L is for London

R.a.n.t. of day 04/14/15

As most of my friends and family know, I absolutely 'LOVE' London. (There's the word everyone on Facebook thought I was going to use today). If I could, I'd visit London every year. If I could, I'd visit London every week. But unfortunately, I can't. And that's part of my r.a.n.t. for the day. Though I've been to London twice before, I had plans on going again this year. I was developing a plan to do a two day Thames walking tour among other things. Visiting some burbs and checking out a few more places tourists seldom travelled too. Honestly? I'd like to see more of England than just London, but since the word for the day is London, I'll just use that word to imply all of England.

The few times I did do things that you are 'required' to do as a tourist, (See changing of the guards). I didn't have a good time. Everyone back home insisted I see the changing of the guards and I did not want to. But one morning I found myself there walking around and the place was empty. So I thought, as long as I was there, I'd see it. Less than an hour later the place was packed. But having been there so early, I was right up to the gates and took some excellent photos. So that at least made me happy.

It's true, I do touristy stuff from time to time, but I like to get out with the actual people. Go where most visitors don't go. When I visited the BBC studio, the tour guide was delighted and kept me close, asking all sorts of questions about America. You'd think he never met an American before. Same thing when I toured Lords Cricket Ground. The chap there told me he didn't see many Americans and was glad to see someone else taking an interest. Of course he was more dignified than the guy from the beeb.

Sadly, my plans fell through this year, so I'm hoping next year to 'go back home', as I tell people. Find new sites to see, do less touristy things, catch a match at the pub. I may not be able to afford it now, but with a bit more planning this year, I'll make sure next year will be well worth it.

(Scroll through the 'London' tag below to see a selection of photos from my previous trips).

Some questions for discussion:
If you had a free pass right now, where would you travel to?
What's the most interesting place you've visited?
What are your suggestions for sites to see in London?

Fly Away

When I'm bored,

I fly away.

Away into the sky.

I might just visit

Charles de Gaulle.

For the artwork

or a snooty tarte.

Or rather I shall

visit Heathrow.

Return again the

home within my heart..

Better yet I know

The Irish way.

Enjoy a pint or

beauty fields of green

Maybe visit Douglas,

Isle of Man.

Watch McGuinness'

bike past me scream.

 

Yes.

When I'm bored,

I fly away.

Away into the sky.

J.A.Scott

Calluna Vulgaris

I'd love to see a Scottish Moor,
to gaze in awe at the fields décor.

I've been to Paris in the heart of France,
the city of art, love and romance.
Atop the Eiffel I stood for awhile,
and enjoyed the subtle Lisa smile.

So I need to visit that Scottish Moor,
to see the perennial that I adore.

London of course is the place to be,
for the Olympic Torch or the Jubilee.
I've strolled the top of Tower Bridge,
and shopped Canary Wharf a smidge.

But I've never been to the tranquil Moor,
so I vow no longer will I ignore.

'Cause the Irish folk I do admire.
The culture rich; it does inspire.
I've seen luscious plains on display.
Still, another place I'd rather stay.

I long to be in that gorgeous Moor,
the Calluna Vulgaris to explore.

J.A.Scott

Vacation Day 6 - Back To The Museum

While in London, I wanted to make sure I went to places I hadn't been before. Piccadilly Circus is one of those places.

Another view from Piccadilly Circus. Notice the Union Jack's flying in preparation for the Queen's Jubilee.

Considering our time to visit the British Museum was cut short, we opted to return. To me, nothing says museum like statues. Don't blink.

More museum features, ruins. Restructured of course.

After our trip to the museum was complete, we ventured back to the Museum Tavern, this time to get something to eat. Here I'm enjoying Chicken Tikka Masala. Mmmmm good.

Last stop for the day was the Ace Cafe; a motorcycle themed cafe, if you couldn't guess.

Vacation Day 5 - An Exhausting Day

One of the first stops while in London was the Who Shop. A store selling every sort of Doctor Who merchandise you can think of. Dan had never been there so I took him. Kind of neat to travel directly there and know exactly where it was.

Who wouldn't want to have their picture taken with a Dalek? A sign in the store warns 'Shoplifters Will Be Exterminated'.

Did you see that ludicrous display last night?

No trip to London is complete until you've taken a ride on the Underground. Mind the gap.

I visited the British Museum last time I was in London, but Dan had not. So I went back. Here is the main reception area. Still impressive as ever.

How many feet? That's so whether you view this station from the front or the side, it'll look like it has enough feet.

So much stone artwork like this. How can you not be impressed. I couldn't even draw this with a simple pen and paper.

The Rosetta Stone - Discovering this artifact was key to unlocking the secrets of Egyptian Hieroglyphics.

This was our guide for the 'Jack the Ripper' walking tour. He does this by night. During the day, he's a beefeater in the Tower of London (which you can see behind him).

This is a portion of an original Roman wall, still standing in London.

One more look over the Thames. Tower Bridge can be seen in the distance as well as City Hall to the right.

I don't normally take random photos of strangers, but this day was so exhausting and when I saw this couple I sneakily took a photo because it was exactly how I was feeling at the time. (And I thought it made a cute photo). Yes, I was ready to collapse. Who'd have thought having fun would be so tiring.

London Calling

Oh London how I miss you much
The hustle and bustle
and the daily rush.

Whether travelling through the underground,
or visiting the parks
found all around.

From the wondrous sights of the West End
to the tolling of
the famed Big Ben.

Visiting the Queen at Buckingham Gate.
And having a pint
with my favourite mate.

One thing which can make me sigh,
visiting the Thames
and the London Eye.

The sound is not of the Bridge falling,
but what I hear
is London Calling.

J.A.Scott

London - Day 8

My last full day in London so I make the best of it by heading to the famous Abbey Road.


What else is there to see on Abbey Road other than Abbey Road studios?


Zebra crossing on Abbey Road.


After my time at Abbey Road was over I walked to Hyde Park, despite it starting to rain.


Speakers Corner in Hyde Park gives anyone who wants to, a chance to speak whatever is on their mind.


Hyde Park is lovely. Lots to see and do or just enjoy a leisurely walk. At the moment I'm enjoying a walk around the pond.


On the other side of the pond, I ran into the 'Princess Diana of Wales Memorial Fountain'.


A closer look at the fountain.


One last shot of the park before I head back to hotel and start packing for my trip home.


While leaving I saw the Isis statue and had to take one final, last picture.

London - Day 7

Back in London the following day, I decide to spend the day at the British Museum.


I haven't even entered the exhibits and I'm already impressed.


From a second level I take another picture of the atrium.


Nothing I love more than ancient weapons and armour.


Okay, I also have a soft spot for ancient Egypt.


Ancient stones with ancient writing. I want to start blogging on stones.


Spent more time here than the Louvre, but enjoyed it so much more. Had to take a break for lunch. Chicken curry and a piece of cheesecake.


One of the few busts without the nose broken off. Correct me if I'm wrong, I'm thinking it's Augustus.


So much to see, really wish I had taken notes. Was impressed with these structures.


Ancient armour, ancient writing and now ancient coins. What else is there to see at the British Museum?


Oh that's right, the awesome sculptures.


The day was drawing to a close so I stopped at a local park to rest and reflect.

London - Day 5

In my desire to visit less touristy type of places, my 5th day was devoted to visiting places of more 'local' interest. First stop of the day was to tour the BBC in London.



Here's a view of the main courtyard. Hard to tell from this vantage point, but the entire BBC facility is designed as a question mark. And no, it wasn't built that way for Doctor Who.



But Doctor Who is the most notable show (especially for Americans) to come from the BBC. As we are about to head in for our tour, we were allowed quick photos with the Tardis.



Certain shows with celebrity guests have 'green rooms' where they wait before being called onto stage. This was a view of the green room at the London location.



Here is a view of the green room from the other side of the room.



Once the tour of the BBC was over, I spied a mall a block down. I'm a mall rat so I was anxious to check out the Westfield Mall. The mall is bigger than what it looks like here, this is just an open court area.



A view of a second level. Notice the VUE, it's essentially a cinema inside the mall.



I'm not generally one for eating inside malls but this time I had to. In the US I'm used to seeing McDonalds, Arby's and other fast food restaurants, but this was fancier. I probably paid a bit extra, but it was still cheaper than take-away.



In a way I'm glad I didn't rent a car. For the short time I was in London it was so much cheaper and more convenient to take the Underground. Here is one of the few stations where the Underground platform was outside.



Okay local UK'ers. Explanation please.



On my way home I passed the 'Queen's Market'. Try as hard as I might, I never did run in to the Queen shopping. We must have kept missing each other. As the theme of my day went, this certainly didn't look like it was being over-run with tourists. Still it was interesting to check out.



A long hard day of trying NOT to be a typical tourist, I finally arrived back home. This is one of the few shots I took of the Falcon Hotel. Some would call it and the rooms tiny. I called it quaint and I'd stay here again.