We caught the express train in to London and were met at Victoria station by a sight which made us very sure we had arrived in England
As we walked towards our hotel we were seeing cabs and double decker buses all over the place.
After quickly checking in to the hotel (which is very centrally located in Westminster) we went in search of lunch at 2.30 pm in Pimlico (the next suburb over) , then on to the streets to see what we could see.
We had spotted Westminster Cathedral as we walked to our hotel, so that was the first stop. I considered the brickwork rather overdone on the outside,
But the mosaic work on the inside was really remarkable. Very brightly coloured ,very high up. The roof is so high that you couldn't make out where the dark brickwork finished. It seemed strange to be wandering in and taking photos while people were quietly praying.There are many side chapels, all dedicated to one saint or another (sometimes more than one). St Paul has one with a great mosaic showing him being converted on the road to Damascus, and his ceiling is in the form of a great tent (with gatherings in the corners).
The cathedral was opened in the early 1900s and there are still areas where they have not had enough money to complete the mosaic. They have plans, but are waiting on funds. The next one completed will be the one honoring St George-which will have flames on the ceiling and a dragon tail decorating it.
Next up was a stroll to Buckingham Palace where we think the Queen must be in residence as the flag was flying and security was heavily in place. We peered through the gates at the Grenadier guards doing their sentry duty and then admired the local huge statues. There are gates with "Australia" on them and cherubs at the top,with kangaroo on one and sheep on the other.
We made our way home to the hotel via St James Park , with many different kinds of ducks and geese and many pigeons being chased around by little kids, and flying in great clouds over the walking and sitting public. In the distance we could see the London Eye. Flowerbeds were a picture with bright colours and many different textures really showing them at their best.
The pedestrian rules are as much a mystery here as they were in Dublin, but we remain somewhat cautious and in one piece.
We met up with Tim and Joanne-heading out to a local pub for dinner before a cuppa back in our room and some good catch up conversation.
It was great to see them in person after so long.
Tomorrow will be a full on day, so we are now off to bed for our beauty sleep.
No comments:
Post a Comment