More Trips

Korea6 April 24


Japan10 November 23


Taiwan5 April 23


Korea5 November 22


Korea4 May 22


Cape Otway April 21


Japan9 October 19


Frangland July 19


Korkong April 19


Japan8 October 18


China4 April 18


Japan7 October 17


Taiwan4 March 17


Japan6 October 16


Europe May 16


Japan5 November 15


Korea2 March 15

Even More Trips

HongJapWan March 2014
Sichuan March 2013
Tokyo3 October 2012
China2 August 2012
Japwan March 2012
China November 2011
Korea September 2011
Taiwan March 2011
London3 June 2010
Japan May 2010
London2 February 2010
London September 2009
SE Asia December 2005

France & England... for work... - Page 4

Day 10 - Sunday, 14 July 2019

The greyness sets in

A grey walk along the Thames exploring Southbank

Of course, when I woke up, it was raining in London, because that is what London does.
Thankfully it did not last long, after some real rain it just drizzled on and off for the rest of the day, while the locals stared at the sky in absolute amazement at how wonderful the stunning clear summer day was.

It was very grey. Started grey, stayed grey. It will be grey from now until the end of the world sometime next Thursday.

Despite the numbing grey, I set off on an epic walk. It seems every time I come here I end up at Southbank, on the far side of the Thames. This time I walked the other way, for a long way, through some parks, past massive new developments, until I came back over a bridge into Chelsea to laugh at footballers wives and headed for the megamall for lunch.
For me this is a standard London weekend day, which means no pubs or palaces.

I took a lot of photos, and while the internet in my hotel room is fine for browsing and downloading, the upload speed is severely restricted, so if you happen to load this page during the hour or so it will take to upload, you may see partial or missing images. Alternatively I broke my website, which is also possible.

France & England... for work... - Photos of the rain. I always seem to end up here when I am in London. I think the landromat I have used in the past is very near this building. No nee

Photos of the rain. I always seem to end up here when I am in London. I think the landromat I have used in the past is very near this building. No need to go there this time, I did my laundry in Paris. Thankfully the cafes open at 7:30 even on Sunday, so I sat and had a coffee and stared at the rain.


France & England... for work... - Here is the Thames and some of the newer buildings. I think when I first came to London nearly 15 years ago, none of these were here. Because my websi

Here is the Thames and some of the newer buildings. I think when I first came to London nearly 15 years ago, none of these were here. Because my website is awesome all the photos from then are still accessible, later I will do a comparison because I am a very boring person.


France & England... for work... - A ballerina is posing for some graffiti photos for instagram.

A ballerina is posing for some graffiti photos for instagram.


France & England... for work... - The SNOG froyo truck includes an upstairs disco. All the kids like yoghurt dancing.

The SNOG froyo truck includes an upstairs disco. All the kids like yoghurt dancing.


France & England... for work... - Its the London eye, as seen from below. The Chinese tour groups were lined up waiting for it to open.

Its the London eye, as seen from below. The Chinese tour groups were lined up waiting for it to open.


France & England... for work... - 110 years ago, Shrek constructed this building for his own personal adventure.

110 years ago, Shrek constructed this building for his own personal adventure.


France & England... for work... - If you came to London to see big ben, you will be disappointed, it is currently covered in tarps. No one has any idea what time it is.

If you came to London to see big ben, you will be disappointed, it is currently covered in tarps. No one has any idea what time it is.


France & England... for work... - The new Covent Garden market is nowhere near Covent Garden. It is just a shed with no customers. This reminds me of the relocation of the Tsukiji fish

The new Covent Garden market is nowhere near Covent Garden. It is just a shed with no customers. This reminds me of the relocation of the Tsukiji fish market in Tokyo. I suspect here in London it has been relocated for the 25 year crossrail construction project.


France & England... for work... - The biggest rejuvenation project in Europe, according to a sign. This used to be a dirty power station at Battersea, it is now being turned into housi

The biggest rejuvenation project in Europe, according to a sign. This used to be a dirty power station at Battersea, it is now being turned into housing. That would be very tricky, the ground would be very polluted.


France & England... for work... - Of course near the filthy old power station is a park, with duck pond.

Of course near the filthy old power station is a park, with duck pond.


France & England... for work... - The Battersea fountains rival those of Versaille, although theres no music to make the experience magical.

The Battersea fountains rival those of Versaille, although theres no music to make the experience magical.


France & England... for work... - I was then attacked by hordes of dogs.

I was then attacked by hordes of dogs.


France & England... for work... - Someone has been allowed to construct a house within the park.

Someone has been allowed to construct a house within the park.


France & England... for work... - I was very aware of those around me and ensured my steps were out of time with theres.

I was very aware of those around me and ensured my steps were out of time with theres.


France & England... for work... - Can you see the bridge wobbling as people ignore the sign and step in time?

Can you see the bridge wobbling as people ignore the sign and step in time?


France & England... for work... - This is as far down the Thames as I got today, further than on previous visits I think.

This is as far down the Thames as I got today, further than on previous visits I think.


France & England... for work... - Houses in Chelsea generally look like this. Million dollar cars are left parked on the street.

Houses in Chelsea generally look like this. Million dollar cars are left parked on the street.


France & England... for work... - Eventually it becomes Earls Court, also known as Little Australia. When I first came to London and did not select my own accommodation, I was made to

Eventually it becomes Earls Court, also known as Little Australia. When I first came to London and did not select my own accommodation, I was made to stay here, because its where Australians stay. I saw 2 guys randomly vomiting in the street, so can confirm, Australia.


France & England... for work... - In nearby Holland Park there is a design museum, free entry apart from the Stanley Kubrick exhibition. British museums are generally free, and have fr

In nearby Holland Park there is a design museum, free entry apart from the Stanley Kubrick exhibition. British museums are generally free, and have free toilets, a winning combo. Actually they have decent healthy restaurants too, but I did not eat there today. This car was in the movie Clockwork Orange. Which I think is a movie about Englishmen pretending to be Frenchmen who kill prostitutes for sport before they all realise that they should be gay instead and wind up killing each other?


France & England... for work... - Now to take a stroll through Holland park. The buildings do not line up with the gardens.

Now to take a stroll through Holland park. The buildings do not line up with the gardens.


France & England... for work... - Note the offset building here as well, frustrating.

Note the offset building here as well, frustrating.


France & England... for work... - London rats are absolutely enormous.

London rats are absolutely enormous.


France & England... for work... - Very strangely, in 2018, Fukushima donated this garden to the city of London as thanks... for what?

Very strangely, in 2018, Fukushima donated this garden to the city of London as thanks... for what?


France & England... for work... - It is in central London, but at times Holland Park feels like you are out in the dark woods.

It is in central London, but at times Holland Park feels like you are out in the dark woods.


France & England... for work... - Finally after many hours, I arrived at the local westfield, many years ago this was the first of their new design which was the template for all their

Finally after many hours, I arrived at the local westfield, many years ago this was the first of their new design which was the template for all their newer designs throughout the world. I know all about this for some reason.


France & England... for work... - It has not changed since I first came here when it opened, although they are currently overhauling the eating area.

It has not changed since I first came here when it opened, although they are currently overhauling the eating area.


France & England... for work... - The salad place I have eaten at previously was gone, so I had a falafel wrap, but really I wanted the pickles and they were great.

The salad place I have eaten at previously was gone, so I had a falafel wrap, but really I wanted the pickles and they were great.


France & England... for work... - After 30,000 steps, it was time to catch the tube back to my hotel. This station goes directly to my hotel, no transfers. Very convenient. Now to wait

After 30,000 steps, it was time to catch the tube back to my hotel. This station goes directly to my hotel, no transfers. Very convenient. Now to wait for the photos to actually upload.... come on internet! Its not as bad now as it was last night.


Tourist Freaktown

The sights and sounds of the ever changing Camden lock

Before doing the half made up stories of nonsense, I will talk about sport. Which helps carbon date my website.

London today simultaneously had the Wimbledon tennis final and the world cup cricket final. Both technically ended in a tie after regular play, at just about the exact same time, resulting in a tie break after 12-12 in the fifth set of the tennis and some kind of super over concept in the cricket. Thats just about the only time I would ever talk about sport.

This evening I went to the last place where you would find people who find sport interesting, but as you will see, people were still interested. I went to where the smelly punks and hippies sell things to tourists at Camden.
Like all things in London, it is newer and bigger than it used to be. Gentrified more than it already was, no doubt outraging many. That didnt mean I wasnt offered drugs a few times because I was, it also means I saw multiple people vomiting and a fight between homeless person. Perhaps they are all paid to add to the show.
There are lots and lots of places to eat, but most are the annoying stand up and eat something fried in some kind of bread places, eventually I found a sit down place, so regardless of what was on offer to eat, that was the place I would eat.
I also paid to urinate, a little bit of Paris in London.

France & England... for work... - Camden has many many market areas, this is the first one. It is the worst one.

Camden has many many market areas, this is the first one. It is the worst one.


France & England... for work... - Despite being early Sunday evening, the street is still very busy, and full of weird characters and lots of rubbish.

Despite being early Sunday evening, the street is still very busy, and full of weird characters and lots of rubbish.


France & England... for work... - Most of the stores selling drug smoking apparatuses are now adorned with things to scare drug addicts above the door.

Most of the stores selling drug smoking apparatuses are now adorned with things to scare drug addicts above the door.


France & England... for work... - If you dont want a crack pipe, your choices are t-shirts or handbags, like every market.

If you dont want a crack pipe, your choices are t-shirts or handbags, like every market.


France & England... for work... - Now to enter the extensive Camden lock area. Here is the lock.

Now to enter the extensive Camden lock area. Here is the lock.


France & England... for work... - Poisonous algae grows in the water.

Poisonous algae grows in the water.


France & England... for work... - Another of these weird boats designed to keep the sun off people and ensure you dont get a view.

Another of these weird boats designed to keep the sun off people and ensure you dont get a view.


France & England... for work... - There was lots of vegan food places, but its too hard to get a table, and the first rule of rulebook is, I do not stand to eat. Except in Paris.

There was lots of vegan food places, but its too hard to get a table, and the first rule of rulebook is, I do not stand to eat. Except in Paris.


France & England... for work... - I dont think tennis is very 'punk', but they have erected a super screen for tourist punks to watch people hit a ball who are only allowed to wear whi

I dont think tennis is very 'punk', but they have erected a super screen for tourist punks to watch people hit a ball who are only allowed to wear white.


France & England... for work... - I do recall going here previously. They sell t-shirts with batteries in them.

I do recall going here previously. They sell t-shirts with batteries in them.


France & England... for work... - ITS ME! Posing with a Japanese hippo.

ITS ME! Posing with a Japanese hippo.


France & England... for work... - And as described in detail already, here is the place I could sit and eat. Its pasta. They were making the pasta fresh in the shop, small serve but qu

And as described in detail already, here is the place I could sit and eat. Its pasta. They were making the pasta fresh in the shop, small serve but quite nice. Small serve meant I could have some more fruit salad later.


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Day 11 - Monday, 15 July 2019

Bird watching

Wonderful weather in London, lets go gawk at the swans in Hyde Park

Now I am working. Working long hours. So do not expect huge interesting updates. I have to get up really early so at night I cant go far as I have to go to sleep early. I need my beauty sleep, lots of it. It seems to be working because I am fabulous.

This morning I was awoken by a cacophony of annoying birds, perched directly out my window, squawking in the most annoying manner imaginable.
Then I went to work.

After work I walked from King Cross down to Hyde Park where I was attacked by more fierce birds and then around Knightsbridge, where Harrods is under reconstruction and rich arabs compete to see who can buy the most overpriced crap.
Then I caught the tube back and realised I should hurry up and get back to my room to fight the slow internet and go to sleep, so I had a very basic soup and salad dinner.

So thats that, a small update, not many photos, poorly taken photos, no amusing stories. Enjoy.

France & England... for work... - Whenever I come to London its time for a photo of the BT Tower, so here it is.

Whenever I come to London its time for a photo of the BT Tower, so here it is.


France & England... for work... - We have these annoying pedestrian destroying bikes for the fat and stupid in Melbourne also, but here in London they are fur covered. Protesters have

We have these annoying pedestrian destroying bikes for the fat and stupid in Melbourne also, but here in London they are fur covered. Protesters have thrown blood over the fur making it red.


France & England... for work... - One of the big department stores I went past. I think this one is Primark. Which I think is cheap like kmart or target.

One of the big department stores I went past. I think this one is Primark. Which I think is cheap like kmart or target.


France & England... for work... - I found the French people.

I found the French people.


France & England... for work... - This archway is made of marble. You can chip bits off and make a kitchen counter top.

This archway is made of marble. You can chip bits off and make a kitchen counter top.


France & England... for work... - Here is Hyde Park. You are allowed on the grass, hence it is dead. In France you are not allowed on the grass, only on the gravel. So pick your side,

Here is Hyde Park. You are allowed on the grass, hence it is dead. In France you are not allowed on the grass, only on the gravel. So pick your side, sit on hot gravel or kill the grass.


France & England... for work... - Now for the birds. These are a super sized swan / sea gull hybrid. They are enormous and delicious.

Now for the birds. These are a super sized swan / sea gull hybrid. They are enormous and delicious.


France & England... for work... - Here are some normal swans.

Here are some normal swans.


France & England... for work... - The majestic Serpentine. I think?

The majestic Serpentine. I think?


France & England... for work... - The other direction of the Serpentine.

The other direction of the Serpentine.


France & England... for work... - This is the Princess Diana Memorial fountain. Its more of a concrete water slide loop. I became suddenly aware that I was taking photos of half naked

This is the Princess Diana Memorial fountain. Its more of a concrete water slide loop. I became suddenly aware that I was taking photos of half naked swimming children. Earlier I passed a park where a sign stated men are not allowed to enter unless accompanying a child in their care. Scary stuff!


France & England... for work... - Harrods is now a giant Samsung ad.

Harrods is now a giant Samsung ad.


France & England... for work... - And heres my delicious dinner from the ubiquitous Pret a Manger. A salad and delicious soup. I wish we had these places in Australia.

And heres my delicious dinner from the ubiquitous Pret a Manger. A salad and delicious soup. I wish we had these places in Australia.


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jenny on 2019-07-16 said:

more greenery in London than in Paris. Dinner looks delicious.


Day 12 - Tuesday, 16 July 2019

Fast lap

A flying visit to Covent Garden at dusk

I was at work for 13 hours today so this will be the worst, shortest update yet with the worst photos.
I have to be at work early again tomorrow to empty some more bins so there was only time for a fast lap around the town, after throwing dinner into my face hole so I could race back to my hotel and type this worthless text, fight the slow internet and go to bed.

My path took me around past Covent Garden, then to Leicester Square. So basically 2 of the most popular places in London.
I went past the Harry Potter theater, then the theater owned by an Australian mega church and then various other theaters that now also only show plays based on recent movies. Thats all there is now. There is a play for school of rock, big, dirty dancing, lion king, aladdin, top gun and many more. The Star Wars play premieres next year. Basically when the Simpsons tv show made a play based on Planet of the Apes and put random Star Wars characters in it, they were predicting the future.

France & England... for work... - Heres a street. I think its Charring Cross or something like that, near Holborn. Nice blue sky today, a true rarity. Rain tomorrow perhaps.

Heres a street. I think its Charring Cross or something like that, near Holborn. Nice blue sky today, a true rarity. Rain tomorrow perhaps.


France & England... for work... - Immediate dinner required. This is a chain called Leon. All their salad meals look great. They make them fresh despite serving them in a box. They als

Immediate dinner required. This is a chain called Leon. All their salad meals look great. They make them fresh despite serving them in a box. They also have a lot of seats to sit and enjoy rather than having to stand and eat Paris style.


France & England... for work... - Australians should be outraged at this. This brand went out of business in Australia despite being hugely popular, owing lots of wages to the employee

Australians should be outraged at this. This brand went out of business in Australia despite being hugely popular, owing lots of wages to the employees and lots of money to creditors. The owner made promises to repay money after he ran off with the cash, then he vanished. Now hes opening up again in London to pull the same scam.


France & England... for work... - My street is very diverse.

My street is very diverse.


France & England... for work... - The Covent Garden station has no escalators. It does have lifts. It has many many written and audible warnings that it is 151 steps to the top. Despit

The Covent Garden station has no escalators. It does have lifts. It has many many written and audible warnings that it is 151 steps to the top. Despite this, many people start to ascend the stairs then cant make it. Every week they rescue people, and numerous people have heart attacks. Welcome to planet earth circa 2019.


France & England... for work... - Covent Garden is very popular at night. It was quite late (for me) by now.

Covent Garden is very popular at night. It was quite late (for me) by now.


France & England... for work... - It was late enough for the Apple Garden to be shut, so I could not buy an apple.

It was late enough for the Apple Garden to be shut, so I could not buy an apple.


France & England... for work... - The motherland! Real Chinese food has arrived in London!

The motherland! Real Chinese food has arrived in London!


France & England... for work... - Some more Covent Garden.

Some more Covent Garden.


France & England... for work... - The streets around this area are lots of alcohol consumption clubs with people wearing too much make up who cant face going home standing out the fron

The streets around this area are lots of alcohol consumption clubs with people wearing too much make up who cant face going home standing out the front drinking and smoking. They are very loud and annoying. Fake happiness. Lots of toxic mascufemininity.


France & England... for work... - SNACK TIME!

SNACK TIME!


France & England... for work... - This is Leceister square, 42nd street, where all the movies are showing in life like 3d.

This is Leceister square, 42nd street, where all the movies are showing in life like 3d.


France & England... for work... - St Pancras hotel / train station.

St Pancras hotel / train station.


France & England... for work... - Annnnd another version of the above photo. Thats it. More long work tomorrow.

Annnnd another version of the above photo. Thats it. More long work tomorrow.


There are currently 1 comments - click to add

adriana on 2019-07-16 said:

What a lot of interesting old buildings. I see two of your favourite foods are available. Will they be on the menu tomorrow?


There is now a page 5, which is more working in London, go there now.

Contents

Day 0 - Saturday, 21 September 2019
  Retrospective
Day 1 - Friday, 5 July 2019
  The ridiculous preamble
Day 2 - Saturday, 6 July 2019
  The longest leg
  Hot and dirty
  Not quite bed time yet
Day 3 - Sunday, 7 July 2019
  Palatial botany
  Not much of a mountain
Day 4 - Monday, 8 July 2019
  Bonus update
  Hamburger
Day 5 - Tuesday, 9 July 2019
  Morning stroll
  Evening stroll
Day 6 - Wednesday, 10 July 2019
  Even earlier morning stroll
Day 7 - Thursday, 11 July 2019
  The monk life
  The great escape
Day 8 - Friday, 12 July 2019
  Back in Paris
Day 9 - Saturday, 13 July 2019
  Escaping the continent
  There is no traffic in London
Day 10 - Sunday, 14 July 2019
  The greyness sets in
  Tourist Freaktown
Day 11 - Monday, 15 July 2019
  Bird watching
Day 12 - Tuesday, 16 July 2019
  Fast lap
Day 13 - Wednesday, 17 July 2019
  2 new strategies
Day 14 - Thursday, 18 July 2019
  The big park
Day 15 - Friday, 20 July 2019
  Wet cold and windy
Day 16 - Saturday, 20 July 2019
  Flying museum visit
  The other Southbank
Day 17 - Sunday, 21 July 2019
  The last lap
Day 18 - Monday, 22 July 2019
  The shortest update
  The end