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A bit quiet today, after all the activity of the last few days. Called off to parts foreign, my native guide had departed in the dead of night so I dallied over breakfast, and the TV news.
When I eventually whistled up my trusty steed, the 77a from Clapham, it took me past a nice view of the London Eye, that I hadnt chanced on before in good weather.
But St Pauls was the destination today, for me and a horde of American, French and Italian tourists. Despite being swathed in scaffolds, signs at ground level assured patrons that it was still open for business.
Its an enormous structure, and the fact its now surrounded by others somehow still doesnt detract from its stature. Inside people were generally quiet, as some sort of mark of respect, but also of awe. The biggest commotion was at the turnstile where £7 was being charged for entry.
As I approached the entry hall I shot this, which I will call "No photos allowed", from my "unknowing rebellion" period.
Not only were there signs everywhere, warning you off using anything from the 21st Century; there was a female voice wafting from the ether asking all to stand or sit still. I thought it might be God, but no it was just the tannoy and a request for a minutes silence.
I took up a pew and drew this impression of the multiple intersecting arches and the darker vaults above the quire leading to the apse, and its large stained glass windows.
The level of detail in the Cathedral is incredible, there are multiple layers of symbolism and intent in every view, 360 degrees in all directions. This kabbalistic analysis of Sir Christopher Wrens floor plan goes a bit far for me.
Then - after being challenged again for my £7 ticket - I climbed the steps up inside the walls of the cathedral to the whispering gallery which overlooks the main domed area. From this perspective the arches become dark caves. The area under the arch just left of centre in this image contains the pipes of the organ.
Lifting my view upwards I caught St Augustine amonst those sainted ones ringing the dome. The most famous of biblical scholars, he holds his copy of the good book open to show the world.
I wasnt sure if I really wanted to go all the way to the top, but I was urged on by the uniformed guides, and trudged up many steps. There's an amazing view of London from up there, but you'd not want to be scared of heights.
The structures between the external skin and the domed ceilings is incredible. There is no doubt of Wrens genius.
Then I said goodbye to St Pauls...
...and walked up the Fleet St to another amazing building I had passed several times before but had been unable to stop at. The Royal Courts of Justice.
It stands on Fleet Street, legendary home of the Press, and the clock outside makes you think of stays of execution, or failures to appear.
Outside the Courts stands Temple Bar, a monument said to mark the [extent of London|http://encyclopedia.thefreedictionary.com/Temple%20Bar%20London].
Wistful, and somewhat chagrined at tolls and turnstiles, I headed back on the 77a. After making pasta for dinner, I headed up to the local pub to discuss the state of the cities historic attractions with erstwhile commentators there.
Next: 29 October - The Hilton
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