It was late evening when I arrived at Heathrow Airport five years ago and I stayed at a nearby hotel at that time. I didn't know exactly how to get to Oxford, and I chartered a taxi from around Heathrow Airport to Oxford. I think I could get to Oxford by buses or trains, if I repeatedly asked people around how to get to Oxford, but maybe due to my inherent laziness, I didn't. I should have been more reasonable.
By the way, I was going to utilize public transportation other than taxis this time. What is called subway in the U.S. is called "tube" in the U.K. I found the word "Oxford Tube" on Google Map.
Then the following conversation was exchanged between my daughter(D) and me(I).
I: The new subway line seemed to have been built between Oxford and London. I'm going to get to Paddington on the Elizabeth Line and change trains to the Oxford line.
D: There's no subway line in Oxford. Are you talking about Oxford Tube? If so, it's the bus service called "Tube". Don't worry! I can pick you up at the 5th Terminal in Heathrow Airport.
I: It's very helpful. Thank you.
(In the morning on the departure day)
D: I became unable to see you at the airport and booked "Airline" in place of my pick-up. I attached e-tickets for two on this e-mail.
I: By plane? Between such a short distance?
D: It's a bus service called "the Airline".
I: .... I lost words. Is there no other way to name it?(grin)
５年前、ヒースロー国際空港に到着したのは夜だったので近くのホテルに旅装を解いた。翌日、オックスフォードまでどうやって行くのかわからず、人に尋ねながら行けば行けたのだろうが、生来の不精もあり、ホテルからタクシーでオックスフォードの宿まで向かった。無茶なことをしたものだ。今回は公共交通機関を使うことにしている。
地下鉄をイギリスではＴｕｂｅと呼ぶ。そして、地図で Oxford Tube という記載を見たのでオックスフォードに住む娘に
私：地下鉄が出来たみたいだから今回は地下鉄でオックスフォードに向かうよ。
娘：オックスフォードに地下鉄はないよ。もしかしてOxford Tubeのこと？それならTubeという名前のバスだよ。心配要らない。ヒースロー国際空港第５ターミナルまで迎えに行くよ。
私：有り難い。よろしく。
羽田からの離陸直前に娘からメールあり。
娘：迎えに行けなくなった。Airlineを予約しておいた。Ｅ－チケットをこのメールに添付した。
私：ヒースロー国際空港からオックスフォードまで飛行機とは。
娘：Airlineという名前のバスだよ。
私：言葉を失う。わかりやすい名前を付けられないものか、、、、（笑）
Comments