Richard Rogers At The Royal Academy
I went to see the Richard Rogers exhibition at the Royal Academy yesterday.
It was really worth visiting, with lots of drawings, models and quotes from the architect, of the Pompidou Centre, the Lloyds Building, the Millennium Dome and many others.
They also had a wall for ideas, about what you would like to see done to improve London. I couldn’t resist adding my four pennyworth about my plan to reduce chaos in Oxford Street, by building a first floor level walkway above the buses and traffic.
I also followed someone else in moaning about the lack of public clocks in London. Especially when you compare it with Liverpool.
But one particular idea occurred to me. Why not give all those who live in London, who don’t drive or who have returned their driving licence, a Freedom Pass?
It is definitely, a must-see exhibition.
Walking In Birmingham
I knew where I was going today, as I was going to Carluccio’s in Brindley Place. The new station entrances actually made it easier, as it seemed to me, that there wasn’t such an uphill climb, as the station seemed to slope in the right direction.
But I didn’t see a map anywhere! So if you are a first time visitor, what do you do? I know the station isn’t complete but surely in the main shopping centre, there should be something to help, non-Brummies! i suppose in some ways, you get spoilt in London, which can be almost over-mapped at times.
I have also started to not where a watch, as it irritates my arm and shoulder. And I didn’t see a clock anywhere!
Birmingham needs to implement its own version of Legible London.
But like two door buses, most cities don’t like to even trial something that works well in London.
Geneva’s Flower Clock
This is apparently famous.
Geneva’s Flower Clock
I couldn’t get any good pictures as there were always masses of Asian tourists in front of it.
An Ideal Place For A Clock
In the hotel, they had this clock on the reception desk.
An Ideal Place For A Clock
I’ve never seen one like this before.
Note that it appears to be on a substantial chain!
A Public Clock In Ipswich
I like public clocks and there’s this good example on the side of the car park at Ipswich station.
A Public Clock In Ipswich
I believe there can’t be too many public clocks.
Clocks At Carluccio’s
Every Carluccio cafe seems to have a large clock.
C would have approved, as she didn’t have a watch to wear. Even if someone had given her one, she wouldn’t have worn it.
A Stylish Clock At London Bridge
This clock is in the new bus station at London Bridge station.
A Stylish Clock At London Bridge
We need more of these at important bus stops.
Does St. Pancras Station Need A Second Clock?
As I sat in Carluccio’s having my coffee yesterday, I could only see the clock behind me, with a bit of difficulty.
So I got to thinking, that St. Pancras station might need a clock at the other end.
An Unusual Clock
Piccadilly Circus Tube station has a classic Art Deco interior. It also has this unique World Clock
World Clock at Piccadilly Circus Station
I’ve never seen another like it.
Gluten-Free From Liverpool to Blackpool
On Friday, I’d eaten well in the Victoria Gallery and Museum and then I’d had a gluten-free sandwich from Marks and Spencer on the ferry.
There were no gluten-free sandwiches at Lime Street Station. But this is what Marks & Spencer say on their website.
I broke the journey at Preston and managed to get a gluten-free roast chicken and pesto sandwich in Starbucks, which isn’t my favourite type, but it still filled a hole. Not too far from the station incidentally.
At Blackpool I checked the city centre for something to eat and there was nothing. Even Pizza Express seemed to serve a restricted menu, which didn’t have the salad nicoise. In the end I walked down the promenade to the football ground and didn’t see anywhere I’d have eaten, if I wasn’t a coeliac.
I did see this shop though.
Anos Pizza in Blackpool
I didn’t even ask!
So I didn’t eat anything. Not that I was that bothered at first, but as time for the match drew on, I felt I needed something. So I went into McDonalds and bought some fries and a Coke. The manager was very helpful and at least I used the time there to make a visit to their very clean toilet.
I couldn’t help thinking as I walked down the promenade, that there is nothing that would tempt me to stay any time in Blackpool. I’ve even seen better trams in a museum. This broken clock summed up Blackpool.
A Broken Clock in Blackpool
Or does it only work, when they switch the illuminations on? The picture was taken at 11:18
The Anonymous Widower 