Greetings from London, Quad readers! On this weekly blog I’ll be detailing my adventures in London where I am completing a six-week CGS study abroad program. I have already been here a week, and let me start off by saying London is big—Really big. The tube map is easily twice the size of Boston! However, London’s breadth hasn’t stopped me from exploring this awesome city. I couldn’t help but visit most of the city’s signature sights; tourists may crowd the view, but I thoroughly enjoyed all of them. Here are some of my favorites so far:
Changing of the Guard
Among the sea of tourists crowding the gates of Buckingham Palace, I managed to see a sliver of the daily Changing of the Guard procession. I learned that the guards are actually soldiers of the British army. And their hats (if you can call them that) are made of Canadian black bear skin. PETA would not be proud.
Big Ben and me
How much “quintessential London” can I possibly fit in one picture? The houses of Parliament are really breathtaking in person. The telephone booth was an added bonus.
The Tower Bridge
And now the familiar tune of “London Bridge” will surely get stuck in your head. Despite the rain, the Tower Bridge is another London landmark that you have to see up close.
Camden Market
My first thought when stepping off from the tube: Camden must be the punk capital of the world. When walking down Camden High Street one can’t help but notice the myriad shops selling Doc Martens and skull accessories. Camden market sells similar kitschy items; think t-shirts and cheesy London memorabilia. Further down the street is Camden Lock, which is another part of the huge market. There I encountered everything from vintage clothing to a store specializing in Terminator-meets-hooker ware.
The London Eye
A signature since it opened in 2000, the London Eye is a touristy thing to do, but it does give fantastic views of the city, especially at sunset. I saw some of the best shots of Parliament.
London has so many unique sights that I’m not sure I’ll be able to see everything in two months—but I’ll try. Summer has only just begun…
