OH MY GOD

I was really hoping to get some things done on the train to London; I usually do. However, my carriage was taken over by a stag party, on their way to Newcastle. They were the real British deal, from the hero of the night already tipsy and wearing a blue baby outfit, to the bags overflowing with beer and music blasting from the speakers. We were not out of the station yet before the drinking games begun. I could not believe it; the shouting, the loud music – and no-one reacting. I was so angry I was practically shaking when I went over to demand they keep it down. Eleven red, sweaty faces turned my way, and I was helpfully told that if I did not like the music, I should have booked a place in the quiet coach (because this – I must have missed the sign somewhere – was the party coach, of course). I was told that they have paid for their places, and that I could pretty much go and fuck myself. So I went to the train master – who basically told me the same thing! That if I had trouble with bearing unbearable noise, and listening to swearing, I should have bought a quiet coach ticket. I WAS MADE TO FEEL LIKE IT WAS ME WHO WAS BEHAVING IN THE WRONG WAY.

The world has gone mad. A full carriage of people, including parents with children and people trying to work, and I was the only one to speak up. God forbid one should make any fuss! Aah, they are just lads having a wee bit of fun. My ass. Or is it that everyone was terrified of the alcohol-fueled men? If so, why is alcohol allowed on the trains at all?

There is something profoundly wrong with this attitude – don't make eye contact, pretend the problem does not exist and it will go away. There is also something profoundly wrong with the way people interact socially; there is either a complete isolation, or violence, and nothing in between.

Bloody hell.