Time: Greenwich, London

Gotcha moments.

As avid travellers we are often in different time zones every few days.  We are also frequently crossing the more significant latitudes and longitudes, like the equator, the prime meridian and the International Date Line (zig zagging the 180° longitude across the Pacific Ocean) or referring to Greenwich Mean Time. At one time our cruise liner crossed the 0° latitude and 0° longitude. The captain positioned the vessel in such a way that the swimming pool would be centred over the point. Walking around the swimming pool would be equivalent to stepping into the 4 quadrants of the world. 

Of course, everybody was excited. Some had ringside seats so they could focus on the centre of the pool. As we were walking about we tended to block their view. Believe it or not, a few people were raging mad that we blocked the view. C'mon! We are looking at an imaginary point. 

Incredulous

And then there are a few who swear there is a marker in the ocean to indicate the point. Really? Now I have something to learn. There legally is a buoyant marker but a bit further off, placed there by meteorologists not necessarily to indicate the geographical position.  So we do see Null Island, as the position of the marker is called.

Choices of different kinds

While in London we decide to go to Greenwich where the Royal observatory is located. Smugly we board the train at Victoria Station and alight at Greenwich Station. We are nowhere close to the observatory. No surprise. We hardly do much prep work for must see edifices since we love discovery and adventure more than religiously following tourist maps. And here we are exploring the town. Same time as the observatory. The rest of the world is either behind or ahead in terms of hours according to longitudes and preferences.

We are refreshed by the greenery and fresh air in this posh neighbourhood of London also known for an affordable Market.

A clipper for all the tea in China

The Cutty Sark sits proudly in a maritime history museum. A very British icon of the 19th  century. But, surprise, surprise! It played a big part in Australian and Portuguese maritime history too. A Boston tea party ship!