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Published: November 7th 2006
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As I last left I had boarded my BA flight from San Francisco en route for London Heathrow. Now I must say that as the flight started the gradual decent toward the foggy city of London I started to make out a few of the dazzling sights available to me for the next 6 months, with glimpses of the Tower Bridge...Big Ben...Parliament...and the great river Thames. As I slowly entered through that foggy barrier it seemed as though the city jumped up towards the plane, those bright lights, cars meandering around the town, yes I knew that I was there and definitely ready to jump right in.
Before the start of London I just want to say that this will be a collection of about 6-8 different trips to London. As I was living in the south of England, more specifically Berkshire and in the town of Bracknell we had easy access to the transportation systems of England and made frequent trips to the "big" city. The reasons for so many of these little excursions vary from shopping to site seeing to the great night life of the city.
As life in a small urban town on the outskirts of London
one person wonders what can we do?? Besides the local pubs, great games of football and local shops, you have to be in the city. As my first trip to the city I had to visit what makes this city so amazing to view from the plane. My first stop was the building of Parliament. Now to get there it’s easy and so is everything in London. If you know what Tube stop is closest, you’re right there. And in case you didn't know, The Tube is London’s underground network of trains and trams that take the individual...or hundreds of individuals all over the city center or outskirts of London to their many neighborhoods.
The Parliament building is located near the Westminster TUBE stop. And when I mean close, just get off the TUBE and BAM its right in your face! Standing high, and towering above you is "Big Ben" now believe it or not, most people assume that "Big Ben" is the tower located on the block of Parliament but the term for "Big Ben" is actually referencing to the huge bell located inside the tower. The name Big Ben is actually believed to be named after Sir Benjamin
Hall who was, among other things, a fat politician. Now be aware, you have to watch out when gawking up at the monstrosity in front of you. Many people are going to running the length that the street adjacent to Big Ben and you might feel a little engulfed in a sea of people. Don't worry just jump out of the way and snap those pictures.
Now as I stand before this great structure I really am captured by the majestic structure. What you must do as I did many times was walk the length of Westminster Bridge. The view is glorious, looking out towards the London eye or back towards "Big Ben" you can't help but be captured, and for myself I was here. If you can only spend 1 day in London this has to be your first stop, if you miss it, it's almost like you were never here.
After that punch in the face view of London we jumped back on the train towards the next big stop of this city, the Tower of London. After getting off the tube and follow the signs toward The Tower of London you walk the length of this great castle, with a large lawn in front of the cement walls. If you are a little confused don't be, this is it. The Tower of London is the power front of the city. Here is where the Monarchs ruled, people where imprisoned, and now where the Crown Jewels are located on display for all to see. This is also your chance if you don't want to walk all the way down to what you might think is the "Tower of London". After you purchased the tickets, which unless you can get the student discount are a bit expensive, walk down towards the water and look towards your left. This is the Tower Bridge, built in the late 19th century and allowed for easy access to the Pool of London. The bridge can go up and down allowing the ships to pass by uninterrupted. But don't worry. That won't stop you from going to the top and getting some great views. Back to the Tower of London, this castle on the water houses the famous crown jewels which are a must see. They are spectacular in the light but what isn't so hot about the tour is that pictures are not allowed in the viewing gallery. But just do what most people do, hide the camera low and snap without the flash on. Also on the list of must sees inside the Tower are the famous Black Ravens. These Ravens are always on location because of the myth that if no crows where present the English crown and kingdom would fall. I don't think that it’s totally true and I was told that in 1946 they were not present for a spell and of course...nothing happened. But it adds to the great mystique of the Tower.
Thank you guys for listening, this is just one of the many that will come from yours truly. I sincerely desire for you to learn and hopefully take some of my advice and if you don't, I hope that you will at least enjoy London in your own way. This city is very amazing and will make for a great trip to Europe (be careful when you call England, Europe. I'm not sure they like it). Join me next time when I talk about a few of the great museums of London.
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