How history,architecture,arts and culture have shaped London into one of the greatest cities in the world.
Samuel Johnson ventured to say that there is more learning within the circumference of ten miles from where we now sit,than in all the rest of the world.Certainly,there is no time to waste in London,no time at all to be bored.
Monumental statues bring history out in open space.Gods,ancient kings and queens,and warriors who glorify military action,remain accessible to people all times.Public art records and celebrates important events in the history of a city,it lifts up humanity and challenges the audiences.
“Boadicea and Her Daughters”- Victoria Embankmen,Westminster.
They were mounted on a war chariot drawn by two rearing horses.She was queen of a Celtic tribe who led an uprising in Roman Britain.
“Boadicea and Her Daughters” sculptured by Thomas Thornycroft.
The War Memorial at Euston railway Station,designed by Reginald Wynn Owen
Commemoration WW I (1914-1918) – WW II (1939-1945) – Camden Town,Greater London
The inscription reads : Remember the Men and Women of the London Midland and Scottish.
Elephant art sculpture outside Newcombe House,Notting Hill Gate W11.
In 2010 some 260 elephants appeared all over London.They were decorated by all sorts of famous people.After parading for several months and reminding us of their place in the history of the Empire,they were auctioned off with success and the proceeds donated to a charity that supports the conservation of Asian elephants.
This iron elephant is still working hard and remains loyal to its position.
Brutalist Architecture fans won’t be disappointed in London and in the heart of The City.Ambitious structures,skyscrapers and Towers pop up every time you look up,they dramatically change London’s skyline.Only Spider Man,the iconic web-slinger on an art installation,can conquer such heights.
City Hall,a bulbous-shaped building near the Tower Bridge,has a startling new design.Those who dislike modern architecture compare it to a misshapen egg.British architect Norman Foster,who designed it,says that they chose this particular shape for the glass and steel structure because it reduces surface area and makes the building more energy efficient.
It’s comforting though to see some old historical mansions with grand architectural style still standing alongside the modern giants.
London and fog always go together,towers are shrouded in mist and mercurial clouds are persistently hovering above Big Ben,which will remain silent until 2021.
A Pub or an Urban Garden … ?
The Churchill Arms -Notting Hill, Kensington
The Fuller’s colourful pub was built in 1750 and given its name after the Second World War.It’s one of the oldest and more historic pubs.Landlord Gerry O’Brien,a genial Irishman,decided that what the Churchill Arms was lacking was a garden sitting on its head.It all started with a couple of hanging baskets and now it has some 100 flower tubs,42 baskets and 48 window boxes.
Dripping in flowers outside and crammed with Churchill memorabilia and other eclectic decorations inside.It was once Evening Standard pub of the year because it is within walking distance of the Evening Standard and its co-tenant the Daily Mail.
The pub wasn’t named after Winston Churchill,but there’s a nice family link as Churchill’s grandparents — the 7th Duke of Marlborough and Lady Frances Anne Emily Vane — drank here regularly in the 1800s.It had and still has a mixed clientele.
Well,come on in and have a drink at The Churchill Arms.Fuller’s pubs are renowned for outstanding cask conditioned ale.Have a pint of London Pride,or Olivers Island,or a glass of wine to accompany steaming plates of spiced meats,traditional food or even Thai food.You might meet some very,very friendly natives and have a chat too or talk history.
Cheers to you all ♥
The evening was cold but dry,the colours of the city still vibrant on the facades of the mansions,in the streets and bridges.
Oh,those scaffolds,hoardings,containers and cranes,they go almost everywhere in big cities,they have marked their own era and have made the photographer’s life difficult … I find them all quite an eyesore.
At least,they are not included in LEGO constructions at the moment … as seen at the world’s largest LEGO artwork store in London’s Leicester Square.It is the subtle yet stunning details that make LEGO so appealing to all ages and all levels of ability.
Covent Garden had its own colours.”That’s the Way to Do it !”
Punch & Judy Balcony Bar on a historic building in Covent Garden Market in the West End of London.This “listed building” retains much of the original brick and stonework and is one of very few properties in Covent Garden that escaped damage in World War II.
Having an after dinner drink at Punch & Judy pub while watching people watching the world from a balcony.As I was looking at old buildings from a different angle,I brought to my mind Mr Punch’s famous phrase with the characteristic sense of gleeful self-satisfaction …”That’s the Way to Do it !”
A brief history of Punch and Judy associated with traditional British Culture.
Punch arrived in England in the 17th century and was first recorded by the diarist Samuel Pepys.” Thence to see an Italian puppet play that is within the rails there,which is very pretty,the best that ever I saw, and a great resort of gallants.” Samuel Pepys Diary, 9 May 1662.
Covent Garden’s Punch & Judy pub was built in 1787 and was named after the famous Punch and Judy puppet performances that used to take place in Covent Garden’s Piazza for the children of flower-sellers.The shows were not just for children though.Aspects of the comedy such as the marital strife between Punch and Judy,obviously struck a chord with many adult members of the audience.
Pulcinella went down particularly well with Restoration British audiences (1660- 1710),who were fun-starved after years of Puritanism.In October 1662 Signor Bologna,the Italian puppet showman, was honoured with a royal command performance by Charles II at Whitehall.The king rewarded him with a gold chain and medal,a gift worth £25 then,or about £3,000 today.
He became a spirit of Britain,a subversive maverick who defies authority.
Punchinello who Pepys saw in Covent Garden in 1662 can be seen there every May,flouting political correctness and entertaining audiences in the same spirit that he has done for over 355 years.
And,a couple of nights out in London,enjoying theatre going,having a drink on The Heron Milton Court Tower and dinner in Chinatown.
Having a talk with “the Bard” at Leicester Square Gardens before heading for the Lyseum Theatre.William Shakespeare’s Statue sculpted by Giovanni Fontana after an original by Peter Scheemakers’ 18th-century monument to Shakespeare in Poets’ Corner, Westminster Abbey.It’s the only outdoor statue of “the Bard” in central London.
The evening light set up the “stage” with colourful shades and reflective shapes around his statue and its pedestal,which is flanked by dolphins at the centre of a fountain.
The scroll held by Shakespeare is inscribed with a quotation from the Twelfth Night
“There is no Darkness but Ignorance”
He was a master of figurative language;his lessons still resonate today,and characters from his plays continue to appeal to our humanity.He punctuated big moments with heroic couplets and ended powerful scenes with tidy rhymes.This is Poetry,I thought to myself …
“Good, my lord, will you see the players well bestowed at Lyseum ?
Do you hear, let them be well used; for they are the abstract and brief chronicles of the time.Suit the action to the word, the word to the action, with this special observance,that you o’erstep not the modesty of nature … “Hamlet (1600-1602)
Ben Jonson contributed a long poem in praise of Shakespeare,a formal panegyric.
He mentions in his verses that he must be put with the greatest classical tragedians (Euripides, Sophocles, Seneca); and in comedy, Jonson says, he stands alone, above even Aristophanes,Terence and Plautus.
To the Memory of My Beloved Author,Mr. William Shakespeare – By Ben Jonson
“He was not of an age,but for all time!And all the Muses still were in their prime, when, like Apollo, he came forth to warm our ears,or like a Mercury to charm!
I confess thy writings to be such as neither man nor muse can praise too much.The applause,delight,the wonder of our stage!My Shakespeare,rise!I will not lodge thee by Chaucer,or Spenser;a little further,to make thee a room: Thou art a monument without a tomb.Nature herself was proud of your designs and joy’d to wear the dressing of his lines,which were so richly spun,and woven so fit …
Sweet Swan of Avon!What a sight it were to see thee in our waters yet appear,and make those flights upon the banks of Thames,but stay,I see thee in the hemisphere advanc’d,and made a constellation there!Shine forth,thou star of poets … “
Performing Arts at the Lyceum Theatre – “The Lion King” – a retelling of Shakespeare’s Hamlet.
The Theatre opened in July 1834,hosted a circus,doubled up as a chapel,and was also home to the first Madame Tussaud’s waxworks exhibition,before becoming a licensed house in 1809.Between 1816-1834,it operated as The English Opera House.
The Spitit of Life
“The Lion King” opened in West End in October 1999 and is currently in its 19th year of production.It is among the top ten longest running shows at West End and has received love and adulation across generations.It has been watched by over 14 million people.Also,it has received 8 nominations for the Laurence Olivier Awards and won 2 of them – for Best Theatre Choreographer and Best Costume Design.With its impeccable set,brilliant costumes,and a talented cast, the play transports you to a completely different world in the heart of the African Savannah.
“Everywhere the Light Touches is our Kingdom … “
“All the World’s a Stage and Life a Play … “
Enduring the appeal of “The Lion King”,inspired by Shakespeare’s Hamlet.If you find yourself crying,it’s out of joy and wonderment.
The story centres on courage,loyalty,and love of home and family values.
A lyrical,dramatic and epic musical show that dazzles all ages with its most rousing music and the evocative rhythms of Africa set against the majesty of the Serengeti Plains.A real feast to the senses that endears to young patrons and old alike.Such emotion in this performance.They sing from the heart.The Score is written by Elton John with lyrics by Time Rice,additional music by Hanns Zimmer and choral arrangements by Lebo M.
“ The Circle of Life ” ♪♫♬ “ & Can You Feel the Love Tonight ” ♪♫♬ …
It has echoes of Shakespeare bringing to mind the plots of both Richard III and Hamlet.
Good, my lord,you suited the action to the word,the word to the action,with this special observance,that you o’erstepped not the modesty of nature.I saw the players well bestowed and used ; for they are the abstract and brief chronicles of the time.
Hamlet (1600-02)
Life’s but a Walking Shadow … Everywhere the Light Touches is our Kingdom …
Time to get high in the West End to stay up in the clouds.We headed for London’s best rooftop bars,roof terraces,open-air bars and sky-high drinking dens.The Heron Tower,the tallest building in the City of London,was abuzz with the sounds of love.
The magic of night lights was plouwing the dark,the widescreen views from the thirty-eighth floor of the Heron Tower were sensational.
If we could say everything in words,we wouldn’t need to photograph …
A couple near the “flame” at Sushisamba Bar and under the quirky orange-lit tree was taking advantage of the beautiful external terrace as they could still hear “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” ♪♫♬ echoing in the night sky.
Can You Feel the Love Tonight ♪♫♬ … ?
” There’s a calm surrender to the rush of day;when the heat of the rolling world can be turned away,an enchanted moment and it sees me through.It is where we are.
There’s a time for everyone, if they only learn that the twisting kaleidoscope moves us all in turn.There’s a rhyme and reason to the wild outdoors,when the heart of this star-crossed voyager beats in time with yours … ♪♫♬ ” Elton John / Tim Rice …
The very next night we decided to paint the town red.
out for Happy Hour
Mr Blue Sky turned Bluer after the Nightfall
– Why Mr Blue Sky you turned bluer after the nightfall?
– Ask Lord Rayleigh & the whiter energy-saving Lights,Ms … ☼
* The Spririt & Soul of Ethnic Enclaves *
The distinct character of Chinatown in the City of Westminster,a small yet incredibly vibrant part in the big city to get a true taste of the Orient …
* A night out painting the Town Red when the Sky turned Bluer and painted more Blue on Blue …
Inside a bar for a glass of Huangjiu wine and an illusionary sense that you are somewhere far away to get the true taste of the East …
Goethe said that “A joy shared is a joy doubled … “
The very next day the only photo I took was Jellicle,a latchkey fur-kid …
She looked like a character from the Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats T.S.ELIOT
Jellicle Cats are black and white,
Jellicle Cats have moonlit eyes,
Jellicle Cats are rather small;
Jellicle Cats are merry and bright,
And pleasant to hear when they “sing” .♩♪♫♬
I caught her awaiting spring and her parents;she stirred up sweet memories from the performace of Cats I attended years ago at the New London Theatre.It was directed by Trevor Nunn and the music was written by Andrew Lloyd Webber,who in March 2018 renamed the theatre as the Gillian Lynne Theatre to honour Gillian,the choreographer of Cats.It is the first West End theatre named after a woman.
I excerpt a few lines from “The Diary of Virginia Woolf” to add to my own journal and end my exploration …
“London thou Art a jewel of jewels,and jasper of jocunditie – Music,city views, something central and inexplicable.As a cloud crosses the sun,silence falls on London.Effort ceases.There we Stop;there we Stand.”
” Your own exploration therefore has to be personalized;you’re doing it for yourself, increasing your own store of particular knowledge,walking your own eccentric version of the city. “G.Nicholson
💕💖💕
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By: etiliyle on 04/10/2018
at 19:01
Reblogged this on Shift2Drive.blog.
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By: Sylvain Lechair on 18/09/2018
at 09:44
Thank you for sharing these wonderful pics.
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By: thelonelyauthorblog on 30/07/2018
at 13:05
I am totally grateful you appreciated them,dear friend.Thank you for your kind visit.
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By: DG MARYOGA on 02/08/2018
at 05:30
You are an excellent guide for the visiting stranger, a Cicero of sorts dear Doda. 🙂
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By: theburningheart on 29/07/2018
at 00:28
Thank you if you think so,dear friend,it was a multifaceted perspective on the spirit of the city 🙂
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By: DG MARYOGA on 02/08/2018
at 05:45
Oh for the clouds over London just for an evening, everyone is fading this month in London with an unusual dry, hot sunny month. I loved your tour and viewing London through your eyes, I too noticed the London pubs with beautiful planting when I first moved here. There are lots of new build flats and offices springing up.
Looking forward to your next adventure Doda.
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By: Charlotte Hoather on 28/07/2018
at 00:10
Thank you for your kind visit,dear Charlotte.Glad you liked my perspective throughout the tour.Hope all is fine with you and your brilliant career xxx
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By: DG MARYOGA on 28/07/2018
at 15:05
All’s well thank you Doda x
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By: Charlotte Hoather on 29/07/2018
at 23:04
I’ll be ready for a vacation, may miss you posts for a few weeks.
See you soon!
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By: Amy on 18/07/2018
at 15:45
I have two more ready posts to share before leaving for my longer summer holidays.Enjoy your vacation,dear friend 🙂 take care ; C U soon ❤ xxx
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By: DG MARYOGA on 18/07/2018
at 17:07
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By: Superduque777 on 16/07/2018
at 01:56
Celestial rose bathed in magical,cosmic light!Loved it,dear Superduque.Big thank you,my friend 🙂 xxx
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By: DG MARYOGA on 17/07/2018
at 14:45
The Lion King, Shakespeare, and Spiderman — This post has it all, dear Doda! ❤ You show us a beautiful time at London, with fascinating art and plenty of love 🙂
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By: Christy B on 15/07/2018
at 22:10
It was just a diversified repertoire for all tastes,dear Christy.I do feel thankful for your kind visit and glad you amused yourself strolling around with me in the big city 🙂 xxx
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By: DG MARYOGA on 17/07/2018
at 16:25
Thanks for sharing this fabulous walk around London my friend. I’ve enjoyed every sight and the memories they bring forth. If I had a pint of London Pride relight now, I’d raise it to your good health. xxxxxx
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By: Su Leslie on 15/07/2018
at 01:22
If London Pride is your choice,you are not alone.Let’s have a pint together and sing Noël Coward’s patriotic song to recall history ♪♫♬ “London Pride has been handed down to us,London Pride is a flower that’s free.London Pride means our own dear town to us,and our pride it forever will be ♪♫♬ ” Oh,gosh,we are going to write another post together while drinking a toast to our good health.
Overjoyed I refreshed your quite fresh memories,dear friend,I still remember you packing for your UK travel some years ago,and your interesting posts afterwards.Thank you Su dear 🙂 xxxxx
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By: DG MARYOGA on 17/07/2018
at 17:00
Hehe. I hope we don’t get thrown out of the pub for being too raucous 😀 xxxxxx
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By: Su Leslie on 18/07/2018
at 14:47
No way,most of the regular customers are boisterous under the influence of alcohol,they will join us lol 🙂 xxxxxxxx
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By: DG MARYOGA on 18/07/2018
at 15:31
Love it!!! xxxxxx
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By: Su Leslie on 19/07/2018
at 00:51
❤ xxx
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By: DG MARYOGA on 19/07/2018
at 00:52
thank you Doda for those memories for me and for your wonderful stories and thoughts!! Always! I love Boudicaa and her tale- though tragic!
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By: the dune mouse (CybeleMoon) on 14/07/2018
at 18:39
So glad you enjoyed my stories and that you mentioned Boudicaa.Many the statues and sculptures all over London,but I purposefully started my post with her because her tragic story excites me.She lost her battle but she is celebrated today as a national heroine and a universal symbol of the human desire for freedom and justice.I equally love Dido of Carthage,Berenice of Judea and Zenobia,I am sure you love them too.Love to you Cybele ❤ xxx
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By: DG MARYOGA on 18/07/2018
at 00:24
🙂
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By: the dune mouse (CybeleMoon) on 18/07/2018
at 21:55
❤
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By: DG MARYOGA on 19/07/2018
at 00:50
Privileged to see so many details of this wonderful city through your well-versed eyes Doda. I like your intimate portraits of the bagpiper and the accordion player, and I can certainly understand how scaffolds, hoardings, containers and cranes are present in almost every big city now, but you manage to see beyond them through your images, Doda.
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By: Maria on 14/07/2018
at 15:54
Thank you Maria for your insightful comment and for what you noted in the “big picture” of the city through Socratic scrutiny.”The unexamined life is not worth living”,our spirit is condemned to an Odyssey until it reaches its irreplaceable singularity for the completion of its existence.
I ,too,appreciated the street entertainers,I consider them the central characters of my post.Best to you,my friend.
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By: DG MARYOGA on 17/07/2018
at 20:55
Dearest Doda.
You have most certainly captured the Spirit of London and enjoyed her essence of charm, history and entertainment.
What a delightful tour you took me through, as I was riding on chariots, the London Eye and hanging from the ceiling on the webs of super heroes.
To be transported to the streets to see the amazing pub where Churchill’s relatives enjoyed their bevies, 🙂
To then see Punch and Judy, the history of which you refreshed my memory.
As to the West End..
Well what a treat, to get to see such an amazing show. Its years since I went and caught a show in London.. Dr Doolittle was the one I went to see.
Such a historic theatre that I am sure the ambience of lasted as long as those songs that repeated in your head Doda.
As for the Cat, he/she reminded me of when my own cat would sit on the back of the chair looking longingly for me to return home.. to then purrr and curl herself around my legs in anticipation of more food being offered 🙂
And what a purrrrrfect way to end your post as you painted the town red. in downtown China Town.. Purrrrfect..
I so loved your amazing travels this time around..
Wishing you all the very best my dear, dear friend..
And yes, I am learning to step away from the world of words, to enjoy more the world of wonder right under my nose..
Sending HUGE hugs Doda, thank you so much for your visit. I am slowly working my way through my comment lists and ( trying ) to catch up.. But so many wonderful distractions lately have kept me from returning to my laptop.
Love and continued Blessings my friend.
Sue ❤ ❤ ❤
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By: Sue Dreamwalker on 14/07/2018
at 12:18
Oh,my English angel,can’t believe you left the peacefulness of your gardens and came down to the big lively city to walk around with me.You followed ever step with enthusiasm and you amused yourself,you recalled and relived moments you had experienced some years ago,and you even remembered your sweet cat who was part of your life too.You weren’t bored at all,you relished every minute of our exploration.It was rather a hypergraphy which encompassed a synthesis of directly lived moments and experiences out of the real world where we could see our own image.Cannot thank you enough for such a heartfelt response,you are a character of the spirit of London too.Sorry,if I trespassed your inner sanctrum for a while and carried you away with me.Enjoy more beautiful summer and family moments,my dear friend Sue.Sending love & friendship hugs your way 🙂 ❤ xxx
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By: DG MARYOGA on 18/07/2018
at 20:28
Synchronicity again dear Doda as I am actually trying to catch up with some blogs here this evening as your comment came in.. I so enjoyed my trip with you and all the memories that came flooding back..
My first visit to London was Aged 11, to a Billy Graham Concert in Wembley Stadium, Cliff Richard Sang way back then.. though he was only a micro dot.. 🙂 Madame Tussauds wax museum stands out in my mind.. A big impression on an 11 yr old.. 🙂
I went with my Chapel Tour.. My parents didn’t go.. But I was well looked after.. 🙂 See how just how your trip has transported me yet again.. 🙂 All good here,, Need rain.. but so enjoying my garden.. and Freedom of Spirit!
Much love my beautiful friend ❤ ❤
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By: Sue Dreamwalker on 18/07/2018
at 21:10
There are definitely invisible communication channels that connect people,and in this case,they synchronised us.I am overjoyed that my London post was a cause for rejoicing,and that you took a trip down memory lane.Rain has come down to us,we had some torrential rains in some regions of Greece last night.
Continue to enjoy your life,dear friend.Much love & kisses ❤ xxxxxxx
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By: DG MARYOGA on 19/07/2018
at 02:45
I think you might have had our share then of rain dear Doda.. We are supposed to get some tomorrow.. But then we were due some last week and only got a shower that didn’t touch anything..
And yes, I see these connections happen time and time again.. I so enjoy it when synchronicities happen between friends ❤ ❤
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By: Sue Dreamwalker on 19/07/2018
at 20:36
Met Office UK on Twitter said it’s the driest start to the summer,UK might experience a scorching summer,also that wildfires have raged in the greater Manchester.Unusually dry summer in UK,dear friend.Hope you get some rain over the weekend,it would be lovely to smell the petrichor in the air.Love & kisses ❤ xxx
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By: DG MARYOGA on 20/07/2018
at 20:10
Yes lots of lovely moorland caught fire, some say deliberately started. And once the Peat beneath the heather catches fire it can burn and smoulder for days.. We had an hour of rain last evening but it barely dampened down any thing..
Weird Weather, all predicted 500 yrs ago by Nostradamus, 🙂 LOL….. Floods and Drought.. 🙂
Sending LOVE and Big Hugs back.. ❤
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By: Sue Dreamwalker on 21/07/2018
at 19:53
Oh,gosh,I am scared,he predicted World War III in 2018 …
We have had some sizzlings days,and we are expecting some horrible thunderstorms all over Greece,they’ll last for a week.Much love & hugs of friendship ❤ xxx
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By: DG MARYOGA on 23/07/2018
at 16:26
Dearest Doda, My heart is with Greece this week with those horrendous fires.. So much heart ache. As nature’s storms increase. I hope all is well where you are my friend.
Sending Huge hugs and love and friendship right back Doda.. Take care xx Sue xx ❤
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By: Sue Dreamwalker on 28/07/2018
at 14:36
Thank you for your sympathy,dearest Sue.
It is a National tragedy,we are devastated.Right now,as I am answering your comment,it's raining very heavily,we have had horrible thunderstorms for three days now & unfortunately 88 dead people at the moment,after the wildfires.Greece investigates possible arson,which we are sure it was,as the day was extremely windy … xxxx ❤
Even the Moon was crying last night …
https://news.sky.com/story/live-freak-of-nature-blood-moon-lights-up-sky-11451539
https://news.sky.com/story/in-pictures-from-greece-to-abu-dhabi-rare-blood-moon-stuns-worldwide-11451780
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By: DG MARYOGA on 28/07/2018
at 14:46
Dear Doda, your version of the city was fascinating! I truly enjoyed the sights (and sounds, it feels) of both day and night you offered here. London is indeed a city that offers something new every time you visit, whether in person or virtually. Thank you! ❤
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By: Tiny on 14/07/2018
at 11:14
How nice to hear that my version of the sprightly city fascinated you,dear Helen.It was a synthesis of rather heterogenous features but all of them enriched with salient points of Britishness.Thank you for your kind visit.Enjoy your holidays in the Nordic regions 🙂 ❤ xxx
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By: DG MARYOGA on 18/07/2018
at 00:54
It looks like you had a fabulous trip. Some cities have so much history and so many sights, that the thought of even a 1 month visit seems too short and hurried. London is one of those cities.
Lov The Churchill Arms – that just seems so English. 🙂
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By: Lignum Draco on 14/07/2018
at 06:27
It was a fabulous trip to my second home in all senses.Although travelling to London a few times per year has become routine,I look at the city from many angles each time.Everything is a story everywhere if we think,perceive,feel … Thank you so much for coming with me,next time we can enjoy a drink at the Churchill Arms and talk history … 🙂
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By: DG MARYOGA on 18/07/2018
at 05:03
Wow, now I feel I’ve been to London, dear Doda! What a fabulous, detailed post with beautiful photos and narrative. Some favorites were the Iron Elephant, Spider Man :), Fuller’s colorful pub, and of course, The Lion King where I can vividly hear “The Circle of Life” and “Can you feel the love tonight?” That is one musical that makes me cry, both out of sadness and joy. My son would love the Lego artwork. When he was little, he loved playing with Lego, and then as a part-time job, he worked at a store that not only sold Lego, but it was more of a hands-on experience. They offer classes and parents can drop their children off for a fee. It’s a good, constructive option for young children. Oh, and all the stunning night lights, just wow! What a time you had, and thank you for bringing us along. 🙂 Big hugs! ❤😊🎶
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By: Baydreamer on 14/07/2018
at 02:00
Thanks a million times over for your enthusiastic comment,dear Lauren!
Delighted you so much enjoyed my tour to this lively city and for appreciating the performance at the Lyseum Theatre.It was a post for all tastes.Indeed,your son would spend hours or days in the world’s largest LEGO store at Leicester Square,which opened on the 17th of November,2016.I hope you enjoyed your camping holiday,my friend.Sending hugs of friendship & kisses your way 🙂 ❤ xxx
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By: DG MARYOGA on 18/07/2018
at 05:40
Thank you so much for the fabulous tour of London through you lens, dear Doda! I so enjoy your beautiful photos and stories. So much to see and learn about this grand city. 🙂 xxx
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By: Amy on 13/07/2018
at 17:34
Delighted you enjoyed it,dear Amy!I tried to straddle the bountaries between the old and the new with widely accepted features and social structures to entertain my blogger friends.Many thanks for visiting and reading the stories which I presented through the union of various forms 🙂 xxx
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By: DG MARYOGA on 18/07/2018
at 14:20
Always is a pleasure to visit you, dear Doda! Appreciate so much of your perspective and your stories weaved perfectly and beautifully with your photos, vice verse. Thank you for sharing and continue to support our blog community. 🙂 xxx
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By: Amy on 18/07/2018
at 15:32
Thankful for your nice words,I share your feelings and I do very much enjoy what we exchange on the friendly WP platform.
Although I am a completely amateur blogger,I do my very best,when I am available,to support the community 🙂 xxx
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By: DG MARYOGA on 18/07/2018
at 17:00
I have learned so much from you, dear Doda. There is no amateur! Your support means a lot to me and to our blog community! 💖
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By: Amy on 18/07/2018
at 17:06
Me too dear Amy,my photos most of the times are of poor qualty,I don’t have the time to start experimenting with all the new methods and techniques,but at least they convey what I want to share and keep me active in the blogosphere.Safe travels ❤ xxx
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By: DG MARYOGA on 18/07/2018
at 17:23
Oh, Doda, what a fantastic tour of a beautiful city. I have never had the opportunity to go to London — or even England, for that matter. But I’ve always been fascinated by it since my heritage is English, Scotch and Irish! Thank you for sharing this exciting post! Have a beautiful weekend, my friend! Hugs to you! 😀 ❤
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By: Linda Arthur Tejera on 13/07/2018
at 15:52
Thank you so much for popping in and reading,my dear Linda!I am so glad I’ve virtually connected you with your brave ancestors.You should go and visit these sacred places of your origin,my friend.Off to smell the sweet fragrances of your roses that reconnected you with us.Loving kisses to you 🙂 ❤ xxx
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By: DG MARYOGA on 17/07/2018
at 19:49
I haven’t been to London in 45 years, and it was very rushed then. Thank you for this fascinating post which has revealed to me the many wonders of London, in every direction, every mood, every culture, and every taste.
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By: neihtn2012 on 13/07/2018
at 13:37
So glad you virtually revisited the sprightly city of London through my multifaceted post,Hien.I have included a bit of everything for all tastes without leaving out history and literary elements and techniques.Thank you so much for reading and meandering along the city with me.
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By: DG MARYOGA on 18/07/2018
at 06:21
Cheers my darling, darling Doda. I feel I don’t ened another holiday this year now cos I had one here with you. AMAZING post and pictures and only someone who really saw a place could do this post. xx
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By: shehannemoore on 13/07/2018
at 12:58
Cheers to you too,darling,darling Shey.I am so happy you enjoyed my London post and how I intergrated a bit of all the facets of this lively city into wholeness.Thank you for dropping by and commenting,it’s much appreciated as I know that you’re extremely busy right now with your books and not only … Don’t overwork yourself though,take everything easy,and let the Dudes do the hard work lol.Loving kisses to the little prince of the house,I bet,he’s playing outside in the garden again …. xxxxxxxx
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By: DG MARYOGA on 17/07/2018
at 17:18
He is having a quiet day today with his mam. It is a lovely post. You really capture all the bits of a place. Not just the main sights. That makes it my kind of post. I would never miss your posts. You bring places to life xxx
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By: shehannemoore on 17/07/2018
at 18:32
Why thank you for your response again,my Scottish Angel!It is really nice to hear he is getting better and better,I have a feeling his granny’s loving care helped a lot xxxxxxxx
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By: DG MARYOGA on 17/07/2018
at 19:43
He is getting betrer and better. Much aided by chocolate today…………
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By: shehannemoore on 17/07/2018
at 19:53
Wow!The best medicine to boost his immune system and sweeten his life xxxxxxxxxx
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By: DG MARYOGA on 17/07/2018
at 20:27
I keep telling his man…..to no avail.
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By: shehannemoore on 18/07/2018
at 01:18
Tell him to read about the beneficial properies of this sensually sinful delicacy xxxx
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By: DG MARYOGA on 18/07/2018
at 02:13
Oh I will. He does love his chocolate. xxx
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By: shehannemoore on 18/07/2018
at 14:08
Who doesn’t xxxxxxxx
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By: DG MARYOGA on 18/07/2018
at 17:56
Some great views 🙂
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By: joshi daniel on 13/07/2018
at 09:02
Thank you dear friend Joshi,glad you enjoyed them 🙂
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By: DG MARYOGA on 17/07/2018
at 17:05
Cheers to you, too, Dearest Doda! What a wonderful time you had – fantastic photos and exciting ‘carry me along with you’ post! Thanks so much for sharing, I love it all but Boadicea and her Daughters at Victoria Embankment, Westminster are breathtaking to me (as you might guess!)
“They were mounted on a war chariot drawn by two rearing horses. She was queen of a Celtic tribe who led an uprising in Roman Britain.”
My Hero!!! xoxoxo sending warm Canadian greetings to you, my Dear!
-Kathleen
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By: Kathleen_Vail on 13/07/2018
at 08:02
Thankful for your visit and your nice words,dear Kathleen,I am totally delighted you called in and walked into the bustling city with me.London is my second home,it was not just a commonplace sightseeing tour,I’ve tried to conventionalise popular culture through structuralism transmitting the reality of today knitted with the past.It was an effort sort of ….
“As Much As You Can”,according to the poet …
You’re an inspiration in my life too,Kathleen,Aisha,Angel from any continent,Desert Rose …
“And if you can’t shape your life the way you want,
at least try as much as you can
not to degrade it
by too much contact with the world,
by too much activity and talk …….
and,some verses from the The City …
You said: “I’ll go to another country, go to another shore,
find another city better than this one …..
Whatever I try to do is fated to turn out wrong …
You won’t find a new country, won’t find another shore.
This city will always pursue you. You will walk
the same streets, grow old in the same neighborhoods,
will turn gray in these same houses.
You will always end up in this city. Don’t hope for things elsewhere:
there is no ship for you, there is no road.
As you’ve wasted your life here, in this small corner,
you’ve destroyed it everywhere else in the world.
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By: DG MARYOGA on 17/07/2018
at 18:58
ahhh my heart… I feel the pain of his soul and I know his city, too. xoxoxo Dearest Doda, always a pleasure ‘traveling’ with you!
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By: Kathleen_Vail on 29/07/2018
at 05:16