What does the image of a red double-decker bus bring to mind? London, of course! Unfortunately, the vintage buses had to be phased out of commission in 2005 because they could not accommodate for passengers who needed wheelchair access. After these vehicles were removed from service, the city quickly realized that it had lost a piece of nostalgia, and two Heritage Routes were implemented for the classic Routemaster, while making other commuter options available to the public as well.
What is a Routemaster?
Double-decker buses were a common sight on the streets of London after WWII, but it is the Routemaster model that became the famous image associated with the capital of England and the United Kingdom today. In comparison to the earlier versions, this one weighed less, was easier to operate, had more passenger seats, and boasted a rear platform so that people could hop on and hop off en route.
On February 27th of this year the new and improved Routemaster was introduced to Londoners. It is the first of eight to hit the pavement; the additional seven buses will be out and running by this summer. Like the original, the new double-decker is the traditional bright red color, has two levels, and totes the open platform to board from the back of the bus. This Routemaster looks like an ultra-modern rendering of the original. The differences don’t stop here. This one has three doors, provides access and space for wheelchairs, includes two staircases, and is super fuel efficient.
What’s not to like?
The cost of these streamlined buses is of some concern, coming with a whopping £1.4m (each) price tag. It is being sized up to the classic Routemaster’s rate of £190,000 per unit. An initial impression of this massive price difference may have you seeing red flags, but in my opinion, the cost difference is like comparing a commercial plane from the 1960’s to a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The beloved original Routemaster was retired from service because it couldn’t meet all of its passengers’ needs.
Double the love
The return of the dual-decked Routemaster has Londoners bidding adieu to the bendy-bus. I do not think the latter will be missed. Something about spotting a red double-decker just makes you smile. I know that I would be extremely disappointed, if after purchasing roundtrip flights to London, to discover that this piece of the city’s heritage was no longer rolling down the streets. What do you think? Will you embrace the new bus or will you turn your back on it?
The last World Cuisine Wednesday of 2010 comes from right here in the U.S.A! Although I live in Maine, I’m actually a southern gal; today I am going to share a traditional New Years Eve recipe that comes straight from home. Hoppin’ John is the name of this dish, and it’s meant to bring those who eat it wealth and good luck in the year to come. The greens (you can use collard greens, mustard greens, kale, chard, etc.) represent wealth, and the peas symbolize peace. Some people place pennies or other pieces of change under the serving vessels. Others throw a dime in the pot so that the person who finds it in their bowl gets an extra helping of good luck during the next year.
Before digging in, it’s customary to say, “Eat poor this day, eat rich the rest of the year. Rice for riches and peas for peace.”
(The main ingredient is black-eyed peas, so if you’re not a fan of these ugly little beans, you might not want to try this particular recipe. Also, please make sure to soak the dried beans the night before and sort through them to eliminate any debris or tiny pebbles that may have ended up in the bag.)
Hoppin’ John
1 large ham hock
1 tbsp oil
1 lb black eyed peas, soaked overnight, drained
1 c chopped onion
1 bunch chopped collard greens
¾ c chopped celery
½ c chopped green pepper
1 qt chicken stock
3 c steamed white rice
Salt, pepper and cayenne to taste
In a large soup pot, heat oil and fry ham hock for a few minutes. Make sure to cook on all sides.
Add green pepper, celery and onion; cook for 4 minutes.
Add chicken stock, greens and peas, bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add water if needed.
Season with salt, pepper and cayenne to your liking and serve over steamed rice.
Whether you are bringing in the New Year here in the States or in London, Rome, Paris – wherever! – 1-800-Fly-Europe wishes you a happy, healthy and safe 2011!
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