I never got to visit the 2012 Olympics, due to work commitments, but I have visited the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park many times since.
On one such occasion we took a boat tour along the River Lea, which allows you to see many of the Olympic venues, not to mention the varied wildlife, from a truly unique perspective.
Our vessel for this trip was one of the Water Chariots that had transported passengers to the Olympic Games.
The Kyoto Garden, Holland Park, is one of those places that I had heard a lot about, but, considering my love for all things Japanese, had never visited. This past week I rectified that oversight.
With the leaves, on the surrounding trees, creating a coloured patchwork of a myriad colours, coupled with the crystal clear sky, there were so many great photo opportunities that I could have spent the entire day there.
It is definitely a place that I will be visiting again.
All I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by.
Sunday October 15, 2017. I have often stopped to look at this replica of Sir Francis Drake's world famous ship, but still have yet to set foot on her decks.
Repairs are continuously underway.
Sometime soon I intend to take my girls aboard and, by so doing, will fulfil a personal dream.
Saturday August 5, 2017. This sculpture, by Damien Hirst, stands just to the east of Leadenhall Market. It is a sculpture that is gorgeously designed with amazing colours.
It might not be to everyone's taste and may upset smaller children, but it is a beauty to behold.
Highlights of Iron Maiden's Book of Souls Tour, 2017, at the O2 Arena.
Saturday May 27, 2017.
Following the release of their latest, and possibly best, album, Iron Maiden were touring the world again. And, once again, David and myself would meet up in London, make a day of it and enjoy the concert.
Once again we met, ate and drank, before taking the Thames Clipper which was full of Iron Maiden fans to the Greenwich Peninsula.
Unlike 4 years ago, we made a point of watching the support act, Shinedown, as they were meant to be really good live. Now, any Iron Maiden fan, worth his salt, will tell you that the support act is there to fill the void before the main event and is usually an act being given the chance to play the big arenas. This time, however, things were different. Shinedown were electric and worked the crowd well. It was almost like they were the main act.
Having said that, when Iron Maiden did finally take to the stage, everything else was forgotten. As usual Iron Maiden blew everyone away.
Following the encore we made our way out of the arena and back to the Thames Clipper, and were homeward bound.
Looking across the River Thames towards the Old Royal Naval College.
Saturday April 15, 2017.
With more than 30 Tall Ships mooring up at Greenwich and Woolwich, I decided to head off with Erin and Keilyn to see these incredible ships.
Arriving at Embankment, by train, we caught a Thames Clipper to Greenwich, as this seemed the most appropriate way to see the ships. Plus, we got to sail beneath Tower Bridge, something the girls and I had wanted to do for a while.
Looking back at Tower Bridge from the Thames Clipper.
As we reached Wapping we began to see some of the tall ships heading towards Greenwich.
'Christian Radich'.
From our perspective at the stern of our Thames Clipper the tall ships seemed to tower over us.
'Tolkien'.
'Christian Radich', a Thames City Cruise and 'Tolkein'.
Disembarking from our river taxi, we headed into the Old Royal Naval College and soaked up the atmosphere. Music, food and a real festival vibe greeted us.
'Loth Lorien'.
'Vera Cruz'.
'Loth Lorien'.
Suitably entertained by the various music acts and more than suitably fed we made our wat towards the Cutty Sark, before heading down the spiral staircase, of the Greenwich Foot tunnel, and headed northward to Island Gardens.
'Santa Maria Manuela'.
'Tolkien'.
'Hydrogen' travelling from Woolwich.
After a great day looking at the various Tall ships and enjoying the festival atmosphere, we headed to the nearest DLR station and began our journey home.
