JOURNEY to London

An intern from Latvia Arta sent us the description of her group’s journey to London last Saturday.

I visited London for the first time, and I was able to see lot of new things. During the day, when we were traveling to London, the weather could be better, because the day was cold and snowy, but that did not prevent us from going on this beautiful tour. As I was for first time in London, I was interested in all what we looked at.

We got up early, because we had to spend all day in London.

 

 

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is the main residence of Queen Elizabeth II although it is owned by the British state and is not the monarch’s personal property. The Forecourt of Buckingham Palace is used for Changing of the Guard, a major ceremony and tourist attraction. Between May and July the guard changes each morning and on alternate days the rest of the year. Since 1993, the palace’s state rooms have been open to the public during August and September. (from: http://www.touropia.com/tourist-attractions-in-london/)

 

Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square is a large city square commemorating Lord Horatio Nelson’s victory against Napoleon’s navy at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. The central monument within the square is a single tall column on which the figure of Nelson stands gazing over London. His monument is surrounded by four colossal lions and a series of large fountains. Much more than just an open plaza, Trafalgar Square is one of the most famous city squares in the world and has become a social and political location for tourists and Londoners alike. (from: http://www.touropia.com/tourist-attractions-in-london/ 7)

 

London Eye

Situated on the banks of the River Thames, the London Eye is an enormous, 135 meter (443 ft) high observation wheel carrying 32 exterior glass-walled capsules. It offers fantastic views over central London. The wheel does not usually stop to take on passengers as the rotation rate is slow enough to allow passengers to walk on and off the moving capsules at ground level. It is the most popular paid tourist attraction in the United Kingdom, visited by over 3.5 million people annually. (from: http://www.touropia.com/tourist-attractions-in-london/)

 

Big Ben

The 150 year old Big Ben Clock Tower is one of the top tourist attractions in London. The name Big Ben actually refers not to the clock tower itself, but to the 13 ton bell housed within the tower and takes its name from the man who first ordered the bell, Sir Benjamin Hall. The present-day Big Ben bell was constructed in 1858 after a first bell of 16 tons cracked irreparably two years prior. The clock has become a popular attraction and has appeared in many films. In the movie Mars Attacks! for example the Big Ben is destroyed by a UFO attack. (from: http://www.touropia.com/tourist-attractions-in-london/)

 

St. James’s Park

St. James’s Park is at the heart of ceremonial London. It is the setting for spectacular pageants, like Trooping the Colour, and is surrounded by some of the country’s most famous landmarks including Buckingham Palace, Clarence House, St James’s Palace and Westminster.

But there is also another side to St James’s Park; it is a tranquil place. Simply relax in a deckchair and watch the world go by. The flower beds and shrubberies are enjoyed by visitors all the year round.

St James’s Park has been at the centre of the country’s royal and ceremonial life for more than four hundred years. Royal ambitions and national events have shaped many of the features in the park. (from: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/st-jamess-park/about-st-jamess-park)

 

Science museum

The Science Museum features seven floors of educational and entertaining exhibits, including the Apollo 10 command module and a flight simulator. The Wellcome Wing showcases developments in contemporary science, medicine and technology. The Medical History Gallery in the museum’s attic contains a substantial collection of medical history treasures. Pattern Pod introduces under-eights to the importance of patterns in contemporary science and Launch Pad is a popular hands-on gallery where children can explore basic scientific principles. Exhibits in the Exploring Space galleries include the three-metre-high, 600kg Spacelab 2 X-ray telescope that was flown on British space missions and full-scale models of the Huygens Titan probe and Beagle 2 Mars Lander. (from: https://www.timeout.com/london/museums/science-museum)

When we were in London I was happy see and learn something new, and I recommend everyone to go London, because in this city really is to see. This city is very beautiful, but ancient, keeping all its secrets and peculiarities.

I am very sorry that did not see a few sights that were scheduled due to cold weather and lack of time, because it was already late, but I do not regret, what I traveled to London, because it really was worth it. At least for now, my experience is richer!