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The late Nick Drake and his wonderful folk.
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Hmm, lets see....howzabout Little V
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...f291eae32b.jpg The Camden Eye. Watch for 'The Camera Eye' by Rush in a video here later. That song was an ode to London, where drummer Peart had once worked as an ambitious teen in a Carnaby street boutique circa '70. https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...a814210e0e.jpg Camden mom shopping with daughters. https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...67f6e65f4a.jpg A nice walk: from Camden Lock Market past Primrose Hill/Regents Park through the funky-boho Lisson Grove houseboats and Blomfield Moorings onto the more upscale Little Venice proper. https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...e8b501191f.jpg Camden Market reflection near the lock. https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...363010d8e7.jpg Another reflection along the watery way. https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...8be4e8b4f6.jpg Loved this cheeky shed poster en route. Many boaters were serious gardeners, btw. https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...b8da77069b.jpg Near Aberdeen place, the Cafe Laville features a semi-open patio and very good food. https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...2c9c501852.jpg That same cafe has great views onto Maida Avenue, the heart of Little Venice proper. https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...acd6cb0c1e.jpg Businesses and condos line the waterside. https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...84ec4a3ef7.jpg If memory serves, this was the residence of the American Ambassador. Either that, or the mansion directly across. No doubt, there was all manner of the latest high-tech security present throughout. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...1259d42273.jpg Wind on water, colour on water... https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...f6718e5e43.jpg This punter offers added value in the form of a song or two. https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...ed0afb3b95.jpg A houseboat bell. Next: 'show us your hands love' |
A fine, fan-created video for the abovementioned song 'Camera Eye'. The thoughtful lyrics pay homage to London (and NYC).
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Welcome to SHOW US YOUR HANDS LOVE.
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...f3d6e271e4.jpg London has become a leading example of a modern, multi-kulti metropolis. https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...1ebcc0402f.jpg This gloved hand uses a spray can. https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...a293a6748b.jpg At Freddys Flowers shop. https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...228f44475b.jpg Boudicca gets in on the act. She is by the London eye plus the 'fisherman's daughter' (water). https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...80a6a243a6.jpg As does this Hampstead griffin. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...7e3337cfd4.jpg Old hand and young hand at downtown wedding. https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...d7444fd99e.jpg The notorious boxing kangaroo at the wonderful Zetter Townhouse, our nomination for Most Unique Setting. I pity the fool that misses its weekend tea. Quirky decor, excellent food and drink with fantastic service---what's not to like? We were there during a wedding. The wedding party hailed from Edinburgh. https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...f20f697eca.jpg Golders Green teen *see her remarkable story later on. https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...f3a7a25974.jpg Ian 'Cookie' Cook was our private driver from Heathrow to Chipping Campden then again from his native Cotswolds back into London. My wife and I were some of the masses that reached 79% of pre-covid numbers arriving at the airport. Unfortunately, Heathrow management had all us arrivees trudge aimlessly through endless 'crowd control' lines before customs. Ian likes silver rings. He also has driven a bevy of interesting folks, from Leon Panetta to Tony Iommi, from Brit TV stars to Mrs Z herself. https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...7e887386c4.jpg Remember Stanley Tucci's London episode? This was the Trajan statue by the ancient Roman Wall gatehouse remains, where he and chef Gennaro ('Two Greedy italians') collected wild arugula/erica/rocket herb to later use in Tucci's kitchen. *Gennaro will feature in our eventual Amalfi Coast TR--he is from Minori. https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...3a6b2fb813.jpg This woman was grateful after I returned an item that she'd lost. Our Brick Lane neighbourhood is also known as Banglatown or Little Bangla. The Taj department store there is an essential shopping source for self-caterers. Manager Jay is a good source of useful advice. he also sells beautiful stools woven by prisoners back in Bangladesh. https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...55cb2ed15e.jpg One of the more mysterious murals that we saw. Next: THE PURSUIT OF HOPPINESS---PUBS. |
The pursuit of hoppiness.
Few things are more iconic across Britain than the pub. Sure, there's also footy. And royalty. And the Beeb. Plus these things below. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...6a26c10856.jpg A straw hat. https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...12987424bc.jpg Mysterious sporting equipment. https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...1c548fd0a8.jpg Traditional breakfast @Maria's Cafe in Burra market. Excellent if a tad noisy due to transit logistics and fellow vendors brouhaha. https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...662b314f9f.jpg Tea. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...9a9e796616.jpg Traditional pubs are a favoured place to congregate. Seen here is Holborn's ('ho-ben') well-preserved 'Princess Louise'. Their historic urinals are still in place. Sometimes, an upstairs eating area is opened. Those seeking a quieter dining environment might check that out. https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...bd92a6b817.jpg Detail from same. One can also find the 'Cittie of Yorke' along that same road, plus 'Three Kings', a more musically-oriented place a couple blocks north in little Italy. https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...5f9c547318.jpg Some pubs are deliberately covered with street art, like this one in cross-cultural Camden. https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...761c9ba268.jpg The Ten Bells pub was where one of Jack the Ripper's victims took her final drink, prior to her murder. *Our neighbourhood was also Jack the Ripper central. In my rough notes I have written 'DOGS' beside the Ten Bells---I have no idea why. https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...f7360c62eb.jpg The Cricketeers pub in Kew. There is a similarly-named one in Richmond. https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...b9b8ffa9d0.jpg A number of my Toronto friends were born in Britain and they love their BOYZ nights-out drinking together in what passes for pubs in our city. https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...471f1f640a.jpg A famed Richmond pub. https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...179172494d.jpg Across from Spitalfields Market. https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...6405fcec91.jpg Although Mrs Z and I are hardly near n' far (bar) aficionados, we did enj-oi our time at Judith's 'Ye Olde Mitre', tucked away in Ely Place beside *St. Etheldra church and Holborn Circus. Bloody 'ard to find this pub! Just west of the Viaduct (see 'Hatton Garden'). Order the Cardinal's Choice sarnie. This area is the epicenter of the country's gold and silver trade. *the oldest Roman Catholic church in Britain (1290). https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...9e07c4c330.jpg Ye Olde Metre was established in 1546 and has been designated a Taylor Walker 'blue plaque' heritage inn. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...f480800d49.jpg A 30ish hipster gal commented a little too loudly as we were entering and scouting for the quietest corner, "Why Izzit all Americans feel obliged to do a tour of the pub first?!" I immediately turned back towards her and calmly explained, "Actually, were Canadian. And I'm hearing impaired so we need you know, to avoid the loudest bits." She then blushed at her own indiscretion. https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...a446d391ce.jpg We gained permission from this group of locals to take their group shot as we departed. It was a challenge to hold my Nikon steady after consuming powerful Wadsworth apple cider. https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...5a5808b296.jpg Gordon's Wine Bar by Embankment Pier and Charing Cross counts as an honorary pub. Now owned by a Portuguese outfit, their wine list is superb and their food is well-matched. One may dine and drink indoors or out on the patio, but big official warning signs outside alert patrons to not leave bags and valuables too near the fence---local thieves oozing in from Victoria Embankment Gardens are apparently very cunning. Next: our rental and neighbourhood. |
LOL! The very first rental that I looked at way back during the planning stages was really nice. Then I saw its price. It was literally the flat that Madonna moved into to join her then boyfriend, Guy Ritchie!! Eedyawt!
Anyway, we certainly lucked out with our eventual Brick Lane choice, a wonderful house on Woodseer Street. It was very convenient and close to Truman Brewery. The house had unique decor, plus a great little annex out back. https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...1dee983a30.jpg A book about our neighbourhood's past. https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...9471528460.jpg The cute courtyard garden passage. https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...24795ecd53.jpg The night candle out there in that passage. https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...95f147e115.jpg View to same through kitchen window. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...f1fb97ffcf.jpg The little garden. https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...7a1c2c75ee.jpg The upper bedroom's cool Velux window screen. Up and down, up and down with a view directly to... https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...e32503daf3.jpg that temple to Money, the Gherkin. https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...0795193098.jpg The general view including our little annex on the far left. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...e42b3b47ab.jpg As we arrived, the Brick Lane Sunday market was in full swing--very exciting. Half the world was in attendance then, a post-covid expression of living Life again. Across the way was the diverse ethnic food market called the Sunday Upmarket. Shown here, one of the Asian vendors. See also there: Nina's cakes; the Lithuanian couple and their stroganoffs; Aunty Audrey's Red Sorrel; City Juice's various-flavoured sugarcane drinks; Viv's Brazilian foods; much more. https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...402a269c95.jpg The garlic that we bought at the market. https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...a9259808fb.jpg Bangles in Banglatown. https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...72356295ee.jpg Huguenot history. https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...a3782fa1a5.jpg Don't ask me--I have no idea what they were doing. https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...d6161cc69b.jpg Not everyone was enjoying a good time. As elsewhere, homelessness remains an issue in London. Below: everywhere back to brick. https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...07f56f7daf.jpg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...f296cbd423.jpg Nearby Fournier Street is often used in Jack the Ripper movies and docs. https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...2e9b7bd202.jpg Hanbury Street was even closer and was the actual site of one of his murders. Now a car park. Two local shops have tried to capitalize on his name: 'Jack the Chipper' fish n' chips, plus 'Jack the Ripper' hair-stylists. A controversial businessman recently tried to establish a local museum dedicated to the grisly killings but failed to meet his promise of 'tastefulness and sensitivity'. Protests successfully curtailed his attempt. https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...98938d2241.jpg One of 'The Chai Guys' who do excellent tea at Spitalfield (permanent) Market. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...2f0d647d42.jpg The Spitalfield market, which also runs a weekend Vintage market, England's largest. Those vendors were also very friendly. |
'Farewell to Stromness' was the most-appreciated piece at the Westminster Abbey Organ Recital that concluded the series celebrating the Jubilee. Composer Peter Maxwell Davies wrote this simple yet nostalgic piece. The Queen asked that it be included at the final recital, and of course organist Peter Holder obliged. That performance was exactly one year ago.
This army pensioner and his buddy stood next to me in the entry line-up. We had a nice chat. https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...36b117e097.jpg |
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Glad to see you didn't waste your time in London, hanging around on street corners etc ;-)
The Boule/wooden mallet combo... so weird Really great TR |
Excellent pictures and report. The Sandy Denny song always makes me want to cry. Such a beautiful voice.
And I’m still word perfect on the entire Selling England by the Pound album! |
Great photos! I love the way you see the world.
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I always love your photography zebec, I'm jealous of your enormous talent. How do you get all those folks to agree to be photographed? (I suspect you have a silver tongue).
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This TR hits me right in my wheelhouse in about a half-dozen ways, as I'm a tremendous fan of a) walking about in London, b) candid street-scene photography, c) classic rock, d) Porcupine Tree in particular, e) Ted Lasso, f) tasty and eclectic ethnic foods & markets.
More importantly, we'll be heading to London in a few days, and had already made plans to visit Spitalfields & Brick Lane (as well as Richmond)... after a brief visit to Manchester to see the Black Keys/Spoon and Peter Gabriel. Thanks for sharing your experiences! I shall now re-engage lurker mode. Carry on. |
Your photography is just beautiful. Following along and wanting to go back.
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Your photographs are stunning! Thank you for the report! Though I can't believe you forgot the Only Band That Matters - The Clash.
I saw Radiohead at the Roundhouse in Camden in 2016. Very jealous of the Go's ticket to see Spoon. Once in Belfast I was on a bus and spotted the two Black Keys guys outside of a pub. I went to the same pub some five hours later and they were still there! They'd had a few beers at that point. |
Originally Posted by zebec
(Post 17472664)
For MSGO, the following Peter Gabriel classic. Was gonna save it for the Cotswolds section (his Real World studio is in Rye, near Bath on the edge of the area) but hey, why not here instead?
Will Marcus Stroman be starting in that game?
Originally Posted by rialtogrl
(Post 17472774)
Very jealous of the Go's ticket to see Spoon. Once in Belfast I was on a bus and spotted the two Black Keys guys outside of a pub. I went to the same pub some five hours later and they were still there! They'd had a few beers at that point.
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So this sort of the Halftime-Intermission. Three things:
1) Thank you all for taking the time to view and comment. We would now like to encourage everyone (including lurkers who may or may not have posted already) to feel free to give their own London impressions, tips and imagery here. Past trips or recent visits, its all good. Hopefully we can all create a thread that'll best serve fellow travelers who may be London-bound. We just tried that same concept over on our recent Montreal TR, but it did not amount to much extra input. Nelson added some of his imagery to our Vancouver Island TR, then did the same with our China TR (as did Michael). 2) corrections and contact info: It was Golders Hill not Golders 'Green' (garden); and the East End hairstylist was 'Jack the Snipper'. Excellent taxi/transfer driver: Ian 'Cookie Cook-- phone: 00447497626444 (if he's not avail. ask for the brothers Tamas and Levi from 'Pinpoint') 3) time for our traditional quiz game section |
LONDONLONDONLONDON QUIZQUIZQUIZ
*Circle the word or phrase in each group that does not belong: 1) a) Dishoom b) Rules c) L'Amorosa d) Pip & Pop 2) a) Maggie b) Justin c) Winston d) Boris 3) a) Lady of Shallot b) Tea Clipper c) St. Louis Gold d) Golden Celebration 4) a) Abbey Road b) Two of Us c) Twickenham d) Peter Sellers Which definition is correct? (circle one) 'Eton Mess' is: a) a traditional desert similar to pavlova. b) a certain PM who resigned in 2022. c) a '70 punk band based in Camden. d) a popular TV quiz show. The Rolling Stones tour rehearsals in Toronto once took place in: (point your tongue at the correct answer) a) a private girls high school. b) a private boys high school. c) a private school full of boys and girls who were high. d) a renovated brickworks. Bassist Pete Way from 'UFO' was married: a) 5 times. b) 6 times. c) 66 times. d) he was never married. Smithfield Market was: a) the site where Queen Mary of Scots was burned alive in 1550. b) a location for jousting tournaments. c) the largest wholesale meat market in the UK. d) all of the above. |
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