Vigil at Westminster Cathedral

Last night thousands of kiwis and friends held a vigil at Westminster Cathedral. A cold evening didn't deter those who couldn't fit into the Cathedral and filled the square outside to listen to stories of friends and family back home. New Zealand's biggest natural disaster ever. It will take 15 years to rebuild this once beautiful historic city.
Letters were read out from those who have lost everything but remain positive and help one another.
A Maori choir sang How great they are and Haley Westenra sang the NZ National Anthem bringing tears to the eyes of every kiwi.

Overseeing the Painter

Painting for the tourists under the watchful eye of George Canning.
Canning held several political posts, including that of Foreign Secretary, Treasurer of the Navy and a mere four months after becoming Prime Minister died. (1827).
He played an important role in the war against France. He promised to send more troops to Lord Wellington, however the secretary of war Lord Castlereagh overturned his decision to send the troops to Portugal, sending them to Holland instead.
A bitter argument ensued resulting in Canning being shot in the thigh by Castlereagh.

Haven from Oxford St

You're in the middle of Oxford St with bruised shoulders and sore feet with only half your shopping done. A coffee is now essential to your well being. Oh no and now it's raining!

Phew St Christopher's Place is like a haven a few steps away. Coffee, recharged, time to take a couple of pictures. I forgot how pretty it is here.

Crossing

Crossing the road at Langham Place. On the left is BBC Broadcasting House and on the right All Souls Church.

Continuing Student Protests

Yesterday was the controversial vote in Westminster that passed an increase in students fees.

Tribute to the Animals

Along Park Lane this monument, a tribute to animals who died in 2oth century wars, was unveiled by Princess Anne in 2004.

The Nazi Dog

The tombstone, bearing the inscription Giro: ein treuer Begleiter! (Giro: a true companion!) is reported to be the pet dog of Dr Leopold Hoesch, the German ambassador from 1932 until his untimely death in 1936.

The grave stands outside the former German embassy not far from Downing St.

Sunday Bridges - Birds Eye View of Westminster

A view of Westminster Bridge from Hungerford Bridge.

Courtesy of host Louis La Vache visit other Sunday Bridges.

Westminster School

The Royal College of St Peter usually referred to as Westminster College has been here (in the grounds of Westminster Abbey) since the 12th century.
With a role of 750 this is one of the most prestigious and expensive schools in the UK, costing nearly £10,000 a term for a boarder. Apparently this pays off as the school has the highest Oxbridge entry rate, at 49.9% between 2002 - 2007.

Sunday Bridges - Stroll over Westminster

Westminster Bridge, the oldest in London, with its Gothic arches was opened in 1862. At the time it was badly needed to help relieve the badly congested routes of the Strand and Oxford Streets from London Bridge.

The green paint work of the bridge is the same colour as the leather seats in the house of commons.

Other Sunday Bridges can be seen courtesay of host Louis La Vache.