When in Europe the UK and Beyond: First Impressions

1/9/16   

The morning started by a quick meal at McDonalds with my mother. After we finished breakfast we walked around Kensington for a bit. I set up a phone for the UK.  Afterwards, we headed back to the hotel to join my Dad as we ventured into Central London.

We started the day off by touring the Tower of London. My first impression as we walked in was that it was a musty and old castle, but as I got deeper into the castle, I became more interested in the history that took place. It was particularly interesting looking at the Kings Royal Armor. I was amazed that the armor has been able to be preserved for so long. We eventually made our way to the Crown Jewels. There were several crowns from different kings and queens in protective glass casing. I wish that you were able to take pictures of the crowns but it was forbidden. Each crown was special in its own design. Every crown had its own large diamonds lining the top of the crown. Some of the crowns had different types of stones, such as rubies, sapphires and emeralds. My favorite crown had a purple lining as the exterior of crown. In the center of the crown there was a ruby.  Medium sized diamonds lined the sides of the crown in a cross like formation. Sitting atop the crown was a larger diamond that topped the whole crown off.

After we finished at the Tower of London, we walked across the Tower Bridge. We then made our way down the River Thames. Eventually we made it to the Shakespearean Globe, although we did not tour we poked our head in to check it out. Next we had lunch at a small pizzeria along the Thames. Following lunch we continued our walk along the river till we reached Westminster Abby, sadly though it had closed at 1 and we were too late. We then hopped back onto the tube and made our way back to the hotel. We hung out for a half hour or so then, my Mom and I went to the store to get towels.

When we got back we headed out to a pub called the Prince of Wales. With my chicken which tasted excellent I had some kind of German beer. It wasn’t the most horrible tasting beer, but wasn’t good either. My mother parted ways from my Dad and I as we went in search of another pub to drink at.

It took us several minutes to locate a pub as it seemed that there were none around, as ironic as that was. My father ordered a Pale Ale and I got a local favorite called “London Glory”, it was far better than the German beer which I had earlier. We then went back to hotel were we spent the rest of the night.

As for the day itself, it was misting off and on. I have been told that this is typical for England this time of the year. However, on the flipside it was warm! It was in the 50’s! (I never thought I’d hear myself say that, but after leaving 30 degree weather, I am very happy to settle with the 50’s.) It was quite funny really you could tell the tourist from the local just by what they were wearing. The locals were all bundled up in winter coats, while I along with the other tourist happily strode around in light spring coats.

My initial impressions of London thus far are as follows:

The drivers are aggressive. This is not a joke, if you do not use the cross walk you very well might be ran over or injured.

It is a very quiet city. Compared to other cites I’ve been to it is far more quiet in London. One could best describe it as people using their inside voices. The subway systems are far much quieter than the MBTA and it is actually quiet enjoyable.

Mind the Gap. This is a local saying that I’ve taken great humor in. On the tube, most of the station platforms have a gap between the train and the platforms.

Look left. Look right. In the more touristy areas written on the cross walks before your cross these phrases are written.

London is a runner’s city. No matter where you seem to go runners are everywhere. This is something I plan to take advantage of.

London’s bars are a social experience. Everyone at the bar is having lively conversations, and no one seems to be in any hurry to get out of the pub or bar. One enjoys the ambiance as well as the social aspect.

The red double decker buses are everywhere. They get in the way of the pictures you are trying to take.

The pigeons are vicious and they will come from any direction.

As for tomorrow’s plans, we are more than likely going to go on a double decker tour of London. We are going to check out Buckingham Palace and see if we can get into Westminster Abby.