Playing the tourist - August 30

Today was our final day in London. Once I worked out taht the London Metropolitan Archives was not open on Friday's I abandoned plans to do further reseach. While Trevor went to a local laundromat to wash our clothes I tackles some emails.

On Trevor's return we headed out. Our first stop was Microsoft. Long story and vedry unhappy outcome.

Just across from the Microsoft office was Westminster Cathedral. We wandered in and had a look. This is the catholic Westminster church as opposed to Westminster Abbey. I forgot to take any photos. Still upset with Microsoft!

London has a huge variety tour bus options. This was one of the quirkiest we saw.

London has a heap of green spaces scattered throughout the city. This was one we passed today.

The day was warm so the stippled shade looked very inviting.

Our meandering took us past the Palace Of Westminster.

and down along the river. What a lot of craft were on the Thames

We had not realised just how close the london eye was to the centre of action, well the political centre of action

We were still near the parliamentary area when Big Ben struck 12 midday

I'm still amazed at the number of cranes decorating the London skyline

After a bite to eat we continued our wander. There were oodles of people out and about and lots of families. This is probably not too surprising as most of the children go back to school next week.

Trafalgar Square was well populated with people

I am not sure of the significance of the rooster. It was very blue and very big overlooking Trafalgar Square.

Next came St James' Park. Once again people were taking advantage of the nice weather and lots of them were scattered throughout the park.

Here are some views along The Sepentine with the London Eye in the background.

Leaving the park we wandered past Buckingham Palace passing through the Australia Gate. Gosh, I had no idea that we Aussies had provided a gate to keep the Buckingham Palace residents in check. The Canadians have also provided a gate which makes ours look a little ordinary. No, I didn't take a photo.

Trevor outside Buckingham Palace

We cam across a protest opposite the Japanese Embassy. There were protesting about the killing of dolphins.

By the time we got back we had covered about 18km on foot. Good preparation for our upcoming walk.