England 2018 - Part I - Travel and Day 1

In the fall of 2017, I got a notice that my favourite band in the world -- Stiff Little Fingers -- would be doing three shows in England with The Beat, Buzzcocks, and The Selecter. That frustrated me briefly. I knew they weren't going to bring the show to North America, but I was desperate to see it. Wait a minute! I have a credit card. I have a passport. I have no sense of responsibility.

 I looked at the three locations the show would take place, and found that there was one in a university town just north of London: Hatfield. Okay. I bought a ticket. With that confirmation in hand, I bought airfare. Then, I started researching neighbourhoods, and hotels. Then, I booked some tours. At last, I was ready.

 I have flown to England twice, and both times I have flown Air Transat Club Class. It's not my favourite airline, but for the price point it gets you across the pond quite comfortably. One thing to note: Air Transat doesn't tell you this, but the Club Class ticket gets you into the expedited line at Customs. You just have to know you can use it. I found out after, but you better believe I'll remember for next time. I flew into Gatwick, and got the train into town.

Once in town, I found my way to the Old Street Premier Inn, and checked in. It took a bit to get oriented, but I found it.

It Was a Comfortable Room

Once I got established in my room, I set a course to get something to eat, and sightsee on my way to my evening's tour.

A Pub Named After One of my Favourite Poets

I found a nice little pub with an interesting menu and went in. I was the only customer, but my inner clock was several hours off UTC at this point.

Vegetables and Duck - How Can You Go Wrong?

As I was walking down this street, I saw 2 signs: one indicating the presence of a Tiki bar, and the other informing me that it was happy hour at the Tiki bar. Yay! In I went.

It was April, but Hey!

The drinks were more expensive than what I'm used to, but I grew to understand that alcohol is more expensive in England (at least in London).

My Spiritual Home

It's a bit dark, but I got Lei'd in London

Proper Lime Daiquiri

It was a nice break, but then I needed to continue my wanderings to find the starting location for my Haunted Bus Tour.

Across from the Tour Meeting Place was a Pub called the Sherlock Holmes

Waiting for my tour with Vodka Soda

The tour itself was fun, with some drama and special effects. I'm not going to spoiler it. Suffice to say, it's worth the doing. Haunted Bus Tour, if you want to try it. The only part I didn't enjoy was the four hygienically challenged girls (I mean they literally stank) who tried to bully me out of my seat. Nice try. I got there early to pick my seat, and I, also, need to face forward in a moving vehicle.

The Bus was Decorated like a Study

There were Seats Facing Forward and Rear

Tower Bridge

This was a Creepy Spot

I walked back to my hotel, stopping at a cozy little basement jazz bar for a lovely hand-crafted cocktail, and then headed off to bed. It should be noted, I wasn't feeling well at this point. I shook it off, and hoped the alcohol in the drink would take care of it.

Next - England 2018 - Part II - In which I am unwell but Soldier On.