London Old and New

We had a few hours in the City of London before getting the train home and I got intrigued by the juxtaposition of old and new building in the City, which is growing ever taller. The Turkish baths in the first image have sat in Bishopgate’s Churchyard for two centuries. The present Bath House was designed by G Harold Elphick in 1895. The bathhouse uses tessellating Arabic motifs in classic colours. We couldn't identify all the new buildings other than Lloyd's, the Walkie Talkie and the Gherkin from within the area - must return sometime to do justice to the structures on a day with a bit more light.

Foggy Night in London

The fog stayed around all day on Friday and gave great evening shots as the city lights reflected back from the fog layer. I didn't take a tripod or a remote release so relied on finding a horizontal platform and using the timer for the long sutterspeeds.

Foggy Day Along the Thames

Friday was foggy all day as we explored both banks of the Thames. Although dull, the light was perfect for picking out people etc against the foggy backdrop. 

Walk from Greenwich through Docklands to Royal Victoria Dock

We finished our day walking back to the hotel through the Greenwich foot tunnel and Mud Chute Farm to Docklands and then round the bend of the Thames back to Royal Victoria Dock. The light was perfect for reflections and structures old and new. The first panorama shows how much building there is still being done in the area - the skyline is due to change even more (some comparisons with 13 years ago to follow).

 

Royal Victoria Dock to Greenwich via the Woolwich Free Ferry

Clear blue skies from dawn to dusk for our long walk from Royal Victoria Dock to the O2 Peninsula  via the Woolwich Ferry. It is probably nearly 50 years since I was a foot passenger on the ferry - much of my earlier days were spent on the ferry crossing to the Royal Docks where, with my brother and friends, we played among the machinery and deep water (health and safety hadn't been invented). I have memories of the greasy smell, noise and sight of the huge pistons in the engine room of the ferry - now replaced with more or less silent and completely hidden diesel engines. Views of Woolwich Barrier, Tate and Lyle Sugar Factory, Gravel extraction Works, Emirates Airline and Canary Wharf.