable train would be along very soon. Went swiftly to the platform and leapt on it as it arrived.

Off the train merrily went. I gazed out of the window, and they announced that the buffet car was open. I thought this strange, cos the train would terminate at my destination which was only about 15 mins travel away. Or so I thought.

Carried on in blissful meditative train travel mode until a train of thought(!) caused me to realise something. This, in turn, caused me to clap my hand over my mouth in horror and slight amusement. The amusement took greater hold and I decided to share the joy. So I called Only Husband.

"Hi, love."

"Hello."

"Umm. I will be a little late home tonight..."

"Why's that?"

"Well, I'm on the train. But, I must have been on default setting. I'm going the wrong way!!!"

(Much laughter)

"You're heading for Swansea?"

(Note to readers: until 9 months ago, that is where I lived - travelling regularly to & from it by train)

"YES!"

Much laughter and the phone call ends.

The situation was finally resolved by turning around at Bridgend (no ticket collecter arrived, thankfully!) and journeying back on the next train going in the RIGHT direciton. Eventually got home around one hour later than intended.

I changed this blog title from 'Daftness' to 'Dilemmas' recently (as it became a little sombre for a while). I think it may be time to change it back. What do you guys think?!?

N.B. To those of you who received a text from me whilst on the train, I hope you enjoyed the joke. Wanted to spread the humour as far and fast as possible. Hope more people got a grin from reading this entry too.