London & Greenwich |
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Tower Bridge:
One of London's premier international symbols, the Tower Bridge
is a stately reminder of the power and prestige of this grand
city. Often mistakenly referred to as "London Bridge" (which is
now in Arizona), this landmark has spanned the Thames for over
100 years.
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Trafalgar
Square:
Surprisingly, this square turned out to be my favorite section
of the city to hang out and relax. I spent a lot of time in the
"café in the crypt" at St. Martin in the Fields on the square
where you could have delicious food and a beverage while listing
to classical music or jazz. |
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Westminster
Palace:
(Left) The gothic spires of Westminster Palace exude a
grandeur that most government structures around the world lack.
It is extremely hard not to be impressed when you visit.
Big
Ben:
(Right) London's other famous intern. symbol, Big Ben is
actually the name of the bell located inside of the tower.
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Notting Hill:
(Left) A district unlike any other I've ever seen,
Notting Hill district is unique due to the similar architecture
and high-class feel that permeates the air.
Westminster Lion:
(Left) The gothic structures around the government
offices were a statue-lovers delight. Everywhere you looked you
saw ferocious animals, menacing gargoyles, and scariest of
all... politicians!
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Puttin' On
The Ritz:
(Left) Sure, the
Ritz
is London's swankiest hotel and is steeped in history, but the
real reason it deserves mention on this page is because whenever
I see this picture I think of "Young
Frankenstein". See, now you are too!
Trafalgar Square:
(Right) It is a pity that London isn't better known for
its architecture, because it does have some beautiful buildings!
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Tower Of London:
While not quite a "tower" by today's standards, this site is
especially interesting considering all of the ghoulish
activities that occurred here. Plan on spending plenty of time
here to fully take in all the sights, including the
crown jewels and the many ravens which make the grounds
their home.
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Tower Of
London :
Although I don't believe in ghosts, if there ever was a
structure in this world that
could be haunted this would probably be the place. The tower
was home to a large prison where executions were commonplace and
many royal figures received gracious "severance" packages when
they were dethroned.
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Millennium Dome:
Quite possibly one of
ugliest buildings in the world, the Millennium Dome in
Greenwich
is also an overwhelming flop, as it really has no useful
purpose. While I was visiting London, news broke that the dome
could be used for a housing experiment. Almost two years later,
the building still stands empty. |
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Harrods:
(Left) If you've got the money, I don't think there is a
better place to shop (and be seen shopping) than
Harrods. If
nothing else, be sure to stroll around the store and take in the
opulent decorations and fantastic food halls.
Alley
Graffiti:
(Right) It always pays to step off the main
thoroughfares and to explore the back alleys.
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Tower Bridge:
(Left) The Tower Bridge is impressive from almost every
angle.
Westminster Abbey:
(Right) One unique aspect of English life is the role of
the national church.
Westminster Abbey is the official church of the monarchy and
is owned by the royal family. |
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London Eye:
(Left) The most successful of all international
millennium commemorations, the London Eye is a fantastic ride
which provides you with beautiful views of London and the
Thames.
London
Eye:
(Right) Much like the Eiffel Tower, the
London Eye was built as a temporary exhibit. It too seems
like it will become a permanent fixture of the skyline.
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Greenwich:
(Left) How can one visit London without taking a side
trip to Greenwich? Make sure you come during opening hours
though, because otherwise you'll only be able to walk back and
forth across a brass line and pose for stupid pictures.
Greenwich Parks:
(Right) Not too far from the revitalized Canary Wharf
area of London, Greenwich is famous for its beautiful
architecture and expansive parks.
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The River
Thames :
First settled by the Romans as a convenient crossing point,
London owes its existence to the
River Thames. As seen from the London Eye, most
historically important structures in London are located
within earshot of the Thames and a long stroll along both
sides is an experience not to be missed.
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Fox Hunting Protest:
While many countries have protests concerning civil rights,
unfair governments, and other such issues, the main protest
issue while I was visiting was the right to continue hunting
foxes. While this protest began small, by the end of the year it
blossomed into the
largest protest in over 200 years! |
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Punting:
(Left) An old college tradition in Cambridge is to go
punting down the river that passes through town. It seemed
to be an activity dominated by amateurs, as the most frequent
sound heard was that of people falling off their boats into the
river.
Round
Church:
(Right) The city boasts gorgeous architecture almost one
thousand years old.
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