#London's royal albert docks

[themacpsych]

[aimeedaisies]

The Princess Royal’s Official Engagements in November 2023

01/11 Princess Anne, the Duke of Edinburgh and the Duke & Duchess of Gloucester attended the Senior Serving and Retired Officers’ Briefing at the Army and Navy Club on Pall Mall in London. 🪖💼

As Chancellor of Harper Adams University, attended the launch of the University’s Strategic Plan at London Bridge Arches. 🎓

With Sir Tim As Royal Bencher of the Honourable Society of the Inner Temple, attended the Grand Day Choral Evensong Service at Temple Church in London. 🎶

With Sir Tim As Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Engineers, attended a Dinner to mark their 40th Anniversary at Mansion House in London. ⚙️

02/11 Held two investiture ceremonies at Buckingham Palace. 🎖️

03/11 As Patron of the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux, visited Citizens Advice Malvern Hills in Malvern, Worcestershire. 👩‍⚖️

Opened the Specialist Operations Centre at the Gloucestershire Constabulary and Office of Police and Crime Commissioner in Cheltenham. 👮‍♀️

07/11 Alongside King Charles & Queen Camilla, Princess Anne in her role as Gold Stick in Waiting, was present at the State Opening of Parliament. 👩‍⚖️🪶

Opened the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage and the McDonald Road Community Fire and Ambulance Station in Edinburgh. 👨‍🚒

The Princess Royal, As Patron of the Eric Liddell 100, attended the inaugural Lecture and Reception on board Fingal, Alexandra Dock, in Edinburgh. 🏃🏽🥂

Unofficial Sir Tim attended the memorial service for former university friend and newsreader George Alagiah at St-Martin-in-the-Fields church in London 🎓🕊️

08/11 As Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, presented Royal Medals and attended a Reception at the Royal Society of Edinburgh. 🏅

As Patron of Catch22, attended the National Leaving Care Benchmarking Forum in Birmingham ✍️

As Patron of the Wooden Spoon Society, attended a Reception at the House of Lords in London. 🥄🏉🥂

As Court Member of the Fishmongers’ Company, attended a Livery Dinner at Fishmongers’ Hall in London. 🐟🍽️

09/11 As President of World Horse Welfare, attended the Annual Conference at the Royal Geographical Society. 🐴

As Patron of the Butler Trust, visited HM Prison Wandsworth in London. 🚓👮‍♂️

As Patron of the Whitley Fund for Nature, held a 30th Anniversary Dinner at St James's Palace. 🦋🍃

10/11 The Princess Royal, As President of Royal Yachting Association, chaired the Annual General Meeting and presented Awards before attending a Luncheon in London SW1. 🛥️

Unofficial Announcement that Princess Anne will take over Presidency of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, taking over from the Duke of Kent who Presided over the Commission since 1970 🌹🪦

~ Remembrance weekend ~

11/11 With Sir Tim Attended the Armistice Day Service of Remembrance at the National Memorial Arboretum. 🌳 🫡

With Sir Tim Attended the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall with members of the royal family. 🌹

12/11 With Sir Tim Attended the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in London. Princess Anne laid a wreath whilst Sir Tim stood on the Foreign & Commonwealth Office balcony. 🌹

With Sir Tim Took the salute at the March Past of Ex-Servicemen and Civilian Organisations on Horse Guards Parade, London SWI. 🫡

~ End ~

14/11 As Patron of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (UK), attended the 10th Anniversary Transport and Logistics Safety Forum Conference at the National Memorial Arboretum. 🚚

Visited the new Institute of Shipbuilding course at City of Glasgow College Riverside Campus in Glasgow. ⚓️

As Patron of the Royal Celtic Society, attended a Reception at Glasgow City Chambers. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Attended Interfaith Glasgow’s Scottish Interfaith Week Forum at Glasgow City Chambers. ☪️✡️✝️🕉️🪯

Unofficial Sir Tim attended a Kent Cricket celebration dinner at Lords Cricket Ground 🏏

15/11 Visited BAE Systems Submarines' Submarine Academy and the University of Cumbria. 🤿 👨‍🎓

Visited the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority in Barrow-in-Furness. ☢️

As Patron of the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux, visited the Barrow-in-Furness branch to mark its reopening. 🤝

As Patron of the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, attended a Dinner at St George's Hall, to mark its 125th anniversary. 🦜💊

16/11 As Vice Patron of the British Horse Society, attended a Coaching Career Insight Day.

As Patron of the Butler Trust, visited HM Prison Drake Hall.

As Patron of Transaid, attended a Reception at London Transport Museum.

17/11 Not Counted Departed Heathrow Airport for Gibraltar but was diverted to Madrid, Spain and arrived in Gibraltar later than intended. ✈️🇪🇸🇬🇮

With Sir Tim As Royal Patron of the Gibraltar International Literary Festival, attended the Literary Festival Opening Dinner at the Sunborn Hotel. 📚🍽️

18/11 In Gibraltar Princess Anne;

As Patron of the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux, visited Gibraltar Citizens Advice Bureau to mark its 20th anniversary. 👩‍⚖️

Opened the renovated premises of the Royal Gibraltar Regiment Association. 🫡

Met representatives of the Emergency Services and members of the Armed Forces at the Convent. 🚑🪖

With Sir Tim visited specialist vehicles provider Bassadone Automotive Group. 🚗

Unofficial Sir Tim visited the Royal Navy Gibraltar Squadron, 🇬🇮⚓️

21/11 As Master of the Corporation of Trinity House, presented Merchant Navy medals for Meritorious Service at Trinity House, London. 🏅

With Sir Tim Attended the State Banquet in honour of the President and First Lady of South Korea. 🇬🇧🇰🇷🍽️

22/11 Visited Retrotec Limited near Northiam, East Sussex. ✈️

Visited Focus SB Limited in St Leonards-on-Sea. ⚙️

As Commandant-in-Chief of St John Ambulance (Youth), attended a Reception for Young Achievers at the Priory Church of the Order of St John in London. 🚑

As Chancellor of the University of London, attended Foundation Day at Senate House in London 🎓

23/11 As Commodore-in-Chief of Portsmouth Naval Base, opened Alford Schools of Military Music. 🎶

Attended a Luncheon at Spithead House, HM Naval Base, Portsmouth, for The Princess Royal's Patronages based in Hampshire. ⚓️

As President of the City and Guilds of London Institute, presented The Princess Royal Training Awards at St James's Palace. 🏆

With Sir Tim As President of the British Olympic Association, attended the Team GB Ball at the Savoy Hotel. 🏋️‍♀️

24/11 As Royal Patron of the London Scottish Football Club, attended the 10th Anniversary of the St Andrew's Day Luncheon at the Sheraton Grand London on Park Lane. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏉

28/11 Presented The Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Volunteering Awards at Fishmongers’ Hall in London. 🏆

As Chancellor of the University College of Osteopathy, attended a Graduation Ceremony. 🎓

As Royal Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, attended a New Fellows’ Dinner. ⚙️🍽️

29/11 The Princess Royal, As Royal Patron of the National Coastwatch Institution, visited Canvey Island Station and attended a Reception at the Island Yacht Club. 🔎🏝️

Opened Huntingdon Fire Station and Service Training Centre. 🚒

Opened North Cambridgeshire Training Centre. 💼

As Honorary Member of the Smeatonian Society of Civil Engineers, attended the Annual General Meeting and Discussion Dinner. 👷🍴

30/11 As Patron of the Not Forgotten Association, held the Christmas Reception at St James’s Palace. 🎄🎅🏻🎁

Total official engagements for Anne in October: 58

2023 total so far: 458

Total official engagements accompanied by Tim in October: 11

2023 total so far: 92

[stephensmithuk]

The Cardboard Box

This was originally published in 1893. It was however pulled from Memoirs apparently at Doyle's request, originally appearing in just the first US edition and did not reappear until much later in His Last Bow.

Croydon is a large town less than ten miles south of Charing Cross. Historically part of Surrey and a borough in its own right in 1889, it was incorporated in Greater London in 1965.

It would later be home to the UK's sole international airport in the interwar years, which closed in 1959. The terminal building survives and there is a museum on site.

Croydon is today a major transport hub, home to the only tram network in Southern England, which was opened in 2000 using a combination of old railway lines and new street tracks. East Croydon is the main station on the London to Brighton Line, with fast electric trains to Victoria.

It has a theatre - no Shakespeare currently on though, sadly.

Croydon was within the Metropolitan Police District, so Lestrade is within this jurisdiction.

ACD would later run for Parliament as a Liberal Unionist, parting company from the Liberal Party because of his opposition to Irish Home Rule.

Wallington is also now in London and was already its own parish at this time.

The temperance movement was pretty big across the Protestant world by this point. Britain never went as far as the US in prohibition though - despite strong support in the Liberal Party, the Conservatives were resolutely opposed and the best they could do was high taxation, along with regulated opening hours that were introduced when the First World War began.

We get Lestrade's first initial - G.

Foolscap is an 8x13-inch sized paper that was commonly used in Europe and the British Commonwealth before A4 took over.

Shadwell is an area in the East End of London, on the river and then part of the docks.

The Albert Dock is probably the Royal Albert Dock. This closed in 1981 and an attempt to turn the area into a business park in 2013 has just resulted in an area that is good for filming zombie movies: https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2022/jul/20/empty-promise-the-fantasy-city-within-a-city-that-turned-into-a-ghost-town

[projectourworld]

London, UK

A 2.5-tonne block of ice, suspended over the Royal Albert Dock in east London, forms the stage for Thaw, an Australian physical theatre production at the Greenwich+Docklands international festival. Performed over eight hours, the production sends an urgent call over climate action

Photograph: David Levene/The Guardian

[xtruss]

Ships that stopped at Whitby Harbor (Seen here circa 1880) inspired Bram Stoker as he wrote Dracula. Photograph By Frank Meadow Sutcliffe, The Royal Photographic Society Collection/Victoria and Albert Museum, London/Getty Images

The Little-Known Shipwreck That Inspired Bram Stoker’s ‘Dracula’

Stoker was moved by grim details from the world around him while penning his horror masterpiece. The real fate of a ship called the Dmitry played an outsized role in his imaginings.

— By Melissa Sartore | August 18, 2023

The arrival of the Demeter in Bram Stoker's Dracula serves as a fundamental part of the titular character's story: the ship brings death himself to England.

Stoker drew inspiration for his genre-defining horror novel from his time in Whitby, and the dark 1885 fate of the real ship Dmitry on the town’s shore.

The death and tragedy around Stoker ultimately shaped the story that became one of the most famous pieces of English literature and set the stage for the next century of vampire lore.

The wreck of the Dmitry from Narva, now Estonia, aground on Tate Hill Beach in 1885, Whitby, Yorkshire, UK. Photograph By Frank Meadow Sutcliffe, Colin Waters/Alamy Stock Photo

The Dmitry Becomes the Demeter

During the summer of 1890, Irish novelist Bram Stoker vacationed at the seaside town of Whitby in northeast England. Despite spending only a month in the town, Stoker was enthralled by his surroundings: Grand Mansions and Hotels lined the West Cliff while remains of the seventh century Whitby Abbey towered over the East Cliff. Nearby, the cemetery at the Parish Church also served as inspiration as the story of Dracula came to life.

Stoker was also enchanted by the many ships making harbor here. He reportedly visited the Whitby Museum to explore the history of these vessels, as well as a local library, where he came upon William Wilkinson’s book The Accounts of Principalities of Wallachia and Moldova. Stoker marked in his notes:

DRACULA in the Wallachian language means DEVIL. The Wallachians were, at that time, as they are at present, used to give this as a surname to any person who rendered himself conspicuous either by courage, cruel actions, or cunning.

Stoker reportedly asked around the shore about shipwrecks in Whitby, notably the Dmitry, a ship that had wrecked five years earlier.

The cargo vessel Dmitry had set sail from Narva in Russia (modern-day Estonia) in 1885. On October 24, the Dmitry was one of two ships run ashore at Whitby by “a storm of great violence,” according to contemporary newspaper accounts. The other vessel, the Mary and Agnes, was stranded in the raging sea and a lifeboat was sent to rescue its crew. When the crew of the Mary and Agnes was ferried to the shore, per the Leeds Mercury, “their safe landing [was] the signal for loud huzzas by the thousands of people assembled on shore.”

Those same onlookers watched on to see what would happen with the Dmitry. As reported by the North-Eastern Daily Gazette, the crew remained on board in the hopes they would be able to dock, but “the sea beat savagely against the vessel. Her masts gave way and fell with a crash over her side, and the vessel herself began to break up.”

Though unclear exactly how they were rescued, in the end, all seven members of the Dmitry’s crew were safely brought to shore.

There were several unique aspects to the last voyage of the Dmitry that appear to have stood out to Stoker. The Demeter originated in Varna (an anagram for Narva, where the Dmitry originated), and similarly carried “ballast of silver sand, with only a small amount of cargo—a number of great wooden boxes filled with mould.”

Through conversations with fishermen in Whitby, Stoker learned of an untold number of local deaths at sea. Stoker reportedly made note of some 90 names from gravestones in Whitby for future use in his story, including the surname “Swales.” Soon after the arrival of the Demeter in Dracula, he wrote “Mr. Swales was found dead… his neck being broken.”

What Inspired Dracula’s Canine Form?

In Stoker’s novel, Dracula himself took the form of a dog to make his way from the Demeter to dry land, but there was no dog reported to have been on the Dmitry. According to Mel Ni Mhaolanfaidh and Marlon McGarry in 2021, the dog in Dracula may be an homage to the wreck of the Greyhound in 1770.

The Greyhound sailed from Whitby and sank off the coast of Ireland on December 12, 1770 (120 years prior to Stoker’s arrival in the town). Stoker’s mother, Charlotte, was from Sligo, a town in close proximity to the wreck. When the storm that sank the ship surged again, a young cabin boy was left stranded. The rescue effort failed, with only one out of the some 20 men sent to save him tragically dying in the process.

Stoker made no reference to a dog in his notes until two months after he’d departed from Whitby. On October 15, 1890, Stoker wrote, “When ship ran in to Collier's Hope, big dog jumped off bow & ran over pier - up Kiln Yard & church steps & into churchyard…Local dog found ripped open & graves torn up…” It’s not clear if Stoker learned of these details from the Dmitry wreck, another Whitby wreck, or was his own creation.

In the novel, the arrival of the Demeter was paired with a similarly remarkable incident: “The very instant the shore was touched, an immense dog sprang up on deck from below, as if shot up by the concussion, and running forward, jumped from the bow on the sand.”

The dog, a disguised Dracula, wrought bloodshed and death from that point forward. This dog resembled the barghest, a mythical monster often associated with Yorkshire. Spellings and specific forms of barghest vary but the dog-like being foretold of pain, disaster, or even death to all who saw it. The barghest also elicited howling from dogs in its vicinity, something Dracula protagonist Mina Murray reported took place soon after the arrival of the Demeter.

[travellhq]

10 Fun Cities in England to Visit

England is renowned for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or just looking for a good time, there's a city in England that caters to your interests. Here are ten fun cities in England that you should consider visiting.

1. London

As the capital city, London is an obvious choice for anyone visiting England. It's a bustling metropolis that offers something for everyone. Visit iconic landmarks like the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and the British Museum. Enjoy world-class shopping on Oxford Street, catch a show in the West End, and explore the diverse culinary scene.

2. Manchester

Manchester is known for its rich industrial heritage and vibrant cultural scene. It's a city of music lovers, with a legendary music history that includes bands like The Smiths and Oasis. Visit the Manchester Museum, explore the trendy Northern Quarter, and catch a game at Old Trafford if you’re a football fan.

3. Liverpool

Home of The Beatles, Liverpool is a city with a lively music and arts scene. Visit The Beatles Story museum, explore the historic Albert Dock, and check out the impressive Liverpool Cathedral. The city's waterfront, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a great place to soak up some culture and enjoy the views.

4. Bristol

Bristol is a city that blends history with a modern, creative edge. It’s known for its vibrant street art scene, including works by the infamous Banksy. Visit the Clifton Suspension Bridge, explore the SS Great Britain, and enjoy the lively harbor area with its restaurants and bars.

5. Bath

Bath is famed for its stunning Georgian architecture and Roman baths. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers a range of activities. Visit the Roman Baths, relax at the Thermae Bath Spa, and admire the beautiful Bath Abbey. The city's picturesque streets are perfect for a leisurely stroll.

6. Brighton

Brighton is a seaside city known for its bohemian vibe and vibrant nightlife. Visit the iconic Brighton Pier, explore the quirky shops in The Lanes, and relax on the pebble beach. The Royal Pavilion, with its exotic architecture, is a must-see. Brighton is also famous for its LGBTQ+ friendly atmosphere.

7. York

York is a city steeped in history, with its roots tracing back to Roman times. Walk along the medieval city walls, visit the impressive York Minster, and explore the narrow streets of The Shambles. The Jorvik Viking Centre offers a fascinating glimpse into the city's Viking heritage.

8. Cambridge

Home to one of the world's most prestigious universities, Cambridge is a city of stunning architecture and academic prestige. Visit the beautiful college buildings, go punting on the River Cam, and explore the Fitzwilliam Museum. The city's gardens and green spaces provide a relaxing atmosphere.

9. Oxford

Like Cambridge, Oxford is known for its historic university and beautiful architecture. Visit the Bodleian Library, explore the Ashmolean Museum, and take a walk around the historic colleges. The city's vibrant student population ensures a lively cultural scene with plenty of events and activities.

10. Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle is a city known for its friendly locals and vibrant nightlife. Visit the iconic Tyne Bridge, explore the historic Grainger Town, and check out the modern architecture at the Quayside. The city's numerous bars, clubs, and restaurants make it a great place for a night out.

Each of these cities offers a unique experience, blending history, culture, and modern attractions. Whether you’re exploring ancient landmarks, enjoying vibrant nightlife, or simply soaking up the local atmosphere, England's cities promise an unforgettable adventure.

[roomchailimited]

Your Ultimate Guide for Traveling from Dhaka to the UK

Embarking on a journey from Dhaka to the UK is an exciting adventure filled with historical landmarks, diverse cultures, and countless attractions. This guide will help you navigate every aspect of your trip, from visas to must-see destinations.

Visa Requirements

Types of Visas Travelers from Bangladesh need a visa to enter the UK. Common options include the Standard Visitor Visa and the Short-term Study Visa.

Application Process: Complete your application online via the UK government website.

Documents Needed: Passport, financial statements, travel itinerary, and possibly a letter of invitation.

Processing Time: Generally around 3 weeks, so plan ahead.

Best Time to Visit

Seasons and Weather

Spring (March-May): Mild and pleasant, perfect for sightseeing.

Summer (June-August): Warm with many festivals and outdoor events.

Autumn (September-November): Cooler temperatures and beautiful autumn leaves.

Winter (December-February): Cold, with festive Christmas markets and potential snow.

Flights and Transportation

Booking Your Flight Several airlines offer flights from Dhaka to UK cities like London and Manchester. Popular choices include British Airways, Emirates, and Qatar Airways. The flight typically takes around 12-14 hours including layovers.

Tips for Booking: Book early and use comparison sites to find the best deals.

Getting Around the UK

Trains: Efficient and fast for travel between major cities.

Buses and Coaches: Affordable options with extensive networks.

Car Rentals: Ideal for exploring rural areas and having more travel flexibility.

Top Attractions

Must-See Places

London: Big Ben, the British Museum, Buckingham Palace.

Edinburgh: Edinburgh Castle, Arthur’s Seat, Royal Mile.

Manchester: Science and Industry Museum, Manchester Cathedral.

Liverpool: The Beatles Story, Albert Dock, Liverpool Cathedral.

Cultural Experiences

Rich Heritage

Historical Sites: Stonehenge, Bath, and Tower of London are must-visit UNESCO sites.

Museums: Many are free, including the British Museum and the National Gallery.

Theatre and Music: Catch a West End show in London or enjoy music festivals like Glastonbury.

Dining and Culinary Experiences

Food to Try

Traditional: Fish and chips, Sunday roasts, and Cornish pasties.

Afternoon Tea: A quintessential British experience with scones, sandwiches, and tea.

Fine Dining: Michelin-starred restaurants like The Fat Duck offer world-class dining.

Shopping and Entertainment

Where to Shop

London: Oxford Street, Regent Street, Harrods.

Edinburgh: Princes Street for high-end shops and boutiques.

Outlet Malls: Bicester Village for designer deals.

Entertainment Options

Theatre: West End productions in London.

Sports: Premier League matches, Wimbledon, British Grand Prix.

Festivals: Notting Hill Carnival, Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Travel Agencies and Tour Operators

Top Agencies

Roomchai Limited: Known for tailored travel packages and exceptional service.

Gozayaan: Comprehensive travel solutions with great customer service.

Obokash: Travel arrangements and visa assistance.

Sharetrip: Variety of travel packages and flight bookings.

FlyHub: Competitive pricing and extensive services.

Travelzoo Bangladesh: Deals on flights, hotels, and tour packages.

Travel Tips and Safety Precautions

Staying Safe

Laws and Customs: Respect local laws and cultural norms.

Health and Safety: Keep emergency contacts handy, and stay aware of your surroundings.

Transport Safety: Use reputable services and stay vigilant in crowded areas.

Conclusion

A trip from Dhaka to the UK offers an enriching blend of history, culture, and modern attractions. With careful planning and the support of reliable travel agencies like Roomchai Limited and Gozayaan, your journey will be seamless and memorable. From exploring London’s iconic landmarks to discovering Scotland’s natural beauty, the UK is a destination that promises a unique and unforgettable travel experience.

[influencermagazineuk]

Liverpool to Transform into Taylor Town to Welcome Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift at the MTV Video Music Awards / iHeartRadioCA, CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons Liverpool, renowned for its vibrant musical celebrations, is set to elevate its reputation by transforming into “Taylor Town” to honor Taylor Swift and her legion of fans during her three-day run of sold-out shows in June. Following its successful hosting of Eurovision in 2023, the city aims to celebrate Swift’s visit with a series of events and installations between June 8 and 16. Swift will be performing at Anfield Stadium from June 13 as part of her global record-breaking Eras tour. To mark this occasion, Liverpool ONE, Royal Albert Dock Liverpool, and the Metquarter will feature unique art installations representing each of Swift’s 11 albums. Curated by the city council’s Culture Liverpool team in collaboration with social enterprise Make CIC, these installations will include: - A moss-covered grand piano representing the evermore era. - A “red room” symbolizing the Red era. - Giant hearts depicting the Lover era. These installations form the Taylor Town Trail, encouraging fans to explore the city while engaging with Swift-inspired art. In addition to the art trail, Liverpool will host a series of ticketed craft workshops under the banner "Liverpool Loves Taylor (Craft Version)" at the Metquarter. These workshops will allow participants to: - Create origami pieces for an installation. - Transform T-shirts in a session called "Swif-tee Transformation." - Upcycle denim and make collages. - Decorate cupcakes, all inspired by Swift’s music and style. The University of Liverpool is organizing "Tay Day," an academic conference on June 12 to "debate and deconstruct" Swift’s work. This symposium, led by the university’s Institute of Popular Music, will bring together fans, students, and academics to discuss Swift’s impact on culture, feminism, and music. Topics will range from her role as "Miss Americana" to her persona as an "anti-hero." The conference will conclude with a session of "Critical Karaoke," where researchers present one-song essays on their chosen Swift tracks. Dr. Sam Murray and Dr. Amy Skjerseth, organizers from the Institute, highlighted Swift’s significant cultural and economic influence, stating, "The musical, social, and economic impact of Taylor Swift is undeniable. We look forward to exploring her style, her wildest dreams, and discussing her reputation." Liverpool’s City Council, represented by Councillor Harry Doyle, has been monitoring the economic impact of Swift’s European tour on host cities, noting the substantial influx of fans and economic boost. The Eras tour, starting its UK leg in Edinburgh on June 7 before heading to Liverpool, Cardiff, and London, is expected to inject £997 million into the UK economy, as projected by the Barclays Swiftonomics report. This city-wide celebration of Taylor Swift underscores Liverpool's commitment to embracing and celebrating musical talent, promising an unforgettable experience for Swift’s fans and a significant economic boost for the city. Read the full article

[mysgprop-cstee]

英国伦敦. Riverscape @E16 London

Riverscape @E16 London

⭐Premier Waterfront Living in New Township of London⭐ Ballymore and Oxley has appointed JLL & Huttons Singapore to launch Riverscape, London’s stunning new Thames riverfront development for sale globally. Riverscape is set to be one of London’s greenest and best-connected riverside developments, perfectly located on the River Thames, between the 40 acre Royal Wharf estate and Lyle Park. Minutes from two Docklands Light Rail stations and a short walk to Crossrail, Riverscape has been designed with a forward-thinking ‘new age of living’ in mind; panoramic waterfront views and lush green open spaces combine to create a real sense of calm. √ 999-year Waterfront Mixed Development by Singapore listed developer Oxley & Ballymore, UK’s top developer √ 2min walk to West Silvertown DLR/tube station √ 10min walk to new Custom House Crossrail Station √ 12min tube to Canary Wharf CBD √ Rare luxurious facilities including 20,000sqft clubhouse with indoor pool, gym, yoga room, exclusive sky lounge √ Amenities include Starbucks, Sainsbury’s supermarket, sushi restaurant and other shops, cafes & restaurants ATTRACTIVE PRICE (BEFORE DISCOUNT) 1 bed (645 sqft) from £451,000 2 bed (853 sqft) from £611,000 3 bed (1049 sqft) from £762,500 https://youtu.be/AOzoghD46i8 https://youtu.be/I-N1aUQA0hw Riverscape at London (E16), UK “New waterfront Disctrict and Park Living in Eastern London” Riverscape is Ballymore and Oxley's latest joint venture, a new riverfront development in the heart of the Royal Docks, adjacent to the 40-acre Royal Wharf Estate. Riverscape is one of the capitals greenest and best-connected developments, located at the meeting point of the River Thames and Lyle Park, just a short walk to Crossrail. Riverscape will comprise ten residential blocks and 769 homes. First completions are scheduled for Q3 2023, with prices at Riverscape starting from £399,950 (approximately HKD4.27 million) for a one-bedroom apartment. Wide riverside promenades link the development to the Royal Wharf Estate, while the Royal Wharf Pier, which opened in 2019, will enable residents to catch the Uber by Thames Clippers from their doorstep.

The architecture, designed by Glenn Howells Architects, will set a new standard for sophisticated urban living, giving Riverscape its own distinct identity. Every apartment will have enviably large picture windows, which will perfectly frame the breath-taking river views. Green open spaces will be core to the development, with over 5,500 m2 of landscaping and 24 acres of parkland ‘book-end’ the development, with the historic Lyle Park at one end, and Thames Barrier Park at the other. Located just moments from Royal Albert Dock business district, Riverscape’s connectivity is exceptional, by road, rail, water or even air. Two DLR stations are just minutes away, with fast links to Canary Wharf, and reaching London City Airport in just 3 minutes.  The new Crossrail station opening at Custom House is also reachable in less than ten minutes walk , meaning residents can reach Heathrow Airport in just 41 minutes, and the West End in 15 minutes. 

Riverscape offers the best opportunity for investors to become part of the Royal Docks success story. Once the world’s largest enclosed dockland, Royal Docks has already established itself as London’s most ambitious regeneration area and its only Enterprise Zone. A further £8 billion is set to be invested in the area, delivering 25,000 new homes and 60,000 jobs over the coming years. At the end of this year, the nearby Crystal building will become home to the Mayor of London and the Greater London Authority, inevitably attracting further investment and business to the area. The ExCel global conference centre is set to expand by 12,000 sq. m., while the Elizabeth Line (Crossrail) is expected to open at Custom House, and £500m is being invested in neighbouring London City Airport to strengthen Royal Docks’ direct links to the city and expanding global flight routes. Residents at Riverscape will become part of the ready-made, family-focussed neighbourhood of the Royal Wharf estate, with its 10,000 residents and established community spirit.  There are a range of excellent education facilities for families. This includes the Royal Wharf Primary Academy school, which teaches 450 reception to year six pupils, and the Nest innovative day nursery school. The Nest encourages 6 months to 5 year olds in Newham to enjoy their learning, develop an inquisitive mindset, and become increasingly aware of the world around them. They will also be able to benefit from the existing amenities on the Royal Wharf Estate, such as a local GP, high street, dentist, pub, regular farmers market, and an active community centre which has become a real social ‘hub’ for the neighbourhood.

TypeDescriptionsProject NameRiverscape at London (E16)Developer NameOxley Holdings (Singapore), Ballymore (UK)LocationBradfield Road, London E16 2AXTenure of Land999-yearsExpected Date of Completion (T.O.P.)• The Leonard (8-storeys) - Q4 2023 • The Lyle (8-storeys) - Q4 2023 • The Deanston (16-storeys) - 11/2023 to 01/2024 • The Leslie (10-storeys) - 11/2023 to 01/2024 • The Forshaw (16-storeys) – Q4 2024 to Q1 2025Site areaApprox 37-acre (15 ha) with Royal WharfTotal No. of Units373 units in 3 phases. 5 buildings PHASE 1: BLOCK H – THE LYLE (8-storeys) BLOCK I – THE LEONARD (8-storeys) BLOCK J – THE DEANSTON (16-storeys) PHASE 2: BLOCK D – THE LESLIE (10-storeys) PHASE 3: BLOCK E – THE FORSHAW (16-storeys)Car Park Lotsapprox £30K per lot Updated Fact Sheet for Riverscape Riverscape builds on Ballymore and Oxley’s strong reputation and track record in creating exciting new neighbourhoods in east London.  John Mulryan, Group MD Ballymore, Ballymore comments: “We are delighted to be bringing this exceptional new development to the Royal Docks with Oxley.  Ballymore has always recognised the potential of east London, having successfully launched City Island, Royal Wharf, Wardian and Goodluck Hope. Riverscape sets a new benchmark for quality in this part of London.”

OXLEY HOLDINGS Oxley is a lifestyle property developer specializing in the development of quality residential, commercial and industrial projects at competitive prices. Headquartered in Singapore, Oxley’s developments cater to the growing needs of discerning home buyers who value quality living and a finer lifestyle, as well as small and medium enterprise owners looking to purchase their own premises. As a strong and dynamic company, Oxley has made its mark as a developer with a strong value proposition. The Group’s business model is centered on creating lifestyle-focused developments, in choice well-connected precincts, and developing quality apartment, office and retail units that allow for infinite experiences within finite spaces. Since its debut on the Singapore Exchange in October 2010, Oxley has launched a portfolio of 27 distinctive developments to strong market reception. Oxley is listed on the Main board of the Singapore Exchange and has a market capitalization of about $2 billion.

BALLYMORE GROUP Ballymore Group is an international property investment and development company, focused on large scale award winning developments across Europe. Ballymore’s developments have distinguished it as a leader in urban regeneration with an eye for design and innovation, with areas of business encompassing land and planning, architecture, design, sales, marketing and estate management. With permanent offices in London, Dublin and Eastern Europe, the Group continues to pioneer ever more ambitious mixed-use projects combining residential space, office, retail, hotels and leisure facilities. Ballymore distinguishes itself from many other developers with the breadth of its involvement, remaining fully committed to its buildings long after the last unit has been sold. Ballymore Group has become a leading presence in London’s development landscape, and has pioneered and executed many of the most high-profile riverside developments the city has seen in recent times.

Why London still the TOP Destination for Global Investors? - London is Top Financial Centrein the world. - Financial Reason : Rental Income, Capital Appreciation, Strong currency appreciation. - Strong housing demands in London - London being a safe haven in the region, similar likes Singapore in South East Asia. - Interest Rate at all time low. (Can be financed through local banks, i.e Singapore OCBC & UOB) - British pound at Historical low. Potential strong currency appreciation when Europe economic recovered. - Top World UNIVERSITIES for your kids are in UK!! - NO ABSD - DEFFERED PAYMENT Riverscale @London (E16) Project Highlights: - 999 Years Waterfront Living - Most exciting investment hotspot in East London - Developed by well-known Top Leading developers – Oxley Holdings (Listed Singapore) & Ballymore UK. - New Vibrant 24/7 Township - Cosy Nice Homes, Gym, School, Parks, Supermarket, Shops, Offices & Riverside Restaurants, Cafes & many more - Offer buyers not just a home, but also lifestyle & entertainment options at doorstep, which makes it a class above all other usual residential developments. - Good Upside Potential with many future biz developments & enhancements (e.g. Asian Biz Park, London City Apt etc) - Proximity to the upcoming London 3rd Business District – ABP - Next to Silvertown Quay – a £3.5bn massive redevelopment project that will create 20,000 jobs - Great Rental Yields - Quality of Design by Cleen Howells Architects.  - Stunning River/Park views - Excellent transport link/ connectivity to all parts of london via DLR Station at door step, Cross Rail (completion 2018), andLondon City Airport - Close proximity to TOP UNIVERSITIES! - High quality of fixtures, fittings & finishes. - Deferred Payment Scheme – Low Upfront Cash

Riverscape’s connectivity is exceptional, by road, rail, water, bicycle or even air. Two DLR stations, West Silvertown and Pontoon Dock, are just minutes away, with fast links to Canary Wharf, and reaching London City Airport in just 4 minutes.  The new Crossrail station opening at Custom House is also reachable in less than a ten minute walk, meaning residents can reach Heathrow Airport in just 44 minutes, and the West End in 20 minutes. The new riverboat terminal – the Royal Wharf Pier - will present a new and more comfortable way for residents to travel to many of the capital’s most visited destinations, including Canary Wharf in 23 minutes, London Bridge City in 38 minutes, Blackfriars in 45 minutes and Embankment in 52 minutes. 

The south-facing waterfront position of the development allows for uninterrupted views across the Thames, green parkland and the iconic Canary Wharf skyline.  The wide riverside promenades link the development to the Royal Wharf Estate and beyond, while the Royal Wharf Pier, which opened in 2019, will enable residents to catch the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers from their doorstep, allowing the river to become an integral part of their lifestyle.

Not only does Riverscape enjoy unrivalled access to two of London’s riverside parks, but lush green open spaces designed by Huw Morgan, will be at the very core of the development, with over 5,500 m2 of beautiful courtyards and walkways of green pines and ornamental Japanese and American maples. 24 acres of parkland ‘book-end’ the development, with the historic Lyle Park at one end, and Thames Barrier Park at the other, allowing residents to enjoy getting ‘back-to-nature'.  The contemporary lifestyle offering at Riverscape has been designed to meet modern-day requirements, with access to a 24-hour concierge service, dedicated estate management team and a bespoke App, with ‘lifestyle management’ at the touch of a button.  From the moment residents arrive, they will enjoy show-stopping lobbies with real wow factor, and have the use of The Sky Lounge, a private space on the top of the Deanston building. The Sky Lounge can be used by Riverscape residents as a co-working space or a private dining and events space, and will enjoy stunning panoramic views over the River Thames, Canary Wharf and beyond.  Residents will also get membership to The Clubhouse at Royal Wharf and take advantage of a wealth of facilities including a 25m swimming pool, hydrotherapy pool, sauna, jacuzzi, gym powered by Technogym’s latest equipment, and a wide array of ‘on-trend’ classes and fitness options.

PHASE 1: - BLOCK H – THE LYLE (8-storeys) - BLOCK I – THE LEONARD (8-storeys) - BLOCK J – THE DEANSTON (16-storeys) PHASE 2: - BLOCK D – THE LESLIE (10-storeys) PHASE 3: - BLOCK E – THE FORSHAW (16-storeys) The contemporary lifestyle offering at Riverscape has been designed to meet modern-day requirements, with access to a 24-hour concierge service, dedicated estate management team and a bespoke App, with ‘lifestyle management’ at the touch of a button.  From the moment residents arrive, they will enjoy show-stopping lobbies with real wow factor, and have the use of The Sky Lounge, a private space on the top of the Deanston building. The Sky Lounge can be used by Riverscape residents as a co-working space or a private dining and events space, and will enjoy stunning panoramic views over the River Thames, Canary Wharf and beyond.  Residents will also get membership to The Clubhouse at Royal Wharf and take advantage of a wealth of facilities including a 25m swimming pool, hydrotherapy pool, sauna, jacuzzi, gym powered by Technogym’s latest equipment, and a wide array of ‘on-trend’ classes and fitness options.

Unit Mixes 1 Bedroom 68 units 2 Bedrooms 104 units 3 Bedroom 77 units Carpark ~ £30K Per Lot.  Carpark Service Charge £393.03 per space per annum  Service Charge £5.50 psf per annum  Floor Plan & Virtual Tours: The buildings, designed by Glenn Howells Architects, will set a new architectural standard for sophisticated urban living, giving Riverscape its own distinct identity.  Apartment have enviably large picture windows, which will perfectly frame the breath-taking river views. Flexible day rooms provide additional living space to create a home office, playroom, art studio or dining area with stunning natural light, an inner- sanctuary within the apartment. The interiors, designed by Amos & Amos, have been inspired by the surrounding riverscape and parkland. Through the use of materials like bronze mirror, fluted glass, and weathered wood, the apartments have been designed to connect the living spaces with the nature surrounding Riverscape. The lobby has the same textured worn stone herringbone floor that is used for the park side pedestrian paths, and Amos has used ceramic zig zag styled tiles on the walls to play with the reflection of light. Buildings Plan

The Lyle Level Ground

The Lyle Level 1 to 8

The Lyle Level 1 to 8 Read the full article

[gokite]

UK's Top 6 Must-See Cities for First-Time Visitors

There are a number of must-see cities in the UK that provide a wide variety of experiences and attractions for first-time visitors. Every city has its own distinct charm and attraction, from the ancient streets of London to the enchanting beauty of Bath and the vibrant culture of Liverpool. These cities are ideal for seeing the most that the UK has to offer since they are rich in culture, history, and scenic beauty. The capital city, London, is a thriving metropolis renowned for its recognizable buildings, top-notch museums, and active cultural scene. In addition to experiencing the thrill of the West End theatrical area, tourists may see ancient palaces and take leisurely strolls along the river Thames. Scotland's capital, Edinburgh, is well-known for its breathtaking architecture, extensive history, and exciting festivals. Edinburgh's Old Town and beautiful New Town are designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and the city hosts the annual Edinburgh Festival Fringe, which draws tourists and performers from all over the world. Bath, in southwest England, is well-known for its natural hot springs, Georgian architecture, and Roman baths. In addition to exploring the city's ancient streets and Roman baths, tourists may unwind in the well-known thermal springs. These are only a handful of the UK's must-see cities, each with a distinctive history, culture, and scenic beauty to offer first-time visitors. These cities are bound to make an impact, whether you're strolling through the streets of London, admiring the vistas from Edinburgh Castle, or soaking up the culture in Bath.

Here are some of the UK's must-see cities for first-time visitors.

1. London: For first-time tourists, London, the capital city of the United Kingdom, is a must-see location. Famous sites in this vibrant city include the British Museum, Buckingham Palace, and the Tower of London. In addition to enjoying breathtaking views from the London Eye and seeing world-class entertainment in the West End, visitors can explore the city's rich history and culture. With its diversified culinary scene, lively neighbourhoods, and many attractions, London has something to offer everyone.

2. Edinburgh: For first-time visitors to the UK, Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland, is another must-see location. This ancient city is well-known for its breathtaking buildings, including the majestic Georgian New Town and the commanding Edinburgh Castle. In addition to hiking Arthur's Seat for panoramic views and taking in the city's thriving arts and cultural scene during the annual Edinburgh Festival Fringe, visitors may explore the Old Town's cobblestone alleyways. Edinburgh is certain to wow visitors with its captivating beauty, rich history, and vibrant vibe.

3. The bathroom: Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in southwest England, is well-known for its graceful Georgian architecture and natural hot springs. Explore the city's well-known sites, including Bath Abbey, the Royal Crescent, and the Roman Baths. The city also has quaint streets with boutique stores, quaint cafés, and historic pubs along them. For first-time visitors to the UK, Bath is a must-see location because of its fascinating history, breathtaking architecture, and soothing thermal springs.

4. Oxford: Southeast England's picturesque city of Oxford is home to the esteemed University of Oxford. Explore the university's famous colleges, such as Christ Church and Magdalen College, take a leisurely stroll down the scenic River Thames, and pay a visit to Europe's oldest library, the Bodleian Library. Oxford is the perfect place for anybody looking for a combination of history, culture, and scenic beauty because it also has lovely parks, gardens, and museums.

5. Liverpool: Liverpool is a dynamic city with a strong maritime history and cultural legacy that is situated in northwest England. Explore the well-known Albert Dock, which is home to the Tate Liverpool art gallery and the Beatles Story Museum, take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque shoreline, and pay a visit to the venerable Liverpool Cathedral. In addition, the city provides world-class shopping, a vibrant nightlife, and modern dining options, making it an ideal first-time tourist destination in the UK.

 6. Manchester: Manchester, a lively city in northwest England, is well-known for its rich cultural offerings, flourishing music scene, and industrial background. Famous sites, including the ancient Manchester Town Hall, the Manchester Museum, and the Manchester Art Gallery, are open for exploration by guests. Looking to experience the finest of British culture and creativity? The city is a must-see, with its vibrant districts, diverse food options, and top-notch entertainment venues.

  Conclusion

The United Kingdom's must-see cities offer a diverse range of experiences that are sure to captivate first-time visitors. From the bustling streets of London to the historic charm of Edinburgh and the cultural vibrancy of Liverpool, each city has its own unique allure. Exploring these cities provides a glimpse into the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of the UK, making for an unforgettable journey. For travelers from India, obtaining a UK visa from India, whether it's a UK visit visa from India or a UK tourist visa from India, opens the door to exploring these incredible cities and experiencing everything the UK has to offer. With carefully planned itineraries and expert guidance, travelers can immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of London, discover the ancient streets of Edinburgh, and explore the historic landmarks of Bath.

Whether you're wandering through the bustling markets of Manchester or soaking up the architectural beauty of Oxford, each city offers its own unique blend of history, culture, and charm. With its world-class museums, iconic landmarks, and lively festivals, the United Kingdom is a destination that promises to enchant and inspire travelers from around the world. So, pack your bags, apply for your UK visa from India, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure through these must-see cities of the UK. Also Read: Australia Visa from India

[msclaritea]

China now owns £143bn in UK assets, from nuclear power to pubs and schools | The Independent

Chinese investors have amassed nearly £134bn of assets in key UK industries ranging from energy companies and transport hubs to breweries and schools.

Nearly 200 British companies are either controlled by groups or individuals based in China and Hong Kong or count them as minority shareholders, according to an analysis of business data.

The list of investments drawn up by the Sunday Times includes Hinkley Point C nuclear power station, Heathrow Airport, Northumbrian Water, pub retailer Greene King and Superdrug.

It reveals that Chinese investors own nearly £57bn of shares in the UK's 100 biggest listed companies, dominated by a 49 per cent stake in HSBC worth £45bn. Investments valued at over £1bn have also been made in pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca, oil and gas firms Shell and BP and alcohol company Diageo.

Other investments include at least 17 independent schools, Lotus Cars, Barnsley, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester City football clubs, Cineworld and Odeon UCI cinemas, the QHotels group and the Skyscanner travel website.

Chinese companies have also invested heavily in property such as the £1.35bn "Walkie Talkie" building in central London and Royal Albert Dock in Liverpool, a 40 per cent share of which was bought by the state-owned investment firm CITIC in 2015.

Meanwhile the sovereign wealth fund China Investment Corporation (CIC) has built up a portfolio featuring a 10 per cent share in Heathrow Airport valued at £1.65bn, a 49 per cent share (£1.37bn) in oil and natural gas company Neptune Energy, a 9 per cent (£1.2bn) share in Thames Water and a 90 per cent share in logistics and warehouse firm Logicor (£9.7bn).

Serious concerns have been raised about the security implications of China's investment in UK assets, most notably in relation to Hinkley Point nuclear power station which is owned by French energy firm EDF.

In 2016 Theresa May's government briefly put the project on hold before attaching new conditions to the £18bn deal. Nick Timothy, one of the Ms May’s chief advisers, had warned that China “could use their role to build weaknesses into computer systems which will allow them to shut down Britain’s energy production at will”.

China General Nuclear Power holds a 33.5 per cent stake in the plant, which is owned by the French state-owned energy firm EDF.

Originally published in 2021

China is in trouble. I wonder how this will affect Britain. Certainly a lot of criminals did money laundering there.

[brookstonalmanac]

Events 6.30

296 – Pope Marcellinus begins his papacy. 763 – The Byzantine army of emperor Constantine V defeats the Bulgarian forces in the Battle of Anchialus. 1422 – Battle of Arbedo between the duke of Milan and the Swiss cantons. 1521 – Spanish forces defeat a combined French and Navarrese army at the Battle of Noáin during the Spanish conquest of Iberian Navarre. 1559 – King Henry II of France is mortally wounded in a jousting match against Gabriel, comte de Montgomery. 1598 – The Spanish held Castillo San Felipe del Morro in San Juan, Puerto Rico having been besieged for fifteen days, surrenders to an English force under Sir George Clifford, Earl of Cumberland. 1632 – The University of Tartu is founded. 1651 – The Deluge: Khmelnytsky Uprising: The Battle of Berestechko ends with a Polish victory. 1688 – The Immortal Seven issue the Invitation to William, which would culminate in the Glorious Revolution. 1703 – The Battle of Ekeren between a Dutch force and a French force. 1758 – Seven Years' War: Habsburg Austrian forces destroy a Prussian reinforcement and supply convoy in the Battle of Domstadtl, helping to expel Prussian King Frederick the Great from Moravia. 1794 – Northwest Indian War: Native American forces under Blue Jacket attack Fort Recovery. 1805 – Under An act to divide the Indiana Territory into two separate governments, adopted by the U.S. Congress on January 11, 1805, the Michigan Territory is organized. 1859 – French acrobat Charles Blondin crosses Niagara Falls on a tightrope. 1860 – The 1860 Oxford evolution debate at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History takes place. 1864 – U.S. President Abraham Lincoln grants Yosemite Valley to California for "public use, resort and recreation". 1882 – Charles J. Guiteau is hanged in Washington, D.C. for the assassination of U.S. President James Garfield. 1886 – The first transcontinental train trip across Canada departs from Montreal, Quebec. It arrives in Port Moody, British Columbia on July 4. 1892 – The Homestead Strike begins near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 1900 – A savage fire wrecked three steamships docked at a pier in Hoboken, New Jersey. Over 200 crew members and passengers are killed, and hundreds injured. 1905 – Albert Einstein sends the article On the Electrodynamics of Moving Bodies, in which he introduces special relativity, for publication in Annalen der Physik. 1906 – The United States Congress passes the Meat Inspection Act and Pure Food and Drug Act. 1908 – The Tunguska Event, the largest impact event on Earth in human recorded history, resulting in a massive explosion over Eastern Siberia. 1912 – The Regina Cyclone, Canada's deadliest tornado event, kills 28 people in Regina, Saskatchewan. 1916 – World War I: In "the day Sussex died", elements of the Royal Sussex Regiment take heavy casualties in the Battle of the Boar's Head at Richebourg-l'Avoué in France. 1921 – U.S. President Warren G. Harding appoints former President William Howard Taft as Chief Justice of the United States. 1922 – In Washington D.C., U.S. Secretary of State Charles Evans Hughes and Dominican Ambassador Francisco J. Peynado sign the Hughes–Peynado agreement, which ends the United States occupation of the Dominican Republic. 1934 – The Night of the Long Knives, Adolf Hitler's violent purge of his political rivals in Germany, takes place. 1936 – Emperor Haile Selassie of Abyssinia appeals for aid to the League of Nations against Italy's invasion of his country. 1937 – The world's first emergency telephone number, 999, is introduced in London. 1944 – World War II: The Battle of Cherbourg ends with the fall of the strategically valuable port to American forces. 1953 – The first Chevrolet Corvette rolls off the assembly line in Flint, Michigan. 1956 – A TWA Super Constellation and a United Airlines DC-7 collide above the Grand Canyon in Arizona and crash, killing all 128 on board both airliners. 1959 – A United States Air Force F-100 Super Sabre from Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, crashes into a nearby elementary school, killing 11 students plus six residents from the local neighborhood. 1960 – Belgian Congo gains independence as Republic of the Congo (Léopoldville). 1963 – Ciaculli bombing: a car bomb, intended for Mafia boss Salvatore Greco, kills seven police officers and military personnel near Palermo. 1966 – The National Organization for Women, the United States' largest feminist organization, is founded. 1968 – Pope Paul VI issues the Credo of the People of God. 1971 – The crew of the Soviet Soyuz 11 spacecraft are killed when their air supply escapes through a faulty valve. 1972 – The first leap second is added to the UTC time system. 1974 – The Baltimore municipal strike of 1974 begins. 1977 – The Southeast Asia Treaty Organization disbands. 1985 – Thirty-nine American hostages from the hijacked TWA Flight 847 are freed in Beirut after being held for 17 days. 1986 – The U.S. Supreme Court rules in Bowers v. Hardwick that states can outlaw homosexual acts between consenting adults. 1989 – A coup d'état in Sudan deposes the democratically elected government of Prime Minister Sadiq al-Mahdi and President Ahmed al-Mirghani. 1990 – East and West Germany merge their economies. 1994 – During a test flight of an Airbus A330-300 at Toulouse–Blagnac Airport, the aircraft crashes killing all seven people on board. 2007 – A Jeep Cherokee filled with propane canisters drives into the entrance of Glasgow Airport, Scotland in a failed terrorist attack. This was linked to the 2007 London car bombs that had taken place the day before. 2009 – Yemenia Flight 626, an Airbus A310-300, crashes into the Indian Ocean near Comoros, killing 152 of the 153 people on board. A 14-year-old girl named Bahia Bakari survives the crash. 2013 – Nineteen firefighters die controlling a wildfire near Yarnell, Arizona. 2013 – Protests begin around Egypt against President Mohamed Morsi and the ruling Freedom and Justice Party, leading to their overthrow during the 2013 Egyptian coup d'état. 2015 – A Hercules C-130 military aircraft with 113 people on board crashes in a residential area in Medan, Indonesia, resulting in at least 116 deaths. 2019 – Donald Trump becomes the first sitting US President to visit the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea). 2021 – The Tiger Fire ignites near Black Canyon City, Arizona, and goes on to burn 16,278 acres (6,587 ha) of land before being fully contained on July 30.

[absme]

shakoorphoto.com

The Royal Docks a spectacular finale celebration as the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race finish event take place next to Royal Albert Dock in Newham, England,

[eyesglistenedbythepast]

Ada Apa di Liverpool?

Disclaimer: I’m not a fan of football, there won’t be any visit to football shrines or historical place or stuff like that. But there will be a lot of weird occasions happen here. Enjoy!

View from the hotel

10 Maret 2019

Siang itu hari pertama menginjakkan kaki di stasiun kereta Liverpool Lime Street. Ekspektasi, cuacanya akan lebih hangat dan cerah daripada London yang selalu gloomy dan labil antara hujan atau cerah seharian. Realita, udara lebih dingin karena angin yang sangat kencang sampe topiku hampir hilang karena terbang (God knows how many times I almost lost my hat to the wind). Kalau dideskripsikan dinginnya angin benar-benar menusuk. Akupun sempat oleng bersamaan dengan 2 koper yang kubawa. Tapi aku dan ibu malah ketawa karena pemandangan itu kocak.

Seperti biasa, saat sampai di suatu tempat aku langsung buka Google Maps. Katanya sih hotelnya Cuma 8 menit jalan kaki. That’s an easy one, we thought. Heck, turned out it was almost impossible to walk through the wind. Tapi ngeliat orang lain banyak yang oleng gara-gara angin, lucu juga. Kalau aku sih santai aja nikmatin perjalanan, yang bikin khawatir adalah omelan ibu (sorry mum). 8 menit sih ya, tapi ternyata jalannya naik turun dan bukan sidewalk dengan aspal yang rata. Apa ya namanya, jalannya tipe-tipe di Paris, if you can imagine.

Surprises didn’t end there though. Setelah jalan beberapa menit, kok berasa kaya ada yang nimpuk kita pake kerikil ya. Ternyata hujan es! Bener-bener es bentuknya kerikil (kalo tau Minimelts, you can imagine. Cuman ini keras banget). Karena shock, kita berenti dulu di bawah suatu gedung, lupa gedung apa. Dan ternyata hotelnya cuma di seberang jalan di tempat kita berdiri. “Oke bu, kita lari aja”, I said. Akhirnya lari dan langsung masuk ke lobby hotel dengan beberapa butir es yang nyangkut di koper dan langsung leleh pas masuk lobby. Di situlah kita disambut mbak staff hotel. Aku tanya “is it usually like this? Ice rain all of a sudden”, dan dia jawab “no it’s usually not, we’re shocked too”. More or less the conversation went like that lol. Hujan es itu dari dalam ruangan keliatan kaya salju, padahal kerikil..

The Hotel with the Beatles theme :’)

Hampir hopeless keluar sore itu, karena lanjut hujan biasa. Tapi ga lama kemudian, hujan behenti. Akhirnya nekat ke The Beatles Story, karena jam 5 sore bakal tutup. Lumayan jauh juga jalannya, dan sekali lagi karena tempatnya dekat pelabuhan jadi anginnya tambah kenceng. But it was still bearable. Akhirnya sampai juga di The Beatles Story. Mungkin buat orang biasa, museum ini biasa banget tapi kalo fans The Beatles pasti seneng karena banyak banget detail yang jarang dibahas di documentaries, buku, atau tempat-tempat lainnya. Singkat cerita, destinasi terakhir dari museum itu pastinya toko souvenir. Ga afdol kalo ga belanja buat diri sendiri. Senengnya, di toko souvenir itu dipasang lagu-lagu the Beatles dan orang-orang pada humming atau bahkan nyanyi dengan suara samar-samar. Kebayang ga kalo tiba-tiba semua orang nyanyi bareng haha.

The club where they used to play in Germany

True tho

My fave Beatle’s first guitar

John Lennon’s orange tinted glasses

The iconic Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band costumes

The Beatles Story, Liverpool

Setelah kelar belanja, foto-foto bentar di Royal Albert Dock. Emang ku dasarnya ga gitu doyan foto diri sendiri jadi ya foto asal dapet aja di tempat itu, yang penting nikmatin pengalamannya. Terus, perjalanan ga lengkap kalo ga makan. Makanan halal di Liverpool terbatas banget. Nemu cuma burger atau kebab. Akhirnya pilihan aman ke cabang Nando’s yang halal, untung deket dari lokasi the Beatles Story dan deket juga menuju hotel. Sekitar jam 7 kita udah sampe hotel. Beda dengan London, Liverpool udah sepi pas masuk jam 5 sore ke atas. Oiya Nando’s itu semacam ayam bakar yang pake level pedes dan rasanya mirip ayam bakar taliwang! Tapi extra hot nya aja ga cukup pedes menurut gue. Masih lebih pedes mi setan cabe 3..

Nando’s goodness!

11 Maret 2019

Pagi itu dibuka dengan sarapan dengan rencana pergi ke rumah Bapak Lennon dan McCartney. Menuju lokasi kita naik kereta yang stasiunnya tepat di sebelah hotel. Ternyata di sini kita ga bisa beli tiket harian lewat vending machine, tapi beli di mini market mirip indomar*t gitu sebelum masuk ke platform. Ini juga dikasih tau ibu staff stasiun pas kita keliatan bingung. Setelah masuk ke platform, sempet salah naik kereta haha. But we were good to go eventually. Di dalam kereta, tempat duduknya kaya di kereta ekonomi, jadi hadap-hadapan. Kebetulan depan aku dan ibu ada nenek-nenek. She looked nice and kept looking at me and mum. Kuberaniin aja coba senyum, eh neneknya senyum balik. Ga tau kenapa orang-orang asing yang baik begini warms my heart. They have restored the human in humanity (lebay). Anyway, we eventually got off first after flashing one last smile to this little old lady. 

Liverpool South Parkway Station

Akhirnya sampai di stasiun Liverpool South Parkway. Tempatnya bener-bener sepi. Lokasinya kaya di countryside nya Liverpool dan rasanya kaya in the middle of nowhere. Abis itu harusnya kita naik bus, tapi bingung beli tiketnya gimana. Ternyata di sana kita bisa langsung bayar ke supir (again, beda dengan di London yang harus pake Oyster card. Just correct me if I’m wrong though). Di luar stasiun ada bis nganggur dan nomornya kebetulan pas. Kukira bisa langsung naik, ternyata kita harus nunggu di gate khusus gitu. Udik bet ah.

Pas naik bus, kelewatan 1 halte jadi harus jalan kaki sedikit lebih jauh ke rumah Pak McCartney. Kenapa kelewatan? Karena ga seperti di London, bus di sini gak ada pemberitahuan bakal berenti di halte mana aja, jadi harus merhatiin sendiri lewat Google Maps atau mantengin nama halte yang akan datang. Well, kukira bakal banyak orang foto-foto di depan rumah Pak McCartney, ternyata kosong. Cuma ada 1 Beatles Tour Cab yang isinya 2 orang turis dan 1 guide. Dan pas kita dateng, mereka pergi. Lucu banget foto-foto ga jelas di perumahan orang. Tapi bebas sih jadinya haha..

Sir McCartney’s childhood home

Dari situ, selanjutnya mau ke rumah Pak Lennon. Pas liat Google Maps, ribet banget naik bus kaya harus ganti beberapa kali. Kutawarin ibu mau jalan ga, karena mau ya udah jalan deh. Menurut peta, 20 menitan jalan kaki, lumayan juga ya tapi kupikir ya udah dinikmatin aja. Udaranya juga enak, lumayan hangat karena matahari terik. As we went, the road went sketchier lol. Makin sepi, makin rindang pohon-pohonnya, cuma ada 1 atau 2 orang yang jalan kaki, dan sesekali ada mobil lewat. Mulailah ribut ama ibu karena jalannya mencurigakan dan serem. Saat itu udah ngotot mau balik aja. Tapi gimana dong, masa udah jauh-jauh dibatalin! Sampailah kita di kawasan golf courses gitu. Menurut maps, kita bisa nembus jalan diantara golf courses itu. Karena of course, kita ga bisa ngelewatin gerbang golf course yang bukan tempat umum. Ternyata jalan pintas itu bentuknya gang kecil yang panjaaang banget, dimana banyak daun berguguran yang numpuk gitu, tanda kalo jarang dilewatin orang. Ku udah mulai nekat masuk sana tapi ibu teriak-teriak ga mau masuk wkwk. Ya udah akhirnya muter aja, jadi agak jauh deh. Sepanjang jalan kaki itu masih ribut tapi ku berusaha tenang. Akhirnya setelah beberapa menit nemu juga jalan yang lumayan rame orang, karena di dekat sana ada taman besar yang dibuat orang-orang sana main sama anjing mereka. Penampakan tamannya persis di film Nowhere Boy, wow.

Penampakan Menlove ave

Akhirnya sampai juga di Menlove Ave, rumah Bapak Lennon pas tinggal sama auntie nya, Mimi. Ternyata di sini lebih rame pengunjung dan banyak yang pake jasa Beatles Cab Tour, Cuma w doang yang ngide jalan sendiri haha. Masih ada sisa-sisa ribut, tapi mau ga mau foto harus senyum. Setelah beberapa cekrek, kita harus naik bus menuju stasiun kereta. Padahal masih pengen ke Strawberry Fields yang deket banget ama rumah Bapak Lennon. Tapi ku lebih ngeri ributnya, jadi ya udahlah *sad emoji*.

Sir Lennon’s childhood home

Dan akhirnya sesi ribut selesai. Ibu kembali berfoto ria sambil nunggu bis yang datengnya lama, ampe takut ini bisnya ada apa ga ya. Mungkin karena ini bukan bagian kota yang sibuk kaya di Lonodn atau bahkan pusat kota Liverpool, jadi bus nya ga terjadwal datengnya. Tapi lega juga, bus akhirnya dateng. Menurut maps, kita harus transit 1 halte bus. Karena udah tau ga bakal ada notification nama halte, ku minta mas supirnya ngasih tau kalo udah di halte yang kutuju. Dan ternyata! Tiket bus pertama yang namanya Day Tripper (kalo ga salah, or is it just me trying to make puns), bisa dipake naik bis sepuasnya selama seharian tanpa harus bayar lagi, ngakak ga. Ngapain jalan yak tadi.

Akhirnya sampai dengan selamat di stasiun kereta deket hotel. Tapi tumben ibu ga mau balik langsung ke hotel. Akhirnya coba ke daerah mall nya (kalo dipikir nyesel malah belanja, mending keliling kota untuk ambil foto-foto). Di sana gaada mall dalem ruangan, jadi semua toko berjejer di jalan. Eh ibu malah belanja, padahal barangnya sama aja ama di London. Tapi emang kayanya lebih murah sih, soalnya mungkin barang sisa dan banyak yang clearance sale (banyak banget boots dari salah satu merk fast fashion UK yang diobral jadi sekitar Rp 150.000!). Pemberhentian terakhir kita makan Nando’s lagi, ternyata si ibu ketagihan. Ga papa sih, enak kok. Di situ kita ketemu suami-istri dan anak bayi yang ternyata orang Indonesia juga. Kita tatap-tatapan dan senyum-senyum tapi ga ngomong apa-apa haha. Pas balik hotel, ibu bilang besok ga mau keluar-keluar lagi sampe balik ke London karena capek.

Cute store display

12 Maret 2019

Mathew Street

Akhirnya, sampai di hari terakhir. Setelah sarapan ibu balik ke kamar dan aku pergi sendiri mau liat The Cavern Club dan the Beatles Statue. Gue dikira anak ilang kali ya, jalan sendiri sambil buka maps, pake payung hello kitty pula.. Tapi sampe juga di Mathew Street, gang nya the Cavern. Awalnya ada segrombolan anak sekolah (kayanya sih) dengan tour guide yang ngomong bahasa Spanyol. Mereka akhirnya pergi dan jalan jadi sepi lagi. Di situ aku cuma ambil beberapa foto façade nya the Cavern sama John Lennon Statue. Tiba-tiba ada 2 cewe yang minta tolong gue buat fotoin mereka. Akhirnya sekalian lah minta tolong fotoin balik. Sepanjang gue jalan di gang itu, mereka masih di sana ngikutin trail gue juga. Dan kedua kalinya mereka minta tolong fotoin lagi, w beraniin diri untuk nanya selanjutnya mereka mau ke mana. Mereka bilang belum ada rencana, jadi gue tawarin pergi ke the Beatles Statue. They said yes, and went along with me. I think their name was Nora and Irtzia, and they’re from Spain. Mereka ke sana karena ada kerjaan, terus sekalian jalan-jalan buat ngirim foto ke bokapnya yang ngefans sama the Beatles. Beberapa percakapan gue ga ngerti karena logatnya susah, tapi gue ketawa-ketawa aja..

The Cavern Club

The Cavern Club’s Wall of Fame

Some other shops in Mathew Street

Akhirnya sampai juga di the Beatles Statue. Sekali lagi, tempatnya dekat laut jadi dinginnya sampe bikin tangan mati rasa dan ku lupa pake sarung tangan, ditambah gerimis, dan anginnya bikin payungku mabur ga karuan. I said to one of the girls “how can your umbrella survive the wind, look at mine!”, and she said “I bet it will be like that in a few minutes!”. But the only thing I could only pray about is that my camera would be fine once I got through this. Anyway, karena itu harus jadi pemberhentian terakhir gue, jadi kita foto bareng dengan minta tolong orang yang ada di sana. Ternyata orang lain itu juga orang Spanyol yang bakal satu pesawat sama mereka pas pulang, akhirnya asik ngobrol deh tuh. Gue pamit dan balik ke hotel dengan udara dingin plus gerimis.

The Beatles statue (pray for my camera)

One of the perks of travelling alone, get to know new people!

Ketika harus menuju stasiun kereta untuk balik ke London, gerimis masih berlanjut. Ibu ga mau lagi jalan kaki ke sana, jadi kita naik kereta yang jaraknya cuma 1 stasiun untuk ke Liverpool Lime Street. Tapi perk nya adalah, kita bakal langsung berada di dalam stasiun. So no need to go through the hilly streets of Liverpool. Satu cerita lucu lagi, sekali lagi kita diarahin sama mas staff kereta untuk beli tiket sekali jalan menuju Liverpool Lime Street. Setelah tiket kebeli, sambil mas nya ngarahin pake tangannya, dia bilang “naik diangkat” sambil senyum-senyum. Apaan sih gue bingung kan kok tiba-tiba ngomong indo, tapi kita bilang aja thank you. Terus baru kepikiran, mungkin maksudnya literally translated from “get on the lift”. Nice try mate, haha. Ternyata dia tanya ke ibu asalnya dari mana pas ku lagi beli tiket.

Akhirnya sampai lagi di London dengan selamat. Baru sadar pengalaman jalan-jalan di Liverpool jauh lebih beda daripada di London. Di London semua public facilities udah jelas jadi jarang banget nyasar, juga semua orang keliatan sibuk dengan urusannya masing-masing.

Anyway, I don’t get why many British acknowledge that they hate small talk, well the truth that I’ve encountered was the other way around. They’re really helpful, especially small restaurant staff who often ask about your day and wish you a good day (there even was this one Indian guy in an Indian restaurant who was really chatty it was kinda annoying, but I know he meant nice), also the elderly citizens are very smiley. I wonder why they are so freakin’ nice!

Bonus pic, yeah yeah yeah

*Should I make a blog post on London next?

[oledavyjones]

20th October 1933: The London Mammoth Crane lifts 65 tons of gear wheels and casing from the 'SS Kent' in the Royal Albert Docks. This will enable repairs to be done to the ballast tanks after the ship had run aground. 

(Photo by Harry Todd/Fox Photos/Getty Images

[monkismymoniker]