There are some things in London that are SO big, you just can’t get far enough away from them to fit them into a photo.
Parliament would be one of those things.
And every angle is a new view.
And you take so many shots trying to capture everything, only to find that many of the photos are back-lit behind the building because you are there on a summer morning with the sun shining from the east!
And you suck it up anyway and take the photos knowing they are going to show up in silhouette because that in itself can be a very cool thing as well.
You run around from monument to building to church crypt-gone-café because you only have so many hours and you HAVE to fit it all in!
St Paul’s Cathedral from the upper deck of the Bus!
This is probably the best photo I got, because when you are on the grounds, you can’t get far enough away to get the whole thing in a photo without trees blocking your view. Bus photos are great!
And some water marks are upside down, but I don’t have time to fix it! LOL!
This is Trafalgar Square!
Taking photos of Brenda taking photos!
We are headed here…with parliament and big ben in silhouette.
Hello, clock tower!
Westminster Abbey was CLOSED the Monday we were there!
I had really wanted to get inside the Abbey. The floors in there are magnificent, but we were able to walk the grounds and visit the gift shop.
There is a whole lot of gothic-ness going on in the slide show below, but before I post those I want to share this funny moment!
Guy sets up to play bag pipes on street.
Watch what happens!
I had no sooner started to record him when the policeman walked over and stopped the whole thing!
Oops! I guess you are not supposed to play HERE!
Evidently the Churchill Monument is a bag-pipes free zone!
There are too many photos to do this any other way so I am uploading them into a slide show. Click the image below if you are unable to view the slide show on your mobile device. You’ll be taken to the photo album for viewing.
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| Big Ben, St Paul's & Westminster Abbey 2014 |
I think the piper knew he was in the wrong as he moved away as soon as the security guard approached. There are only certain places where street performers can perform in central London, and they need a permit, or else crowds build up and the flow of pedestrians is compromised. It does seem a shame, but it is for safety reasons. You can often hear very good musicians on the underground or on the bridges. I love them.
ReplyDeleteYou are a woman after my own heart. When I travel I love to take pictures of doorways. You would love The Netherlands they have awesome doorways and unique décor on the doors. Thanks for sharing your adventure in the UK.
ReplyDeleteSo Sorry the Abbey was closed. You look so relaxed by the fountain! Is the DH taking your pictures. Hope he gets in some too.
ReplyDeleteYou got some really great shots Bonnie. I have some of the same ones from January 2009 when I was there. Seems like a lifetime ago. Did you notice that you labelled Westminster Abbey, Winchester Abbey? Is that one near your home? Have a great time in Birmingham this weekend. Love your blog. Julie
ReplyDeleteHi Bonnie, so sorry that the Abbey was closed, perhaps to preserve the floors from drool! Check out the web site for the 'Cosmati pavement' laid down in 1268, see how many quilt blocks you can name. There really is nothing new under the sun. Have fun in Birmingham.
ReplyDeleteWas that St. Martin in the Fields' Cafe in the Crypt? I used to study there during my semester in London! I loved it.
ReplyDeleteI love seeing all your pictures, I will be in England in about three weeks, so this has been a great preview. I enjoy all your travels (and QUILTS).
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