London Waterloo has been changed out of recognition. In a space of two years, the train station has added a mezzanine floor now lined with restaurants and bars, and the concourse has been completely modernised. The bars and restaurants will sure come in handy when trains are delayed. Trains were disrupted on 9th July when temperatures on the tracks reached 43C, affecting signalling equipment.
In the name of progress, London Waterloo is now part station, part retail site. At the entrance to the platforms, now separated from the concourse with ticket barriers and ticket inspectors, there was a huge space announcing the advent of Waterloo Motion - no doubt some gigantic advertising site. Not sure if this is progress.
It was a noisy trip into London Waterloo. The trains were full, with standing room only. The passengers were loud, noisy, inconsiderate (blocking the aisles), even in the "Quiet Zone". Having just returned from the Netherlands where train journeys were relatively quiet and composed, the noise-induced frustration was palpable. On arrival at London Waterloo, there were about 6 young men, all inebriated, loudly chanting songs from the football terraces. They had probably been drinking solidly since Friday evening. What a culture shock to come face-to-face with such behaviours on a Saturday morning.
The South Bank has also seen some additions. There is now an amusement park right beside the London Eye. On the day, near the amusement park, some beefy young men were putting on brakedances and were attracting a sizeable crowd. It was an eye opening exhibition of strength and speed, adding a great vibe to the street theatre.
Along the Southbank, on the other side of the riverside walk, was a food market selling different types of street food. Pictured above are some gigantic muffins, big enough to feed a family of four. It all added to the hustle and bustle on a Saturday afternoon.
On the top floor of the South Bank Centre is a water feature that was pulling in the crowds. I noticed that a lot of children were rather overweight, and this is confirmed by the latest news that a third of children in the UK are overweight.
I've always wanted to see the Millenium Bridge that links the Tate Modern Gallery at Bankside with St Paul's Cathedral in the City. And it did not disappoint. The bridge is a visually stunning piece of architecture from all angles. As it is a pedestrian bridge only, the stroll along the 325m of the steel bridge is a breeze, without having to worry about oncoming cars and bikes.
Perhaps one of the most exciting views is The Shard from the Millenium Bridge. I've seen it a few times from the plane when descending into London Heathrow, but from ground level, the building is even more impressive.
In the name of progress, London Waterloo is now part station, part retail site. At the entrance to the platforms, now separated from the concourse with ticket barriers and ticket inspectors, there was a huge space announcing the advent of Waterloo Motion - no doubt some gigantic advertising site. Not sure if this is progress.
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| The modernised London Waterloo station |
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| London Eye and the amusement park nearby |
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| Brakedance at Southbank, London |
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| Food stall at South Bank, London |
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| Children playing at the water feature, South Bank, London |
I've always wanted to see the Millenium Bridge that links the Tate Modern Gallery at Bankside with St Paul's Cathedral in the City. And it did not disappoint. The bridge is a visually stunning piece of architecture from all angles. As it is a pedestrian bridge only, the stroll along the 325m of the steel bridge is a breeze, without having to worry about oncoming cars and bikes.
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| The Millenium Bridge, Londo. St Paul's Cathedral in the background. |
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| The towering spire of The Shard from the Millenium Bridge, London |
