I swore on Monday that I wouldn't travel by train again to work. I'd had five really bad journeys in two weeks - 25% horror rate = rapid loss of interest in the train's good points - being able to read a book or mull over a work problem.

Today I got back onto the train as David was swanning about doing Beetle deals in my car. Still I won't have to worry about that in a few weeks time when he can use his own car if I want mine.

Infuriatingly, the train I catch from Guildford was three minutes late (as it unfailingly is) and that meant I watched my connection pulling out of the station with me powerless in the carriage of the still moving train. The good thing is the next one is only ten minutes later so it just gives me time to dash to the kiosk and buy a cup of coffee.

Coffee on stations is something I'm now a great expert in. On Dorking station (my morning change place) - the boys in The Full Monty provide the best value cup available on the train network that I've experienced - 60p a cup - mind you, it's Nescafe, water and milk! This guy is the next best value (£1.60 for a large cup of Latte) and Epsom station comes down the bottom of the value league but has a lovely smiley chap serving!

This guy is good though, I don't know his name or anything about him other than that his accent gives away his South African origins. I buy a cup of coffee once a week or so from him and I'm usually his last customer often arriving when he's actually packing away his stuff yet he never says 'sorry you're too late' or 'I'm closed' - always service with a smile no matter what. He's an angel of mercy in the station of hell. Thanks mate!