Have you ever had one of those days when things just didn't seem to want to go right? Today was a bit like that. Started off looking for a dentist - missed the first one because the street numbers jumped from 84 to 96 and the second one wasn't open yet. Then went to a bank to change some Travellers Cheques - they couldn't because they hadn't been able to get their cash safe open that morning. At that point we decided it was better to get on with our day in London.
We went by Tube from Kings Cross to Westminster where we bought tickets for a ferry trip to Greenwich. We waited around for quite a while before boarding as one of the passengers needed an Ambulance called - well, at least our day wasn't that bad. And there was a bright side to the delay - we heard Big Ben chime Eleven (it was pointed out on the ferry trip that Big Ben is the nickname of the big bell that chimes the hour count and not the name of the clock tower).We had an enjoyable cruise down the Thames with a running commentary provided by one of the crew. I am sure the stories all had some kernel of truth to them even it had been stretched a bit at times...
We got off at Greenwich and wandered around the village before making our way up to the Royal Observatory. Here was another one of those things that didn't quite go right. Greenwich Park is the site of the Olympic equestrian events in 2012 and so this week in 2011 they were having a practice. It didn't stop us getting through the park but it was full of barricades and marquees which destroyed the ambiance somewhat. Still, the Observatory was well worth the visit and the history of the site and determining longitudinal position was extremely interesting.
Looking back towards London from the Royal Observatory
Standing with a foot in each hemisphere!
So it was back to the Thames for a ferry back to Westminster. Approaching the Tower Bridge, it was pointed out that the bridge was open to allow the passage of two tugs. They had gone up river to tow out a cruise ship that was berthed just upstream of the bridge. They we so quick getting the cruise ship away that, in the time it took us to berth and load passengers at the Tower Bridge wharf, we were able to see the bridge open again and the cruise ship depart. We eventually made to Westminster and by now the glorious sunny day had given way to light rain (as promised). We made our way up through the Westminster district to Trafalgar Square and, for a change, caught a bus back to Russell Square for a short walk to our hotel. Later on we went out for dinner at China House, a local Chinese restaurant.
The cruise ship Silver Cloud being towed backwards down the Thames
The ferry that brought us back from Greenwich
What a frustrating day - I hope your need for a dentist wasn't for anything too painful. London will most likely get worse as the games get closer. You have to feel for the locals.
ReplyDeleteWhen we visited we visited Greenwich most of it was closed for the filming of Pirates of the Caribbean 4, but the observatory was open (the best part)
Thanks for the post card :)