DAY 7

Good evening everyone!

Today was probably the most jam packed of all. So, without further delay, here it is:


I was off in search of the BBC World Headquarters this morning. The nearest tube station (sort of) is Covent Garden, so back I went. I was wondering why everyone was gathered around this statue... until I realized it wasn't a statue. This chap is one of the most talented (and well costumed) mimes i've seen.



Speaking of talent, this Asian gentleman was playing some instrument that I couldn't identify. Its sound, though, was captivating.



Found it! The BBC's HQ is apparently called Bush House. I'm going to go out on a limb and guess that its not in honour of the President... either of them.



This is a banner dedicated to Alan Johnston, one of several around the building. Mr. Johnston is a BBC journalist who was captured in Gaza almost a month ago. Every at the BBC, along with yours truly, is hoping for his safe return.



St. Mary-le-bon adjacent to Bush House.



An very nice water fountain/courtyard just past Bush House. I couldn't for the life of me find anything to indicate where I was. Beyond here I was planning on heading back to a tube station. As I was about to cross a street, however, I looked to the south and got an idea.



Crossing an unknown bridge heading south over the Thames.



At the other end of the bridge was the National Theatre...


... and its lovely riverside square.



After consulting the to-do list, I decided to hit the tube again. I guess you could say that I finally met my Waterloo.



The Waterloo Train station is, by the way, where the Eurostar to the continent departs from. I, for some reason, incorrectly suggested that it goes from Kings Cross/St. Pancras.



Off the tube and into St. James's Park.



A very nice walk on a very nice day.



Looking down the lake at St. James's.


St. James's Park is adjacent to Buckingham Palace.



As Borat would say "Very nice, how much?"



At the heart of the square.



There are several gates leading into the area in front of Buckingham Palace. They all have ties to various Commonwealth countries. Most, like the Australia Gate shown here, are fairly plain compared to the rest of the palace.




The exception to that rule is this magnificient gate...



... OURS!



The coats of arms of 6 provinces are woven into the design of the gates themselves. 3 others have been added to the pillars.



Namely this one...



... and this one!



There is also a Newfoundland Gate which is much like the others. No doubt Danny Williams blames Stephen Harper for this injustice against his people. I expect the ads in the Daily Mail to appear shortly.



Looking down Green Park towards its Tube station.



In the Green Park tube station, there is some strange homage to the Maple Leaf. No explanation is given.



I don't mean to dwell on these British Airways Montreal ads, but the caption below says "Official Airline Carrier to Montreal". I find that highly entertaining, given that Montreal is home to another airline.



Outside the Tate Modern Museum. While this is certainly an interesting visit, it would be more appropriately named the "Museum of really weird and pointless stuff". Seriously people, the contents of this museum seem like the fantasy of a Liberal Party of Canada arts fund. Still, i'm glad I checked it off the list.



The neatest thing about the Tate were the slides inside the building.



It also has some interesting architecture.



Back on the bridge (a different one) across the Thames...



... towards St. Paul's Cathedral.



I know of many things headquartered in London. I did NOT know, though, that the list includes the International HQ of the Salvation Army.



Standing outside St. Paul's. No photograph can do justice to the magnificence of this building.



This is something I was told I had to try. Its called a Flake. Its soft ice cream with a stick of chocolate. Maybe i'm too practical, but I didn't get the novelty. Still, it was refreshing.



This, as you can imagine, has been all over the news here in London.



Back on the tube headed home. This is Charing Cross station. It is only significant because I remember seeing a poster of Keyano Theatre's production of a play by the same name in their Green Room many many years ago.



Back at the hotel. I have avoided falling into the tourist trap shops quite successfully. I couldn't resist picking this up in Covent Garden this morning, though.

Alright team, i'm off to meet up with a friend of a friend here in London.

Till tomorrow!