One and Other

If you haven't heard about the new scheme to occupy the 4th plinth in Trafalgar Square, where have you been hiding?

For the 100 days there will be a continual stream of people occupying the plinth for an hour a time. doing whatever they like, and they like some pretty strange stuff. The website with streaming video is fairly addictive, you always hope that something is going to happen. This scene is a changeover from a young man who was interactive - communicating with his audience with a bag lowered on string - and this lady, who held a teddy bear's picnic. Go figger.

Waiting for......

Godot? By the time you read this, the waiting may be over. The 44th President of the USA might be a person who could have been owned as an object by the 16th, (Abraham Lincoln). Wow.

So here is my photo to accompany the moment, it is of the statue of George Washington in Trafalgar Square. What you might not realise is that the statue was given to us by the state of Virginia and out of consideration for George Washington (who swore never to set foot again on British soil) it stands on soil brought over from the USA. And you definitely won't know that was the favourite bit of London of PHX-CDG, a frequent commenter on Paris Daily Photo.

A Good Job Well Done

Going through Trafalgar Square the other day, I came across a policeman and a "Heritage Warden". I wondered what that could be for a while, then I realised they must stop people nicking our heritage, like Trafalgar Square. He's doing a great job.

I promised this....

I do keep my promises .... eventually. It seems it was over two years ago that I promised a picture of Chelsea Pensioners in their red uniforms. Well, here they are.

The Chelsea Pensioners, or "In Pensioners" in full because they "live in", are expected to wear these scarlet uniforms when they are around and about. Right here they are mingling with the crowds in Trafalgar Square and having a great time chatting to everyone. The Royal Hospital was founded in 1682 by King Charles II and intended for the 'succour and relief of veterans broken by age and war'. You can find out more about them and hear the personal reflections of some of the pensioners here.

Ferret Ears!!

I've wanted to use that title for a blog post for some time now, I never thought I'd be able to. I came across this chap out walking his ferret in Trafalgar Square, we tend to associate ferret keeping with Northern regions, but obviously London isn't exempt. Amazing how the Internet lets you find out more about ferrets than you probably want, isn't it? Oh - you still don't know what I'm going on about with "Ferret Ears"? OK, click here.

Rooftop View

While in Trafalger Square, I discovered what must be one of the best rooftop views that I would recommend to Londoners and tourists alike. This is the roof garden and bar at the Trafalgar Hotel. The surprising thing about it is that, because of the lack of high buildings in immediate view, it feels a little like Paris (like this shot). You could just wander up, look at the view and go back down, but I reckon you won't find a better view with a drink in your hand. I was there on a Sunday afternoon, and it was pretty quiet. I can also add that the staff were universally friendly and helpful, I will definitely be returning.

See where on the London Daily Photo Map

The Balkan Question

This Sunday, Trafalgar Square was awash with happy Kosovans, pleased with their independence. I wish them well, I really do, but I'm afraid that I think that if history has taught us anything, it is that for every one person made happy in the Balkans, there are two made unhappy.I don't know the answer - I don't even know the question. If you have a spare hour or three, a summary of the Balkan's history is here.

I came away with quite a few shots that I quite like, such as this. If you were there and a guy in a red cycling helmet and yellow jacket took a photo of you, feel free to get in touch for a copy of the picture.