Today is my last day off work, and with that I wanted to make the most of it. I am only working four days and off for another four, but still. The 13 hour shifts take up the whole day and give me little to do other than have breakfast and grab a bite before bed.
So I headed to Victoria Park, a huge park east up the canal from my location. I started in the same area as I did in my previous canal post and began walking… It took me little over half an hour to get there. I took my winter coat in case of any rain, thankfully there wasn’t any.
Spotify playlist: Kerrang Rock Songs of the 00’s. I was feeling nostalgic.
And Ruled by Secrecy Matt, I thought you would like to know.
The walk is just as entertaining as the park itself, with plenty to see along the canal. And although I didn’t show you this last time, LOTS of graffiti. I like it though, it adds plenty of colour. You will see this throughout the post.
So this is where the taxi’s hibernate when they aren’t needed…
And this pub looks like it’s been closed since the last pandemic… just kidding, it could be lovely inside for all I know. I don’t want to be banned in case I ever try it out.
I made it to Victoria Park. Admittedly I didn’t know exactly how to get to it, but because of how big it is on the map I just knew I would end up close. I found this entrance with a dog statue, according to Look Up London these are replicas of 2nd Century Roman dog statues that can be found in the British Museum.
All benches were covered in tape with signs telling people not to use. These were accompanied by spray painted instructions on the ground to ‘Keep Left’ at a distance of 2 meters. I imagine Banksy was given the task of inspiring London to stick to the rules in this instance.
Now this park is huge. Not on the same scale as Hyde Park but more than enough to do one lap and get a good bit of exercise in. Here are some of my favourite shots from the walk, showing some of the parks highlights and due to the restrictions, closed off areas.
You see the hooped object just under the crane in the above shot? I didn’t know I walked that far, but this is the ArcelorMittal Orbit, a 114.5m tall sculpture in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford. As I am sure many Premier League fans are aware, London Stadium is now being used by West Ham United.
The group in the picture spent their time shouting at potential groups gathering and being too close to one another. I assume this, as I heard one use the megaphone below whilst walking in the direction of the Shard.
To give you a reference point, this is the map of London showing Victoria Park as well as London Stadium, The Shard and Canary Wharf.
One Canada Square in Canary Wharf is the second tallest building in the United Kingdom, with a distinctive pyramid roof. It can be seen (faintly) in the distance behind all the buildings in the below shot.
Police officers were present, some walking, some on bikes and some on horseback. I spotted an ambulance at one entrance too.
aaand the walk back home.
I hope you liked the shots!! Oh, and reading this post counts as your one session of daily exercise.
Just so you know 😉
Due to the Coronavirus outbreak I am somewhat limited as to what I can do in London, but I aim to post as much as I can during this time. I promise to have some great posts coming your way once this is all over as I continue to explore London.
Stay home, stay safe and happy blogging!
Sam
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lovey photos! but aww! the park is beautiful but I bit it is more beautiful to look and roam around at when there’s a lot of people. Take care!
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It was actually a really nice amount of people, despite the lack of people in my shots. The roads/paths were quite busy because there was no one allowed on the grass to sit! But I admit it would be nice to see more people having fun.
Thanks for your kind words!
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Yeah! observed in your photo even in the bench not allowed to sit!.. but anyway, still looks beautiful. You’re welcome! 🙂
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Ahhhh…..greenery, water, birds, boats, horses, & space…..lovely!
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You would have loved scooting up the roads here Pat!
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Yes, I would have. Here is a trip from my house to town to pick up water. I drive the left side of the street facing traffic, as scooters are pedestrians here. Notice in the distance how we’re surrounded by forestry. You can also see how quiet it is & this was 3 years ago, long before any virus.
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Love this Pat! Only just got round to watching now, but thank you so much for sharing! I have never seen anyone film from a scooter before (love the scooter colours by the way, I remember you showing me pictures) and love the hills in the distance. There is something about seeing the everyday journeys of someone from another country that is just fascinating 🙂
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Yeah, I have a few on my channel. I did them for sending to e-pals. This is also why I love your photos….I get to see something not seen here.
You can also see why it’s not difficult to stay distant from each other in this town, but we’re observing all the rules for shopping, etc. This is a great town for scooters, as almost everything we need is within 10 – 45 minutes of us, depending what it is.
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It seems like a great town to live in, lots of space!! So pleased to see it 🙂
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I’m loving the tour of London through your eyes. I’ve never been and not sure I ever will, but through your posts I get a feeling for the place. All the photos are grand, my favorite is the one with tulips. 🌷
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I loved taking that shot with the tulips! It was a lovely view of the water. Thank you 🙂 I am pleased that I am able to give you a taste of London as you haven’t been! I will keep doing so 🙂
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Wow, loads of graffiti – I particularly liked the one with a face mask.
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A great bit of art, and very relevant right now! I liked this one too, I imagine it is very recent.
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Some amazing graffiti art that you have shared with us today
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Thanks Colline, glad you liked!
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I’m loving your posts, Sam. They make me feel both nostalgic and sad, but it feels wonderful to be able to see London through your eyes. When things get back to “normal” and I’m able to go there again you have inspired me to try some new places! Thank you, and stay safe!
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Aw I am pleased! Thank you for reading my posts and I am glad you are enjoying them. I hope you get to visit soon ☺️
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I think it’s great that you’re visually documenting this strange phase of London’s history!
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I am really enjoying getting out and about when I can, and responsibly of course 🙂 thank you for the kind words, I am hoping to document more of my experiences in the coming weeks!
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Love the photos..be nice when all those awful orange thingy are taken off the benches..
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Thanks Dewy, I look forward to the day those benches can be used again!
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Very nice thanks
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Thank you!
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Class photos!
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Thank you! 😃
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Great photos! Quite surreal to see familiar places so empty.
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Thanks! I agree, it was weird and something I had to blog about.
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Thanks for the tour! I felt like I saw a piece of the world I can’t reach right now! 🗺❤️
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Anytime! Thank you and I am glad you enjoyed, and hope you can get to visit for yourself soon 🙂
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Thank you for the more photos! The parks here are completely off limits… That and i haven’t ventured to see if they really aren’t… But it cheers me up seeing all that greenery and colourful graffiti!
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No problem, glad you enjoyed! I think the park is open for less hours during the day compared to normal (8pm-4pm), but that’s the current limitations. I hope your parks open up again soon!
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love the wall art!
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Glad you enjoyed! Thanks for reading 🙂
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Funny you mentioned Banksy; I was going to say I can see his influence in some of the graffiti. Thanks for sharing 🙂
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I will share some more Banksy style artworks soon 🙂 I don’t know how it is possible to tell what is his and what isn’t?! I assume when he confirms it on social media!
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I believe he publicly takes credit, although some people seem to recognize his work immediately. Did you see pictures of the recent piece he did in his own bathroom? When graffiti artists can’t leave the house 🙂
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Yes I did! It was great haha. Perfect example of being creative despite the limitations 😀
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