Meanwhile, back in London:

• The economic pinch has become a punch; 
  
• A blow-by-blow account of a non-celebrity-celebrity's terminal illness is unfolding on newspaper' front pages in a horrible and voyeuristic way. These same publications, now feigning compassion, were vilifying this woman a year or two ago and out to destroy her. (The British Press is so toxic and has, in doing this, I think sunk to a new low);
  
• Service seems to have improved - perhaps because people fear losing their jobs unless they deliver. (Refreshing!);
  
• It feels as though everyone is wearing black, perhaps reflecting the city's mood?;
• As ever, The Tube is being randomly shutdown for repairs, and is inhumanely packed and hot - but, in odd contrast, the streets seem emptier than they were.
  

Still one of the world's great cities, but right now London feels somewhat bruised and deflated.