Gauss-Telegraph: World trip from home in 30 days – London

Gauss-Telegraph: World trip from home in 30 days – London

by Hui Lin Kong

London Eye

Big Ben

My impression of London

There is nowhere else that is so vividly on display than in London.  The Capital of the United Kingdom is the home to the country’s seat of government and lung of its economy. Blessed with historical grandeur, from the Tower of London to the Westminster Abbey, the city’s past provides ample opportunity for misty-eyed strolling. Westminster Palace, is also referred to as the Houses of Parliament. The Parliament, which is famous for Big Ben, is the general assembly of the House of Commons and House of Lords. To my disappointment, the Big Ben was under renovation during my visit. Tower Bridge is one of the most recognizable landmark in  London. This iconic symbol was built to allow the flow of ships on the River Thames back in nineteenth century and is often confused with London Bridge, which was the first bridge to be built at the east of Tower Bridge.

Buckingham Palace

 

 

 

Must-see attractions

Everyone, including me,  would want to catch a glimpse of the official London residence of the Queen, Buckingham Palace. Located in the City of Westminster, the palace is often at the centre of state occasions and royal hospitality. Her Majesty also holds weekly audiences with the Prime Minister and receives newly-appointed foreign Ambassadors at Buckingham Palace. It is often said that one hasn’t truly experience London until you’ve seen the Changing of Guard, also known as Guard Mounting with your very own eyes. The Handover officially takes place at 11a.m. when the detachments start lining up in formation followed by the Old Guard leaves for the Birdcage Walk barracks and the New Guard start marching up The Mall to take over their posts.  

London Bridge

The London Eye is the world’s tallest cantilevered observation wheel, not a Ferris wheel you can simply find at a funfair. Standing 135m tall over the River Thanes, with 32 fully enclosed capsules moving at a leisurely 9.66km per hour, the London Eye enables everyone to walk around in the capsule and spot the remarkable landmarks.  

London has lots to offer, alone in the West End sit the British Museum and National Gallery. Travelling in London is not cheap by all means, but the visit to British Museum is free and it is definitely worth visiting as the museum is gigantic and home to the vibrant history of the country as well as the world’s history. The must-see items include the Rosetta Stone, the Egyptian Mummies, the Parthenon sculptures and the winged bulls from Khorsabad. 

Borough Market

 

 

Favorite local dish    

London is hip. London captivates all, bringing diversity and fun to all those visiting the city. To discover its endless hidden treasures, visiting the markets in the morning and shopping at the liveliest areas are worth mentioning. Street food , like the bites found at Borough Market, Greenwich Market and Camden Market, are the best way to enjoy numerous delicacies and not having to pay a fortune. Battered and fried fish with a portion of chips, is probably the most well-known traditional English cuisine. A good, old-fashioned English tea time, with a  nice cup of tea or some hot brew , fancy pastries and scones, seem to be essential on the to-do list. The humbly ceremony of English tea is fading due to modernisation, is however worth dedicating to, especially when you are to make a visit to London.

Note: Due to the spread of the coronavirus, we don’t recommend to travel until the all restrictions have been lifted.