British Library Tour

<br /><div style="text-align: center;">Interesting<br />that in the world's largest holding library</div><div style="text-align: center;">you are unable to check out a book</div><div style="text-align: center;">and need special permission to touch one</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">While I had visited this library before,</div><div style="text-align: center;">I went back for a proper tour just a few weeks ago<br />(there isn't much to see on your own, so a tour is a must)<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiileLig5Y0oPxwmIKSC6y0vWxVojoWl_WDjg-FPu4AJDbbEUXPPFQMmNY6vrZ1t359WAiCBNVmHDHscp_7Lh93TBZKB67CIshKFUz_PGKe0jdhu7KVSahjtMQDLZxHJUdZajmvYgcY7znV/s1600/photo+4-041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiileLig5Y0oPxwmIKSC6y0vWxVojoWl_WDjg-FPu4AJDbbEUXPPFQMmNY6vrZ1t359WAiCBNVmHDHscp_7Lh93TBZKB67CIshKFUz_PGKe0jdhu7KVSahjtMQDLZxHJUdZajmvYgcY7znV/s1600/photo+4-041.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">In the UK and Ireland</div><div style="text-align: center;">a copy of every publication is donated to the British Library</div><div style="text-align: center;">for the sake of archiving the printed word</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Besides books, the British Library archives</div><div style="text-align: center;">store catalogs, maps, games, stamps, playscripts, and musical scores</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Moving images as well as sound recordings</div><div style="text-align: center;">such as music, animal sounds, and regional accent samples are stored as well</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Three million new items are added to the collection each year,</div><div style="text-align: center;">some of which are donated from other countries in different languages</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Miles of shelving are added annually to accommodate new additions</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">While the main library is in London</div><div style="text-align: center;">other branches are in Oxford, Cambridge, Yorkshire, Scotland, Wales, and Dublin</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Contrary to most libraries,</div><div style="text-align: center;">the British Library organizes their books according to book size</div><div style="text-align: center;">because the Dewey Decimal System would be too time consuming for reshelving books</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">When a book is returned</div><div style="text-align: center;">it is placed at the end of the shelf next to books the same size</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFpHS_AnMR2fjcTGIwxGpTjdMthHegY7f7BtOyGMyN0aKCpwWqu1rmGPl348BVmr7CsckuyF_rtOXxacp2vfK4Olf8i04VJKHb8VXSeMuVOPWTZ86Fg1F0eB2yFlTg9xk26DabDVN30ryV/s1600/photo+5-038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFpHS_AnMR2fjcTGIwxGpTjdMthHegY7f7BtOyGMyN0aKCpwWqu1rmGPl348BVmr7CsckuyF_rtOXxacp2vfK4Olf8i04VJKHb8VXSeMuVOPWTZ86Fg1F0eB2yFlTg9xk26DabDVN30ryV/s1600/photo+5-038.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">King's Library and public tables</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">If one wants to look at a particular item,</div><div style="text-align: center;">a registration process must be completed</div><div style="text-align: center;">and permission is granted based on genuine scholarly purpose</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It is mostly university students, professors, </div><div style="text-align: center;">and industry researchers who are granted access</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">As nothing can be checked out,</div><div style="text-align: center;">items only can be viewed in monitored reading rooms</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Magna Carta is the most requested item (and denied)<br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw5tt0sm5AHxms0wJDOAwqvFyt9bwtX2dbq0YnlwfTwJIYIWD5_sxYZAeB7-MfdViDwEyB0yj75SVBkZNPn3autWvnTBp47PXw61hTy2xzEC3PIUEJcwF9caYm4U7dkCND3mg3hwtRtH7U/s1600/photo+3-035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw5tt0sm5AHxms0wJDOAwqvFyt9bwtX2dbq0YnlwfTwJIYIWD5_sxYZAeB7-MfdViDwEyB0yj75SVBkZNPn3autWvnTBp47PXw61hTy2xzEC3PIUEJcwF9caYm4U7dkCND3mg3hwtRtH7U/s1600/photo+3-035.JPG" width="502" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reading Room</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">When an item is requested, it goes through a system between the walls that reminded me</div><div style="text-align: center;">of luggage at an airport with trays on automated tracks<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5BG3BLPLKPvhdX9KDe7RB7BlRkc0JNHVP5sXdlOYsbNnK-MO_ItPQk3WJ0yjrqHhI27ju-7TCjBHrGefBu9sq143ws6hVX8EvzsuPmpiwjI2igtXka7p3MGs3wdDEva3qRg5qY3obujXU/s1600/photo+1-046.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5BG3BLPLKPvhdX9KDe7RB7BlRkc0JNHVP5sXdlOYsbNnK-MO_ItPQk3WJ0yjrqHhI27ju-7TCjBHrGefBu9sq143ws6hVX8EvzsuPmpiwjI2igtXka7p3MGs3wdDEva3qRg5qY3obujXU/s1600/photo+1-046.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Seventy people work in the basement 80 feet below ground</div><div style="text-align: center;">where items are stored on 20-foot high bookshelves</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The lowest level of the building is filled with pumps</div><div style="text-align: center;">since the basement rests below the water table and River Thames<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The King's Library holds King George III's collection</div><div style="text-align: center;">which is considered one of the most important from his era</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Originally donated to the library when it was part of the British Museum,</div><div style="text-align: center;">the collection is now housed in a customized area with a clever fire plan<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN3txxsWDu6ixEjYuV_fcumzR7JPnj8J3fv2X7MdyhlqaSFr-Lhqmmk5AVUNMMwK2EQRm6WA4Jnd4DqX3AwkRzjE9pFtoF6h9l-Uue6Pk7TZi99DJo1WcL8UmGEn2aR4mlBtLesUjeYb1z/s1600/photo+5-041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN3txxsWDu6ixEjYuV_fcumzR7JPnj8J3fv2X7MdyhlqaSFr-Lhqmmk5AVUNMMwK2EQRm6WA4Jnd4DqX3AwkRzjE9pFtoF6h9l-Uue6Pk7TZi99DJo1WcL8UmGEn2aR4mlBtLesUjeYb1z/s1600/photo+5-041.JPG" width="586" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">King's Library</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">In case of fire elsewhere in the library,</div><div style="text-align: center;">a fire retardant gel would fill the space between the double glass panes</div><div style="text-align: center;">and King George's collection would be pulled out of the skylight to safety</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Since water would create a lot of damage to books in case of fire,</div><div style="text-align: center;">other precious books are stored in an emergency blast freezer corridor</div><div style="text-align: center;">This means a vacuum sucks out air and blasts the area with cold air (-18<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;">°</span></span>C) to freeze books</div><div style="text-align: center;">Then those books are transported to freezer holds in area grocery stores for safekeeping<br />Sounds like a movie!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Next time I would love to attend Conservation Studio: Behind The Scenes Tour</div><div style="text-align: center;">Offered monthly, this will be on my list for next time :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>- all images my own -</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Link: <a href="http://www.bl.uk/whatson/tours/index.html">British Library Tour</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(an unsponsored tour)</span></div><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

British Library Tour

Interesting that in the world's largest holding library you are unable to check out a book and need special permission to touch one Whil...

Read more »

An American Perspective: What It Feels Like To Live In England

<br /><div style="text-align: center;">If you've been reading my blog for a while,</div><div style="text-align: center;">you know I LOVE living in this country</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It is so beautiful and so interesting</div><div style="text-align: center;">- filled with history and culture galore -</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">But what does it <i>feel </i>like to live here?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdHe5QC_JU0Qkd9dYq9sBmnk8Gl5xq6cYdPzqgplpEZqZJMyecYZEOP70p2Pp-G_burZBO_ALEdA1PcHEaDx6cy_hBV06swFOHuRYOAAsV-v2pNMXp7_6C7wzhvic2vwOTcZPghq6aBWAM/s1600/England+counties-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdHe5QC_JU0Qkd9dYq9sBmnk8Gl5xq6cYdPzqgplpEZqZJMyecYZEOP70p2Pp-G_burZBO_ALEdA1PcHEaDx6cy_hBV06swFOHuRYOAAsV-v2pNMXp7_6C7wzhvic2vwOTcZPghq6aBWAM/s1600/England+counties-001.JPG" width="336" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/England">Wikipedia</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It has taken a while to get a visceral sense</div><div style="text-align: center;">of the size and population of England</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">England is roughly the size of Louisiana,</div><div style="text-align: center;">and one would need five Englands to fill the state of Texas</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1a27gssKr8VaWQlNn6PjjEhlXApoi24tCtudbR4SdSJjtSnmsYrfbTZq81Sg9KAJ7Usjnbc2SliiIEmb66zUmFms2YBJlbrBdxyLTvxVYZwjJt5Ceos9Ajl5HgkfdeGcdzIfq9c9XL3HR/s1600/USA+UK+map.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1a27gssKr8VaWQlNn6PjjEhlXApoi24tCtudbR4SdSJjtSnmsYrfbTZq81Sg9KAJ7Usjnbc2SliiIEmb66zUmFms2YBJlbrBdxyLTvxVYZwjJt5Ceos9Ajl5HgkfdeGcdzIfq9c9XL3HR/s1600/USA+UK+map.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This shows the whole UK, not just England<br />via <a href="http://www.sarmonster.net/UK.htm">Sarmonster</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It takes appropriately 45 hours to drive the US from coast to coast</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">In Europe, you cannot drive 45 hours in a straight line and still be on the same continent</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Starting from the closest European point to England (Calais, France)</div><div style="text-align: center;">you could be in Beirut, Lebanon in 45 driving hours</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Moscow is only a 26 hour drive from Calais</div><div style="text-align: center;">(only 19 more hours to go for the equivalent of the US drive)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisPG31OQCetZwVm8XZ6PTS9yfF-qJAe6N4KlwBWmAis6w6DEekWz4dT7tKHMj9mlw-RAU6O4xc_Hg0EpMMwJzoJDiwdVMkYHEMDet8en5VC_b4ssIdlGzvw3yre7hnqhp3MkjpmL56jqjg/s1600/45+hr+driving+map.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisPG31OQCetZwVm8XZ6PTS9yfF-qJAe6N4KlwBWmAis6w6DEekWz4dT7tKHMj9mlw-RAU6O4xc_Hg0EpMMwJzoJDiwdVMkYHEMDet8en5VC_b4ssIdlGzvw3yre7hnqhp3MkjpmL56jqjg/s1600/45+hr+driving+map.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via <a href="https://maps.google.com/">GoogleMaps</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">In contrast, I can be almost anywhere in England within 5 or 6 hours<br />(if traffic cooperates)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Anyway, you get my point</div><div style="text-align: center;">But not so fast...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Fill up Louisiana with all the people in California (the most populated state),</div><div style="text-align: center;">and then fill it with half those people again</div><div style="text-align: center;">You've almost reached the 1,054 person per square mile in England</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This leads to an intricate web of roads to maneuver daily<br />and a large infrastructure in place to serve the population</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />Not only is the population more dense in England,<br />but the things to do and see is fantastically dense too<br /><br />So this <i>feels</i> different than America</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiQlil_Bllcoku2FMsC5FcNRRADY2obvwRv2e_Dh700Hasp7UTw3t1vsoKLfGXKaTiw8t4SxJ5jRZkPgN9VBIDtQnMQ5R89TLFH3ejxG4cPs6Dy20BSHJJTD-fBtMmYy3yBls6A6zeMi5p/s1600/Countries_by_population_density.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiQlil_Bllcoku2FMsC5FcNRRADY2obvwRv2e_Dh700Hasp7UTw3t1vsoKLfGXKaTiw8t4SxJ5jRZkPgN9VBIDtQnMQ5R89TLFH3ejxG4cPs6Dy20BSHJJTD-fBtMmYy3yBls6A6zeMi5p/s1600/Countries_by_population_density.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Population per square kilometer (2006 data) <br />via <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Population_density">Wikipedia</a> </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Generally speaking, the English can visit their families by car or train</div><div style="text-align: center;">It is easier to see childhood friends when they are just a drive away</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">In contrast, many Americans fly to visit friends and family</div><div style="text-align: center;">which makes reunions less frequent</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And because we live on an island,<br />every time we fly, we are traveling to a foreign country<br /><br />Flying to a foreign country entails border control lines upon arrival<br />followed by passport, visa, and paperwork checks when we return to the UK</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It can feel like we live on a cultural island from the rest of Europe as well,</div><div style="text-align: center;">as English is the official language only in the UK and Ireland</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Mainstream film, television and music<br />generally come from within the country and the US,<br />not from Europe<br /><br />Although the UK is part of the European Union,<br />they retain their own currency<br /><br />So it feels like we live on an island in a number of ways</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQE-x-P8-zxjeOLslygTghf3AW5jQfCE_ZQJoOOhdxAb85RZ_6quxsjghiYJhwTYUUypSnO5Q0oytrectGxvtFebrdZVS2nJEb9fMi0jM0Uxkahhu-DXdx3STY6x4YNdKXDevznTfLDQXj/s1600/Rectified_Languages_of_Europe_map+(1).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQE-x-P8-zxjeOLslygTghf3AW5jQfCE_ZQJoOOhdxAb85RZ_6quxsjghiYJhwTYUUypSnO5Q0oytrectGxvtFebrdZVS2nJEb9fMi0jM0Uxkahhu-DXdx3STY6x4YNdKXDevznTfLDQXj/s1600/Rectified_Languages_of_Europe_map+(1).png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Languages in Europe<br />via <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Rectified_Languages_of_Europe_map.png">Wikipedia</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />Stick with me for a few more observations :) ...<br /><br />American news has an equal dose of local and national headlines</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div>while English media tends to cover more nationwide stories than local tidbits<br />As a result, I don't feel I really know what's going on in my local community</div><br /><div>And while American epicenters for politics, finance, fashion and entertainment<br />are spread between Washington DC, New York and Los Angeles,<br /><br /></div>London is <i>the</i> heartbeat of the country in all of these industries<br />(making it such an AMAZING city!)<br /><br />And when I say 'country',<br />I may be referring to England or the United Kingdom</div><div style="text-align: center;">(for England is a country within a country)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />Another oddity is<br />there are two governing bodies at work here:<br />the United Kingdom <i>and</i> the European Union<br /><br />Living in a country with a constitutional monarchy has been interesting<br />It actually seems quite efficient to share<br />the dance of international relations between the Queen and Prime Minister<br /><br />The Queen is the face of good public relations for the UK;<br />meanwhile, the Prime Minister tackles the hard political issues at home and abroad<br /><br /><div>I can't avoid mentioning that taxes and the cost of living are very high,</div><div>making it harder to save money here than in the US</div><div><br />With higher taxes comes a larger government presence<br />which provides health care for all and generous welfare for many<br /><br />The government design still feels very foreign to me,<br />and I admit I still find it confusing as to how it works legislatively<br /><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjhJO5NZXT4omzR4mjFUiy6HhiF0Znrma1nZKefWojEwYnfi5unn9QeKYh8Jw-8CBI4bZeDYtrE91PLRkeskMNJY9J9Y_YLmG_DJYBMbIZHjCvN9AJlaOeQcsN5wEQA8xVhO2fc2x_0WJL/s1600/global+tax.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjhJO5NZXT4omzR4mjFUiy6HhiF0Znrma1nZKefWojEwYnfi5unn9QeKYh8Jw-8CBI4bZeDYtrE91PLRkeskMNJY9J9Y_YLmG_DJYBMbIZHjCvN9AJlaOeQcsN5wEQA8xVhO2fc2x_0WJL/s1600/global+tax.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interactive map shows US with 35% marginal tax rate and UK with 50%<br />See more via <a href="https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tools/tax-tips/General-Tax-Tips/A-Global-Look-at-Personal-Income-Taxes-Interactive-Infographic/INF17032.html">TurboTax</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />Of course I knew about England's famous wet weather before we moved here<br />And to be honest, it hasn't been that bad<br />(although this year has been breaking records)<br /><br />There are so many different types of rain to experience<br />that it doesn't get monotonous<br />- fine and misty, scattered showers with 'sunny spells', occasional hard downpour -<br /><br />Thunder and lightening rarely occur<br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk-6mYA0uvtBXRgdiu8ZEGjGeQnCTkSYZL0Qagg3iv54MMQcNurk0ZhKKpunDKbZkPR5ehobgcWp9OKwF9tc6_JwDx4Gl01UPhYDoO_qo1WhGMg5dRIg1mSmV9z1EhXq9y2466kyioHt2X/s1600/rainfall+uk.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk-6mYA0uvtBXRgdiu8ZEGjGeQnCTkSYZL0Qagg3iv54MMQcNurk0ZhKKpunDKbZkPR5ehobgcWp9OKwF9tc6_JwDx4Gl01UPhYDoO_qo1WhGMg5dRIg1mSmV9z1EhXq9y2466kyioHt2X/s1600/rainfall+uk.JPG" width="513" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">England averages only 33 inches of annual rainfall<br />while Scotland & Wales receive much more (mostly in blue)<br /> via <a href="http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/learning/rain/how-much-does-it-rain-in-the-uk">MetOffice</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />The English have an expression<br />'Just get on with it'<br />which goes hand in hand with a rainy life<br /><br />Most events carry on, regardless of rain or shine<br />In fact, you plan <i>for</i> rain<br />with a backup plan if it is sunny and warm<br /><br />But it was the winter darkness I had not prepared for mentally<br />Sharing the same latitude with Kiev (Ukraine) and Krakow (Poland),<br />the sun rises late (8:06 am)<br />and sets so early (3:51 pm) in the winter<br /><br />But the reward is very sweet with<br />LLLOOOONNNGGG days of daylight in the summer<br />(over 16.5 hours)<br /><br />And thanks to the Gulf Stream,<br />England is warmer than other countries sitting on the same latitude<br /><br />With warm-ish summers and mild winters,<br />temperatures do not fluctuate a lot between seasons<br />It is almost always sweater weather<br /><br />The mild wet weather creates the perfect recipe<br />for the most glorious gardens and greenery you'll find anywhere<br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtTOTV9o8tTBbQYaqdTNJUjqfFxGk3x1BCsbbkY5AohU5w7cB7er1I0yy0Pg-vp1f3GraB9ZKWf_MZDUoti-naW697aODcbcWZ75g7orTDOgQtnbsRGrshMxN8mnJGFnAPZSEDblrUxhDu/s1600/gardens+uk.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtTOTV9o8tTBbQYaqdTNJUjqfFxGk3x1BCsbbkY5AohU5w7cB7er1I0yy0Pg-vp1f3GraB9ZKWf_MZDUoti-naW697aODcbcWZ75g7orTDOgQtnbsRGrshMxN8mnJGFnAPZSEDblrUxhDu/s1600/gardens+uk.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A map of public gardens approximately 2 hours from London<br />via <a href="http://www.britainsfinest.co.uk/map_search.cfm/bfcategory/gardens">Britain's Finest</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />While the trees lose their leaves in wintertime,<br />the grass and hedges stay green all year<br />which brightens up the dreary days<br /><br />The mild winters bring early springtime,<br />and daffodils are starting to bloom now<br /><br />And that feels <i>very happy</i> :)<br /><br /></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

An American Perspective: What It Feels Like To Live In England

If you've been reading my blog for a while, you know I LOVE living in this country It is so beautiful and so interesting - filled with h...

Read more »

Visiting London With Teens

<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGfL5doQzN57xJ8ME7MmNw2HIS4qO58T5O6kdKCGjSpEoV_Iv4TISCb6b90sVUXNIzSbDYuUraGNhjdNbla3fEoVJmtlXeKsDpPLHgTm1dUUT5_fRsBY_thRH_0NvEEY3P4wuGUfEjmShd/s1600/photo+3+(20).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGfL5doQzN57xJ8ME7MmNw2HIS4qO58T5O6kdKCGjSpEoV_Iv4TISCb6b90sVUXNIzSbDYuUraGNhjdNbla3fEoVJmtlXeKsDpPLHgTm1dUUT5_fRsBY_thRH_0NvEEY3P4wuGUfEjmShd/s1600/photo+3+(20).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">When visiting London,</div><div style="text-align: center;">of course you will visit the famous landmarks</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge -</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">But what if you have a teenager (or grown up)</div><div style="text-align: center;">who needs to do more than just sightseeing?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's a few suggestions<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>*</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />- RIVER -<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyVuHbNS5RFzJt8GGqodjckvqL76VuF6x4KycLFoN4_kaqMdNR-PoRuyz6o3A2P6AtjKCEhy517avv8SqX_r3uPqALgGr2NKniQqA3Qt_9vmvlQoMWhnB925t0ptpTrWDJJilKCN0KBanF/s1600/DSC08349-0021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyVuHbNS5RFzJt8GGqodjckvqL76VuF6x4KycLFoN4_kaqMdNR-PoRuyz6o3A2P6AtjKCEhy517avv8SqX_r3uPqALgGr2NKniQqA3Qt_9vmvlQoMWhnB925t0ptpTrWDJJilKCN0KBanF/s1600/DSC08349-0021.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Zoom down river at a hair-blowing 35 knots<br />on a RIB speed <a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/bond-girl-for-day-or-two.html">boat</a> past many of London's landmarks<br /><br />Or look for ancient treasures along London's river shore<br />with a local <a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/mudlarking-in-london.html">archaeologist</a><br /><br />*<br /><br />- SKY -<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh60nSrc8O5McpWQ_qRkl4qSSR6vZ62ziNcCQiMgBvHn3CsPju6voomy4YsTR3qlMYxp3VHD7SMuZtuHkMTkQfstwk8QHlYTnbvZ6kvUpeQX3Cf6HJ0z43Jn_mxvvFpPFEJ_ArgXwbWtNgJ/s1600/photo+4+(8)-002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh60nSrc8O5McpWQ_qRkl4qSSR6vZ62ziNcCQiMgBvHn3CsPju6voomy4YsTR3qlMYxp3VHD7SMuZtuHkMTkQfstwk8QHlYTnbvZ6kvUpeQX3Cf6HJ0z43Jn_mxvvFpPFEJ_ArgXwbWtNgJ/s1600/photo+4+(8)-002.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Day or night,<br />enter a <a href="http://www.londoneye.com/">London Eye</a> capsule<br />for a spectacular vantage point<br />You even can rent your own capsule for a special occasion<br />with food and drink included<br /><br />Or take an elevator to the top of<br />the tallest building in the European Union<br />(and one of London's newest skyline additions),<br /><a href="http://the-shard.com/">The Shard</a><br /><br />For the adventurous,<br />climb the rooftop of the <a href="http://www.theo2.co.uk/upattheo2">O2 arena</a><br />for an unusual aerial view of London<br /><br />*<br /><br />- EARTH -<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizUm5FhXf-X7-uE5yLfSe4JUjKg7qf2AyxcMsfPYJNe-B5fHhVZEqpKyE06yJIqoctyW5l9L2Wqa745TWUcSXxsyW71Y1A0RoGng7H-PCZfCR13Obrm5yKYjHH2kSg2g_Yzh-Xxfy1fDQl/s1600/DSC_0123-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizUm5FhXf-X7-uE5yLfSe4JUjKg7qf2AyxcMsfPYJNe-B5fHhVZEqpKyE06yJIqoctyW5l9L2Wqa745TWUcSXxsyW71Y1A0RoGng7H-PCZfCR13Obrm5yKYjHH2kSg2g_Yzh-Xxfy1fDQl/s1600/DSC_0123-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Hit the sidewalk for a 2-hour <a href="http://www.walks.com/">walking tour</a> with first rate guides<br /><br />Jack The Ripper, ghost walks, and filming locations<br />tend to be popular with a teen crowd<br /><br />Or pedal through London on a guided <a href="http://www.tallyhocycletours.com/">cycling tour</a> on a British Pashley bicycle<br /><br />*<br /><br />- FOOD -<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNXbT2tsVKUdA4IsmdN7X_VC_v7OX8VuQMmnlwBqGrSU10YCsECmCA22F3nMRhhKsQmk4JhSA3TspXd-1jxsCKxckt8fbGkFJzE-ScDQVJFoPXVmo984SWwQBt11yYpNsIytdfLxMzB5MV/s1600/photo+3-018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNXbT2tsVKUdA4IsmdN7X_VC_v7OX8VuQMmnlwBqGrSU10YCsECmCA22F3nMRhhKsQmk4JhSA3TspXd-1jxsCKxckt8fbGkFJzE-ScDQVJFoPXVmo984SWwQBt11yYpNsIytdfLxMzB5MV/s1600/photo+3-018.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Ever wanted to savor crickets, kangaroo, crocodile, or other exotic cuisine?<br />Here's your chance at <a href="http://www.archipelago-restaurant.co.uk/">Archipelago</a><br /><br />Select your Japanese dish from a clever conveyor belt<br />passing by your counter at <a href="http://www.yosushi.com/">YO!Sushi</a><br /><br />Play other guests and order your meal<br />on your computerized tabletop at <a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2010/12/inamo-unforgettable-dining-experience.html">Inamo</a><br /><br />Don't miss a foodie's afternoon tea in this creatively decorated restaurant: <a href="http://www.sketch.uk.com/">Sketch</a><br />(check out those egg capsule restrooms!)<br /><br />Chocoholics will appreciate the chocolate artistry at <a href="http://www.choccywoccydoodah.com/">Choccywoccydoodah</a><br />(sit down and enjoy a dessert and warm drink upstairs)<br /><br />Finish off your day with nitrogen smoking ice cream at <a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/chin-chin-labs-nitro-ice-cream.html"><span id="goog_1048784649"></span>Chin Chin Labs</a>,<br />offering some very unique flavors<br /><br />*<br /><br />- SPORTS -<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjySIxla7l_QFwr83zP60jd2z0YgtGHau8rvN91zjhC8VBUVMs5U2CmC2wKyPMQYX-_wbL-fvS5QMO2LA-q8ImvENvxhygYP8WhXbCGhkNrfpbwQ9BfoSYEgAVuiz0lruP6ZdVSz7L5RRck/s1600/photo+2+(9)-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjySIxla7l_QFwr83zP60jd2z0YgtGHau8rvN91zjhC8VBUVMs5U2CmC2wKyPMQYX-_wbL-fvS5QMO2LA-q8ImvENvxhygYP8WhXbCGhkNrfpbwQ9BfoSYEgAVuiz0lruP6ZdVSz7L5RRck/s1600/photo+2+(9)-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />For tennis fans, there is nothing like touring the grounds of <a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2011/06/wimbledon-tennis.html">Wimbledon</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.lords.org/lords/things-to-do/tours-of-lords/">Lord's Cricket Ground</a> Tour will appeal to cricketers<br />while football /soccer enthusiasts won't want to miss <a href="http://www.chelseafc.com/stadium-tours">Chelsea FC Stadium</a> Tour<br /><br />*<br /><br />- ENTERTAINMENT -<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMPg4d1U9xWaL3qEucXg6nnIWdzUjxLq0hSWtW-1I7uTIxjdbJHP52gQq7hoYlsjmDscKqF2fQLxECBfOcbpScQVoa8dYG6II_XofkgQFEnpsChtMYfsgR6IMTXhpkWrb3TWLHpURPJCwV/s1600/IMG_2860-003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMPg4d1U9xWaL3qEucXg6nnIWdzUjxLq0hSWtW-1I7uTIxjdbJHP52gQq7hoYlsjmDscKqF2fQLxECBfOcbpScQVoa8dYG6II_XofkgQFEnpsChtMYfsgR6IMTXhpkWrb3TWLHpURPJCwV/s1600/IMG_2860-003.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />For Harry Potter fans,<br />a trip to <a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/warner-bros-harry-potter-studio-tour.html">Warner Bros Studio Tour</a> is an absolute MUST<br />Although it is a bit outside London,<br />it is definitely worth the trip<br /><br />You'll need the full hour to escape out of a locked room at <a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/blog-post.html">Hint Hunt</a><br />Currently ranked as #1 Attraction in London by TripAdvisor,<br />this interactive game is 60 minutes of unforgettableness<br /><br />Sit in a television audience<br />by applying for <a href="http://golondon.about.com/od/londonforfree/a/tvaudience.htm">tickets</a> in advance<br />or get a 'behind the scenes' tour at <a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2012/01/bbc-tour.html">BBC</a><br /><br />Watch a current film on the BIG screen<br />with 832 other movie-goers<br />at <a href="http://www.odeon.co.uk/cinemas/london_west_end/139/">Odeon West End Cinema</a><br /><br />For current events, refer to <a href="http://www.timeout.com/london">TimeOut London</a><br /><br />*<br /><br /><i>'There's nowhere else like London.</i><br /><i>Nothing at all, anywhere.'</i><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">                                                                   - Vivienne Westwood, fashion designer</span></div><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">( all photos my own )</span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">an unsponsored post</span></div></div><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

Visiting London With Teens

When visiting London, of course you will visit the famous landmarks - Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge - But what...

Read more »

Mudlarking In London

<br /><div style="text-align: center;">Beachcombing the River Thames in London</div><div style="text-align: center;">is known as 'mudlarking'</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD1j7bXKx1syCvfeoUGhzLtxaXamNZr9kKYR-0aOofiCV9r3pLffnntEwMKSki_f3bsfs8U9eGgTWhhrXAIQxMJA_TdCn6_mDdOJNBvMZOsjOGb2VwJk7Ll-JqT35KwNQyPeBaWmeuKsS7/s1600/photo+1-172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD1j7bXKx1syCvfeoUGhzLtxaXamNZr9kKYR-0aOofiCV9r3pLffnntEwMKSki_f3bsfs8U9eGgTWhhrXAIQxMJA_TdCn6_mDdOJNBvMZOsjOGb2VwJk7Ll-JqT35KwNQyPeBaWmeuKsS7/s640/photo+1-172.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">In the 18th and 19th centuries,</div><div style="text-align: center;">impoverished boys and girls aged 8 to 15</div><div style="text-align: center;">scavenged the river's mud at low tide </div><div style="text-align: center;">in search of treasures to sell</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It was a dirty and unsafe job,</div><div style="text-align: center;">as the river was a receptacle for raw sewage </div><div style="text-align: center;">and dumping ground for the city's rubbish</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Today it is a bit of a gold mine for seeing into the past</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwBrreyho-HPmK7fzDJgln3HihNDvD2G5unhnVhGwpnGoDaNxixH5PwK-2ywKXSlh1zDFR-Xr3RodUDFXsDOEql0MKMrvc1M2sN9P9m1pKRb4waLAznIDOGh5RKOs0Ld54tjLvDh9Es324/s1600/photo+5-016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwBrreyho-HPmK7fzDJgln3HihNDvD2G5unhnVhGwpnGoDaNxixH5PwK-2ywKXSlh1zDFR-Xr3RodUDFXsDOEql0MKMrvc1M2sN9P9m1pKRb4waLAznIDOGh5RKOs0Ld54tjLvDh9Es324/s640/photo+5-016.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Led by Fiona, a local expert archaeologist,</div><div style="text-align: center;">a group of us collected a few things along the bank</div><div style="text-align: center;">we thought might be of interest</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We showed her our loot,</div><div style="text-align: center;">and in a nonplussed way she told us much of it dated</div><div style="text-align: center;">to Victorian times or earlier</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Once she showed us what to look for,</div><div style="text-align: center;">we saw Victorian roof tiles scattered on the bank</div><div style="text-align: center;">as well as old yellow bricks</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Clay tiles with grey streaks were Victorian</div><div style="text-align: center;">Solid red tiles could be dated to Tudor times</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And if tiles showed signs of being burned, </div><div style="text-align: center;">they could be from the Great Fire of London in 1666</div><div style="text-align: center;">(as they threw everything into the river to clean up after the fire)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk9wxfv-Eu4YRtOOG_rRBXKi7qe7dWFNKUJOLQ2IrO8T9GXV4e0Kcvm97857ZPGTVi-UWa07S0OPx7FcXZWuA2R8DXLh6GTBFsC40asLkb3I3WrBhmNdjsOcvJpsZ0PIwenOAnQtm6LgEm/s1600/photo+4-019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk9wxfv-Eu4YRtOOG_rRBXKi7qe7dWFNKUJOLQ2IrO8T9GXV4e0Kcvm97857ZPGTVi-UWa07S0OPx7FcXZWuA2R8DXLh6GTBFsC40asLkb3I3WrBhmNdjsOcvJpsZ0PIwenOAnQtm6LgEm/s640/photo+4-019.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And yes, that's a bone</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We found glass waste from a factory that</div><div style="text-align: center;">operated nearby from 1700s - 1800s</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Pottery known as 'tin-glazed ware'</div><div style="text-align: center;">would have been discarded</div><div style="text-align: center;">from kilns located on the shore </div><div style="text-align: center;">between 15th and 17th centuries</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Clay pipes were like cigarette butts of the time,</div><div style="text-align: center;">popular by smokers between 1580 and 1930</div><div style="text-align: center;">We saw these everywhere</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF-RNIJzo0TF6q3Gmznp58maaiYr8thU_psYXE1t6rnuF9HcznPapQpKRFG4tw0C_vnuqhXLcAslUYc0trlwjN0BimZph7_LM915kqyaqc6tISDPCBWiFbYFz_KAo8Z1wZgztC1q7Di1Xh/s1600/photo+5-018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF-RNIJzo0TF6q3Gmznp58maaiYr8thU_psYXE1t6rnuF9HcznPapQpKRFG4tw0C_vnuqhXLcAslUYc0trlwjN0BimZph7_LM915kqyaqc6tISDPCBWiFbYFz_KAo8Z1wZgztC1q7Di1Xh/s640/photo+5-018.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clay pipes and a very old shard of tin-glazed ware (the piece with one blue stripe)</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The plentiful metal nails and scrap were from the shipyard</div><div style="text-align: center;">that once stood where we searched </div><div style="text-align: center;">(late 1600s - late 1800s)</div><div style="text-align: center;">Clearly they were handmade and did not look uniform in shape</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The most important discovery of the day</div><div style="text-align: center;">was a piece of coral found by someone in our group</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Fiona asked if she could take it to the Zoo as they are piecing together</div><div style="text-align: center;">what types of coral lived in the river -</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Although you could mudlark on your own,</div><div style="text-align: center;">you wouldn't know what you were seeing</div><div style="text-align: center;">so I would highly recommend giving it a go with Fiona</div><div style="text-align: center;">- great for all ages -</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid7zKdRPajbzZAODKyvco26J6fUrYfKA4XrUB3BLYeQkJ_Aa2d9fEz-7llcYWpA3glWIvTqpfxQ060hgPWON-RQ0eCcuvLTEKl3IIFZszhcp9CSTl2g-VgfVOFM91Yxn6wZkbVEDpZnF9p/s1600/photo+2-020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid7zKdRPajbzZAODKyvco26J6fUrYfKA4XrUB3BLYeQkJ_Aa2d9fEz-7llcYWpA3glWIvTqpfxQ060hgPWON-RQ0eCcuvLTEKl3IIFZszhcp9CSTl2g-VgfVOFM91Yxn6wZkbVEDpZnF9p/s640/photo+2-020.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We were thrilled with our success</div><div style="text-align: center;">and thankful the bank was pebbly and mud-free</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'll never look at the Thames the same :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">- photos by me -</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Mudlarking via <a href="http://www.walks.com/">London Walks</a></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;">(a nonsponsored post)</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

Mudlarking In London

Beachcombing the River Thames in London is known as 'mudlarking' In the 18th and 19th centuries, impoverished boys and girls aged 8 ...

Read more »

Hint Hunt London

<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Browsing <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attractions-g186338-Activities-London_England.html">TripAdvisor</a>'s site for things to do,</div><div style="text-align: center;">I was surprised to see this activity currently ranked</div><div style="text-align: center;">as the #1 Attraction in London</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-hzJ842Ut87p5MPWonZzF7MppZO2p4ZvLsy7JjDfL-ltxHw1hF_FgIy6L5WHsM5P4DXujWT2Mn2p2p2VfulMpk06cYlnuLLU18uLSUen8bBO2_AFn9soqItd0P1Sqj3vdQWQZSm5MIuJz/s1600/541252_305351182869701_493306453_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-hzJ842Ut87p5MPWonZzF7MppZO2p4ZvLsy7JjDfL-ltxHw1hF_FgIy6L5WHsM5P4DXujWT2Mn2p2p2VfulMpk06cYlnuLLU18uLSUen8bBO2_AFn9soqItd0P1Sqj3vdQWQZSm5MIuJz/s640/541252_305351182869701_493306453_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So me</div><div style="text-align: center;">(being me),</div><div style="text-align: center;">HAD to check it out</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Shrouded in mystery,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hint Hunt describes itself as</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>A new simple and fun live escape game</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>We lock up a handful of people (3 to 5)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>into a small space that looks like a normal room at first sight</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>However, it is a smartly designed environment where the captives</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>start discovering hidden objects, codes, keys, riddles and clues</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>to help them escape the room in 60 minutes</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Created by a clever group of Hungarians, </div><div style="text-align: center;">Hint Hunt has locations in London, Paris, and Cape Town</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It was CRAZY fun</div><div style="text-align: center;">I promise it is nothing you have ever done before</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Perfect for families or a group of friends,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hint Hunt is conveniently located across from Euston Station</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Put this on your 'must do' list for your next visit to London</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">- minimum age of 9 with an adult -</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">More info: <a href="http://hinthunt.co.uk/">Hint Hunt</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(an unsponsored post)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><br /><br />

Hint Hunt London

Browsing TripAdvisor 's site for things to do, I was surprised to see this activity currently ranked as the #1 Attraction in London So m...

Read more »

Fascinating World Of Ian Fleming

<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">For our book club</div><div style="text-align: center;">we read Ian Fleming's 'Dr No' (1958)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I think we were all surprised by how good it was,</div><div style="text-align: center;">a bit dated </div><div style="text-align: center;">yet entertaining</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Although 'Dr No' was Fleming's seventh book,</div><div style="text-align: center;">it was his first novel to be turned into a film (1962)</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Fleming knew cinema was the way to make real money -</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">That signature James Bond theme has been used since 'Dr No'</div><div style="text-align: center;">with its surf style rock, popular in the early 1960s</div><div style="text-align: center;">A classic!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhows6vqNr2FyX2VPSGuFrIDMdlNtiQimpOklfKAg5hpwVwQZuSZuevvv91kn9MpRes6y6b2OL_Y8HJTX_Tdw0DbjLTbR0BevvBD1U86hA_UDFKd_EUKxn45oBNY6T5go7sk7riJ618b4Kw/s1600/Ian_Fleming,_headshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhows6vqNr2FyX2VPSGuFrIDMdlNtiQimpOklfKAg5hpwVwQZuSZuevvv91kn9MpRes6y6b2OL_Y8HJTX_Tdw0DbjLTbR0BevvBD1U86hA_UDFKd_EUKxn45oBNY6T5go7sk7riJ618b4Kw/s640/Ian_Fleming,_headshot.jpg" width="576" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ian Fleming, author of James Bond series<br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ian_Fleming">wikipedia</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ian Fleming was born with money and connections</div><div style="text-align: center;">In fact, Winston Churchill was a friend of his father's</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Fleming's grandparents owned a high-end flat </div><div style="text-align: center;">where the US Embassy in London now stands</div><div style="text-align: center;">(the irony in that - with all its spies!)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ian Fleming was a bit like his James Bond's character -</div><div style="text-align: center;">a life filled with men's clubs, women, fancy cars, and a good time</div><div style="text-align: center;">He traveled in wealthy circles in Mayfair</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjffBa7llsV0FPuVJy1UUSlypyOuGNuk8locbQTI0p9iSukejGNT3GWobC6ZH6aTdi0SMV3oII38bcKBhGsBkCtPUL3dYG-9I9tJYXPHVW6Tp4otb57eOyrp0rK-ymsqWl3_sakLaZOeAf_/s1600/800px-DB5-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjffBa7llsV0FPuVJy1UUSlypyOuGNuk8locbQTI0p9iSukejGNT3GWobC6ZH6aTdi0SMV3oII38bcKBhGsBkCtPUL3dYG-9I9tJYXPHVW6Tp4otb57eOyrp0rK-ymsqWl3_sakLaZOeAf_/s640/800px-DB5-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aston Martin, one of James Bond's famous cars<br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_James_Bond_vehicles">wikipedia</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Unlike his father and brother, </div><div style="text-align: center;">Ian did not go to the front lines of war</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Instead, he was behind a desk </div><div style="text-align: center;">in London's Naval Intelligence Office during WWII</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Once the war was over,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Ian Fleming worked for The Times</div><div style="text-align: center;">with the agreement that he could take time off every winter for three months</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">In those months,</div><div style="text-align: center;">he stayed in his Jamaican home, 'Goldeneye', and produced one book every year</div><div style="text-align: center;">with the quest to write the best spy novel the world had ever seen</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGssQYRQNm9xZEtLZyVt4AiG_hw0Fsn3a9yxBpQWf6ByadbAx9HExbwnv17hP5_C0TGqd0vtrH54ezImVZQU_Db0UoJmfKn646MwcGqUcYOflEXl-wFakuh9ArTMYir1k4wdkYzsM2i73p/s1600/GoldeneyeEstate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGssQYRQNm9xZEtLZyVt4AiG_hw0Fsn3a9yxBpQWf6ByadbAx9HExbwnv17hP5_C0TGqd0vtrH54ezImVZQU_Db0UoJmfKn646MwcGqUcYOflEXl-wFakuh9ArTMYir1k4wdkYzsM2i73p/s640/GoldeneyeEstate.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ian Fleming's Jamaican home where he wrote annually<br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ian_Fleming">wikipedia</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">He had the idea that his main character should be a boring man </div><div style="text-align: center;">that to whom extraordinary things happened</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Trying to think of a boring name, </div><div style="text-align: center;">Fleming looked at his bookshelf and saw the very plain name </div><div style="text-align: center;">of American ornithologist, James Bond</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">(Fleming was an avid birdwatcher)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And so it came to be the most famous fictional spy name</div><div style="text-align: center;"> with the ornithologist's blessing</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8-tl7-qk_a9Y_0gW9tM4RqpOWY9yfwUn_aAWvMAEo8BA7Huq8VHYY3zFRQkxVNGCRlrwrsandyfjv9lOuYf7AqdUa5FAUnd91WKCd69MSByzHGCWEqsSqpKfMD0xrnnyHQTdG4CSmz_Rw/s1600/James_Bond_1974.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8-tl7-qk_a9Y_0gW9tM4RqpOWY9yfwUn_aAWvMAEo8BA7Huq8VHYY3zFRQkxVNGCRlrwrsandyfjv9lOuYf7AqdUa5FAUnd91WKCd69MSByzHGCWEqsSqpKfMD0xrnnyHQTdG4CSmz_Rw/s320/James_Bond_1974.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The real James Bond, an American ornithologist<br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Bond_(ornithologist)">wikipedia</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">To me, the James Bond series is a story of success and determination</div><div style="text-align: center;">as Ian Fleming had always wanted to write these great spy novels</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">But his wife and high-brow friends thought his books were in bad taste</div><div style="text-align: center;">and Fleming received harsh reviews from UK critics</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Then Fleming got a lucky break after meeting President Kennedy on a trip to D.C.</div><div style="text-align: center;">The US President listed 'From Russia, With Love'</div><div style="text-align: center;">as one of his favorite books in Life Magazine after they met</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">With this introduction to the American audience, </div><div style="text-align: center;">Fleming's films and books became successful in the US</div><div style="text-align: center;">and were well received</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihrNcVGesLwJ7O3p-z33saPKqN7ICTkugo0R9qYkA7qh_8T7SX_JfacqVojxLAsoVFipxWlRZ0LVV44SAr5iyz0Msl2fZwhWXLU-fqqyrPh4-eKd7PY1e36Pw21W5LOwjDa2M34IMdcJ9f/s1600/51WxLtqGDmL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihrNcVGesLwJ7O3p-z33saPKqN7ICTkugo0R9qYkA7qh_8T7SX_JfacqVojxLAsoVFipxWlRZ0LVV44SAr5iyz0Msl2fZwhWXLU-fqqyrPh4-eKd7PY1e36Pw21W5LOwjDa2M34IMdcJ9f/s640/51WxLtqGDmL.jpg" width="449" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bond-Remastered-Dr-1-disc-DVD/dp/B000MR9F0W/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1380796513&sr=8-5&keywords=dr+no">Amazon</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I can't think of any other film series with such longevity, </div><div style="text-align: center;">with classic quotes and an easily identifiable theme song</div><div style="text-align: center;">that has woven itself into our culture today</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Eon Productions has been making James Bond films for fifty-one years</div><div style="text-align: center;">with another film due within the next few years</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Bond continues to be the longest running film series </div><div style="text-align: center;">and second highest grossing film series after 'Harry Potter'</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">In fact, more men have walked on the moon</div><div style="text-align: center;">than have played James Bond in film</div><div style="text-align: center;">(only six in fifty years)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I grew up watching Roger Moore,</div><div style="text-align: center;">so to me, he will always be THE Bond</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Do you have a favorite James Bond actor?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">- on a random note but must mention, Fleming also wrote 'Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang'! -</div><br /><br />More In Bond Series ::<br /><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/bond-girl-for-day-or-two.html">Bond Girl For A Day Or Two</a> (local activities)<br /><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/interview-of-bond-girl.html">Interview Of A Bond Girl</a><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">Source: Richard Walker from </span><a href="http://www.walks.com/" style="font-size: small;">London Walks</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ian_Fleming" style="font-size: small;">Wikipedia</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

Fascinating World Of Ian Fleming

For our book club we read Ian Fleming's 'Dr No' (1958) I think we were all surprised by how good it was, a bit dated  yet entert...

Read more »

Bond Girl For A Day Or Two

<br /><div style="text-align: center;">While our book club has covered many wonderful authors and correlating activities this year,</div><div style="text-align: center;">I have to say this James Bond study has been my favorite so far</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It has been ridiculously fun!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's the lowdown...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Zipping through London along the River Thames</div><div style="text-align: center;">at a top speed of 35 knots,</div><div style="text-align: center;">this RIB boat ride had us grinning from ear to ear</div><div style="text-align: center;">with a few bugs in our teeth</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Vowing to bring our kids next time,</div><div style="text-align: center;">this is the best way to see London from the water</div><div style="text-align: center;">via <a href="http://www.londonribvoyages.com/">London RIB Voyages</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg404mHKxVzty_8r62y1bBA2Oa3NQ_eJKrURZfzjvxXJXFrEGjXl1Jwo0tsJQUxvBCzgDk6vxk0xPLKAXkPfzu_Mmu5XDSugMFoPwYzmSdDcrEU14AHux1oEAQWDJ68123A02UHCKtICJUV/s1600/DSC08349-0021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg404mHKxVzty_8r62y1bBA2Oa3NQ_eJKrURZfzjvxXJXFrEGjXl1Jwo0tsJQUxvBCzgDk6vxk0xPLKAXkPfzu_Mmu5XDSugMFoPwYzmSdDcrEU14AHux1oEAQWDJ68123A02UHCKtICJUV/s640/DSC08349-0021.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We opted for the James Bond themed ride - Bond music included</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Visit tucked-away <a href="http://dukeshotel.com/">Duke's Hotel</a> in the heart of London</div><div style="text-align: center;">where Bond's author, Ian Fleming, enjoyed his martinis</div><div style="text-align: center;">and Sean Connery celebrated being cast as James Bond</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">(also a frequent Bond film location)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPY8jbNN5jzNz3j7Wuk_GsM2t1sDY5d1bo7R86FcrTrc_1_jJE6r2SX-8-Lf2cVVcAffysx9qS104RGpki_N9UaJ2_3yPERV-KS-93fPGRkEijaX51GPcz3DyObSXF6y17nJR9-GsA78fw/s1600/DSC08267-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPY8jbNN5jzNz3j7Wuk_GsM2t1sDY5d1bo7R86FcrTrc_1_jJE6r2SX-8-Lf2cVVcAffysx9qS104RGpki_N9UaJ2_3yPERV-KS-93fPGRkEijaX51GPcz3DyObSXF6y17nJR9-GsA78fw/s640/DSC08267-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Offers afternoon tea and/or martinis concocted from a table-side cart</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Celebrating </div><div style="text-align: center;">'50 Vehicles. 50 Years.',</div><div style="text-align: center;">Beaulieu's <a href="http://www.beaulieu.co.uk/">National Motor Museum</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> is exhibiting the creatively cool collection of</div><div style="text-align: center;">jetpacks, submarines, cars, motorcycles, and flying contraptions</div><div style="text-align: center;">featured in Bond films</div><div style="text-align: center;">(ends January 5, 2014)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifkt8KdsB2URpGxCXYMDW4ckdGqySakUtpBPyPl4MQkOk381U4xcdeVS0o1ufbSTfVusbTk84gddVBcT-RDHEme5SflyY3Sp9uJVlE5OpeYkcGQKhvKBG69D04wNZcXXMo1WO4ie-ErV-R/s1600/Photo+37-003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifkt8KdsB2URpGxCXYMDW4ckdGqySakUtpBPyPl4MQkOk381U4xcdeVS0o1ufbSTfVusbTk84gddVBcT-RDHEme5SflyY3Sp9uJVlE5OpeYkcGQKhvKBG69D04wNZcXXMo1WO4ie-ErV-R/s640/Photo+37-003.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A huge hit with my son</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Worthy of a standing ovation, Richard Walker's enthusiasm rubbed off on all of us</div><div style="text-align: center;">as we learned the backstory of author Ian Fleming</div><div style="text-align: center;">and true accounts of spies operating in London during his time</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A two hour guided walking tour by <a href="http://www.walks.com/">London Walks</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVY2SqYNvXg2J-CFjgBbXVLTT5l3_kG3wRKY_dAaMuMpr3SGbSpGXBHbgKisLvhBxQStHo6p9xZgYkt_AZFSiBLiJS3sRyjdYtUSVqoI3lle2uGjAdbn2ghKHxZDODxcVLgpeJx1f5y7cv/s1600/DSC08255-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVY2SqYNvXg2J-CFjgBbXVLTT5l3_kG3wRKY_dAaMuMpr3SGbSpGXBHbgKisLvhBxQStHo6p9xZgYkt_AZFSiBLiJS3sRyjdYtUSVqoI3lle2uGjAdbn2ghKHxZDODxcVLgpeJx1f5y7cv/s640/DSC08255-002.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We spied Eon Productions, the film production company producing James Bond film series</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Shaken, not stirred...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Lastly, we strutted over to <a href="http://www.windmilltaverns.com/jacks/">Jack's Lounge</a> in London's Southwark district</div><div style="text-align: center;">for a cocktail class with some friendly competition within our group</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Learning about bartender tools and how to properly shake a drink,</div><div style="text-align: center;"> we made yummy Passion Fruit Martinis and </div><div style="text-align: center;">complicated Flaming Orange Cosmopolitans</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkU7W0__UeGuaQYvpv7ZZMv6lyS9a9aNuh0tf_-q1eiFnS1E6rIVH-o0ApH7T8wJx8D9BA5-32Mz2yuwqSW_RaN1YEBjhgGS2vFLlFWeAs8ioc59Hzoqt1Wej-1jx0TCIRc40_d3bOtWuw/s1600/DSC08373-0021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkU7W0__UeGuaQYvpv7ZZMv6lyS9a9aNuh0tf_-q1eiFnS1E6rIVH-o0ApH7T8wJx8D9BA5-32Mz2yuwqSW_RaN1YEBjhgGS2vFLlFWeAs8ioc59Hzoqt1Wej-1jx0TCIRc40_d3bOtWuw/s640/DSC08373-0021.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Here's a few ideas we didn't get to...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Through <a href="http://britmovietours.com/bookings/spy-movie-outer-london-tour/">Brit Movie Tours</a>, </div><div style="text-align: center;">visit Pinewood Studios where many Bond movies have been filmed</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.iwm.org.uk/exhibitions/iwm-london/horrible-histories-spies">Imperial War Museum</a> is hosting Horrible Histories: Spies</div><div style="text-align: center;">as a fun interactive exhibition in London for families</div><div style="text-align: center;">(on my 'must do' list) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Be a stunt car driver for the day on a challenging specialized track</div><div style="text-align: center;">Give high speed parallel parking a try after you make a reverse spin</div><div style="text-align: center;">Offered by Top Gear's <a href="http://www.paulswift.com/ultimate-stunt-driving.asp">Paul Swift Precision Driving</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">near Guildford, Milton Keynes, and Durham</div><div style="text-align: center;">(would be a total blast with my husband)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And there's more!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Find out more about Ian Fleming and Bond in my next post</div><div style="text-align: center;">:)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">- photos by me -</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">More In Bond Series ::</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/interview-of-bond-girl.html">Interview Of A Bond Girl</a><br /><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/fascinating-world-of-ian-fleming.html">Fascinating World Of Ian Fleming</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(an unsponsored post)</span></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

Bond Girl For A Day Or Two

While our book club has covered many wonderful authors and correlating activities this year, I have to say this James Bond study has been my...

Read more »

London's Changing Skyline

<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Yesterday I went into London and</div><div style="text-align: center;">- wow! -</div><div style="text-align: center;">was I shocked by all the construction of new skyscrapers</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkIgEkAl3yBnjQphS98i4H3Poz21c-I9KbKg-j7GiUWl8fHnKNyUsSGBfoSyTTxmvbTzHzPVzM7nHPXTFhiiATUjkE1MDXSsWBwpWA46krDNW8vNyXH5to9AdB8vgT4EmwwAHDxRpWohK9/s1600/Photo+3-0051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkIgEkAl3yBnjQphS98i4H3Poz21c-I9KbKg-j7GiUWl8fHnKNyUsSGBfoSyTTxmvbTzHzPVzM7nHPXTFhiiATUjkE1MDXSsWBwpWA46krDNW8vNyXH5to9AdB8vgT4EmwwAHDxRpWohK9/s640/Photo+3-0051.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from Waterloo Bridge yesterday</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's the most notable additions...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">1.</div><div style="text-align: center;">The City's Leadenhall Building, aka 'The Cheese Grater', </div><div style="text-align: center;">has a distinct wedge shape</div><div style="text-align: center;">and is due for completion next year</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR172DFAdmFrqoyz-pIQ3HLu6_wmIhJrUo8k_7jROGmiJhFq4x8ir6YILejKtvPXHuuxFF0aKEXLWgx-SICCog8gwDvcRVc0LDqx0D3V9d5iHG2hKFGG4SUzoQcL1hajzu1wOJ0qmlVCZY/s1600/Leadenhall_Building_Artist's_Impression.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR172DFAdmFrqoyz-pIQ3HLu6_wmIhJrUo8k_7jROGmiJhFq4x8ir6YILejKtvPXHuuxFF0aKEXLWgx-SICCog8gwDvcRVc0LDqx0D3V9d5iHG2hKFGG4SUzoQcL1hajzu1wOJ0qmlVCZY/s640/Leadenhall_Building_Artist's_Impression.jpg" width="416" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">artist drawing: <a href="http://www.skyscrapernews.com/buildings.php?id=49">Skyscraper News</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">2.</div><div style="text-align: center;">20 Fenchurch Street (below) has been in the news recently</div><div style="text-align: center;">for a glare so powerful that a sunscreen was erected </div><div style="text-align: center;">to prevent car paint from blistering </div><div style="text-align: center;">and pedestrians from getting burned </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The 'Walkie Talkie' building has an unusual top heavy design</div><div style="text-align: center;">and should be completed in 2014<br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK63yZsN-O5TolEEde7vpjy8DkUUphlxbKCjQSetZ6oS1JiUXNcxF-DM3onEuI8UOCTmqglU-xtBq0SzH1e06Q4wgKVq10fP5Bkkkcb8bNfbvB9F7hCSbt9wyjPHl6O7Nf7kmLyUR3Ra5-/s1600/DSC08321-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK63yZsN-O5TolEEde7vpjy8DkUUphlxbKCjQSetZ6oS1JiUXNcxF-DM3onEuI8UOCTmqglU-xtBq0SzH1e06Q4wgKVq10fP5Bkkkcb8bNfbvB9F7hCSbt9wyjPHl6O7Nf7kmLyUR3Ra5-/s640/DSC08321-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Walkie Talkie' in foreground<br />'Cheese Grater' in background</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">3.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Now standing as the tallest building in Western Europe,</div><div style="text-align: center;">The Shard successfully opened this year<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmdUeYkEF93a26faXVb-Wwsa-0b3lIbArn4laYj7nTQxDhL1fZiyWYrZlmX3lmda6lO5rU7KML2lS69BqZ2jh1gJG0X8yvf2Ga9_x6LlqRrbYqWHk6GFEAY0vNKWkOwP3Dkf32e0R-fzuI/s1600/DSC08351-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmdUeYkEF93a26faXVb-Wwsa-0b3lIbArn4laYj7nTQxDhL1fZiyWYrZlmX3lmda6lO5rU7KML2lS69BqZ2jh1gJG0X8yvf2Ga9_x6LlqRrbYqWHk6GFEAY0vNKWkOwP3Dkf32e0R-fzuI/s640/DSC08351-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">If you haven't been in London for a while,</div><div style="text-align: center;">you'll be surprised by its evolving skyline</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">While I love old buildings with character, </div><div style="text-align: center;">I appreciate the innovative design of this newest generation</div><div style="text-align: center;">which is replacing nondescript buildings of the past,</div><div style="text-align: center;">keeping London fresh and cutting edge :) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">What do you think?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Yea or nay<br />to a skyline change?<br /><br />Hmm, I can't decide<br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>- photos by me, unless otherwise noted -</i></span></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

London's Changing Skyline

Yesterday I went into London and - wow! - was I shocked by all the construction of new skyscrapers View from Waterloo Bridge yesterday Here...

Read more »

London's Thames Barrier

<div style="padding: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: center;"><div style="color: #2f3c16; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div>Inexplicably<br />I've been wanting to see the Thames Barrier for some time<br /><br />This 520 meter span of contemporary gating has protected<br />the area of London from flooding since 1982<br /><br />As one of the world's largest movable flood barriers,<br />these gates actively have protected London over 100 times since they became operational</div><div style="color: #2f3c16; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; padding: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Yt4spsZVbczcYaOp2TpIJWQZbVV_to7MWeKfVAPXGcPT2pFL3yoexFK49gwRp8gNC3V17CQxzCuHWjV17coRBr7drW-m-aS5WvF3JLDNtQHwMGVl4ch8-7CS19dgpOyeO_sZoBRimuvu/s1600/photo+2+(5)-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Yt4spsZVbczcYaOp2TpIJWQZbVV_to7MWeKfVAPXGcPT2pFL3yoexFK49gwRp8gNC3V17CQxzCuHWjV17coRBr7drW-m-aS5WvF3JLDNtQHwMGVl4ch8-7CS19dgpOyeO_sZoBRimuvu/s640/photo+2+(5)-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With London and O2 Arena in the background, you can see one black gate in position on the right</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="padding: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: center;"><div style="color: #2f3c16; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #2f3c16; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div>With a long history of fatal floods,<br />the spring tidal surge from the North Sea tends to be a habitual problem<br /><br />Today<br />information about surge tides comes from weather satellites, oil rigs,<br />weather ships and coastal stations<br /><br />All ten gates (20 meters high) can be closed in 1.5 hours<br /><div><br /></div>Here is the possible extent of flooding without today's protection<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTZfqiO-bKAKQL5pyHhYuT4PBwt3pIVtL-4Iuloq4gxbsXDkcapuZdaL_PWe6TmXkqEclQvTSkY4AnKsOiQLuh3DzNGw-llwOkMrAxMVF0RJdQrv39Dl0yu-ud9QR_bNa874_miNEnnNDi/s1600/Capture7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTZfqiO-bKAKQL5pyHhYuT4PBwt3pIVtL-4Iuloq4gxbsXDkcapuZdaL_PWe6TmXkqEclQvTSkY4AnKsOiQLuh3DzNGw-llwOkMrAxMVF0RJdQrv39Dl0yu-ud9QR_bNa874_miNEnnNDi/s400/Capture7.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />Not a high quality photo,<br />but it does give you something to consider the next time<br />you see the river at low tide<br /><br />The layers of time you can see on the walls!<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA4RYbEZh-viA6VkMzj_BHs_Ae1_sCsnyCg6MKsLzTwsDDCmOweHsO3fSGxGQYBowoFazhDz-3R5bwbRKptXi7nJMJAyVfbSytCuZqrVDH4w2_qeFiHyyHxwLO4cw7jG2uu1ftq1x8UuWq/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA4RYbEZh-viA6VkMzj_BHs_Ae1_sCsnyCg6MKsLzTwsDDCmOweHsO3fSGxGQYBowoFazhDz-3R5bwbRKptXi7nJMJAyVfbSytCuZqrVDH4w2_qeFiHyyHxwLO4cw7jG2uu1ftq1x8UuWq/s400/Capture.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="padding: 0px 0px 1em;"><div style="color: #2f3c16; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #2f3c16; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Located in Greenwich,</div><div style="text-align: center;">you too can view these steel and wooden beauties</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">While we did swing by the <a href="http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/floods/38375.aspx">Visitor's Center</a>,</div><div style="text-align: center;">I wouldn't necessarily recommend paying for it</div><div style="text-align: center;">as most of the information is online</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">You can view the Thames Barrier from the river towpath at anytime</div><div style="text-align: center;">:)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo Credits: 1 (mine), 2 & 3 (Environment Agency)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Source: <a href="http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/floods/38353.aspx">Environment Agency</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">(A non-sponsored post)</span></div><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

London's Thames Barrier

Inexplicably I've been wanting to see the Thames Barrier for some time This 520 meter span of contemporary gating has protected the area...

Read more »