Day 6 - Observations from Greenwich

Off early on an UberBoat to Greenwich, taking in the London sites along the way.  

First up in Greenwich was a tour of the Cutty Sark, an old sailing ship used to bring back tea from China.   In its day the fastest ship around.   We stayed on board, but some people pay 60 pounds to climb and jump from the rigging.  Safety harness included - unlike the sailors who originally manned this vessel. 

After touring the ship we went to the National Maritime Museum and learned about England exploring the world, and also of course trading and exploiting.  But there was also fun stuff like this early speedboat.  

And also this collection of hood ornaments (I mean figureheads) from ships. Lots of bosomy ladies…but also a man and his baguette?!?

Then it was on to the real destination which is the Royal Observatory of Greenwich, home of the prime meridian and of course Greenwich mean time.  It’s up on a hill I started strong, but gradually fell behind Rich.  But these new knees did the job, and the view alone was worth it.  

Next we straddled the prime meridian. 

The observatory tells the story of the careful celestial observations made here and showcases the inventions that drove the mapping of longitude which led to Englands navigation prowess and conquest of the world.  

We left Greenwich and decided to head to the Spitalfield Market area, a huge covered market with food, gift, and clothing purveyors, and for some reason many bronze elephants. 

After some browsing and yummy juice, we had a spicy but delicious Indian meal near Curry Row.  

Having an early night so good night from Spitalfield Market.