Haunting Travels

It’s time to get a bit creepy with the onslaught of Halloween! Don’t know where to start with getting the heebie jeebies? Well, maybe we can help by pointing out some spooky destinations that are guaranteed to make the hairs on your neck stand. From celebrating with the dead to the Paris underground, here’s a spooky shortlist.

Royal Phantoms

The Hampton Court Palace in the London borough of Richmond, England is a peek into the stately royal homes in history. With sixty acres of flowering gardens that meet the River Thames, a hedge maze, and a royal tennis court, the Palace seems a lively place for activity. However, it’s also home to a few not so lively individuals brandishing names like “The Grey Lady” and “The Screaming Lady of the Gallery”. Bizarrely, there’s even been a sighting of a phantom bear that roams the grounds. The palace provides a haunted tour for those daring enough to take it. These tend to be very popular around Halloween, Oct. 31, and sell out fast – if you’re anywhere near London Town, better get in on it.

Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)

Though this day is celebrated around the world, the most famous celebration is in Mexico where it is a national holiday, falling on the first two days of November. People don masks and make-up with heavy, albeit beautiful skeleton themes that can also be seen in festival decorations and even in the food. But you’re sure to see some elaborate and brightly decorated costumes on the streets.

Practices vary in observing this holiday from town to town so you never know what to expect. In remembrance of loved ones who’ve passed, some make shrines and cook favorite meals of the deceased. Toys of the deceased children are brought out along with candy and other trinkets to be placed on their graves to make them feel at home among the living. The belief is to make a connection with those who’ve passed and to have them hear the prayers and comments of the loved ones still alive. This all may sound a bit light-hearted after all the food and sweets being passed around but in fact, there is a slightly solemn side to it, lest you forget. Have some fun but do so with respect, please.

The Paris Underground

Beneath Paris you will find the skeletal remains of the millions that have added to the body count since the 18^th century. There is even a museum that shows off some of the more interesting decorations made with the remains and tours for a designated area of what are called “the catacombs” are offered.

Some individuals have opted to go on their own only to never be seen or heard from again. The Catacombs are a vast network of tunnels, rooms, and dead ends that merge with the sewers of Paris. Some buildings in the city have connections to the catacombs where enterprising individuals have used the access for storage, useful escapes, and my favorite: cellars for aged meats, cheese and wine. If you want to see the Catacombs, do it right and book a tour!