London Adventure

So yesterday (Tuesday) I decided last minute I would attend a Terra Naomi gig at the Troubadour. It was to be her last gig for a while since she had to go back to LA. The gig started around 9pm so I had plenty of time to get there. So I set of at somewhere around 2-2:30pm I figured if I take my time I wouldn't have to pay for the (stupid) congestion charge in London since they don't operate after 6pm.
I stopped off at a service station, to fuel up the car and me (food that is not gasoline, that would just be silly).

I'd found a nice car park using my Sat Nav which is only a few meters away from the venue that Terra was playing. By the time I'd got to the car park it was some time just after 6pm so I was doing well for time, but as I got in the car park I realized that it closes at 9pm! So I had to find another car park which operates 24hrs. This was not an easy task. So I searched my Sat Nav for another car park that was open 24hr, turns out that most around that area close. I did think about parking road side, but I'm kinda afraid that it might get either broken in to or other. Also I wasn't sure if I was allowed to. So I decided I would park at a familiar location, a car park I knew was 24hr, so I drove to Hammersmith. For those of you who don't know London geography Hammersmith is around 2 miles away from the venue. I didn't mind too much a little walk would do me good and I'd get in some sight seeing. Although by this time is was around 8pm already.

As I was walking in the general direction of the venue, I went past Hammersmith station, I starting thinking hmmmmm....?! (Thats me thinking). I decided I would take the tube to get there it would be much quicker. So I went in the station and I purchased myself an Oyster card. (Can't be bothered to explain this now, go google it). I have never used the Oyster service before but when I was in Hong Kong around 4 years ago?! They have a similar system (which they had way before London introduced their version I might add) so I knew what I was doing. I put £10 on it I figured that would do me. So I got to the tube and checked to station that was closes to the venue, it was either, West Brompton or Earl's Court. I decided to go to Earl's Court (it would mean less changing) so as I got to the platform I noticed quite a few people standing around. Then I heard this over the tannoy "Sorry but the district line has been delayed" (that was my line) Great! Typical, the one time I decide to use the tube its delayed. i managed to get on at it was ok.
I eventually got to the Troubadour and it was around 9pm. When I got in I realized it didn't start at 9 as I had previously thought. Oh well Terra didn't start her set yet anyway so I was fairly good. I didn't notice that it was only a small venue there were tables and chairs, but they were clearly all taken. So I got to stand at the back of the room, which was ok I guess.

The lady (sorry I forgot her name) who was performing as I entered was pretty good... I think?! I couldn't hear her too well, either the speakers weren't turned up enough, or everyone was talking so loud, how very rude.
After she finished there was a small intermission before Terra came on, I quickly noticed the room started filling up, I guess everyone came to see Terra. As she came on stage, as she started singing the whole room was quiet, it was very strange, you couldn't defiantly feel everyone in the room had a lot of respect for Terra. She performed a number of acoustic songs, which were amazing as per usual. As her set came to a close she mentioned she would have a few cds etc for sale, clearing out some old junk. After she finished she came out with some of the stuff she had for sale. I noticed she had a number of the 'Virtually' cd, I have been wanting one of them for a while now, I thought this would be my chance! As the crowds started piling at her I decided I would be a gentleman and let others speak with her, as I was in no hurry. I figured it would be easier to wait it out. By the time everyone had finished hovering around I found myself by Terra, I spoke to her briefly and complimented her on her performance. I notice that there were no more of the album on the table. I asked if she had anymore, she said no. I guess it is true what they say; "Nice guys finish last." She gave me a Terra Naomi bag though, that was cool now I have something to put all my Terra Merch in. I did also get a lovely picture of taken with her.



By this time it was getting late and I have a long journey ahead of me, so I decided to head off. As I left I went back to the tube station and got the tube back to Hammersmith to get my car for the long drive home again. Before I forget, I wasn't planning to go by myself, I was going to invite my friend along too, but he had to work.
So now by the end of the night I am a now an owner of an Oyster card with around £7 on it, which I probably won't ever use and a Terra Naomi bag. All in all it was a good night.