My trip in Britain

It was not a clear picture. The only reason I show it is I have question about it. Notice the words: Embassy of Texas??

nice photo JB thanks

any more?

Hey mate, I have to go. Next time I will talk about more about London. But about 4-5 days later. The national sports event will held in our city. To relieve the traffic, we have an additional 2-day holiday during the opening.

See you later!

http://www.texasembassy.com/texasmain.htm

Its a restaurant, specialising in American/Spanish style food.

....but you were not to know...

Did you go in and ask for a visa for USA?

JB, I am so glad that you made it to England, and I am enjoying your diary and photos.

It is always good to see familiar sights through fresh eyes as it makes me realise how much I take for granted.

Your enthusiasm and positive attitude shines through.

Well done so far, JB.....I look forward to the next instalment.

.........o..k...

The next stop is Trafalgar Square.

Years ago I read some articles about Trafalgar and Nelson and the square.
But I couldn't imagine that one day I can be so close to it.

It was a pity that I didn't have enough to to visit National Gallery, which would be definitely more surprising, due to the lack of time.

Also from the square's relatively higher ground, I saw the huge mass walking, wondering, jogging, as well as running from the direction of the parliament, along the Whitehall Road, past the Admirality arch, and to the gathering point I witnessed just now---Never saw some many people gathering in my life It is really "wierd" that I don't have this kind of opportunity even in CHINA, isn't it?

I purchased a map, and quickly spotted a target with my selective eyes---War cabinet rooms and Winston Churchill's Museum----My great interest in WW2 affairs made me never miss the chance. I resumed walking against the movement of the mass along the Whitehall Street and kept shooting videos of the fascinating event and people of all races in it.

Monument and Olympics

Glad you enjoyed yourself JB

and you nearly got some sun too!

LOL... maybe the CHinese have more sense than to get so crowded on one little street? Or maybe all roads lead to London. I have also noticed how crowded it seems there -- Piccadilly Circus can be a real zoo.


Nice photographs, ^JB^. Keep 'em coming!

Are you glad you went? Do you want to go back? Do you want to travel more??? What about the great open spaces of the American West? Are you interested in that, as well... or just cities?

:wink: It's a trouble for photographing isn't it?

This journalist of unknown press has apparently broken the rule of only raising one question each time. All in all, it is the privilege of special person.

I was glad. I'm pretty sure I will always this main sentiment throughout my writings and photos.
Sometimes, when I lied in bed, things of hometown, the people closest to me, just still kept an grip on my heart. I think this is fundmental for everyone.
Surely I want to travel more!! But not now. A photographer or writer for a geographic magazine is one of my most ideal job.
I like both cultural and natural things. It is quite interesting considering that sometimes especially in this morden time nature is the opposite to the civilizations (But they are bound to be together in fact). Well I am just that kind of people who is unlikely to be extreme.

JB

I am very much enjoying your exploration, JB, very much.

On the photographing, some light is more dramatic for photos than others, and when the light is like that, for example, with rain clouds with sunlight peeking through, a photo can hardly fail to be spectacular. The sky above us is not usually like that. Sometimes we see color clearest with grey sky, as it is usually absent glare and we can see more subtlety in forms and tones.

As I strolled on the W Street. People who has the basic knowledge of London may has presumed the next thing which were to surprise me---Yes, Downing Street. (Not the knowledge I possessed)


(Photo is not clear admittedly due to shaking)

Dowing Street is really not a noticeable site, both in the map and in reality. Had an Indian woman with a camera in her hands shout nearly hysterically "DOWNING STREET!", I would have missed the political heart (or one of :wink: ) of UK! Even the street plate is that inconspicuous.

I have to say it is very very different in China, where a mere some town's council building seems to be a palace in comparison with "Dowing Street", largely because of the atmosphere around it.

Back the Dowing Street. Being armed guard at the main gate of the Street is not easy. Not least because they have to dress up themselves properly and make poses for every camera---no fewer than thousands per day.

Interesting...

I have not been to England myself, except for two sneeezing hours at Heathrow International Terminal.

Too bad the fencing has to be there, though of course one knows why.

As someone who has designed solid iron fences, I can admire that one a bit, but wish it wasn't all so close to the buildings. I wonder, are there big pillars at various points along the fencing? (I'll go see if I can google that.)

There are pillars - especially to be seen from backside, which is close to the Horse Guard parade place.

In the 60's and 70's, we usually made those wellknown touristic photos: standing with a policeman in front of No. 10 (and waiting to get some celebraty on the pic as well - which sometimeshappened :wink: ).

Number 10 Downing Street is set back from the road on the right hand side, not visible in the photo. Its between the red brick building in the far distance and the lighter coloured stone building in the foreground.

The gates themselves a commonly referred to as the Margaret Thatcher memorial gates, as there were no gates as Walter said until (I think) 1980's when the war with the IRA intensified.

I understand there is also a steel barrier which can shoot up out of the ground, but you're not supposed to know that...

Thatcher had the wrought-iron gates erected, ostensibly as an anti- terrorist measure but as an indicator of distance from everyday life :wink:


(You not only learn about the history of 'Nº 10', but also can look behind its foors via this link.)

Yes, those same heart-felt fundamental feelings we each of us have and long for when we're far from home. A National Geographic career highlighting the wonders of China would be an ideal job, ^JB^! The beauty there is not known to most of us so I hope you reach your goal and share it with the world.

Your pointing out that cultural and natural things being bound together is true for humans, but there are natural things that do not require the hand of man. Of course, if a tree falls in the forest and no one hears, does it make a sound?

For us, the combination is imperative. Your photo of 10 Downing Street shows that. I had similar feelings of shock the first time I walked by it. (I also remember a sense of dread looking at the guards and the gate.) We did a quick walk-by view and rushed on to the horse guards. I've never had the urge to return to "enjoy" that place.

In your photo the brush of trees in the background and the window box of geraniums is good to see. It is nature + culture that appeals to the human eye.

Signed,
This journalist of unknown press

Great (GREAT) website Walter!