Monday night bowling

Monday Night Bowling - 7.12.09

Mondays are such a non day. On midday this Monday I was invited out ten-pin bowling. Suddenly my Monday was looking up. Auspiciously I had chosen to wear my sporty T-shirt and leopard print trainers, ideal bowling wear...

We went to Elephant and Castle bowling alley. A far cry from wannabe 50s' retro joints like you get in Central London - those horrible places with low ceilings, cranked up music and full of drunken yoofs. No Elephant is way different. For a start its going to be pulled down anytime soon, another loser to London regeneration, and thus any trip seems particularly poignant because it could be your last.. secondly it is unashamedly dated and shabby. I love the ripped upholstery and basic staffing (one guy runs the bar and the restaurant the shoe hire booth), as well as the dented, scuffed bowling balls.

Monday night is a weird night to go bowling. There are no crowds, just King Pins endlessly perfecting their technique. There are couples though who just hang out in the booths fornicating. Aah the romance.

We played two games. I was well beaten by Alastair, but I can't even begin to compete at his level. I was happy with my 3 strikes.

The break was spent discussing astronomy, existentialism, Newcastle and Green Sundays.

A fab night all in all.

As you leave you exit via the shopping centre, a bleak, empty gallery of lost capitalism. The closed down shops and space are now more reminiscent of the eastern block. It already feels like it has faded into memory. But, I hope we can get a few more games in before it does...