Who, What, or Where? — #1

[ehbowen]

Our resident bard @entwife has inspired me. But while his compositions have nature and its denizens in mind, mine are largely drawn from the works of men's hands and the craftsmen—or women—who created them. But some, perchance, may be inspired by notable or even spectacular locations which I have seen with my own eyes—at least, on Earth; beyond that I rely on the reports of astronautic or robotic observers.

And while Mr. entwife often speaks in general terms, my intention is to be specific...as specific as possible. So while 'skyscraper' may be a good answer, the intended answer is, "Which skyscraper?" And with limited exceptions when I have a place or a thing in mind it is one which I have actually seen, visited, or owned. That is not a great limitation, though, since I have been blessed with the privilege of being a very well-traveled individual thanks to careers in the Navy, Merchant Marine, or behind the wheel of long-haul trucks. With that said...

I span the waters in this my capital city,
a sight not all have agreed is pretty!
Although small by modern standards I am
recognized far and wide throughout the lands.
I unite the banks but open wide,
for sailing ships traveling on the tide.
Marvels of engineering Victorian,
tourists observe in my museum.
Hard by my namesake keep I stand,
bridging the gap between land and land.

What am I?

[Anon100]

What am I?

Spoiler:  

I think my UK home may help me. Is it Tower Bridge in London?

[sevensons]

What am I?

Divided

[ehbowen]

Code: [Select]

[spoiler]I think my UK home may help me. Is it Tower Bridge in London?[/spoiler]

And of course you are correct. I had a memorable four nights and five days in London in 1990 with a ticket home but no money. Well, I drew $200 from the ship's Captain before I went ashore and I figured that once I got to London I could go to the London office of Chase and get some of my funds on deposit at Chase Bank back in Houston. Uh, no. So that $200 had to last for all five days.

I still have my receipt from the Mitre House Hotel in Sussex Gardens—actually, I couldn't afford to stay at the Mitre House itself, but at the time they also operated the "Raffles Hotel" at 13 Craven Road. It was a very European walk-up, bathroom down the hall and you can touch both opposite walls with outstretched hands at the same time (and according to Google Street View it's still there). But the sheets were clean and the neighbors (neighbours?  ) were quiet; it was worth the 60 pounds sterling total for four nights (7/5 to 11/5/90, "Raffles 9"). Even more so since the parent property (Mitre House) offered a hot full English breakfast to guests for one pound—I had some hearty breakfasts!

I spent those five days sightseeing in London as best I could by tube and shoe leather. I did splurge for a couple of admissions, notably to the Tower of London itself. While there of course I crossed Tower Bridge (on foot) and saw what I could of the machinery through the windows, being too impoverished to pay yet another admission charge. Someday I hope to return with a slightly more generous budget!

[PerditaPickle]

(neighbours?  )

Correct