Whether you are from a big city and accustomed to a subway system or if you have never traveled by subway, taking the Tube in London is an experience.

There are subway stops everywhere in London, so it really is the best way to get around and a great way to avoid the dreaded London traffic. The stations even have some funny-sounding names like Piccadilly Circus, Canary Wharf, Goodge Street, and Waterloo. Underground maps are easy to read. Just look up, read the signs, and you shouldn't have too much trouble finding the correct train platform and your destination.

The London Underground had cameras everywhere. Part of their safety precautions include regulations on filming and photography.  We had to obtain a special permit to film, so when we arrived at the station we immediately found the station manager and presented him with our credentials and authorization to film.

This film segment was more difficult than others because it was the only location that required the people behind the camera to be mobile during the course of the taping. At our other locations, we were able to use a tripod if we chose to. Believe it or not, keeping a camera steady can be quite tricky. Fortunately, Jenny is a bit of a pro, and Sarah was a quick learner, so we were confident that everything would turn out A-O.K.

A couple of the newer train stations are ultra-modern, made of steel and concrete. I felt like I was in some strange action movie. The Tube runs more smoothly than I am used to in NYC. To avoid the queue at the ticket counter, we opted for electronic tickets called Oyster Cards. These made entering and exiting stations much quicker. The stations are very clean and somehow people seem to move about far less chaotically. It's pretty much a rule on escalators that you stand on the right and pass people on the left. There are also designated spots marked where various musicians can get permission to perform; these are called busking stations. As you wait for your train, there's no mystery when the next train will be arriving, since electronic signs tell you how many minutes until the next train. I wish NYC was equipped with this technology.

The best part about the Tube are the trains themselves. They make this really cool whizzing noise when they enter and leave the stations and the seats have cozy cushions. Of course, you must remember to "Mind the Gap". Some stations have a gap between the train and the platform, so don't get your foot caught in the gap or you'll find yourself in trouble for sure.

Enjoy the ride,

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