For those people who commented on a particular block in my London calling post, it represents a building affectionately known as the London Gherkin at 30 St. Mary Axe. Designed by Sir Norman Foster, the building opened in 2004 and now houses offices for Swiss Re and other tenants.
Some Londoners think it resembles a bullet or a missle; others consider it a phallic symbol. Whatever your thoughts about the building, it has made an intriguing addition to the London skyline.
The answer to the "notice anything wrong with this picture" question was, as many of you guessed, a bus turned upside down. I didn't notice it until after I took the photo.
Jordana and I arrived back in Paris late last night. Posts to follow about the trip: perhaps more photos, fewer words as I have a bad case of food poisoning from a sandwich purchased in London to eat en route to Paris. But the good news is there were taxis waiting at Eurostar! Bernard Delanoe, the mayor of Paris, has infuriated many local residents by recent restrictions about taxi waiting areas. This has resulted in packed trains arriving from London, with typically one taxi appearing in 25 minutes, while the queue of passengers waiting snakes the length of Gare du Nord.
On at least three occasions recently, I've had to take the metro - despite being loaded down with luggage and shopping bags (!) - because there were no taxis available. Thankfully, this wasn't one of those times, though the train was jam-packed with travelers trying to get to Aeroport Charles de Gaulle, as Heathrow in London was closed by heavy fog. As you might imagine, this left thousands of passengers stranded; alas, the bad weather continues today. Let's hope all those travelers find alternate ways home for the holidays!
Oh yuk, poor you! Is there anything worse while you're traveling? Glad you're better. I remember that building well. We had a wonderful view of it on the Thames. I wondered what it was. I, in fact, called it the bullet! Have a very Merry Christmas Tara and family!! xoxo
Posted by: Rosa | 23 December 2006 at 06:42
Bummer to get food poisoning on a fun trip:( That building looks less phallic when you see the picture, it's more of a bullet. xxoo
Posted by: Tammy | 22 December 2006 at 19:29
I've broken both femurs, spent 12 plus hours in labor, and had food poisoning (fortunely not all at the same time)...and of the three, I do think that the food poisoning was the most dreadful...no doubt you're better now but beaucoup commiserating for having had to endure such a horrid experience.
Posted by: susan | 22 December 2006 at 16:33
The weather has been wreaking havoc all over the place. 2006 is going out with a definite bang!
I hope you're feeling better soon...Joyeaux Noel to all of you :)
Posted by: Becca | 22 December 2006 at 04:43
Feel better!
Posted by: Irina | 22 December 2006 at 00:51
Sorry about the food poisoning, but hope you two had a lovely time otherwise.
Posted by: Marilyn | 21 December 2006 at 14:48