Tripping down south

Almost the end of the week and I am still recovering from my trip "Down South". It was a bit strange, seeing my elder sibling for the first time in many years, but I am soooo glad he is cleaning up his act. It felt good, but odd, to finally talk to him, though I guess my feelings are contradictory at times about it all.

The weight loss and aging that so many years of severe drug abuse have taken their toll and even with several years of rehab he will never fully recover physically. His internal organs are permanently damaged and that is something he will just have to live with. Its still early days for him, temptation lies on every street corner and boredom and depression may yet lead him away. Still, his disability appeal went well and he knows this is going to be one of those few chances to drag himself upwards or fall back into the street, I hope he is strong enough to do the right thing.

I felt a little guilty going out to explore with my camera, but he wasnt fit enough to come with me and after the first day I needed some air and a break from it all. My meditative source is solitude and my camera. Even with all the folk milling about, wandering too and fro, I am alone, with my thoughts, my senses and I relish it.

Check the tube map, grab a ticket and down into the depths I go. Northern Line to Bank slips by quickly. Up and around, I slip onto the driverless Docklands Railway. It reminds me of the Arnie film "Total Recall".....smiles...."Welcome to the Johnny Cab!"

The streets slip by, the thing I notice most is the litter, the waste, on small deserted patches of greenery. Canary Wharf slips into view.....last time I was here I was a suit....but then again, it had its advantages, such as the pay!

Off at Greenwich/Cutty Sark, a few brief moments when my internal compass fails me and I wander aimlessly, lost! Follow your nose......round the corner to the left, the Thames and the Greenwich foot tunnel. Time to pull out the camera, keep a steady eye out for dubious looking characters and a very long slow wander........this is my sliver of contentment, I will enjoy it while it lasts.

The Cutty Sark was closed for refurbishment until 2008, though the grounds of the Royal Naval College were beautiful and Greenwich observatory.....if you are into science and history....and I am, it is a great place to visit.


When I got my calves where showing the strain, but still managed to get out just as dusk fell for a few of those golden hour shots.