Day three

  London, United Kingdom
Thursday, April 23, 2009

I awoke this morning to news of a strike by tube workers. Fortunately this only affected the Victoria line. Even better news, it didn't cause me any problems at all since I was planning to walk today anyway!

British Museum (project photo)

To start the day, I took a stroll along Euston Road to the British Library. I figured it was close by and has a great gateway that I thought would look good as part of the photo project. The building itself didn't look too inspiring but I ventured inside for a little poke around before heading down the road (a different one!) to the British Museum.



Now this was a building worth capturing and one that I hadn't planned to do (I had covered so much of what I wanted yesterday that today became an improvisation day). Upon entering the museum grounds, I asked a security chap if I could use my monopod there. He said it was absolutely fine. I thought it best to ask, having been approached twice yesterday.

Exterior shots gathered, I headed inside where I knew more interesting photos laid in wait. Asking another security person at the door if I could use my monopod, she told me that it might be possible - I may be able to get a 'permit' from the information desk. Alas, it was not to be as in order to do this I'd need to phone in advance of my visit and arrange it all properly. No great loss though, as I had my small camera with me too and used that to collect interesting shots.



Back outside, I took a moment to consult my ever trusty companion, The A-to-Z. It told me I was but a short distance from the BT Tower, a landmark I had on my list even though I knew it would be a challenge to find a decent angle on such a tall, slim building. I tried and failed so cut my losses and moseyed on down to Oxford Street and on toward Marble Arch (again, another landmark I had mysteriously omitted from my list). The plaza was crowded with school groups and other tourists, which meant getting a clear shot was tricky. In the end, I grabbed a few quick photos spoiled only by one group who seemed to be getting a lengthy lecture from their leader.

Natural History Museum (project photo)

Looking at my watch I saw that it was approaching 1pm - lunchtime! Although there were plenty of options for food nearby, across the road was the green open space of Hyde Park and on the other side Knightsbridge - and the Harrods food hall! (Thanks again to the A-to-Z for pointing that one out!) It's a tradition for me to go into the food hall, find the bakery and buy a tasty pretzel filled with something equally delicious. Only today they didn't have any, so instead I picked up a cheese and bacon bread thing (there was a sign on it telling me what it actually was) which was supplemented by a salad picked up from a nearby Marks and Spencer food shop.



A ten minute walk later, I found myself outside the Natural History Museum. I have always regarded the museum as one of my favourite buildings in London. It is a wonderful piece of architecture externally. I ate my lunch outside before attempting to take some more photos and then decided to head inside for a bit to get out of the hot sun. Inside the main hall my jaw dropped. It has been so many years since I've been into the museum that I'd forgotten how beautiful it is inside as well as out.



Half an hour and many normal photos later, I emerged and made the short walk to the V&A museum. I didn't do too well obtaining photos of the main entrance owing to lots of traffic sitting in the way. Oh, and the sheer size of it - too big to fit into one shot. Instead, I went for a plod around South Kensington, stopping to by a bit of cherry cake before catching the tube to Baker Street - the only tube journey of the day.

V&A Museum (project photo)

From Baker Street I headed into Regent's Park where I thought I might spend some time relaxing and soaking up some of the afternoon sun. After topping up the factor 50 on my face (it burns easily and even factor 50 seems inadequate sometimes!) and eating my cherry cake, I decided I didn't want to sit still for too long and so headed across the park to Camden Town.



I've made this walk a few times before, so didn't need the A-to-Z to tell me where I needed to go. Within half an hour I was amidst the hustle and bustle of Camden High Street and shortly after I ducked into the relative calm of the Stables Market. This whole area has undergone huge changes in recent years and I can't decide if I like it or not. Sure, it's modern and certainly tourist friendly, but I quite liked the old rough and tumble, slightly ramshackle market.



I had heard that my favourite shop, Cyberdog, had recently relocated and had trouble finding it. Whilst searching, I wandered around the new areas (part of which was recently occupied by Cyberdog), taking it all in, nosing around at the alternative clothing stalls and constantly being offered samples of food from the Asian food stalls. I eventually found Cyberdog and realised I'd walked straight past it twice! The new shop doesn't have the same character as the old one, but still they managed to make me part with cash in a way that no other shop can.

Darwin @ Natural History Museum

By now it was 4:30pm and I was feeling a little peckish (I only ate the salad for lunch and didn't feel like eating the bread thing at that moment). On previous visits to Camden, I have eaten at a particular food stall and always enjoyed the food. Today would be no different. Some rice, fried chicken bits and pork with mushrooms in what I think was oyster sauce in a single small takeaway style dish - food on the go which I happily ate in their little seating area. Well, I had nowhere else to go at that moment in time.



After some more general wanderings through the markets, I popped into the World's End pub for a pint. It's another of those things you just have to do. Well, I do anyway. From there, I made the surprisingly short walk back to Kings Cross and the hotel. The evening was spent relaxing (I'd somehow hurt my leg during the day) and going through all the photos taken, deciding if the project was still working.



It turns out that it's not working at all, mainly due to the wonderful weather. The project relies on there being at least some clouds in the sky to give weight to the stormy effect I am trying to achieve. In a bid to salvage it, the project is no longer 'Dark London', but more of a collection of interesting images of London landmarks. It works for me!