London at 36,000 feet

We flew with Aer Lingus from Paris Charles de Gaule to Boston via Dublin.  I was impressed that we could clear US customs and immigration at Dublin airport - it gives you something to do while you're waiting, and makes for much less hassle at the other end.

Our chatty immigration guy explained to me that my mulitcoloured, multiple re-entry visa for the USA that I had since I was about 19 was invalidated in 2004 and can't be used any more.  Shame, not that I used it much when I could.

Our flight into Dublin took us over the south side of London at 36,000 feet, and you could see the famous landmarks spread out below.  This photo from my phone doesn't give the view justice; the sunlight was bright, the scene was detailed.   In the picture you can see Regent's Park, Hyde Park, Green Park and St James's Park, and, on the South side of the river, Battersea Park.  To the east, just in front of the wing, is the big Eastenders meander in the Thames.  Click to enlarge.

A couple of minutes later I watched miniature aeroplanes taking off from Heathrow, and then we were on past the new competition rowing lake at Dorney.