As we left on the Eurostar heading to our last destination, London. Graham and I were curious to see how it would go, this was our first international vacation where the main language was our own. London was... interesting. Paris was my true destination, so I felt a little meh about the town from the get- go. But I decided to try to give it a fair chance, to see what it would deliver.
The architecture of a city really does tell you a great deal about the city. Our bus brought us through cobblestone streets and past neighborhoods filled with squat brick homes, identical. There were also a great about of fields with greenery and wild flowers. Occasionally we would pass small castles, just on the outskirts of the city. It's an old city, yet right in the heart of it there is a newness about it. Paris' lack of sky scrapers and new age buildings was the opposite of downtown London. Everything was LARGE with twinkling lights around it all. Billboards for new plays, swanky restaurants and tourist attractions abounded. I imagine it's closely related to New York, New York.
The first morning there we went to several big destinations: Harry Potter Studio Tour, King's Cross (also HP related), Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. The Studio Tour was *wonderful* and I soaked up all of the information. Graham and I were listening to the series together via audiobooks, so everything was fresh in our minds. The Great Hall, wax figurines and wands- the details made me realize how I formed my fascination with it as a 3rd grader. We even swigged butterbeer, a butterscotch beverage found in the books (alliteration ya'll), while perusing the outer structures. Graham poked so much fun at me, but a few times during our trip I kept getting overwhelmed by the excitement of it and would cry, this self guided tour was one of those times.
And of course, Big Ben and Westminster were iconic! Big Ben is technically just the clock tower on the enormous Parliament building, so locals were wondering why we weren't calling it the true name; one of many times this happened while there. We stood outside for a long time snapping pictures while the double-decker buses passes us by. Sometimes we would even ask the police with helmets, that reminded us of old timey constables, for help. Yep, it felt like England.
On the second day we hit up the Tower of London. As a huge monarchy nerd, I'd read so many books about those who were hauled off into here, it was fascinating to see in real life. First off, it's eerie as heck! While walking, you can see where a large moat used to be, the thickness of the fortress and the morbid crosses that would line the exterior of place- I'm sure it would strike fear into anyone who was forced to enter. Second, we had a very interesting tour by the 'Beefeaters.' These men, more accurately called Yeomen, are old veterans who live inside the Tower apartments and stand as guards& tour guides while there. Ours was sporty and loud, who told some gruesome information while I had to cover my ears. He lightened the mood throughout our time together by telling some very good jokes (though America was the butt of one of those while Graham and I's patriotism took offence). Third, we saw the Crown Jewels! Unfortunately you can't take photos, but there were some beautiful items, including: large gems, the crowns of multiple royals, completely encrusted swords and an ornate gold punch bowl the size of a small bath tub. Yet again, we wondered how many Englishmen starved while the monarchy was puffed up with these glorious riches. I'd be lying if I didn't say we weren't critical for a good chunk of our time across the pond ;)
No comments:
Post a Comment