We were due to go to Inverness (Scotland) on the sleeper train then be picked up a friend on Friday morning. This plan was spoilt when a train strike was announced. Our train was not directly affected but there were knock-on effects that resulted in the sleeper train being cancelled. When I learnt this, I … Continue reading / view photos Kingussie – Creag Bheag
A hush descends
In 1997, when Diana, Princess of Wales, died, I went into Central London to witness the outpouring of grief that the UK experienced. London had never been so quiet. Earlier today, after the Queen’s death yesterday, I went to Buckingham Palace to join thousands of other people who were there to pay their respects, cover … Continue reading / view photos A hush descends
Food Forever at Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens, the botanic gardens in West London, is one of the most relaxing places to spend a day in London. I’ve been a member for a few years now and regularly go there to relax. It’s lovely just to wonder amongst the variety of plants. They also regularly have new exhibitions. I remember enjoying … Continue reading / view photos Food Forever at Kew Gardens
Shoeburyness to Southend-on-Sea
It was a lovely day for walking. Sunny but not too warm with a pleasant cooling breeze. Shoeburyness is an hour’s train journey from London. I went with a friend. We didn’t have any firm plans about the route except to walk along the coast. When we got to Shoeburyness, we asked someone which was … Continue reading / view photos Shoeburyness to Southend-on-Sea
Friendship, connecting, and Chess Valley
After my walk this weekend, I had some random thoughts about friendship and the role the internet plays in connecting people together in various ways, from WhatsApp to Facebook. There are many ways of communicating via the internet and they have emerged for various reasons. There is the obvious need for connection that human beings … Continue reading / view photos Friendship, connecting, and Chess Valley
Queueing for chips in Margate
When we got to Broadstairs (by train) and started to walk to Margate, we realised that the Viking Trail looked familiar. Then we remembered that we had walked the trail in reverse last year! Last year, the UK was coming out of lockdown in May and therefore the beaches and trail were largely deserted. This … Continue reading / view photos Queueing for chips in Margate
Brummie bull
The star of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games‘ opening ceremony was the mechanical bull. Ten metres tall and weighing 2.5 tonnes, it was moved to Centenary Square near the central library during the Games. The bull was due to be dismantled after the Games. However, it has already become a big visitor attraction. Despite appearances, … Continue reading / view photos Brummie bull
Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games
I vaguely remember visiting Birmingham about 30 years ago. It was dour and uninspiring. If you’ve not been to Birmingham recently, it’s a different place: a modern city with a high percentage of young people. The Commonwealth Games have added a buzz to the UK’s second largest city. The centre looks vibrant, the trams are … Continue reading / view photos Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games
Westminster in May
I spent quite a lot of May and early June in Central London. On a walk a couple of months ago, a friend mentioned that the backstreets of Westminster are worth walking around. A few weeks later, we followed the Westminster Hidden London walk. You see many iconic sights: St James (and its Pelicans), the … Continue reading / view photos Westminster in May
Walking in North London
Last weekend was spent in North London. I forgot how rural it can be. On Saturday, I met a friend for an improvised walk from Finchley Central to Moat Mount and back. Along the way, we popped into the Sail & Anchor Coffee for a light lunch. It turned out to be a friendly small … Continue reading / view photos Walking in North London