London walkabout

Well, I don't think I have EVER walked for so long!

In true 'detak' style, I left the apartment at 11am. It was a really busy morning before that, having spoken with Dave, Lawrie and Mum on Skype.

 

My journey took me to Spitalfields Markets, which is near to Liverpool Sreet Station. I wandered around there and was humoured by a vendor who reminded my of a Monty Python sketch. I took a recording on my phone to help remind me.

I walked past the building nicknamed "the Gherkin", towards the Tower of London. The Gherkin is a building of amazing architecture on the site of an IRA bombing. I am not sure of the year of the bombing.

The Gherkin from a different viewpoint

 

I walked past the Tower and watched as the Tower Bridge was raised in order to let a sailing boat through.

Tower Bridge

 

Ian had suggested that I visit the Saint Katharine's dock. Thanks for the suggestion, Ian. I was most impressed with the still waters and The fact that there were hardly any people.

St Katharine's Dock

It was a relief to get away from the crowds for a little while. The pub looked very inviting and I decided to take some time out and absorb the atmosphere. I ordered a pint of Fosters and some hot chips.

 

I thought it was appropriate to have a Fosters. It is advertised so heavily here as something truly Australian, but I have never had one. I must have looked lonely, as the security guard came up to me for a chat. He is from South America, somewhere near Brazil. We had a good chat and he had great pleasure in telling me that the West Indies beat Australia in the 20/20 cricket semi final. I enjoyed my chat with Wayne. He was kind enough to take a photo of me enjoying my beer.

A welcome drink

 

Shaun has come home from work now, so will finish this post later.

Communication

My tour continued:

Communication

My day trip took me roughly around the folowing route; From Spitalfields market, past the Gherkin, past the Tower of London to St Katharine's Dock. Back past the Tower and it's bridge, along the northern side of the River Thames. I crossed the River at Blackfriars Bridge and strolled along Southbank. There were many buskers along the Southbank, some of which were quite unusual.

Busker

Busker 2

Lawrie might be impressed this skatepark along Southbank.

 

I got to Westminster Bridge, which is just past the London Eye. I crossed the Thames once again and wandered past Parliament, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. I had intended to go past Dowling Street, but took a wrong turn and ended up on Horseguards Road, which is to the back of Dowling Street.

It was very pleasant getting away from the hustle and bustle for stroll through St James' Park. The grey squirrels are amusing little creatures, coming right up to you in hope of a feed. There were people giving them peanuts.

 

The park took me up to Buckingham Palace. I stopped there briefly for a couple of photos, but did not go up to the gates. As I walked up The Mall, my legs were beginning to tell me they had enough. I would have caught a taxi, but The Mall was closed to traffic due to a half marathon. There was a small group of people gathered outside Clarence House to observe the longest game of concentration I have ever seen. The guards face each other and do not move. They do so well to refrain from falling to the people's attempts to make them move.

 

I continued my way up to Trafalgar Square, stopping briefly at the Square to take a photo or two. I was drawn to one corner by the music of some buskers by the name of 'Street Cats'. When they had finished their set, I walked up The Strand a little way to Charring Cross Station. It is there that I hopped into a cab and got back to Shaun's place.

 

I am not sure how far it was that I walked, but after consulting the map, I estimate 8 mile, or 12.8km. So glad I didn't try and walk from Trafalgar Square - it was a £10 fare.

Shaun and I went to a pub called "The Jugged Hare" for a fantastic meal. I had a salad with blue cheese and walnuts, followed by Venison and Grouse terrine. A serve of Victoria Plum tart finished the meal beautifully. Our wine of choice was a Langmeil "Hanging Snakes".

Communication

 

Shaun then took me on a brief nighttime tour of the deserted city. By day there are thousands and at night only one or two others. Just magic.

Guild Hall

Shaun's favorite view of St Pauls cathedral

St Paul's from the Millenium Bridge

 

It is now 12:15 and we have both settled into our sleeping arrangements. Shaun was insistant that I take the bed and he is on the couch.


 

A wonderful last night in London. Thanks Shaun, you are a true gentleman.

 

 

 

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