London Town

Easy flight over from Belfast on a lovely and roomy British Airways plane. Did have to circle for 10 minutes before landing but that is nearly always the case for Heathrow. Coughed up $'s for the Heathrow Express (always do).

In 15 minutes I was disembarking at Paddington Station.

Walked over to the Underground where I added pounds to my Oyster Card. The one I purchased 2 years ago and kept for the obvious reasons.

After a bit of misdirection because of repair to one of the Underground lines made my way to the Hammersmith Line and waited.  I too was amused only it was the choice of attire that brought a smile to my face. If he only knew. 

Rain had been predicted and I had yet to see it until I disembarked at the Royal Oak tube station. As I walked the two blocks to Ciaran's apartment the drizzle began.  Didn't deter these two young woman though.

Climbed the three flights of stairs (just like home in LA) to enter Ciaran and Edson's apartment. Edson and I chatted as I unpacked and then I said, "I'm off." A bit peckish I'd decided to surprise Ciaran at his restaurant, the ClockJack Oven in SoHo. Killed two birds with one stone. Late lunch and getting to see Ciaran's pride and joy.

The place is lovely, the meal was great.  It's all about rotisserie chicken. That's Ciaran waving.

Sated, I was off to enjoy the energy of London. Across from the restaurant is a Whole Foods grocery store which I thought I'd check out. There was a very interesting passage way to the entrance. I see you. Do you see me?

Halloween fun.

 For those that don't know I will be attending the SF 49ers Football game at Wembley Stadium. The NFL began pushing American Football in the UK a few years back. It generated interest and the popularity is HUGE. They held a fan day at Trafalgar Square and as I wandered found UK fans galore I found proof. 

Part of my jaunt included Chinatown which I hadn't visited in years. Great fun.

And ever the Location Scout discovered a great alley for a dead body.

My destination for the day was the venerable Red Lion on Whitehall. Years ago on a trip with Peggy and her sister Maureen a tradition was establish. On each subsequent visit the first pint had to be drunken (is this the proper tense) here.

I've kept the tradition going each and every return.  In route, images to share.

With a bullet??!! LOL!

Look who's back?

Art shot

Tourists

Behind the National Gallery

A lion at Trafalgar Square surrounded by the remnants of the NFL Fan day celebration.

Whitehall.  The sign for the Red Lion is to the left of the double decker. But,

I wanted to walk along the Thames so I made a left.

Snap

Oh look that Big Wheelie Thing!

Always a brilliant back drop for a travel photo.

As if the Gods knew it was the cocktail hour, the famous clock tower chimed 6pm as I approached!!  Brilliant!!! 

Hi

Cheers. 

Sorry about the blur. iPhoto snap.

CSI Students?!?

And thus my first day in London came to a close.

Out and About

Finally moved my butt and walked around a very changed Belfast. Was here in 97'. Lots of new metal and glass buildings which contrast the old sandstone ones. The Titanic Museum is a spectacular piece of modern architecture. Spent about 3 hours walking and taking pictures with the Canon G15. After, a pint at McHugh's. Then back to the apartment where I had to climb 12 flights of stairs because the elevator was being worked on.  May I just say all my hiking paid off till the 10th floor when I had to stop and catch my breath. Damn it to hell!  Here are some of my favorite images of a day in Belfast.

The Titanic Museum from the patio off the guest bedroom in Bernie's penthouse apartment.  Took MANY pictures of this fascinating building. These are my favs. 

Old and New. This whole area used to be shipyards. Some of it still is but a great deal has be re developed.  

The Titanic Studios are here. Presently occupied by Game of Thrones.

From here I walked along the river capturing images.

This is where I had lunch. St. George's Market Place.  The fish seller was having beef as well

 The photo below was a point and shoot and tell you the truth I had no clue of the exact image until I uploaded it.  Have no idea what the man was eating but I don't think he liked it!!!

It's all about the harp!

 And these kids were the cutest couple so I snapped them.

Nice day out.

Dawdling

OMG, I am dawdling this morning and I LOVE it!!!  Have had two cups of Earl Grey. Watch the storm pass over Belfast and am now looking at sunshine and blue sky peeking through the clouds. Scott cooked us breakfast so tummy is full of eggs, bacon and toast.  Lovely. Guess I should shower and head out the door.

Cheers

Arrived safe and sound.  Aer Lingus is a great airline, United could learn something from them.  Blue skies when we landed in Dublin.

By the end of the afternoon though grey had covered the city of Belfast.

That's Bernie's apartment building with the modern Titanic Museum in the distance. Whilst Scott was out running errands, I enjoyed a much needed two hour nap!  Bernie was at work of course. As sun set it was time for a pint and mini pub crawl (3 pubs). Without further ado, here's the image that says it all.

and this

Scott switched from beer to Gin and Tonics. I remained loyal to my nectar of the Gods and I must say all were proper pours!

Couple of snaps from the two of the 3 pubs we visited.

The Duke of York

The Spaniard. 

Of course as we wandered I took pictures. Fun murals outside the Duke of York. Scott with a Carlsberg beer.

Art shot of the Guinness Harp.

The I'm sotted and happy shot. Too bad Scott couldn't focus. LOL!

Rain is pouring down now with winds that are howling. Bernie had a 6:30am pickup. She was dressed like Commander Peary in route to the North Pole. On Location filming today. Yikes!!

Countdown

Leave tomorrow. Not yet excited. When I'm sitting in a pub with a pint I'll feel happy. A new adventure awaits.

TGIF

Trying out the iPad to see how easy and or difficult it's use it to blog. So far, so good. Just changed the type face to the Verdana that I prefer. Now going to research if I can upload a picture directly from my camera OR is the another piece of hardware needed. Fun, fun, fun.

Passwords, Memory Loss and the UK!

Oh my.  Can't tell you how many Google passwords I've had. Each time I think "I'll remember this one, I don't."  Pisser!  Been horribly lazy and remiss about posting.  Then again, not much happening in the Land of La so why bore you with monotony. However, will be departing LAX for Dublin near the end of the month.  Gone to nearly Thanksgiving. Visiting friends, seeing sites and taking photographs like mad. Will be posting when and where I can.  Yes, I'll be visiting London. Those of you that truly know me understand my love of that city. If Mother Nature proves welcoming might even take a flight to Norway or Iceland to experience the Northern Lights.  I figure that's why credit cards are made, for sojourns like that.  At least I've convinced myself of that rationale.
If anyone is interested have spent a few weeks scouting for the CBS series Criminal Minds.  As I understand it the episodes I worked on 905, 907 and 909 will be airing soon. Not sure what of my locations they used for 905.  (Air date 10/23) Maybe some of the roads and roadside motel. Do know for 907 ( 11/6) they used two houses I found right next to each other but they will be portrayed as separate homes in different neighborhoods as one is a day scene and another a night scene. Lastly, the main house where they dig up the bodies in 909 (11/20) was my suggestion. Knew it immediately when I read the script. Not quite the leafy street they need for the "Virginia" drive up but everything else was ideal.  Formerly owned by a Location Manager who we lost a while back.  Property was perfect for the episode. Very pleased the powers that be liked it.  Money goes to the family.  Other than that fairly quiet. Did I mention I did a promo for Universal for the film "Unbroken?" Oh. Well, very interesting for a couple of reasons. First, if you've not read the book, you MUST.  Second, Louie is a pistol and third, Angelina Jolie. who is directing the movie is shorter and thinner that you expect her to be. If you haven't seen my Tumblr photo yet, please check it out; claudiaeastman.tumblr.com. Enjoy. That's all I got for now.  

Does Anyone Whistle Anymore?

Caught myself whistling this morning as I left Walgreens.  The Jets Song from West Side Story. No clue why. Hmmmm.