Nearby points of interest

Despite living in the London boondocks of Wandsworth, I have noticed this far-flung suburb has its fair share of urban curiosities.

- The Royal Victoria Patriotic Hall is literally right next door to my apartment building. This Victorian monstrosity has existed as a orphanage, a hospital and German spy detention center. Lauren tells me there are tunnels linking the basement to the nearby Wandsworth Prison. Oh, and the building is haunted.

- As mentioned in an earlier post, I'm within a 7 minute walking trip to the UK's largest prison, the Wandsworth Prison. All but hidden from view by busy Trinity Road, this 160 year brick complex has held it's fare share of celebrity ne'er doers over the years.

- One of the rail lines that hem in my neighborhood was the site of an unfortunate train crash in the 80's. A humble memorial is dedicated to the 35 victims of the Clapham Junction Rail Crash and is located next to the sidewalk I stroll by every time I go to Clapham Junction.

- Clapham Junction Railway Station is one of the busiest train stations in Europe. A 15 minute walk will take you to the station and anther 10 minute overground train journey will take you over the river to Victoria Station - my favorite London train station.

- There's a 100+ year old fire station down Trinity Road.

- Chez Bruce, London's "favorite" restaurant, is on the other side of the common from where I am. Lauren and I might pop in tonight and drain our bank accounts.

Thats all for now folks. As I continue to uncover hot spots I'll be sure to post em up.

Oh no, snow

With great unenthusiasm I can officially announce London is experiencing its first snowfall of the season. 

I stepped out of the apartment this morning and into a cold mix of rain and snow. It was just warm enough for the snow to melt as soon as it made landfall.

It caught me completely by surprise as this was maybe only the 2nd or 3rd time I've left my apartment in the morning for work and faced inclement weather. 

Winter, it would appear, has finally arrived. 

Me commuting to work.

Tidbits from the past week

- Observed a man chase after a woman exiting an underground train only to watch him hand the woman her wallet. It must have fallen out of her purse as she got up to leave. Hope in humanity partially restored.

- Also on the underground, a seat opened up next to man A and woman A. Man A offers the empty seat to woman A, she politely declines. While Man A insists, another woman, woman B, spots the vacant seat and proceeds to snatch it up. Oblivious to woman B, woman A finally caves and proceeds to sit down just as woman B does. Much awkward fumbling and apologizing ensues. Woman B eventually gives the seat up to woman A.

- Was slapped with my first council tax bill. Council tax pays for local services like police, fire, garbage collection, libraries etc. I owe £120 and change by January 1st. The tax would be higher but since I am living with two students the Queen gave me a 25% discount.

- Started Christmas shopping - for myself. Lauren and I went to this massive mall on Saturday complete with an ice rink. I bought a personal record of 3 pairs of shoes for myself.  To be fair its been almost 16 months since I've purchased any footwear. Also, some stores were so busy there were lines outside like you see at night clubs.

San Pedro's Landslide making headlines in London

Pedro escaping into the Pacific