Monday, June 11, 2018

England in the rear view mirror ...

I went to England last year and so I was surprised to find myself heading back again this year; but how could I not go back for my Aunt Audrey's 90th birthday ?



I find flying quite magical.    And was amazed to see Windsor Castle passing below the plane; three days before the royal wedding.




My cousin Steve once more offered his lovely apartment for me to crash in.  Last visit I tried to "tough it out" and not waste my first day in England and ended with a headache.  This time I immediately settled onto his couch for a lovely nap.  "Wake me in two hours", I asked.  Instead I woke on my own to the aroma of dinner four hours later.   



From Steve's I headed to Limehouse to stay with my nephew Andrew and his wonderful wife, Jess.

I was so glad to finally meet Jess and we had a marvellous wander around the nearby marina and beside the ever changing Thames. 



Folk have to manage the locks themselves








While Andrew and Jess worked, I happily explored London on my own.












Tours were offered of the inner workings of Tower Bridge; including a walk across a glass floor looking down on the river and road below.  Wowsa.   I couldn't resist that.





Even better, one section of the glass walkway had a mirrored ceiling above it making for some interesting photo opportunities.




The monument to the Great Fire of London (1666) is a narrow column built in 1671 which once-climbed affords marvellous views of the city.  





What had to be impressed upon me was the fact that it was 311 steps to reach that amazing view.


However I did get an official certificate when I reached the bottom. I was amazed that it had only been 311 steps; my guesstimate was more around the 5,000 mark !

London is a feast for the eyes; even derelict buildings have a certain beauty.  I marvelled at the Butterfly bushes growing all over this place.


These ruins of St. Dunston in the East is a church that was bombed in WWII.


Notice the palm tree; this is in London.
  
In Greenwich I visited the Cutty Sark built in 1869.  Unlike our own famous Blue Nose it is no longer in the water but instead perched like a stranded creature caught in a trap.


London is so chock a block full of amazing things to see.  Standing on the deck of the Cutty Sark with the Thames in the background and a domed structure on the left.  What do you suppose it is ?   Ladies and Gents toilets ?  Want to guess again ?


It's the entrance to a 1,300 foot walking tunnel under the Thames that was opened in 1843 !


Of course I had to follow it, not realizing that where I wanted to go was in the opposite direction.  So, once I reached the other end, I walked back ... wondering just a teeny bit about the ceiling leaks ...




Since I was in Greenwich I went for a lovely stroll through Royal Park and up the hill to the spot where the Eastern and Western hemispheres meet.



And once there, I stood with my feet straddling the time line.


Back to the other side of the Thames.  

Canary Wharf

How do you feel about driver-less trains ?


Would you believe I did all this and more in my first two full days in England !

Times to head to Exmouth.

5 comments:

  1. I've only been to London once, but I'd love to go again! I'm green, positively green, with envy about your trip!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Debra, I feel very connected to England and always enjoy being in London. It was an amazing experience. Hope you get to go back ...

      Delete
  2. someday I'd love to go with you. Your photos are beautiful Sybil! Thanks for the tour.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Sara, we'd have a blast. Have you been to England ? Where would you like to go first ? What sort of things would you like to do there ?

    ReplyDelete
  4. Wonderful travelogue! Glad you had such a fun time, Sybil!

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for stopping by. I really do love to read your comments.