Travel Tips

Posts Tagged ‘United Kingdom’

I was able to take a trip to London, U.K. when I was 16 years old. I wish there was some way I could convey to you how truly awesome it was. Fortunately, I had a camera and some money with me, and was able to leave with some great memories, photos, and souvenirs. Although I had to deal with finding a missing passport and going through tons of electrical adapters trying to find the right one, I left London not only vastly inspired, but also armed with some of the most amazing experiences I have ever experienced.

The Tower of London is a popular British Landmark located in London. Probably most well-known as a place or torture and a royal prison, the Tower of London holds centuries of history that are made available to you and your family when you visit. I spent an entire day walking around learning all the stories and seeing for myself just how the Tower worked. Probably my favorite part was seeing the ravens. These huge black birds strut around the lawn, eyeing  visitors with their black eyes. The ravens have been residents of the Tower for generations, as a superstition states that if they ever left, the kingdom would fall. In respect of this superstition, the ravens have their very own living quarters and their own personal handler.

Everyone knows Big Ben as one of the most iconic monuments for London. Movies, stories, and art have been representing Big Ben for many, many years, and seeing it for yourself will show you why. I also recommend that you visit Parliament. This is where laws, bills, and other legislation takes place for the government of London, U.K.. I’ve really never been interested in the workings of government, but seeing it in action is pretty inspiring. Getting to see the “behind the scenes” government action was really special, and it amazed me how accessible it was.

Although it’s a little cliche, seeing the Changing of the Guard was a really cool experience as well. I didn’t pick a guard’s nose or try to make him laugh anything, they are armed after all, but I did get pretty close to have my picture taken. There are numerous locations where you can see the guards, including the Tower of London. The various parks and gardens in London make walking anywhere as adventure in itself. Huge ponds full of all kinds of birds, from swans to some funny looking ducks, walk around parks full of beautiful sculptures and breathtaking gardens. Seriously, the gardens are beautiful.

London’s shopping scene is just awesome. I got to visit Camden Market, which isn’t your ordinary shopping spot. Stretching on for as far as I could see, Camden Market offered everything from handmade bags to leopard print Doc Martins. So grab some money and your passport, as there is something for everyone at Camden Market, and I guarantee after a long day shopping, you can’t help but walk away with tons of stuff.

Everyone in your family can walk away with some unforgettable experiences after a London visit. I definitely did. If you’ve never been able to see London for yourself, I recommend you take a trip there sometime. I promise, it’s even worth the hassle of having to find that missing passport.

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