14th September 2007 - Lollipop

For some reason I found it amusing that they have Lollipop ladies in London. I imagine the reason this one is here is because the City of London School (how cool would it be to go there) is just over the road.

13th September - Strand

After a lonely dinner at my hotel I went for a walk down Strand. Earlier, as I'd arrived at my hotel, the place had been packed with commuters and office workers enjoying some lively after work drinks. By 9pm it was much quieter. Some of the bars were still relatively busy but I couldn't bring myself to pop into one for a drink. Working away is fine and I enjoy having some time to myself, but it's no fun on your own.

13th September - Embankment

After a busy day working in the basement of an office block near St Paul's on Thursday I was looking forward to the mile or so walk along Victoria Embankment to my hotel on Strand. It didn't disappoint.

This is the view back towards the London Eye.

13th September - Lunchtime at St Paul's

Another trip to London this week. My earlier post from the other week went on about how much I enjoy going to London, however, I feel I need to qualify that statement now. What I like is 'The City', this being the famous landmarks, the river, and the buzz about the place. While I was there last week, walking to the office along Victoria Embankment with all the joggers, I began to wander if somehow I'd missed out by not living here for a time. My thoughts then turned to the times I'd visited friends living in London, they hadn't lived in 'The City. They'd lived in Harlesden and Camden and in one instance, not far from Islington. These places didn't appeal to me and they still don't.

Anyway, I took myself out for a walk around St Paul's on Thursday lunchtime and came to the conclusion that it is a very fine Cathedral indeed. It has pleasant green spaces and plenty of benches to sit upon and enjoy your lunch. Beats Notre Dame hands down.

5th September 2007 - Hyatt

The Hyatt hotel, just off Centenary Square in Birmingham. I've actually stayed there a couple of times for work parties, it's almost as impressive on the inside as it is on the outside (but not quite).

4th September 2007 - Work and Play

Two pictures this evening. Quite simple really, the first was taken outside work in Birmingham at lunchtime and shows the BT Tower illuminated by some late summer sunshine.

The second picture was taken at the golf club as my mate Andy and I made the most of the good weather we've finally received in this washout of a summer. For the record, I beat him 2&1!

31st August 2007 - London

I went to London on Friday for work. I know that for a lot of people, London is just a place where they live or work, however, for me, a simple Northern lad, a trip to the big city is always a bit of an event. From the moment I step out onto the platform at Euston (less than an hour from Coventry on the new tilting Virgin trains) I'm like a big kid. Getting lost on the underground, turning a corner to find yourself at the foot of a famous monument, the variety and number of people, I love it all.

I was in London for work, but made a point of getting out at lunchtime and taking a wander across the Millenium Bridge. This is the view from the bridge towards St Paul's Cathedral, turning through 180 degrees you would see the Tate Modern at the other end of the bridge.

However much I love London, paying £2.50 for a 99 ice-cream (medium sized, not even large) outside the Tate Modern confirmed to me once again that I could never contemplate living there.