Story behind the photo - London (Greenwich)

Short and sweet today - this is a photo of yours truly with one foot on either side of the Prime Meridian (zero degrees longitude) at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich. Can't put it any simpler than that.

Story behind the photo - London (Imperial War Museum and Cabinet War Rooms/Churchill Museum)

The Imperial War Museum is a collection of 5 museums, which are focused on remembering and learning from war. They cover conflicts from WWI right up to the present day. Having been to the main branch of the museum in London - which is where this photo is taken - a couple of times now, I can thoroughly recommend a visit. Personally, I've found the exhibitions to be both interesting and thought-provoking, and in no way 'glorifying' war. For me, the main branch of the museum is a great place to spend a few hours - maybe even the whole day. The main branch of the Imperial War Museum is free, apart from one temporary exhibition (which is clearly signed), so it is great for those watching their pennies when travelling. (the other three branches of the museum that I've visited - 2 in London and 1 in Duxford - have an entrance charge).

For more information about the Imperial War Museum, visit their website here

Story behind the photo - Ely

Ely, a small town a couple of stops up the train line from Cambridge, is another one of those places I would imagine is not on many 'must see' lists. My main motivation for visiting was to check out the cathedral, and I'm glad I did. It was a beautiful place, and is where this photo is taken. You can take tours up onto the roof of the cathedral, and this photo was snapped partway through the tour, looking down on the inside of the church. Looking at the photo now, I'm glad I've got a pretty good head for heights...

Remembrance Day

 In Flanders fields the poppies blow
 Between the crosses, row on row,
 That mark our place; and in the sky
 The larks, still bravely singing, fly
 Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields

John McCrae

(poem text here. photo taken in Turkey, April 2011)

Story behind the photo - London (New Years Day Parade)

Before moving to the UK, I had never heard of the annual parade in London on New Year's Day. When I was planning what I should do for my first New Year's here, I thought going to the parade sounded like a good idea. And it was. Except for a couple of factors: wanting to get a good position, I arrived about an hour before the parade started. What I didn't know, was that the parade was the best part of 3 hours long. Three hours standing in the same position, with buildings all around (therefore not much sun got in) = one cold girlfromoz by the time the parade was over. Secondly: being at the parade by myself meant I couldn't go and get food/drink/go to the toilet without losing my place. Thirdly: at the time, I only had one battery for my camera, and ran out of charge about three quarters of the way through. (I bought another battery not long after, but I still haven't learnt my lesson ). Despite all this, the parade was an interesting experience, and very colourful. This photo is of one of the many marching bands that took part. As someone who has played a musical instrument, I admire this band playing without any music - certainly not a skill I've ever managed to master.