11 O'clock GMT
I've just come back from Grosvenor Square and the American Embassy for the three minute silence. One of a few thousand people surrounding the square, but not actually allowed in. Inside was reserved for the American Ambassador and the staff. It was a strange feeling. Just before it officially turned 11 o'clock, everywhere became silent in expectation. The cars around the Square, usually a busy thoroughfare through the heart of Mayfair, all stopped and turned off their engines. Then, in the distance, you could hear Big Ben. That was eerie. The whole of London almost brought to a standstill, not because of a threat of any kind, but to show a mark of respect. To hear the chimes ring out over the capital from a mile away was incredible. In the three years that I have been in London, I have never seen or heard anything like it. And then the three minutes were up, but still people stood there, quietly reflecting on the events of the past two days. Eventually, the Ambassador and his staff returned to the Embassy to a round of applause, and people then began to drift away back to their surrounding offices, or up onto Oxford Street to continue shopping. All the same, it was still quite. A fitting mark of respect to the thousands of innocent lives lost in the insane moments of 2-00 Tuesday lunchtime. If you wish to leave your own personal message of respect and condolance, the American Embassy has set up a website to register it. Just click on the link below http://www.usembassy.org.uk/condolencefrm.html
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