Madrid Tennis Open

Am visiting Madrid for a few days and today went to the Madrid Tennis Open. Saw some amazing games on the new blue clay courts.  This is court number 2 where I saw Dogopolov beat Tsonga. Del Potro defeat Ciric but the most exciting game was the one between the 2 spaniards that was so close with David Ferrer beating Nico Almagro  by 8:6 in a tie break.



It was very hot today so they frequently hosed down the cour.t

Del Potro in action

This is the first time I have used my new netbook  whilst abroad. Seems to take me a little while longer to write anything but hopefully I'll get the hang of it soon.



Cross Bones Graveyard

I was walking through some of the back streets in the borough of Southwark near London Bridge when I came across a riot of coloured ribbons, flowers, baubles etc attached to some railings. On closer inspection I found this plaque amidst the ribbons: 

I had never heard of this graveyard so researched it when I got home. Apparently 'Winchester Geese' was the name for prostitutes in this area during the medieval times as the Bishop of Winchester ran licensed houses for the 'Geese'. On their death they were buried on this piece of land and then during Victorian times it became a burial ground for paupers, which then closed in 1853. Although a valuable piece of land locals have resisted all attempts at the purchase of the land for redevelopment.

Protecting the Olympics.

Yesterday the peace of a Saturday afternoon was disturbed by the sound of Typhoon fighter jets flying over London. This is a an unusual sound over the city as we are more familiar with jumbo jets going overhead. It is all part of the security measures which are being put in place for the Olympics.

HMS Ocean, a Royal Navy helicopter carrier is now docked in the Thames at Greenwich. It is quite a sight to see such a ship in the middle of the Thames. There are even ground to air missiles stationed around the capital as a deterrent  against the possibility of an air attack during the Games. What a sad time we live in!

Hay's Galleria

Built in the 1850s, the original Hay's Wharf took deliveries from ships from all over the world. Nowadays, the huge glass and steel barrel-vaulted roof that covers the old dock gives the Galleria a unique atmosphere.

In the evening the Galleria looks really beautiful with thousands of fairy lights lighting the tall iron structures.

In the middle of the Galleria is a giant  sculpture called 'Navigators' specially commissioned from David Kemp. This 60ft high sculpture, weighing 14 tons, is a mixture of moving parts, water jets and fountains.

Fortnum and Mason

Fortnum and Mason is a department store on Piccadilly. It was founded in 1707 and is a unique, upmarket store. On the front of the building is the clock which chimes every 15 mins, but you need to be there on the hour to see Mr Fortnum and Mr Mason appear.

Their window displays are Christmas are some of the best in London. It is also famous for their hampers which started in Victorian times as a picnic hamper for the Great Exhibition. Now they are available all the year round and are famous around the world.

The store used to supply food and provisions for explorers on their major expeditions. Champagne and tins of quail in foie gras were shipped out to the men making their first attempt to climb Mount Everest!

 



Gurkha memorial

The first regiment of the Gurkhas was formed in Nepal in 1815. They have always been loyal to the British and in 1857 fought alongside British troops during the Indian Mutiny in the battle for Delhi. Since then they have been an intregal part of the British Army having fought beside them in many battles. This memorial to them and their bravery was unveiled by Queen Elizabeth II on 3rd Sept 1997 . It stands in Horse Guards Ave just off Whitehall. 

The inscription reads:

'Bravest of the brave

 Most generous of the generous

Never had country

More faithful friends than you.'

Dunham Massey

I am in Manchester visiting Mum and as the weather was beautiful today we went to Dunham Massey Park in Cheshire.

Mum really enjoyed the outing. She is 91 and is able to walk with the aid of a frame but enjoys being pushed around when we go for longer walks.

A pure white daffodil

A blue poppy

A moorhen with 2 baby chicks which looked about 1 day old.