London through my eyes…

By:

Reynaldo Bujan

Published:

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Welcome back travelers, 

This time we will be exploring the beautiful and famous capital of London, England. This unique city is full of history and breathtaking architecture that started all the way back from the Roman times to our days. I had waited for my encounter with this city for such a long time, waiting to visit those places that I have dreamt of. That weekend in London was one of the greatest things that I have ever done, and so different from any previous event of my life. I enjoyed every minute because it is all a learning experience.

I arrived at St. Pancras International Terminal after a two-hour train trip. While arriving at the terminal, I was able to appreciate its beauty, adorned with a huge clock on the wall. I got out of the coach and felt that I was in a different world. London is a very busy city, with thousands of people walking and running on the escalators, stairs, sidewalks, everywhere.

St. Pancras International adorned with a lovely golden clock and the pink phrase “I want my time with you.”

First, we headed to the British Museum, and my mind was blown away with so much history surrounding me. Although it is the British Museum, you might only find a small percentage of the whole collections actually from Britain since there are objects from Egypt with its mummies, Greece with the Parthenon Marbles, Asia, Africa, and ancient artifacts like the Rosetta Stone. It was stunning!

The Sutton Hoo Ship Burial Helmet is the most iconic object from the Sutton Hoo site, dating from early 7th century East Anglia.
The mummified cat belongs to the feline deity and is associated with the goddess Bastet.

To be honest, the first day was a little complex due to the interaction with public transportation, tubes, buses, the underground. Once I got an idea about work, I was happily able to move and go sightseeing. 

While getting lost on the London streets, I could not believe how much green areas gave a unique touch to the city. St. James Park, The Victoria Tower Gardens, Parliament Square, Hyde Park, and many others were characterized with vivid colors of green, full of life with hundreds of pigeons, people on the grass talking and drinking glasses of wine. Of course, I did sit on the grass too!

This monument, erected in honor of the English poet and world’s greatest dramatist William Shakespeare at Leicester Square, London. Remember, “There is no darkness but ignorance.”

I bought the London pass, a great deal that would allow me to visit over 80 tourist attractions and use the hop-on and hop-off buses in the city.

Here some pics of these beautiful places:

Beautiful melody from this Scottish Great Highland bagpipe played by this gentleman wearing the Scottish kilt in a London street.
London’s Tower Bridge is an imposing structure that crosses the Thames River.
After the old tower, there is the Shard, a modern 95 floors super-tall skyscraper, designed by the Italian architect Renzo Piano. It stands 309.6 meters (1,016 ft) high, the Shard is the tallest building in the United Kingdom, and the European Union, and the fifth-tallest building in Europe.
The Tower of London is a castle in central London, besides the Thames River. It records history from its beginning, artifacts, weapons, and rooms used from torturing, storage, etc.

I ?  London and I will come back for the other 90% you have to show me.

I have a question for you. Are you guys ready for Paris?

Reynaldo Bujan

*Rainbow Scholarship <i>Hello in your host country language</i>: Hello/Bonjour <i> University</i>: Phoenix College <i>Expected graduation year</i>: 2020 <i>Destination</i>: Nottingham, England/Paris, France <i>Program Provider</i>: Mesa Community College <i>Major / Minor</i>: Physiology / Psychology <i>Demographic background</i>: First-generation, Hispanic, LGBTQ <i>Future career aspirations</i>: Medicine (Surgeon) <i>Top 3 goals for study abroad</i>: To create and develop interpersonal and social interaction skills; To broaden my perspectives and understanding of the world's cultures; To nourish myself with the beauty and history of the countries.