White-knuckle

London and Munich are so very different, but they are my favourite cities. When I’m in one, I often can’t help comparing it to the other.

When I was travelling on the tube in London over the Christmas holidays, the sudden jerky movements reminded me of Munich. No, not so much of the underground, as the Munich system runs far more smoothly. What the tube actually made me think of was the funfair rides at the Munich Oktoberfest. As my family were jiggled around, we all laughed at the comparison.

London or Munich?

As we watched the people spinning round the corners and riding up and down the tracks, I realized that this is the kind of year we’re about to have. It will be full of ups and downs and sudden, unexpected changes of direction that might make us scream with delight, or make us sick with fear. A perfect white-knuckle ride.

Hold on tight wherever you are. We’re in for a hell of a ride this year.

Wise Words: white-knuckle

We can use this adjective to describe something that causes a lot of tension, nervousness or excitement. When you hold on to something very tightly (because you are scared or excited) your knuckles turn white. 

“Only one prediction is worth making confidently: 2009 promises to be a white-knuckle ride for all the main party leaders.” The Scotsman

“Hong Kong punters are accustomed to the occasional white-knuckle ride.” The Daily Telegraph