Photo Journal from day one through the city walk

So much of London can never be described by words. Pictures are often more accurate, but even they seem to fall so very short. Here are a few pictures, newest to oldest, that depict a few sites from Big Ben to Charing Cross road. They would never say "watch your step," and now that I think on it, it may be too personal. Using the impersonal "the," rather than "your," seems more polite and distant, as many suppose the Brits to be (including the Brits themselves). They say, "Mind the gap," and "Mind the doors." It does have a nice ring to it, I think.


I especially liked the quote on the side of the building: "I went to see Major General Harrison Hung Drawn and Quartered. He was looking as cheerful as any man could in that condition."


Roman Mithras temple foundation, circa 200 A.D. It thrills me to see things that are so old here! It's hard to fathom that people were walking around on this spot so long ago, building structures that live to tell their tales. Seeing this temple made me want to learn more about the ancient Roman Mithras religion.


I found the St. Mary le Bow chapel to be a beautiful sight. I thought the sign outside was a little unusual when taken out of context, though: "The place below: fresh food from the crypt."


This was at the intersection of Charing Cross road, which I read about in Harry Potter, I believe. The Leaky Cauldron was on this road. Also, it is famous for the bookshops all along it.


The British Museum was unbelievable--I had to run past far too many things I've always wanted to see! I'm determined to go back and spend a solid day or two there. I want to see the Elgin marbles, and really study the Egyptian section thoroughly, as well as their Ancient Asian section. There are so many things to learn there!

Westminster bridge and Big Ben. We went the very first day I arrived, and it all felt so surreal, to be seeing places I'd only read of. My mother said this picture looked like a postcard.

It's a little bit sad that even Bayswater and Notting Hill Gate can start to look ordinary to me. Here's a shot shortly after arriving, in the rain. It really is extraordinary, even though we pass it daily.

I am having a wonderful time so far in London. Looking through my pictures helps me to fathom just how incredible some of the sights I've been seeing really are. I know I'll treasure them always.