The Tower Bridge in London is one of the world’s most iconic landmark, and also one the world’s most famous mistaken identity as many foreigners often mixed it up with the less-spectacular-but-historically-rich London Bridge.
London City
Big Ben clock tower, London, UK
The Clock Tower, famously known as Big Ben, is the name of the tower at Houses of Parliament in London. The Chinese affectionately call it the Big Dumb Bell for its pronunciation pun.
Big Ben is not the tower’s official name though; it’s actually the nickname of the clock’s main bell (officially the Grand Bell). But these days the name is synonymous with the tower as a whole.
Big Ben wouldn’t have existed if it wasn’t for the 1834 fire that destroyed most of the Parliament building. A commission was set up then to choose a new design for the building, with Charles Barry’s plan the eventual winner. The clock swung into action in July 1859.
Europe travelogue – Previous: Trafalgar Square – Next: Tower Bridge
Trafalgar Square, London, UK
London’s Trafalgar Square is one of the world’s most famous plazas. Unfortunately the place was under renovation during my visit in 2005 – the fountains were not working, and the usual crowd probably hanging out elsewhere.
The square was completed in 1840 to commemorate the Battle of Trafalgar, a glorious British naval victory against a combined French and Spanish fleet.
At the centre of the square is Nelson’s Column, with a statue of Lord Nelson at the top, in remembrance of the admiral who died of a gunshot wound shortly after leading the British Navy to victory in the Trafalgar battle.
The square used to be a favourite spot for pigeons, with birds’ droppings covering almost every inches in the area. The situation has changed drastically for good after bird feeding was banned from the square in 2003.
Europe Travelogue – Previous: Piccadilly Circus – Next: Big Ben tower
Piccadilly Circus, London, UK
Piccadilly Circus is a popular hangout place and iconic tourist spot in London. Shaftesbury Memorial is the name of the famous fountain at the circus. Most travellers probably don’t know its name but would almost certainly snap a photo of it.
Piccadilly Circus is surrounded by theatres, shops, malls, hotels, restaurants, pubs and endless traffic. The neon signboards in the area are quite a scene at night; probably not as splendid as New York’s Time Square, but spectacular nonetheless.
When I first visited UK in 2001 there were lots of pizzerias and kebab stores around, but only a few of those remained in the area. I still managed to grab a pizza nearby, but disappointingly it wasn’t as good as it used to be.
Things change, inevitably.
Europe Travelogue – Previous: St James Park – Next: Trafalgar Square
Heavy snow in London Streatham
Video after a heavy snow in Streatham, south London, in February 2007.
The Youtuber (Michael) was on his way to a train station in early morning after the snow fall. The snow totally blanketed the cars and streets.
Locals, like Michael, may lament that as bad weather because of inconvenience. But for some people like me who stay in tropical country all our lives, this looks cool.
The only time I’ve seen snow was during my European trip in October 2005. But that’s just some sprinkles on a mountain in Switzerland.
[Update] Finally a snowy experience in 2010 during my visit to South Korea =)
Buckingham Palace, London, United Kingdom
First destination during my Europe trip in October 2005, the Buckingham Palace.
Wandering in London by foot was not my original plan; wanted to visit Oxford instead, but woke up late due to jet-lag. It was near noon when I reached the Victoria Station, so it’s more logical to stay in the city instead of going outskirt.
One thing great about London, at least in the city centre, is that it’s full of historical monuments and places. I knew I would bump into some interesting spots without any particular destination in mind. And within minutes from the station, I reached a familiar spot – Buckingham Palace, the Queen’s official residence.
[Read more…] about Buckingham Palace, London, United Kingdom
