Walking with Emma: Euston to Borough Market... and beyond

Yesterday Emma and myself went to London for the day. It was an early start as we left the house at 09:15 and walked to Watford Junction. The train was on time and we arrived at Euston Station at 10:15. After all the snow that we had in Watford, it was strange to arrive in London and find none. (Not a flake, anywhere.)

Once at Euston we took a gentle stroll to Holborn and onto Fleet Street and then down to the Thames. Stopping every now and again to take Photos. We then crossed the Thames and headed for Borough Market, Southwark. After wandering around the Market, we had a beautiful Scotch Beef baguette with creamy horseradish. Delicious.

We then headed along the Southbank, towards Westminster, where there was a German Market, a book sale, street performers and a sculptor on the 'beach' creating a sand sculpture.

Whilst looking at the books I was noticed by a friend from Derby, who had travelled down to London for her Birthday. (How freaky to go to somewhere the size of London and see someone you know!)

We then crossed over Westminster Bridge and headed up Whitehall to Trafalgar Square. Lots more photographs were taken of the Christmas Tree, Fountains, Statues and the Ice Polar Bear. 

Then we headed down the Mall to Buckingham Palace and on up to Marble Arch. More photographs before heading into Hyde Park for the Winter Wonderland. More food consumed and Hot Chocolate with Baileys. Perfect for warming you up on a cold afternoon.

We then retraced our steps and headed back to Trafalgar Square and onto Covent Garden. After a good look around the Market and Stalls, we took a slow walk back to Euston Station.

The journey home was warm and comfortable and we arrived home at 18:00.

According to Google Earth, we walked between 10 and 12 miles.

Fantastic! 

Horse Guards Parade

You Shall Not Pass.

Saturday December 19, 2009.

When walking along Whitehall, it is hard to miss the Life Guards, sitting proud astride their mounts, or standing silent in their alcoves at Horse Guards Parade. 

Standing in silence at Horse Guards Parade.

Walking through the arch, which is still the official entrance to St James's and Buckingham Palace, leads you on to the ceremonial parade ground, beyond. 

Horse Guards Parade and the parade ground.

If you time your visit you can watch the Changing of the Queen's Life Guard, which is always a crowd puller. 

Ready for inspection.

Within Horse Guards Parade is the Household Cavalry Museum, where you can try on the uniforms, learn about their history and also see the stables and regiment in action.

Star Trek: The Adventure

Sunday February 23, 2003.

Star Trek: The Adventure landed in Hyde Park on December 2, 2002 and was due to end on January 31st, but it was extended due to its popularity. Luckily myself and some friends managed to get some tickets, following the extension, so off we went.

My ticket.

The exhibition consisted of a massive climate-controlled exhibit, which covered over 7,000 square feet, making it the largest exhibition in Hyde Park, since the Great Exhibition of 1851. The exhibit consisted of props and memorabilia, worth over £20 million, covering the five Star Trek series and ten movies and was also the venue for the after-show party, following the premiere of Star Trek Nemesis.

Star Trek: The Adventure.

As we passed along the covered walkway, on your way in to the massive, hangar-like, building, banners hung from the roof, with a different Star Trek character on each of them. Then, as we entered the hall proper, we were greeted by an enormous model of the USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-A). She was intricately detailed and truly majestic as she hung at a slight angle from the ceiling. There were also models of the USS Excelsior (NCC-2000), the Negh'Var, a type-15 shuttlepod and a Borg Cube, which was 1.5 metres in size. There was also a Scorpion, that had survived the destruction of the Scimitar, in Star Trek Nemesis,

USS Enterprise NCC-1701-A

IKS Negh'Var.

My friend Keda, with a Scorpion from Star Trek: Nemesis.