Greenwich

That's Greenwich as in Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) or Greenwich Meridean. This was a simple Underground and Light Rail trip. Let me just say that this is a great place to go for a day or half-day trip.
I got off the light rail at Island Gardens for the view of the Royal Naval College you see to the right. By the way the light rail from Bank tube stop takes you through "New" London. Glass and steel highrises of offices and condos. The lightrail is elevated giving a futuristic feel to the area. It appears to be old and still active docks as there is water and canals everywhere.

There is a foot path UNDER the Thames! to Greenwich.
The Royal Naval College is no longer part of the navy. Trinity Music College has taken over part of the buildings. Others are historic and open to the public. The Painted Hall was the Naval Colleges mess hall. My guide book described it as "arguably England's finest secular interior" and you cannot fathom how beautiful it is. This picture is of the center ceiling painting and it is huge.

The entire interior is painted except for the floor. There are mirroed rolling carts you can use to roll around and look into so you don't have to crane your neck. A brilliant idea.



There is also a chapel - of course - and it is very beautiful, too. According to the brochure, it remains pretty much how it was when first constructed in 1789. It is full of light and is an active Anglican church.


My real goal was the Royal Observatory and the Meridian line. The observatory is on top of a rather steep hill in a wonderful and popular park. So here is another flattering picture of me at the official clock outside the observatory.