Ever since our 1977 honeymoon visit to London, we had intended to get back for another look. We did not intend to drive in London on this trip, as that was just not worth it. I am such a consummate trip planner, I wondered how I managed to put this complex trip – London to Greece to London to Europe bus tour to London together, before the advent of the internet and Google.
Not much to tell. After working for 3 companies over 43+ years (38 years 7 months with my last company), I finally got that promotion I had waited my entire career for……retirement.
I have been exploring this new career for the past 7+ years and while it is not always exciting, the chance to do what I want for myself and my family instead of what my company wants has been very fulfilling. Early on, there was a long list of projects in my “to-do” hopper and I attacked these projects with a vengeance for the first 9 months of retirement. Eventually, my brain told me that this was not what retirement was about, so it took me another 5 months before my industriousness again took over and I attacked another line of projects, this time somewhat shorter and less complicated, as well as many new projects related to the family weddings in 2016. After going hard for 6 weeks and 3 weddings, my body was telling me to relax, then the flu bug hit and as soon as that was done with me, my sciatic acted up. No rest for the wicked. In 2020 and 2021, the Covid 19 pandemic changed the whole retirement gig. I was lucky to not be still working, for sure.
I enjoy photography, gardening, working with my hands, walking, cycling, skiing, travelling, reading and creating special photo and video productions obtained in my first pastime. I may never become wealthy in any of these pursuits, but I already feel I am rich in life experiences far beyond any expectation.
View more posts
7 thoughts on “Analogue Adventures – Europe 1984 – It all Began in London”
You are very welcome! 🙂
Yes and like with Bangkok, I was struck by the absence of modern high-rises and how much more open the sky felt in your images!
Ha, the good old travel agency! Love it. I also used to keep hold of every receipt, brochure, ticket, you name it from my travels. But sadly (?) that habit has slipped away in recent years. Now… Allan… getting to see 1984 London through your eyes has been a real treat. I would have been 6 years old and living in Buckinghamshire, around an hour’s drive from central London. I wonder how much time Big Ben has spent under scaffolding over the last forty years. It feels like too much. I have a very similar shot somewhere of St. Katharine Docks taken just a few years ago. Looking forward to the next chapters.
Travel agencies have made a bit of a resurgence of late, but not like they were in the good old days. Yup, I no longer keep all those things either. There is just so much paper around. The best I can do now is pix or a bit of a log on the computer. 1984 London still smelt of diesel and there was no congestion surcharge or vehicle restriction in the center of the city. You are right, I do not recall many visits when there was not some scaffolding in evidence on the tower. We really liked the calm quiet of the Katherine Docks, so close to Tower Bridge. Thanks for coming along on our misadventures. Allan
I’m very excited for this series! It seems like Big Ben is always under construction. I can’t imagine planning a trip before the internet. Even not being able to see pictures and guest ratings of a hotel would be tough.
This was our 2nd time in London and we felt we knew nit a bit better. The B & B experience was the thing then and there were lots of them around in the center of the city. I can’t remember if they were working on the Elizabeth Tower or Big Ben, but you are right, old buildings require maintenance. Thanks for reading Lyssy. Allan
Picture This 
Wonderful images!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. Definitely another time. Thanks for reading. Hope all is well. Allan
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are very welcome! 🙂
Yes and like with Bangkok, I was struck by the absence of modern high-rises and how much more open the sky felt in your images!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha, the good old travel agency! Love it. I also used to keep hold of every receipt, brochure, ticket, you name it from my travels. But sadly (?) that habit has slipped away in recent years. Now… Allan… getting to see 1984 London through your eyes has been a real treat. I would have been 6 years old and living in Buckinghamshire, around an hour’s drive from central London. I wonder how much time Big Ben has spent under scaffolding over the last forty years. It feels like too much. I have a very similar shot somewhere of St. Katharine Docks taken just a few years ago. Looking forward to the next chapters.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Travel agencies have made a bit of a resurgence of late, but not like they were in the good old days. Yup, I no longer keep all those things either. There is just so much paper around. The best I can do now is pix or a bit of a log on the computer. 1984 London still smelt of diesel and there was no congestion surcharge or vehicle restriction in the center of the city. You are right, I do not recall many visits when there was not some scaffolding in evidence on the tower. We really liked the calm quiet of the Katherine Docks, so close to Tower Bridge. Thanks for coming along on our misadventures. Allan
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m very excited for this series! It seems like Big Ben is always under construction. I can’t imagine planning a trip before the internet. Even not being able to see pictures and guest ratings of a hotel would be tough.
LikeLike
This was our 2nd time in London and we felt we knew nit a bit better. The B & B experience was the thing then and there were lots of them around in the center of the city. I can’t remember if they were working on the Elizabeth Tower or Big Ben, but you are right, old buildings require maintenance. Thanks for reading Lyssy. Allan
LikeLiked by 1 person