I have to say that two of the major sights of London leave me fairly underwhelmed. The Houses of P and Westminster Abbey are quite impressive buildings but they are, frankly, dull to look at. I know I've been inside Westminster Abbey but I can't remember anything much about it and it costs 20, YES TWENTY! quid to step inside. It is, frankly taking the piss! Firstly, its supposed to be a church and secondly, the CofE is abso-fucking-lutely loaded and has a right cheek to charge 20 notes to walk in.
Although I really enjoyed our sojourn in the capital, these was the least good bits. Ironically, they would be top of many people's list of things to see in there. Give it a body swerve, there are much more interesting things to see and fewer tourists to negotiate. As everyone who doesn't live there knows London is dirty, crowded, expensive and full of unpleasant people. This tourist filled area is probably the main reason that image is so popular amongst the rest of the country. Below is a touristy icon shot of that there London. Its more the cliche value of the picture that I like rather than any particular merit or interest of the picture.
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This is a real touristy trip down one street. But it is cool and there is loads of histroy to see, At the top end of Whitehall, is Nelson atop his column.
and at the bottom he is guarded by the Lions sculpted by Lnaseer
This follows directly on from where my last ramblings left off.
This came highly recommended to us by friends, but you have to book your tickets in advance and you get a specific time slot to visit. However, on the plus side it is totally free. Unlike the Shard which was 30 quid to go up. I have to say, we loved it. But first, the building its in. This is really cool too. Apparently, its called the walkie-talkie but that's pushing things a bit far. Just to show how much good taste I have, it has apparently won several awards for ugly buildings. Originally, it was meant to be much bigger but planners made them scale it back as they feared it would dominate. God knows what the original would have looked like as this is bloody massive. It overhangs the street below in two directions which give a slightly odd effect close up.
I used to work in the City when I first left university. Nothing glamorous involving a bank of computer screens and multi-million pound takeovers. I worked in a wine merchants on the end of London Bridge (where little Waitrose is on the map below if you're interested). It was a bit of shock to the system to realise that it was 25 years ago, so not really that surprising that the place has really changed. And, has it ever?
The building I worked in has long gone and there is a great mix of old stone built buildings in tiny narrow streets and lanes and massive steel and glass skyscrapers. For example, Canary Wharf tower used to dominate the skyline out to the east. Now you have to work to find it. When I was there, I loved the Lloyds insurance building and I'm pleased to say it still looks modern and edgey all these years later. Never realised it before, but once rush-hour is over, the city is a great place to wander. Loads to see, lots of history and, as everyone else,is busy at work, its pretty deserted. |
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AuthorsWe are teachers and have worked in various schools in Europe & Asia. This is really a chronicle of out travels over the years. It is meant for us to look back on, reflect and remember where we've been, what we've done and all our little adventures. If you like it too, then fab! If you don't, do you think we care? Archives
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