Security

In the months before I left, there was much to-do about airport security and carry-on requirements in the UK following the liquid bomb scare. I checked my airline website immediately before leaving for the current status, which included a strict one bag per passenger, no liquids, gels, etc. The previous ban on mobile phones, PC's, PDA's etc had been lifted and we didn't suffer the ignominy of having to carry our possessions in clear plastic bags.

Imagine my surprise when, on arrival at Heathrow, I discovered that this was pretty much an honour system. Lots of signs stating what you could take on the plane, several bins for disposing of contraband bottles of water and tubes of toothpaste, and then just the regular screening procedure, same as any airport. No, not the same as any airport. Decidedly slacker than either Sydney or Hong Kong, I'd say. There were people all over the plane skiving off to the bathrooms shortly before landing (and subsequently hogging them!) with toiletry bags in hand. Can't tell me they didn't have their toothpaste, deodorant and moisturisers in their hand luggage.

Same couldn't be said about London security in general. Walking around Westminster it was rather chilling to see the number of heavily armed police patrols. And by heavily armed I don't mean bobbies with truncheons. I'm talking big-ass weaponry and matching vests. There was definitely a heavy presence around the government departments, parliament and suchlike. I was rather keen to take a picture but my son suggested, in his dry way, that he'd rather not be questioned about why we were photographing security measures. I guess he had a point.

Struggling to find pictures to match the topic, I have come up with a shot of Buckingham Palace during the feted Changing of the Guard. As far as tourist attractions go, a little over-feted, in my humble opinion but that's by the by. In the second close-up picture (click to enlarge) take note of the two figures standing on top of the palace. I would like to think it's the Queen and her BFF taking in the view or a sly cigarette. My dh suggests it is security.

This picture is as close as you can get to 10 Downing Street. I had best add that this is the British Prime Minister's residence. Seeing as my expensively-educated son did not know this, I figure some readers may not either. *shaking my head* I believe the security has been like this for quite some time, whereas in the past you could wander right on by the front door. Son couldn't see why anyone would want to, but it's an iconic address and therefore had to be visited. Or, in this case, walked by.