Wandering around the City of London

Spent a day wandering around the streets of London, in particular the City of London, taking photos. The place may not be paved with gold, but there is an untold wealth of statues and buildings (both ancient and modern).

The thing that I like in these kind of wanderings, with no actual planned route, just going where the walking muse takes me, is that you find unexpected delights.

Found a pub called, "The Bell", which has the words, "You can ring my", in the windows to the left of the sign, "The Bell", and the words "Ding Dong" in the windows to the right. Amused me (but then he is easily amused - gags ed)

Also came across an old building with the words: "Way Out", above a door to the left, the words "Soup Kitchen For The Jewish Poor", and the words "Way In" above the door to the right. Reminded me of the hard times Londoners have had in the past. These days it is food banks that seem on the rise rather than Soup Kitchens.

Found Petticoat Market, which was a turn up, didn't know where it was in London, so was delighted to come across it. It seems to be a wonderful selection of fabric shops and stalls, with some fabrics patterns and colours which would be perfect for shirts. Now if only I knew someone with the skill to make shirts, hmm.

Also came across Spitalfields Market, which again was a bonus, had no idea it was in that neck of the woods (for my overseas readers this phrase means - "In that area" - overseas ed). Seems to be composed of some very upmarket shops and stalls. Just outside it found a bevy of trees in glorious Autumnal colours, if you like trees you'll love these (that is strangely evocative of an old advert - old advert alerter ed)

The other thing about wandering around the City of London, is that you come across views of the modern buildings as you turn corners, The Gherkin, The Cheesgrater, The Walkietalkie. But my preferred one is, "The Gherkin". We (that is Bridget and I - we ed) call this the "Lurkin' Gherkin" as it tends to hide itself behind the other large buildings in the city and you can see parts of it poking out here and there.

It is also a good centre point to ensure that I didn't go too far off the beaten track.

I ended up walking back to Bank, then Monument, then over the bridge and past Southwark Cathedral, along the South Bank past the Tate Modern, just past which I came across the Royal Watercolour Society Gallery on Bankside. This was a find, as I have walked past it a number of times without spotting it. Free to enter, and has probably one hundred or so paintings on display, only a few of which attracted me, but worth a few minutes of your time if you are in the area.

Last couple of photos are of the entrance to Waterloo Station - which would be even more impressive if they were not covered with anti-pigeon netting.