Cats

Wednesday, 18 October 2017

Greenwich 13 August 2017


It's hard work persuading Dayne to come with me to London.  I love it and she doesn't, so there has to be a sweetener. This time it was Greenwich market - I'm bleh on markets, but she loves them. Compromise.


It was a bit of a mission getting there, but it was a lovely sunny day with some interesting views from a different part of London.


Quite an interesting market. Spotlights! Something for everyone.



Lunch, pulled pork wraps. I have an idea the stall was South American, but I can't actually remember. There is the most amazing collection of food vendors - international cuisine for all. The usual problem at markets, very limited seating.



Doesn't she look thrilled?  It was pretty hot by this time. Cutty Sark in the background, an expensive little jaunt though - around £20 for adults.


I was having a pretty good time ...


We didn't make it up the hill to the Observatory but just strolled around the gardens of the palace. Definitely not the most adventurous visitors today.




The Greenwich foot tunnel did spark a bit of interest. The tunnel runs under the Thames from Greenwich in the South to the Isle of Dogs in the North. It was built between 1899 and 1902, is 370.2 metres long, 15.2 metres deep and has an internal diameter of around 2.74 metres. It's classed as a highway so has to remain open 24 hours a day. The entrance on each side of the river is covered by a glass dome, referencing the Observatory. The first part of the tunnel is lined with white (pretty grubby) tiles.



Reducing the diameter of the northern end as a result of bomb damage during the Second World War, the tunnel is coated with concrete and thick steel rings. There are steps on both ends, as well as lifts.


Not a good spot for Claustrophobes. It doesn't normally bother me but it was quite oppressive. Happy to be out the other side.


We seemed to hop on and off tubes and trains a lot today. This was Isle of Dogs to Canary Wharf. Quite a different perspective and architectural aspect from the other side of the river.



Canary Wharf tube station and, yes, you're right. It was used in a scene from Star Wars, Rogue One.  The architecture is imposing with the arcing glass canopies that cover it's three entrances drawing light down into the subterranean bowels of the station. Imagine 20 banks of escalators!


Glass walls shut off access to the tracks and doors open in alignment with the train to allow passengers to embark and disembark.



That was fun!

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