With Jeantine at work, we were left to find our own way to Greenwich. Making sure you bring up directions on Google Maps before leaving Wifi and not migrating away from that page when out on the streets away from any auto updates. Even though I had a UK sim card on pre-pay I was wary of using too much data. We emerged from the Underground and had to cross a street to an above ground station.
OK how do we get out onto the street?
This apparently is One Canada Square but which building leads to our next station?
We are now at a platform and just have to wait for the next train. On our outward journey to Greenwich we were OK but, on the return, we initially headed the wrong way. Luckily we had purchased a day pass for the trains and were able to get off, cross the platform and then head in the correct direction for home without incurring extra costs, as we might have on the Oyster Card.
So many choices - what order should we visit?
The Cutty Sark itself, that we chose not to go in, thinking it wasn't worth the entry fee, based on what we could see from peering in the windows. Later when I cycled by (heading to the pathway tunnel under the Thames) with Annette & Steve and JB, Annette was telling me of the wonders inside.
Inside the shop at the Old Royal Naval College, 2 Cutty Sark Gardens.
A helpful map, posted outside near the Old Royal Naval College shop
Blackheath Avenue as we head for the Observatory at the top of Greenwich Park. Here Barb chose not to trudge the paths to the top, instead opting for a park bench to people watch while I went on up.
A panoramic crop of the city views from up by the Observatory.
The red Time Ball, that JB related the story about the renovations and how the young lads doing the labouring had kicked it around during a break without even thinking about the historical importance of what they were dealing with. Hmm a good story, one hopes it was not true.
The entrance to the left. I had purchased my tickets further up the hill from a office by the Cafe, and so did not have to queue inside. Skirting round the garden outside you could make you way to meridian line without going through the various display rooms.
My time stamp shows 2:31.35pm
The Greenwich Meridian separates east from west in the same way that the Equator separates north from south. Inextricably linked with Greenwich Mean Time, it also sits at the centre of our system of time zones. Its path is determined by the location of an historic telescope, the Airy Transit Circle, which is housed at the Royal Observatory, Greenwich.
People lost in the commentary from the supplied audio devices. I was intrigued by what people saw when they took their turns crouching low to look into the wooden telescope. When a German guy had just stepped away with a smile on his face, I asked what he saw. Just a picture card at the other end of the viewing device.
No having availed myself of an audio commentary player I found the explanatory plaques useful
A list of instruments delivered to Capt. Cook
Detail on another clock face
Sir Jonas Moore Caused this Movement
With great Care to be thus Made Ao 1676 by Tho.Tompion
Catching a Tour Guide in action just before I made my way outside.
Back down the hill after my Greenwich education, finding Barb again, 3:18pm. She had had an enjoyable time chatting with various people who stopped to engage in conversation.
Heading back to the train - with the Cutty Sark down by the Thames.
And finding the Canary Wharf Station a little easier to recognise this time.
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