Fri, 14 Sep 2001 

Dear mum,

Just came back from the service outside St Pauls
Cathedral in London for the terrorist attack on New
Yorks World Trade Centre. Its in the heart of Londons
Financial district. Police were everywhere, streets
cordoned off, international news crews (NBC etc)
broadcasting outside. Stood in the street leading to
the steps of St Pauls surrounded by thousands of
people. Observed 3 minutes silence from the 11 oclock
bell chimes. Closed my eyes and it was so quiet, could
have been in a quiet room, except for a baby crying
along way away and sniffles of people. When I opened
my eyes sort of shocked as realised I was in a mass of
people. If I looked at many faces I would have been
really more sad as peoples tears and faces were not
nice to see. Afterwards walked past a memorial to the
Blitz where wreathes of flowers lay from firestation
staff from all over London.

On Tuesday when the attack happened we watched the
events unfold live on the tv at our work in London
near Bank station. We were trading (foriegn
exchange/equities) with companies in the WTC. It was
like watching a Hollywood movie. Must have watched it
for hours. Heard about another 4 planes hijacked
likely to be on their way to the White House up the
west Coast. One report was they were shot down before
getting there. No further news since though on it. It
was strange on the top of the double decker bus on the
way home afterwards. It was quiet, and somber. Most
were trying to listen to a low volume radio someone
had brought on with them. I was going to meet a
flatmate for drinks but he said he was scared of bombs
so decided not to come in. 

Steve