My heart is in Havana---London, E.14

A lot has passed under the bridges since I first got to know Docklands in the 1970s, but I'm glad to see that some of the old place names, referring to places around the world which traded with London, survive.

Much of the old Docklands has been transformed, with Rotherhithe, Wapping and others rising like the phoenix from the ashes of derelict wharves and warehouses. Downstream, the Greenwich peninsula reveals enticing views of Canary Wharf, the alternative City of London.

Further still, beyond Woolwich, the landscape becomes grubbier and grubbier. The Victorian Cross Ness pumping station is open only occasionally but there are still signs of civilisation with blackberry bushes and a young dog-walker.

The "10 depressing things" view of discarded bicycles testifies to a notorious accident spot nearby, but finally there's redemption with the view of the O2 arena, a.k.a. the Millennium Dome.

These photos were taken at various times in 2025 but that's it for now---hoping for good things in 2026.Read more