{Row, Row, Row Your Boats… to the Thames River Festival}

With the end of summer comes the beginning of autumn and with that – the annual Thames River Festival, a weekend “block” party celebrating art, culture, food, and of course, the Thames.  Along the waterfront, from Westminster to Tower Bridge, pennant flags wave over the south bank.  Market vendors, pop-up theaters, and interactive art installations line the bank’s perimeter.  Swarms wander along the route, popping in and out booths, perusing the handmade crafts and homemade food.  Kids wearing brown paper hats fashioned à la Dr. Seuss, dart through the crowds, laughing, as they pull each other into designed “play” areas.  Friends relax at tables on Blackfriars Bridge, overlooking St. Paul’s Cathedral, while indulging in a cup of Pimm's and some paella.  A parade of boats ensues, capturing everyone’s attention.  Bagpipers on a barge sail by, filling the air with music, urging the merriment on, all weekend long…

Here are a few pics of my Saturday afternoon along the river, moving gently down the stream…

…merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily, life is but a dream.