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ts been a hectic weekend. Too hectic to write to you. So hectic I left Mr Him behind at home. I had a meeting in London early Saturday morning and took the opportunity to take some photos for you as I traveled across London in an iconic black cab. I hadn't been in one in London for twenty years so it was a treat seeing London this way. Ironically the 'black' cab is now seen in quantity in my own town nowadays.
For those wondering what the inside of a London cab looks like, well here is an example.
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| Inside of the London cab |
Leaving the area of Victoria station
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| In the vicinity of Victoria |
where streets are named after Dukes, or Dukes are named after streets.
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One needs a Gloucester when talking of London
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And a Grosvenor
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The blossom is out as we head to Hyde Park Corner.
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Not to mention a Hyde Park Corner
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I wanted to capture pictures of those iconic buses for you. What better then framed by the window of the cab.
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and iconic London red buses
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| and a bit of spring greenery |
Then later in the day I abandoned wheels and used my feet. With friends I went on a walking tour of Whitechapel and the Ripper Tour. This tour took in the locations associated with the Jack the Ripper murders. Yes, a bit grim I know but a very popular excursion. It starts outside Tower Hill tube station, near the Tower of London
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| Tower of London and Tower Bridge basking in the evening sun |
One of the suspects had a father who lived in an apartment in this building. One of the murders took place where I was standing to take this photo.
Another location of a murder. The prostitutes worked this area so as they could run to the sacred ground of the church if they saw police. They could not be arrested on church ground. Hence it was a prime location for Jack to strike.
We walked under this modern building, known as the Gherkin, for obvious reasons.
In contrast we also walked along this street of run down houses and shop fronts dating from the era of the murders. It's like time stood still.
The sun set and dusk arrived as we walked. This alley is the site of a further murder and is still much as it was in the era.
Our tour finished in Spittlefield Market
Loved the photo of the lamp-lit alleyway I could just picture a murder there.
ReplyDeleteEspecially as it would have been swamped by smog as well.
DeleteThanks for the tour... I especially liked the night-time scenes... could almost feel Jack right behind me ;-)
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful tour of London, loved you pictures and descriptions.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tour, London's on my bucket list, I've only ever just sat inside one of the airports for a bit.
ReplyDeleteFascinating! I love London but have only been there once for a day. I'd love to go back and spend a week or so!
ReplyDeleteBlimey, glad you got aomewhere in your cab with current London traffic!
ReplyDeleteI asked the price of the trip first just in case.
DeleteI love London cabs, save for the cost. They drivers are always friendly and professional.
ReplyDeleteIt was an extravagance I admit.
DeleteYou see wonderful sights in black cabs. I offered my children, some years ago, to ride in a black cab as they hadn't ever done such a thing. They looked at me like I was mad! Such a shame.
ReplyDeleteA real shame.
DeleteHow creepy and fascinating. I had the opportunity to visit London last year and loved it! Didn't know about the Ripper tour though. I totally would have done that!
ReplyDeleteYou'll have to look it up if you get a chance again. Very interesting tour.
DeleteNice photos! I think i like the gherkin best.
ReplyDeleteThank you all for your comments. I'd suggest that you wear very comfortable walking shoes if you do the tour.
ReplyDeleteHow much fun was that?? Thanks so much for sharing, Anna! I'm up in London for the day on Sunday meeting a friend, but will have to save the Ripper Tour for the next visit. We're doing a less creepy & exciting open top London Bus Tour this time, but have read about the Ripper one. This has moved it up on my Bucket List a bit! :)
ReplyDeleteSigh. I love London so. Desperately finding a way to return there soon.
ReplyDeleteThanks for recap.
SSG xxx