London: St James Palace! (25.8.2023)

We had to head South-West from Trafalgar Square around 0.6 miles toward Buckingham Palace. Our intention was to show the children – Mei-An and Kai-Lin – how the soldiers carry-out their duties in an orderly and well-organised manner. Although the frontline ‘Guards’ had been drawn back away from the crowds decades ago at Buckingham Palace – I knew that the general public could still get reasonable close at the nearby St James Palace – but on the day of our visit – the soldiers were not to be seen in their usual places! Indeed, most were absent except for the side-gate which is used for the main entrance (pictured above) – but even here – the soldiers had been pulled-back behind the metal fence and away from the public.

London (Green Park): Canada Memorial (WWI & WWII) – Memorial du Canada! (25.8.2023)

This sculptured memorial is constructed of red granite which forms a ‘walkway’ divided into two distinct halves. One half represents Britain whilst the other half represents Canada and the two country’s joint participation in WWI and WWII. The inclined sculpture is inset with 506 bronze maple leaves (the Canadian emblem) and the country’s coat of arms. Water flows across the sloping surface and creates an illusion of floating leaves. Situated to the rear of the Canada Memorial is Buckingham Palaces,