Thanks to everyone that has called, e-mailed or contacted mutual friends as to my whereabouts. Yes, I'm alive and kicking and all family, friends and colleagues are present and accounted for.
When I started blogging, I was adament that I would maintain a knitting blog but what happened today was just horrific.
First, the news of the explosions on the tube were caused by power surges.
With the creaky London Transport, reports of power surges causing explosions was not only plausible but likely. Most Londoners travelling on the tube were not surprised. Afterall, many of us have suffered delays caused by flooding, signal failures, leaves on the tracks and power failures. We aren't surprised by the transport system failing, but rather that despite all this, it still manages to get 3 million people to work daily.
There was even joking on the floor about the whereabouts of a certain French mayor and whether he has an alibi. For many people in the office, a terrorist act was far from our mind, Transport for London was the culprit and once again it had failed.
Then, the news of the another explosion, on a London bus, with pictures of the wreckage.
Disbelief, who would do such a thing.... We were just chosen to be an Olympic host. Soon to be followed by horror... those poor people. Then the realisation that not everyone was present and accounted for. Emergency procedures were distributed recently in the firm, but it would appear that very few people actually read them. Immediately, we began procedures to account for all team members. Mobile networks were jammed, then crashed altogether. It wasn't until mid-day that all personnel was accounted for. Hotel room bookings started at 11:00 to reserve places for all critical staff.
People were unsettled, due to the building proximity to Moorgate and Liverpool station. Police had cordoned off the streets and security told people to stay inside the building. Never had I seen the canteen so full. The food was nourishing but the canteen staff had problems coping with so many hungry people.
Then, came anger.
How dare these people bomb my city! How dare they kill and maim so many! How dare they make me feel unsafe! How dare they disrupt my train service and make me walk miles in the heat and my heels!
I starting sending people home at 3pm. There were severe disruptions. I called my husband and he travelled westward to meet me at 5:45. We walked to the mainline station and managed to catch a train home. Transport for London had pulled all stops to try to get as many services up as possible. There were no tubes and severe disruptions, but if you're willing to walk and find alternatives you could generally get home.
Now, there's just sadness
I'm relieved to be home and thankful that all my friends, families and colleagues are accounted for. I thank God that not more were killed...and hope that that number will not increase. The bombs went off at 8:50am, the height of the rush hour... I am a pessimist but I am also a realist. It could had been much, much worst. Anyone taking the tubes at that time would understand how packed they are. I hope that all of you and yours are well and safe and if you have a moment, don't forget to tell your friends and family how much you love them, because the time that we have together is so precious... and can so easily be snatched away.
Sitting at my desk, writing this, I feel a great surge of sadness, that people would do such a thing to another. May God have mercy on their soul.
Posted by atu at July 7, 2005 08:50 PMGlad to hear that you're fine. I was following the news right after the first blast happened, and I was so sad. I guess it would be really naive to think that horrible things like this would actually stop happening.
Dear Polly, my heart goes out to you and that wonderful city I so like.
Posted by: Thomas at July 9, 2005 10:28 PMDear Polly,
I tried to post earlier but the website was playing up. I loved your post, and I'm so glad you are O.K.
Love Linda
I'm glad to know you are safe. Thanks for sharing your experience. I though of you, and a couple of other friends in London. I am sure you are all just grieving, and we all stand with you. So inconceivable!
You were the first person to come to my mind when I heard the news. Thank God you're all right. You're all in our prayers. (((Hugs)))
Posted by: Laura at July 9, 2005 12:05 AMso nice to hear that you and yours are safe and well.
Posted by: rebecca at July 8, 2005 05:40 PMThanks for checking in, Polly. Yours was one of the sites I checked to see if the bloggers I read regularly were OK. Its funny how the 'net makes connections where others would try to blow those connections to bits.
Glad that you and yours are OK
Posted by: Lindsay at July 8, 2005 05:01 PMPolly, glad you are home safe. I use to live in Weybridge and am hoping all my friends are also safe and at home. Your post was excellent, thank you.
Posted by: Connie at July 8, 2005 04:32 PMI often read your blog, and I'm happy that you all are well.
I am from Spain, and last year we had a similar terrorist attack. 200 Dead people and many other wounded mostly young people. So I know how you feel.
Thanks for the good thoughts to all of us. Glad you and yours are safe, though I am sad that so many families and friends can't say the same.
Posted by: Anmiryam at July 8, 2005 03:21 PMSo glad you and yours are safe. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Posted by: Aimee at July 8, 2005 02:09 PMI'm am so sorry for your loss. I will keep you and all of London in my prayers.
Ruinwen
I had the pleasure of visiting your city a couple of years ago. It was such a wonderful trip and all of the people so warm and friendly. My heart goes out to all and I'm so glad that you and yours are safe.
Posted by: Pam at July 8, 2005 10:46 AMGlad that you did post last night Polly. So pleased that you and yours are safe.
Sarah
Posted by: Sarah at July 8, 2005 10:22 AMPolly, we all did the 'it's the French revenge' joking too! And also like you, 'how dare they!', and then the sadness. But our great city will continue, and hopefully stonger. x x x
Posted by: Belinda at July 8, 2005 09:57 AMPolly - glad to hear you're well and thanks for your insight. It doesn't surprise me that everyone is determined to struggle on as normal, but it's shocking that it should be from a deliberate act rather than the usual transport breakdowns that are a part of commuting life.
Posted by: Sam at July 8, 2005 08:49 AMHi Polly,
Glad to hear you are safe. Take care !
best regards
Eva
Posted by: Eva Shiu at July 8, 2005 08:43 AMThank you for posting Polly, glad to hear from you. take care.
Posted by: yvette at July 8, 2005 07:29 AMSo glad that you and yours are okay.
Posted by: Cassie at July 8, 2005 07:21 AMpolly--thank you for posting. you've been on my mind all day. much love to you as you cope with this incredible deed.
Posted by: ann at July 8, 2005 06:05 AMpolly--thank you for posting. you've been on my mind all day. much love to you as you cope with this incredible deed.
Posted by: ann at July 8, 2005 06:04 AMpolly--thank you for posting. you've been on my mind all day. much love to you as you cope with this incredible deed.
Posted by: ann at July 8, 2005 06:04 AMpolly--thank you for posting. you've been on my mind all day. much love to you as you cope with this incredible deed.
Posted by: ann at July 8, 2005 06:04 AMpolly--thank you for posting. you've been on my mind all day. much love to you as you cope with this incredible deed.
Posted by: ann at July 8, 2005 06:04 AMpolly--thank you for posting. you've been on my mind all day. much love to you as you cope with this incredible deed.
Posted by: ann at July 8, 2005 06:04 AMpolly--thank you for posting. you've been on my mind all day. much love to you as you cope with this incredible deed.
Posted by: ann at July 8, 2005 06:04 AMpolly--thank you for posting. you've been on my mind all day. much love to you as you cope with this incredible deed.
Posted by: ann at July 8, 2005 06:04 AMpolly--thank you for posting. you've been on my mind all day. much love to you as you cope with this incredible deed.
Posted by: ann at July 8, 2005 06:03 AMpolly--thank you for posting. you've been on my mind all day. much love to you as you cope with this incredible deed.
Posted by: ann at July 8, 2005 05:33 AMThank God you are ok.
Love Mona
I'm so glad to hear that you and yours are safe. Thanks for sharing this post--so similar to what I've been thinking and remembering all day. Confusion, fear, anger and the sadness... Take care of yourselves.
Posted by: Jenny at July 8, 2005 04:58 AMHi Polly, glad that you are safe. Just knit and you'll definitely feel better.
Posted by: marjorie at July 8, 2005 04:32 AMWhen I heard today, I thought the same thing...it's bad enough that this happens so often in war filled countries..but when it starts coming closer to home and you finally understand what these people are actually DOING- you can't help but think "How can they disreguard so many lives, so casually?"
My thoughts are with all those in London today.
Posted by: Jennifa at July 8, 2005 02:30 AMI'm so glad you're safe. I've been thinking about you most of the day, (and checking the blog for entries,) mostly I was hoping you were still in Paris. Thanks for letting us know you are well.
Posted by: Shanti at July 8, 2005 02:21 AMI'm relieved and glad that you're alright. Thoughts are with you and your fellow Londoners.
Posted by: Siow Chin at July 8, 2005 02:16 AMI am glad and relieved that you are okay. Words fail me.
Posted by: marti at July 8, 2005 01:35 AMI am so very sorry to hear what happened overseas today. It brings back all of those horrific memories of 9/11 for me here in the States. I know the anguish you must feel about the situation. I am glad to here that your family is OK.
Posted by: Diane at July 8, 2005 01:13 AMOh my gosh! I thought about you immediately today and thank god you and all your friends and family are okay. My heart goes out to all who lost their lives today... Its so hard to think about .... who would want to do such a thing?!
Posted by: Dani at July 8, 2005 01:07 AMI sent you and my other London friends an email immediately after I heard the news. I glad that you are ok....all but one of my other London friends have been accounted for.
It's a mad world.
Much love,
elisabeth
Posted by: elisabeth at July 8, 2005 12:53 AMI'm so glad to see you're ok, I worried about you and all my Brit bloggers today.
Posted by: Tracy at July 8, 2005 12:49 AMi am so pleased to here that you and your closest are all ok.
i feel so helpless watching the news from so far away and overwhelmed with sadness for those who have lost their lives or are still fighting for survival.
bless
Posted by: jacqueline at July 8, 2005 12:19 AMPolly, I am so glad you and yours are safe.
Amen to your words. Know that your friends across the pond are with you and all of Britain this sad day.
Hugs,
caroline
So good to hear that James and you are safe! I did wonder how near you both were to the sites. We had our own fun with bomb scares but the bosses let anyone who lived more than 3 miles away go home.
I've already started plotting my route to work for the morning (and how much yarn I will need for the journey)
Posted by: yvonne at July 8, 2005 12:01 AMThank god you and yours are OK, Polly! What a horrifying experience handled with dignity and grace. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone across the pond!
Posted by: Debi at July 8, 2005 12:01 AMI'm glad too that you are ok. It's mindboggling to think that we are dealing with another attack. My heart goes out to you and to the families of those that didn't make it.
Posted by: Michelle at July 7, 2005 11:57 PMSending thoughts from across the pond...praying for peace and safety... It is so hard to understand the killing of innocents. I am glad you and yours are well.
Posted by: Willow at July 7, 2005 11:48 PMGlad to know you're alright. You're right; it could have been worse. Let's hope it doesn't happen again.
Posted by: joy at July 7, 2005 11:44 PMOn a very sad day, it's good to hear that you and yours are safe.
Posted by: eyeleen at July 7, 2005 11:43 PMOh, good. Thank you.
Posted by: valentina at July 7, 2005 11:28 PMGlad to hear you're safe and sound!
Posted by: MJ at July 7, 2005 11:27 PMI've been swallowing tears all day. So glad you and yours are all well and accounted for. As for me those who are responsible for these acts of cowardice are soul less monsters and deserve only the mercy they have shown their victims. Damn them.
Posted by: Kelle at July 7, 2005 11:13 PMBe safe.
Posted by: Terri at July 7, 2005 11:12 PMThere are not enough words to tell you how relieved I am that you and all you love are safe and sound. It took the better part of the day to hear from all of our family and friends in London, but they are ok as well. My family sends yours their most profound sympathies for your difficult time.
Peace.
Posted by: stephanie at July 7, 2005 10:57 PMI am terribly saddened and wonder what the hell the world is coming to. I am so glad to hear that you and yours are OK.
Posted by: Tiffany at July 7, 2005 10:51 PMDear Polly,
So glad to hear that you and yours are safe and well. You said it all so eloquently apart form the fact that these individuals cannot possibly have souls!
Love and good wishes,
Chris
I'm so glad you are ok. My 18 year old daughter is travelling for 3 weeks in Europe. Right now she's in ROme. I'm absolutely terrified, terrorists know no bounds. I did hear from her today and told her not to use public transportation! I feel so helpless....
Posted by: carolyn H at July 7, 2005 10:36 PMsuch eloquent words to express so many emotions. Thank you for writing to let us know that you are safe. Thank you also for expressing the view of sadness. In many ways we live in a horrible, horrible world where so many bad things that we cannot control do happen. It's frightening that people would do this to another human being. I think these people should be severely punished and forced to suffer as they have made others suffer.
Posted by: Lisette at July 7, 2005 10:33 PMGlad you're OK. I've been dealing with mixed emotions all day, anger, sadness and confusion. Londoners will cope and carry on, that's all we can do.
Posted by: Mary at July 7, 2005 10:24 PMI read your blog quite often because in a small way it keeps me in touch with home. On days like this though I feel even further away than usual. It is incredible that London can go from the high of the Olympics news yesterday to this.
Posted by: Kira at July 7, 2005 10:22 PMGod may show mercy, man will not. What these creatures have done is beyond infamy.
Thank goodness you and James are safe, long may that continue. Take care of one another.
Posted by: Louise at July 7, 2005 10:20 PMI am so glad you're home safe. I can certainly relate to all those feelings you are having...
Posted by: Jackie at July 7, 2005 10:18 PMso good to hear you are all ok!
Posted by: kris at July 7, 2005 10:06 PMI'm so glad you're okay! Thanks for letting us know.
It's such a sad day. :'(
Posted by: Luvtocraft at July 7, 2005 10:00 PMThank you for posting -- I'm so relieved that you and your family and friends are all well.
Posted by: Wendy at July 7, 2005 09:44 PMRelieved to hear you and yours are all accounted for and safe, Polly. I'm just waiting to hear from one more longtime friend and then I hope to breathe again.
Posted by: Rossana at July 7, 2005 09:42 PMI'm glad that you and your friends/family are okay!
Your story about the initial reaction is familiar. I was a high school student in 1993, when the world trade center was first bombed. My school was only a couple of blocks from there, and our entire building shook, and the highway and lots outside filled with emergency vehicles and helicopters. At first, we were told that a transformer under the PATH line (a commuter train) exploded. I don't think I knew what had really happened until I got home later that afternoon, which was an ordeal in and of itself, as the trains I took normally went right under or near the WTC. I don't know if it was the school lying to protect us or what, but there was definitely confusion about the cause when it first happened.
Posted by: Rebekkah at July 7, 2005 09:41 PMSo well written. I've had a tightness in my throat and a tear at my eye all day.
I'm so impressed once again with the British spirit in adversity.
Posted by: Norma at July 7, 2005 09:39 PMHappy to hear you are well and safe. Thanks for sharing your thoughts which reflect my own. Take care.
Posted by: Anne at July 7, 2005 09:38 PMThe people responsible don't deserve any mercy......
Posted by: Jill at July 7, 2005 09:34 PMMy thoughts and prayers are with you. I'm glad you are okay. this is just horrible.
Posted by: Moni at July 7, 2005 09:32 PMI'm just a reader of your blog who doesn't usually comment, but am so glad that you and yours are well and above all safe.
And thank you for writing as you have.....
I used to live in London and commute by tube and bus and, horrifying as all this is, I can hardly believe it wasn't even worse.
Keep well.
Posted by: niki at July 7, 2005 09:31 PMGlad to hear that you're safe. Was thinking of my London blog friends much of the day.
Posted by: Colleen at July 7, 2005 09:31 PMVery glad to hear you are okay. I'm still waiting to hear from a very dear friend, and I'm out of my mind with worry.
Just speechless.
Posted by: Lee Ann at July 7, 2005 09:30 PMVery glad to hear you are okay. I'm still waiting to hear from a very dear friend, and I'm out of my mind with worry.
Just speechless.
Posted by: Lee Ann at July 7, 2005 09:29 PMSuch a relief that you and everyone you care about and know are safe.
Grief for those killed or injured.
You are right, it could have been so much worse. Thank heavens it wasn't. I'm glad to hear that you and others are okay. Thanks for writing all this.
Posted by: Holly at July 7, 2005 09:22 PMThat was very well said. I appreciate hearing insight from someone who is actually there instead of creating my own interpretation that is unfounded.
I'm very happy that you and your loved ones are well.
Posted by: Jody at July 7, 2005 09:19 PMThinking of you and all the folks in London. Prayers are constantly in my mind. It's a very sad day but good to know you are safe.
Posted by: margene at July 7, 2005 09:18 PMI had heard you were okay but it's good to 'see you' on the screen.
We are sick at heart. I've been trying to stop watching the t.v.
Regards to everyone. I knew James would take care of you!
xoxo Kay
Posted by: Kay at July 7, 2005 09:16 PMI'm glad to hear you are OK. I've been following the news all day. So sad!
Posted by: Kristel at July 7, 2005 08:59 PM