Douglas, Isle of Man

The Isle of Man may just be the motorsports capital of the United Kingdom. For weeks now, bikers have been using every week-end to get ready for the IoM TT race, which goes back to 1911. The TT is now one of many races that take place on this 221-square-mile island, a country of its own with the ability to set its own speed limits. [2011]

London, England, UK

What can you identify in this classic picture of Westminster?  Victoria Tower?  The House of Lords?  The House of Commons?  Big Ben?  the River Thames?  You really can't see Big Ben (it's the bell inside the tower), but you can see what everyone calls Big Ben, the tower (or clock) itself.  [2011]

London, England, UK

No yard, no balcony, no porch:  so, the celebration goes to the sidewalk, perfect for a low-traffic day in London, the day of the royal wedding.  What could be better than a picnic on Gosling Street? [2011]

London, England, UK

As in all great cities, renewal goes on constantly in London. Here you see evidence of physical renewal: skyline cranes that are giving the city a face-lift. And, also, political renewal: Union flags that are affirming reverence for the monarchy. On this four-day wedding week-end, flags are everywhere. Even, the Underground emblem uses the patrimonial colors. [2011]

London, England, UK

These Turks have brought some Anatolian culture to London's fasionable Fitzrovia neighborhood. Yet, on this very special day, they participate in British nation-building. Is there any doubt in your mind that Cybele was a fertility goddess? Or that the heart says Kate and William? Or that there might be a connection between the two symbols? [2011]

London, England, UK

No one should miss Avenue Gardens in Regent's Park. The 'English garden' is an iconic image of the country. And, in that garden is planted a civics lesson. These tulips are not English; their bulbstock is from Turkic inner Asia; hundreds of other plants have the same story to tell.  Immigrants they are, and how nicely they complement the brilliance of England's indigenous species.  [2011]

London, England, UK

On April 29, 2011, all of London was aglow with red, white, and blue (and a little booze, as well). The occasion, of course, was a royal wedding. Everyone seemed happy with their future king and his chosen bride, or maybe just happy to have the day off. For these two on the morrow, it's back to their ordinary lives. Too bad Will and Kate will never have ordinary lives. [2011]