Alt. Events: Occupy Bank of England

Location: Bank, London

This is one of the more unusual situations to find oneself in, but it is not necessarily something to snub as a form of anarcho-tourism. One does not get to experience the feeling of stumbling in to the middle of an organised protest, particularly one demonstrating against wealth hoarding and capitalism.
In this case, one has to carefully make their way through lines of policemen, watching the proceedings in groups of three to four, as loud speakers blare out various conflicting noises.

Even within the protest itself, there is an obvious segregation of different groups with their own agendas, with one particularly standing out is the 'Anonymous' group, which seems to bear a certain irony, but no less has their agenda to mind.

This demonstration was a particularly small one compared to gatherings viewed before outside St. Paul's Cathedral, but either way, this summer looks set to continue with these demonstrations occurring at sporadic times. Whether you support their aims, want a free event to mingle with other people, or just want something plain different, this is something that has an intellectual and politcal interest about it, not least for the furor that it is generating from the finance sector, and the City of London corporation itself.

Photos taken and courtesy of the author, a trend that will continue for most future posts.
Disclaimer: The author remains neither 'for' nor 'against' the Occupy Movement or the Met. Police. Though there is no doubt that the demonstrations are of a huge interest, especially outside of the newspaper headlines. It is fully endorsed to interact with members of the demonstrations.

London Walks: East India Quay to Canary Wharf

Location: East London

London is a city with a reach that extends miles out, even from Victorian times, and that is most certainly true of the contrasts between the relics of the old London Docklands to the developments of the new.

The other feature to be introduced in this is the Thames River path, two footpaths running along the north and south banks of the Thames wherever they can follow. For miles and miles running through London, these paths are hugely popular for daylight strolls in the sun, places to go for lunch breaks, and more. 

So this stroll takes place along a route on the north bank of the Thames, starting at East India Quay, a short distance from Canning Town station. An old quay from the Docklands heigh days, it has been given over to wildlife as a conservational area, with a small park, and sediment islands for water birds. Considered a very peaceful and quiet area, it also opens out on to the Thames, just across the river from the O2 Arena.

Walking along, one goes through new blocks of flats and housing, one in particular having a walkway lined with trees in a stylish fashion. By this point, one leaves the riverside, and heads through towards the Isle of Dogs, past towering blocks of flats, all very recently built and still polished. It is not an unpleasant sight, but by no means is it picturesque.

Eventually one gets to Cold Harbour, a closed of dock area, with an entirely blocked off section forming a pond for large carp, beyond which lies a small quay with a number of boats. In the background of this, the towering edifices of Canary Wharf rise up, polished like mirrors and reflecting the clouds towards the viewer, giving a bright modern touch to the surrounding houses and calm quay waters.

From here onwards, one walks inland towards Canary Wharf and South Quay, walking past a number of boats along this route. On the large quay that resides south of the main skyscrapers, some pretty large ships get moored, as shown below is a small cruise-liner called Caledonian Sky.

A short walk along this stretch of the river, it finished just before entering Canary Wharf. The Thames Path would have continued south from Cold Harbour, round the Isle of Dogs past the Greenwich Foot Tunnel, and further on, towards Wapping, Limehouse and Tower Bridge itself. These might be covered at a later stage, but the Thames Path is not short route, and walking sections of it at a time is highly advised.
All photographs taken by the author, therefore no need for acknowledgements!