Greenwich (pronounced ….

September 11, 2026 SF2 Comments

Gren—itch, not Green-witch, another of those English words pronounced differently to what you’d expect

Todays cycle ride

took me to another stretch of the river Thames

Where I found .,

The Cutty Sark. A high speed sailing ship that carried tea from India to Britain

Its in Greenwich a famous location in London with many sea going links.

The entry and exit to a tunnel under the Thames

I was opposite Canary Wharf office blocks in the east end of London

The first time I’ve explored South London, where I used to live, in over forty years. Actually I’m discovering so much more, including the extensive network of cycle lanes.

Factoids

… words from the t’internet.

Greenwich is famous as the home of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), the Prime Meridian Line, and a rich maritime and royal history recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Time and Science

Greenwich Mean Time (GMT): The starting point for the world’s time zone system, established here in 1884.

Prime Meridian Line: The 0° longitude line at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, where you can stand with one foot in the eastern hemisphere and one in the western hemisphere.

Landmarks and Maritime History

Cutty Sark

The world’s last surviving 19th-century extreme tea clipper ship.

It’s been a long time coming

September 10, 2026 SFLeave a comment

I used to make them with Manjula in Mysore and visiting friends in London.

This is probably the first since Manjula left for another world.

It used to be a big favourite ….. Stuffed pancakes (burritos) Mexican style.

It might seem to be nothing special but its a step in the right direction, to start cooking again.

But how did it taste?

West Yorkshire

September 6, 2026 SFLeave a comment

I’ve moved from tropical London to typical Yorkshire— wet, windy and coldish.

Initially I didn’t feel cold as London was scorchy but here it’s a serious to contrast to what I’m used to.

But this morning staying at Jill’s is nice and sunny

A lovely stone built cottage

The fact is everywhere is fab as I’m meeting great friends.

…

Next stop South Yorkshire.

Here I am with Belle

My sister Claire’s dog.

Portugal.

August 28, 2026August 28, 2026 SFLeave a comment

is on the list to visit this year — maybe I’ll get there but meanwhile ..

I’ve discovered little Portugal in South London

In Vauxhall, a shortish walk from Brixton.

Its — Just around the corner from the very first place I lived in London in the early 80s

It’s changed a bit now

Posties now have too much to carry in their tradional one bag.

A favourite place for MAnjula in Brixton market

In the park

August 23, 2026August 23, 2026 SF2 Comments

Watching people run…

and cycle

play football —- in a cage. 🤭

Climb trees

Pedal their ‘cars’ (semi -incumbents)

Walk their dogs

What a fun day, but there’s one or two problems.

BB— ball bearings help solve a complex worldwide problem — friction but it’s another BB namely Bad Behaviour, that helps create friction between the people.

An example of this is not following the rules.

I’m not talking of these rules

But these…

…. the people who rent electric cycles, often break the rules.

Cyclists are typically considerate of others — pedestrians and cyclists, obey the rules of the road, including stopping at red lights but in the last few years there’s been a big change.

The inexperienced cyclists who rent electric cycles are often reckless and unsafe —- ignoring the traffic lights and the general rules of the road, riding fast, weaving in and out at high speed,

It can be very risky …

But for now

Peacefully

There’s even a zoo and FREE toilets.

The sparrow has landed….

August 13, 2026August 13, 2026 SFLeave a comment

Clearly not an Eagle.

Gina and I tried to capture images of the eclipse without looking at the sun.

I’m staying with my good friends Angus and Gina in Brixton South London

Close to their house are lots of community facilities and a corner shop run by Indians that MAnjula discovered on her first visit here. In fact the whole Brixton area is a great diverse mix of people from all around the world.

I can hear people playing bingo in the community centre next to me.

…

The layout.

Woodberry Wetlands

July 28, 2025July 28, 2025 SFLeave a comment

A great discovery close to where I’m staying on Harringay Green Lanes

A short (ish) 30 minute walk —— (the full loop will reopen in Feb 2026) from Harringay Green Lanes overground or as I’ve now discovered an even shorter walk (10 minutes) from Manor House Underground station —- gets you to the wetlands and their great cafe.

I’ve visited almost everyday of my recent visit for their sourdough melted cheese sandwich and make friends with the wildlife.

I’ve marvelled at the birds, especially the family of swans with their rapidly growing seven dusky grey cygnets

I’ve met a lovely mix of people here, including the wonderful hosts.

An added treat this week was ….

Another friend demanded to be included

A pigeon with a penchant for melted cheese.

No way Jose can you have the ginger beer.

Stand by me

July 27, 2025 SFLeave a comment

Screening in north London at Woodberry Wetlands

From Bees to Birds

July 2, 2024 SFLeave a comment

I’m now in Firenze visiting the incomparable Maria, more later but first to the birds ….

… sharing my second breakfast

It didn’t take too long to attract many new friends

I’ve discovered a riverside cafe: great location, bargain breakfast. It’s a low cost place where the community of all ages (and some foreigners), and especially older people meet, chat, draw, paint, work, support.