London

I thought we’d left 100′ behind. Its more here but of course its measured differently – its only 34′ – 35′ (I think). We were so glad Justin met us at the airport and helped with the luggage. By the time we trained to Woolwich, walked to their apartment and up 64 stairs we were f., um , hot.

But, so good to see Jane and Edith with Justin at home in London. And, what a surprise their home base of Royal Woolwich Arsenal is. Personally I love it. I doubt we could actually live in it but the way the old buildings have been re-purposed is fantastic….

Then its right on the Thames…

and you can either catch the ferry or the train into town. We caught the ferry. It’s far more interesting. I think this was day 2. Justin and Jane had sort of mapped out an activity plan and this meant that we had lots to see and do. Without trying to put it all in sequence we saw…

the Tate Modern and a lot of scenery around it.

I think this actually might have been day 3 cos day 2 was the Golden Hind and the GMT museum ( I think)…

 which makes you think about ‘the figurehead was a nude in bed….’

the steel frame

the captains ‘head’, then us across the line leading to the worlds early timekeeping devices

Truly fascinating history. I guess todays computer technology is the next phase of technological development but it is really good to see some technological history which doesn’t rely on 01 (I’m sure you know what I mean).

Of course the Greewich Meridian is the basis of latitudinal and longitutinal measurement as well as the worlds base time measurement but it does only go back to the 1800’s when the world of commerce demanded some standard of measurement for the world.

Our littlest granddaughter is a delightful 3 year old – she put up with us with an absolute minimum of fuss ….

and clearly enjoyed our outings.

St Pauls is a protected vista – no buildings are allowed to obscure its visage but when you get to it it is absolutely hemmed in. Nor were we allowed to take photos inside which is a great pity because it is fabulous

The gate is one of the original or early city gates that has been relocated to the Paternoster Square

 and is of itself an intertesting piece of history. Paternoster Square is now where the London Stock Exchange resides..

Now we’re tired – its been a busy few days and I’m fairly sure Jane and Justin and Edith are tired of entertaining us so we will move on.

The more we see of London the greater its fascination, the more interesting its history and the more there is yet to see. We’re booked in for a Palace of Westminster tour and  a Prom at Albert Hall on our return at the end of the month. More of London then.

Its now on to Scotland via lots of other places…..