My London trip

[scifan57]

I just got back from an evening visit to the Covent Garden Apple Store. When it opened, it was the largest Apple Store in the world. I believe it's still in the top three.

The exterior.

The interior.

The iPad Air I tried out.

This store is big enough to have two glass staircases, this is one of them.

 

[scifan57]

On Wednesday I visited Piccadilly Circus.

The famous advertising sign.

The Eros fountain.

The Criterion theatre. The 39 steps has been playing here since 2007.

 

[J. A.]

We were there two or three times, and it always was crowded. Even more so at night, it seems.

 

[The OB]

Great pics again sci, most enjoyable, thanks. Looking at "that" advertising sign in Piccadilly Circus, to me it somehow doesn't have the same nostalgic atmosphere as the old "Bovril" or "Guinness is Good for You" signs you see in a lot of those old black and white 40's movies, immediately recognisable as being London. Maybe because today we see a Coca Cola sign on every street corner and in between all over the world.
Andrew

 

[scifan57]

I toured Tower bridge and the Victorian engine rooms at Tower Bridge today.

The Thames and HMS Belfast from the upper level walkway.

The boiler room at Tower Bridge.

One of the engines that ran the hydraulic pumps which raised and lowered the bascules to let taller ships through.

 

[scifan57]

This afternoon I visited the Cutty Sark and the Royal Observatory.

The masts and upper decks of the Cutty Sark.

The crew's quarters.

The hold.

The underwater hull.

The Royal Observatory visit.

 

[scifan57]

The Royal Observatory visit, part 2.

 

[scifan57]

The Roundhouse on Chalk Farm Road, home of the iTunes Music Festival.

 

[giradman]

BOY! Great pics - brings back further memories - I've seen most of this great STUFF! I'm sure that you're encouraging many to visit London and environs - Dave

 

[scifan57]

I just got back from the theatre. I saw The 39 Steps at the Criterion Theatre in Piccadilly Circus. It's been playing at this theatre since 2007.

 

[scifan57]

This morning I visited Windsor Castle, about 26 miles up the Thames from London.

St. George's gate, leading to the Quadrangle.

The lower ward and St,. George's Chapel. This is where the annual June Garter service takes place and where many British monarchs, such as Henry VIII, George V and Queen Elizabeth's father, King George VI are buried.

The Tower at Windsor Castle, first built by William the Conqueror in wood in the year 1070.

In the fourth photo of the tower you'll notice a plane that's just taken off from Heathrow just to the left of the Tower.

The East Terrace, where the Royal apartments are located.

The Quadrangle in the upper ward.

Windsor Great Park from the top of the Tower.


A view of St. George's Chapel from the Tower.

The flagpole on the Tower where the Royal Standard is flown while the Queen is in residence.

The Norman Gateway.

The other side of the Norman Gateway.

Windsor Royal Station, where I arrived from and departed for London.

 

[J. A.]

I notice that you had rain yesterday. Hopefully your last day/days will be sunny again.

So the flagpole was showing that the Queen was there when you visited Windsor Castle?

 

[scifan57]

I notice that you had rain yesterday. Hopefully your last day/days will be sunny again.

So the flagpole was showing that the Queen was there when you visited Windsor Castle?

No, the Union Flag was flying from the flagpole, meaning the Queen was not in residence. The only time the Tower itself is open for tours is during August and September, when the Queen is in Scotland. The regular tour is available all year long.
Unfortunately, it looks like there'll be a good chance for more rain today.

 

[scifan57]

Well, the forecast was spot on, we had a slow drizzle that lasted most of the day. It didn't stop me from visiting Westminster Abbey, though.

Photography inside the Abbey was not allowed, but here are some photos of areas where photography was allowed.

The west front.

The north transept where the tour entrance is, with the line of tourists waiting in the rain to enter.

The entrance to the Chapter House.

Early wall painting on the Chapter House walls.

A view of the Chapter House showing the central pillar and an exhibit about WWI.

The vaulted ceiling of the Chapter House.

The Cloisters.

The Cloister garden with the Abbey at the right.

The oldest door in Britain.

The west front towers reflected in one of the many puddles.

 

[J. A.]

Great!

We'd have liked to visit the Abbey last year, but were discouraged by the line of tourists.