* the “Since 9/11-Memorial” – Olympic Park-Stratford-London E20

This is a short & sweet Shoes blog piece, that I did earlier this week – simply because I happened to stumbled upon this particular landmark purely by chance – and was a bit surprised that I had absolutely no previous knowledge of its existence.

I often receive feedback following the publication of my London Shoes blogs – where people have told me that they’ve walked past a particular landmark many times throughout their lives and had never realised that it was there – or – if they did, then they didn’t have a clue what the landmark in question represented, or its historical standing.

Well – that sort of scenario applies to me quite a lot too – and this is article is about one of those occasions.

Having endured what seems like weeks of rain recently – there was suddenly a brief break in the weather earlier this week – when the clouds turned a fluffy white and some blue sky appeared.

Taking advantage of this I hopped on a train at my local station and within 30mins I was entering the ‘Olympic Park’ in Stratford-London E20 (it has its own postcode you know).

Now – this location is nothing new to me as the Olympic Park (and the old Olympic Stadium) is now the home ground of my little ‘Appy ‘Ammers (eg West Ham United FC) – and as a season ticket holder, I frequent the Park regularly to watch all their home matches.

What I don’t do – and what I really should do – is spend time walking around the vast park land site taking in the sights and views – but on this occasion, I did do a little bit of exploration.

Most people, including myself – who visit the Olympic Park, venture through it northwards towards it’s Lea Valley top end – but when I rocked up there a few days ago, I thought I’d venture southwards towards the Stratford end for a change – and there, tucked away, almost out of view, behind the Olympic Aquatic Centre building (ie a ‘swimming pool’ to you and me) – was where I stumbled upon the topic for this article – namely the  “Since 9/11-Memorial”.

The ’Since 9/11 Memorial’ is quite simply a stack of twisted mangled steel, recovered from the wreckage of the World Trade Centre in New York following that horrific day on the 11^th September back in 2001.

This memorial was erected in 2015 and is named after an educational charity.

It’s nothing much to look at, but it’s not supposed to be something glamorous or eye catching – it’s there as a reminder of what happened that day and to symbolise how that event impacted the entire planet.

The sculpture was given the blessing of the Port Authority of New York – and is one of only 6 remnants of the Twin Towers wreckage to be sent overseas.

I’m glad I stumbled upon this memorial – but very saddened that it has just been tucked away in a secluded part of the vast Olympic Park, on display in the shadow of the back end of a swimming pool and looking down on a service road and staff car park…….who on earth decided that its current site was a good idea!!!

You cannot help but be intrigued by the memorial and what it represents – and to physically touch it I found to be extremely thought provoking.

It could be argued that the ‘Since 9/11 Memorial’ is far more important than a football stadium -or pop-up cafes/bars – or multiple kids playgrounds – or giant swan boats on the river.

My personal opinion is that perhaps the ‘Since 9/11 Memorial’ should be looked upon as a focal point of the Park – on display somewhere near its entrance – a landmark for all to see, understand its presence, appreciate its sentiment, and remember the events of that monumental day in world history.

So – all pleased with myself having discovered the ‘Since 9/11-Memorial’ – it was time to head off back home, as the earlier blue skies and fluffy white clouds were now decidedly darker and gloomier – and so I headed off towards Stratford station, but via the massive 2011 opened “Westfield Stratford City” shopping centre, to give it its full title.

Now – me and Mrs London Shoes shop quite regularly at Westfield-Stratford. It doesn’t really have any ‘pubs’ as such, other than The Cow located, within the site but just outside the shopping malls.

However – I rather enjoy having the odd Peruvian or Bolivian beer at the ‘Las Iguanas’ bar situated high up in the food quarter. Las Iguanas do loads of South American type bottled beers plus a varied cocktail menu. But for me – this time it was just a simple £5 bottle of Mexican ‘Pacifico’ beer…..which has most probably been brewed in Slough – but still very refreshing nonetheless.

Anyway – that’s – all about the ‘Since 9/11-Memorial’ for you – hope you enjoyed this little story and its accompanying photos.

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See below the entire gallery of photos taken to support this ‘Since 9/11 Memorial’ blog

The ‘Olympic Park’ in Stratford-London E20 – with a view of its ‘ArcelorMittal Orbit’ landmark and the London Stadium – home of West Ham Utd FC

You can hire a ‘swan’ and take it out on the river that runs through the Olympic Park-Stratford

Another view of the Olympic Park’s biggest landmarks – the ‘ArcelorMittal Orbit’ and the London Stadium (formerly the 2012 Olympic Stadium)

A view of the river that runs right through the middle of the Olympic Park in Stratford

Me – with the London Stadium in the background – the home of my beloved ‘Appy ‘Ammers !!!

The “Olympic Aquatic Centre” building (ie a ‘swimming pool’ to you and me) – from near the main entrance to the Olympic Park in Stratford-London E20

The main entrance to the ‘Olympic Aquatic Centre’ – (aka a swimming pool)

Tucked away right round the back of the old Olympic swimming pool – is the “Since 9/11 Memorial” (see red arrows)

There are 4 ‘story board’ plaques on the ground surrounding the ‘Since 9/11 Memorial’ – that explain:- “9/11” – “The Artwork” – “The Education Programme” & “Why the Olympic Park”

Looking up from the staff car park and service road area – at the ‘Since 9/11 Memorial’ and the back end of the ‘Olympic Aquatic Centre’

There are 4 ‘story board’ plaques on the ground surrounding the ‘Since 9/11 Memorial’ – that explain:- “9/11” – “The Artwork” – “The Education Programme” & “Why the Olympic Park”

The ’Since 9/11 Memorial’ is quite simply a stack of twisted mangled steel, recovered from the wreckage of the World Trade Centre in New York following that horrific day on the 11th September back in 2001.

There are 4 ‘story board’ plaques on the ground surrounding the ‘Since 9/11 Memorial’ – that explain:- “9/11” – “The Artwork” – “The Education Programme” & “Why the Olympic Park”

Me – alongside the “Since 9/11 Memorial”

There are 4 ‘story board’ plaques on the ground surrounding the ‘Since 9/11 Memorial’ – that explain:- “9/11” – “The Artwork” – “The Education Programme” & “Why the Olympic Park”

The sculpture was given the blessing of the Port Authority of New York – and is one of only 6 remnants of the Twin Towers wreckage to be sent overseas. This memorial was erected in 2015 and is named after an educational charity.

Touching the ‘Since 9/11 Memorial’ structure – is quite a thought provoking experience.

Just one of the many entrances to the massive 2011 opened “Westfield Stratford City” shopping centre (to give it its full title).

Me – outside the “Las Iguana’s” bar/restaurant located inside the ‘Westfield Stratford’ shopping centre – right next door to the Olympic Park

A cold £5 bottle of Mexican ‘Pacifico’ cheeky beer – just waiting to be sunk!!

Me – necking down a ‘[cheeky’ Mexican beer at Las Iguana’s – inside Stratford’s Westfield shopping centre.