A Drugged or Drunk Hotel Guest? The tragic death of singer Liam Payne

Following reports of the tragic death of Liam Payne of One Direction, who either fell or jumped from a hotel balcony, in  Buenos Aires, Argentina, South America. Newspapers published reports and the phone call made by the hotel employee who was concerned about the hotel guest who was drunk or on drugs and had gone to a room with a balcony. (The call is in Spanish - newspapers give the English translation.)

Balconies and Safety

Alcohol drugs, balconies you can climb or fall off, what could go wrong?  The hotel employee was already concerned about the guest and the balcony.

What can we ban? We already restrict alcohol and drugs, but now perhaps we should look at balconies.

Police And Safety

In some cases it is an advantage to call police as this could protect property and life. Ambulance staff might be sent away by a person who declines treatment. However, police might stay to question the person being investigated. If that person becomes aggressive, the police might arrest the person, who, if they assault the police officer, or resist arrest, might be taken to the police station and places in a locked cell, or a padded room. This would protect the property, other people. and give the person time to calm down and be released into the care of a family member or responsible person.

The name Payne, sounding like pain, in retrospect seems ominous. Maybe the name Joy would be more positive.

If you are travelling to a major city, the waxworks might have a display featuring your favourite band.

Picture from Wikipedia article on One Direction.

Madame Tussauds London has a One Direction display.

Useful Websites daily mail report

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13969699/liam-payne-999-call-buenos-aires-hotel-worker-help-death.html

https://www.liampayneofficial.com/

Sherlock Holmes' Statue to Historic Harrow and Pretty Pinner

Along the Metropolitan line are three places of interest. Let's start in the centre of London at Baker Street station. Outside, the station, facing the exit on the way to Madame Tussaud's and the Planetarium on the next corner is the statue of Sherlock Holmes. You could continue to Madame Tussaud's and the Planetarium, or go back to the other exit of the station within sight of the Sherlock Holmes Museum and shop.

Take the train to Harrow. Walk up the hill to Harrow on the Hill, narrow streets, old pubs such as The Castle. At the top is the famous Harrow School. Byron sat writing poetry near the church where his daughter was buried.

In summer you might see the boys in their boaters (straw hats). At the top of the Hill is the school where you can take a tour (must book), or visit one of the upmarket restaurants such as Incanto.

Down at the bottom of the hill near the station are two shopping malls, St George's and St Ann's and the usual range of pubs and coffee shops and eating at all prices.

Pinner
Continue along the train line to Pinner.  The Old Victory pub named after Nelson's victory is an ancient building now a restaurant. Another pub is still a pub. At the bottom of the sloping High Street near the station exit is Pinner Park housing the Heath Robinson museums where you can see cartoons. For free amusement walk around the park.

Also walk uphill to the church of St John's and stare in wonder at the coffin in the sky. The story goes that a man wanting to cut relatives out of his will said that they should not inherit whilst he was in the ground. So the buried him in a coffin in midair. Walk all the way round. A plaque explaining the story is on the side.

The above ground coffin projecting, in front of St John's church, Pinner.

Photos copyright Angela Lansbury.

If you are travelling by car and pass through Hatch End, look for the plaque to Mrs Beeton, famed cookery writer.

Angela Lansbury, travel writer and photographer, author and speaker. 

Sherlock Holmes Statue near Madame Tussauds, and Sherlock Holmes tiles

Outside Baker Street station is a statue to Sherlock Holmes. If you are on your way to Madame Tussauds, or if you have already visited it, or don't have the time, you can get a free look at the statue of Sherlock Holmes.

The fictional character, based on a real doctor, is associated with his fictional address of Baker street, the other side of the station around the corner, the other exit.

Recently installed behind the statue is a sign telling you that you can do a walking tour of London and pick up the story of Sherlock Holmes on your phone.

On Baker street station underground line wall you will see tiles showing Sherlock Holmes in profile with his distinctive deerstalker hat and pipe.

I could easily find the right exit because of the handy sign.

Angela Lansbury, travel writer and photographer, author, speaker.
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From Madame Tussauds to Marylebone Shops For Wine Tasting

Outside Baker Street station is the statue of Sherlock Holmes to welcome you. Cross the road and continue south down Baker Street for a trip past Bistrot de Luxe for a top grade lunch, and window shop at the chess and bridge shop - or take today's alternative route a block or two west to Marylebone for French wine, French cheese, English meat and chocolates.

   We went for a wine tasting at French wine shop Nicholas. Being French, Nicholas does not pronounce the s on his name but calls himself 'Nicola' which sounds like a girl's name to English speakers. Here he is in a French beret.

If you get on his mailing list you will be invited to free wine tasting from three or four bottles of wine. Unlike other places which charge and tell you weeks in advance, Nicholas often gives you only 24 or 48 hours notice, but if you are in the area, or have free time and are prepared to make a special trip to London, it's a bit of fun and an opportunity to try a new wine and meet somebody who can tell you about the wine.

 I am interested because a) I am taking a wine exam, just level one run by WSET.  The initial letters stand for Wine and Spirit Education Trust - a proper government recognised body which runs courses and exams leading to certification for exams recognised by the government - taken by people in the business, wine shop staff and sommeliers in restaurants and hotels.  

My next post is on the other shops in Marylebone High Street, Wairose and the White Shop, and in Moxon Street, The Ginger Pig and La Fromagerie for coffee and cake.