Last week, I visited London for the day. I’d been many times as a young person: tackling my fear of the Underground, visiting typical tourist attractions, witnessing the historic, beautiful skyline of English’s capital city on the London Eye. The day trips were enjoyable, I saw it as a great treat and loved the hustle and bustle of the permanently awake capital. It was not a place I wanted to live in, but would always seek pleasure when visiting. This visit was no different. I enjoyed every second and while I didn’t visit too many places, my body was exhausted by the end of the day.
To make the most of the day, I was up at the crack of dawn. Quarter past six is earlier than my awakening for normal college days. Yet, despite the remaining tiredness weighing down on my chest, I felt an energy of delight and curiosity about the day. From the journey to the sites, the lunch to quirky ‘London-ish’ habits I would spot; the day was destined to be full of observation and enjoyment. There is something liberating about walking just as the sun is rising. The temporary exhaustion felt when waking up is offset by the changing colours of the sky, gazing at the country waking up. It was remarkably quiet, few cars, as I trekked to the station, eager to arrive in good time. The trains in both direction were perfect: on time, clean and a relaxing place to read, admire the views and nap (on the way back). King’s Cross is a wonderful place. From my first time visiting London, I have admired the beautiful building. It’s a cross between a railway station and a shopping mall. High, glass ceilings soar above commuters, shoppers and cafes. There are so many elements to such a great place, the pathway to thousands of London routes. The underground remained quite smooth, trains arriving promptly at every stop with few delays. Only on the return to King’s Cross was Piccadilly Circus tube station heaving. Thank goodness I don’t commute in London. Our first place to visit was Waterstones. The renowned bookshop is amazing wherever I am in the country, but it was especially excellent in London. Why? It was the largest bookshop in Europe. Five floors devoted to all genres of literature, new releases greeting people at the door, old time classics further into the store. On higher floors, the view across London was stunning and make me realize how special it was to be in the heart of Britain for the day. I purchased one book called ‘Fall Out’ by Tim Shipman, the sequel to ‘All Out War’, which details politics in 2017. Due to having a fancy Waterstones card, I only paid £5 instead of £25. Bargain! It was liberating to walk around London to the next destination of the Victoria and Albert Museum. Within London, it’s so easy to assume that the tube is necessary for all journeys, no matter the distance. Walking around shows how close destinations are. I heard all the sounds: horns beeping, engines running, the chatter of fellow enthused tourists. The London air smelt different to my home town: more distinct, unique and, yes, probably more polluted. The V&A will always be a classic part of London. From the moment I walked in, even for the second time, it felt different to any other museum I had been in. Every element seems truly historic. From the colourful, yet slightly bizarre structure hanging from the ceiling to the stone toilets that made me feel in Ancient Rome, it was a truly excellent place to visit. We had specifically come to see a ‘Winnie-the-Pooh’ exhibition, which contained a successful mix of interactive activities for younger child and historic context for adults. I was shocked that paper A. A. Milne had written on over 90 years ago remained in such a neat state. Preserving the past is so important. My highlight when visiting the V&A would have to be the food. When I’m at home, I’m perfectly happy to eat standard food: rice, fish fingers, you get the idea. However, when I’m eating out, I become a snob. Don’t we all? Isn’t it natural for everyone to desire an excellent restaurant with dimmed, yet clear lighting, music on a low volume and perfect customer service? Who wouldn’t want a vast choice of options on the menu, so much to choose that there is no option but to struggle when deciding what to eat? Well, that was certainly available at the V&A. Vast choices of seats. Wonderful stained-glass windows to admire. Chandeliers on the dozen. Excellent salmon with an eclectic choice of salad. If I go to London, I want the best food. Being paid to eat food for restaurant reviews must be the best job ever. After reading highly anticipated books early, that is. You’ll be aware I frequently comment on political events, most often on twitter. There was no option but to see Parliament. I had visited it many times before but, while those occasions were always exciting, it was before I had gained a full interest in political affairs. All I thought was how snazzy the buildings were. This time was totally different. Big Ben being totally covered in scaffolding didn’t prevent the butterflies in my stomach. Seeing the Palace of Westminster in person is totally different to on TV. I was admiring the beating heart of democracy, where laws are made, where the people we elect decide how Britain is run. Currently, I’m reading a book on the monarchy, which used to have so many links to Parliament. Seeing it in person, with the knowledge I didn’t have before, I took a sharp intake of breath. On a more light-hearted note: WHERE IS COLLEGE GREEN? This is probably the first, and only time, I will complain about an excessive amount of green spaces. There were so many near the Palace that it was impossible to tell where the press camp out during important votes. I saw one camera and tried to see if it was anyone I recognised. Alas, they packed away as soon as I glanced over. Going to London will always remain special. Whether I’m living there, commuting daily or visiting on the odd occasion, the capital city will always remain a prosperous, different location. The parts I explore are always truly spectacular and the visits always remain a great highlight of the year. I look forward to my next visit, whenever that may be. Whether you live near London or across the world, I truly recommend visiting one of the economic, historic and cultural highlights of the United Kingdom.
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