London Old and New

Shot taken from a Thames Clipper boat as we sped up the river from Greenwich.
I had to take it through the window so there is some reflection with the glass, but I liked the shot. (See Large.)
It shows part of Tower Bridge. Some old Thames barges, near St Katherine Docks. ( viewed better large)
The huge new skyscraper nick named the " Walkie-Talkie Tower". Not yet finished.
Personally I think it is awful and looks totally out of place. Many Londoners think the same!
Last year they had a problem with the sun, as the rays magnified down on to the pavement, and caused some cars to melt!! They are going to have to fit some deflectors I think.

We woke to blue skies and sunshine, which lasted all day.
How lucky was that!

Started out with full English breakfast at "Bills".
Then a bus to Greenwich. FREE with our bus passes! Much better than the train as we could see parts London on the way.
Started out at the Maritime Museum with a look round the Nelson exhibition.
One to go back to as there was so much to take in.
For me the highlight was the coat worn by Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar.
You could clearly see the hole where the fatal bullet pierced his shoulder, then through his lung, before lodging in his spine.
I have put a photo on my blipfolio.see here

The exhibition we really went to see was " Turner and the Sea".
Blew us both away!
Wonderful to see the paintings up close.
Especially The Fighting Temeraire".
Voted the nation's greatest painting in a BBC poll.

A river boat then took us back to The Embankment.
Going under Tower Bridge, and London Bridge on the way.
Past the Shard, and the Tower of London.

It was then a walk through St James Park. Nice to see everyone enjoying the warm weather. see here
We finally made it to Manchester Square, to see the Wallace Collection. details see here
Unfortunately some of the galleries were closed due to refurbishment, but there is so much to see.
A private collection of paintings, furniture, porcelain, armour, and much more.
One painting you might know is the Laughing Cavalier by Frans Hals.
See Blipfolio.see here
Another which I liked was a painting by Sir Joshua Reynolds 1775. of Miss Jane Bowles. ( also on blipfolio)
We finished with afternoon tea in the restaurant.
Assorted finger sandwiches, scones, jam and cream, then assorted cakes.
All yummy! see here

Walked back to the hotel, had a rest, and then out for a meal at night.
A nice little Italian. ( Not too expensive!)

Slept well!