London is Grand...

I’ve been three days in London. It’s such a vibrant city.

The tube is wonderful. The transit system goes everywhere; even the Queen has a stop near her backyard, which by the way is a very generous size. Oops, digressing. I purchased an Oyster pass. To enter the system the pass is needed AND again to exit. No “honor” system here. Vancouver might want to take note.

My hotel is in a good location. Near Kensington Palace where Diana used to live. My room may be the world's smallest. Hey, that's okay at least the bathroom isn't down the hall and the rate is reasonable. The British breakfast they serve here leaves something to be desired. Not a condiment in sight to disguise the lack of flavor.

On Tuesday evening I joined Ghosts of the City walking tour. Due to London’s rather gruesome history, there are many lost souls traversing the streets. The guide took us to the site of an old prison where the incarcerated were forced to consume each other. No other sustenance was provided.

We strolled by the site of the long gone Newgate Prison and its adjacent gallows. Back in the day hangings were considered entertainment; thousands would gather to view the proceedings. The tour guide claims when the traffic “dies” down he can hear the cries of the executed prisoners. I just heard big red buses and taxis.

Also in that area is the Viaduct Tavern built over former Newgate prison cells, which combined, are used as the bar’s cellar. Many an employee has been locked downstairs by the angry spirits. They say the turnaround is pretty high. The “highlight” of the evening was standing on the plague pit. The “nearly” dead were routinely tossed in with the “already” dead. Nauseating isn’t it? Who knows how many apparitions walked among us that evening? Spooky.