Faster, Higher, Stronger

Yesterday I saw the Olympic Flame!

The whole story is that for a two weeks or so, there was a signpost saying that the relay round Bristol was coming in my street. So yesterday I went and waited for it. I waited more than an hour, and saw the flame about 10 seconds. It was worth...

In the street, there was a little crowd, but I thought it would be more busy. There were a lot of flags. But though I expected Olympic flags, there was only the Union Jack. Not very sport spirit, I think...

I was explained that they chenge the carrier of the flame every 300 yards. Around him are 6 other runners, in gray. His personnal guard?
In the parade, there were lots of cars and trucks (for advertising). And the runner was just behind one of them. So as when you see him appear, you're almost already behind him! That's why I couldn't see the torch long.

The policemen on their motorbikes were waving at the crowd, as if they were the stars! So nice... And at the end dozens of cyclists were following the procession, but I don't think they were part of it, they just wanted to follow.

 

 

London: of mice and men

Well, in fact mice are maybe the only animal I haven't seen in London...


I loved to see that. I was resting on Parliament Hill, and it so made me think of the 101 dalmatians!

Just a little creature, especially for my dad.

Some birds, which like to be fed. They're not at all timid!

"Don't feed the pelicans"

My favourite: a heron, caught in his flight!

And this one made me think of Snow White...

In regent's Park...

Still in Regent's Park...

Back in the center, in front of Claridge's. May I introduce to you...

Akihito, the Emperor of Japan...

and his Queen!

Well... when I heard that His Majesty the Emperor, Tenno Heika, was coming, I was expecting someone impressive, with luxury, wealth, and strength, like in the images of Japanese Emperors. But they're like grandpa and grandma, waving gently to the Japanese people waiting here... I couldn't help being a little disappointed.



What do you think, who is guarding the other?

Little game: imagine the discussion between the characters, and write it in the comments...
A little present for the best one!

Hello bobby!
Well, I think these hi-vi are a little ridiculous.

"I'm the invisible man, I'm the invisible man, it's incredible how you can... see right through me!"

At the Tate Modern Gallery, there was a bronze fellow refreshing himself with a hosepipe. But his skull was so hot that it was continually steaming.

Once, by chance, I went by Baker street. And on 221b, I met...

And, last but not least, I finally could catch a fox! Well, they say there are many of them, but I was so excited to see it!

I had already seen one in Bristol, but I couldn't take a picture. There, I was in an old rail track, now converted in a cycle path, with lots of plants, but in the center of London. I hunted this fox for at least half an hour before I could take a good picture.

EDIT: "Les bronzes amis"

London's calling

I was in London for two days this week. Don't worry, I will spare you the Tower Bridge and Buckingham Palace and the changing of the guard. By the way, I don't get how people can wait one hour and a half just to see the men in red go through the place playing music... And I don't get how I could do it too!

Here is Parliament Hill, in the north of London. From the top, you have a large view of the city. And it's a very restful place.

This one is Regent's Park. With its alley...

its old furniture...

its big houses...

its flowery bridges...

and its deckchairs on the daisies.

Then I went to Stables Market, in Camden Lock. It's a huge market, full of colours, spicy smells and music, in old stables. You can find clothes, craftwork, food... And there are statues of horses everywhere!

There are lots of asian food shops around the place. You can eat on the side of the canal, where common tables were set up. And look what are the seats!

In fact Camden Market is much larger than the part in the stables. It's extended in the street too, and in the area around.

This is a pub called 'The black Friar'. Because there is a black statue of a friar on the front.

The Globe. Well, a reproduction of the Globe, William Shakespeare's theatre.

In the center, this is the Gherkin. One of the many towers of the City of London. This one is very famous, designed by Sir Norman Foster!

And this one is the Shard, designed by Renzo Piano (who also made the Cité Internationale in Lyon). It will be the second highest tower in Europe, with 310m (1,020 feet).

You surely know the London Eye...

The Tower of London, with the City Hall in the background. Another design from Foster.

Here are some bits of the future Olympic Park. I hope I could come again closer.

Here is the Tate Modern Galery. It's an old factory refurbished by Herzog & De Meuron, a swiss architect agency.

And inside the Tate Modern...

And from the top of the Tate Modern...