Seagulls in Hyde Park
Thanks to the very pleasant weather in the last week in London and the relatively quiet week-end, I had a chance to pick up my camera and go and take a few shots around. Main focus point was the trip in Hyde Park on Saturday, which is truly one of the best places you can be when the sun is blasting and the temperatures rise above 20 C . Was quite difficult to catch those swift seagulls but I managed to get a couple of good ones! Sunday was even hotter than Saturday, but I decided to leave home my camera to better enjoy the tour. I discovered a nice area near Tower Hill (St Katharine Docks, with boats, yachts and locks to gain access on the Thames) and went for a coffee in The Hay Gallery.
IWM – HMS Belfast in London
After more than three years I've finally managed to visit HMS Belfast, a WWII cruiser which is moored on the Thames, next to the Tower Bridge. The ship has been converted into a floating museum, and it's part of the Imperial War Museums network (being the IWML the main one).
The Belfast was a heavy cruiser in the Royal Navy during the Second World War. Its main tasks were to protect the Atlantic convoy Arctic routes. It is mainly remembered for having participated in the sortie which eventually led to the sinking of the German battleship "Scharnhorst" off the coasts of Norway on the Boxing Day in 1943. This military engagement is quite interesting even from an IT perspective, as it stemmed from the advanced state of the British code breaking and decryption service at that time.
It was in fact mainly due to the work of the mathematicians and cryptographers experts in Bletchley Park on the German ENIGMA encryption method, if the British Navy could stage the ambush to the German battleship (if you are interested I suggest this book as a further reading - or this video for the sinking of the ship).
Back to the floating museum, I think it's worth a visit. It's quite amazing to traverse the various decks of the ship, knowing all the history that every inch of steel there has been testimony of. Up on the bridge, you can also enjoy a breathtaking view of the surrounding landmarks (the Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, the newly built skyscraper Shard of London). You can either wander on the command bridge, or plunge yourself into the hearth of the ship to visit the ammunition storage or the engines, wandering around in steep ladders and tiny corridors. Definitely one of the best attractions I've been in London!
Should you want to see a few of the pictures I've taken, please be my guest here.
Your favourite british food
I am pretty sure a proper British will be disgusted by my list, but I'll try anyway. So it's one of those nights where you don't really want to either cook or try to reproduce one of the typical Italian dishes you are so used to eat. So what you do, you run to Sainsbury's or to some pub, and try to feed yourself. My personal favourite list:
- Kettle Crisps: simply awesome, that's when you understand a certain latent obsession for crisps (not chips!) in those guys. The root vegetable mix is the best in my opinion.
- Curry: although I was not used at all to spicy food, I started with Kormas and now I moved to Tikka and Balti. I am told that I am way far from the hottest ones!
- Parsnips: I can't even understand how to say this in Italian. But they are quite good oven cooked wiht other veggies or with meat
- Beer / Ale: Yes, this is considered a full fledged nutriment in UK. You are officially allowed to only have chips as an accompaniment. But I usually like to ignore the social rules and have a ton of food along with it
- Posh Sandwiches: I have found that my choice of sandwiches is considered "posh" by some people here. Usually I have roast beef with horseradish if I can find it
- Bangers & Mash: A pub classic! When you order it, there is a high chance that it comes with parsnips crisps (or sweet potato) so it's a win/win
- Pancakes with cured ham and cheese: this is not British at all, but since I live here and I invented it, now it is. The favourite lunch break food.
- Butter: they put it everywhere. Olive oil does not exist. You can practically sprinkle some salt on a chunk of butter and eat it, that's considered a meal
And what about you? Anything you fancy in particular?
North vs South
So after elaborate thinking I've come to the following conclusion: being in a gloomy and cold place most of the times, the northerners tend to seek refuge in work, as there is little to do besides that. Where do you want to go sunbathing when there is no sun and you are still wearing a scarf in May? On the contrary, the southerners are more keen in indulging in such luscious activities, which usually include eating elaborate food, and womanizing. As a result their economies go off the tangent more often, and eventually they suffer bankruptcy. Cause everyone is looking at the scanty clothes and the bond spread index is not as exciting. Any other insightful thoughts from you my readers?
A few concerts recently
Death in Vegas - Koko - Camden
Placebo - IndigO2
And soon enough the Coldplay gig, can't complain lately!
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