NOT AN ART: The Big Smoke, London

Buckingham Palace
August 15, 2016

So, this is the first time I write some letters in a blog post (except the Transformers post). Maybe because I'm not a good writer, or because this is one of the special journeys that I did. This journey happened around August 2016 and London become the first city I visited in my trip to United Kingdom. I entitled this post 'The Big Smoke, London'. According to Wikipedia, London was covered by big smoke due to air pollution from industrial chimneys back in 50's and that nickname was reflects this city. It took 11 hours from Rotterdam, Netherlands to London, England by a bus ('big couch' said British). Arrived early in the morning of London's working hour, the bus stops in Victoria Coach Station. First place I visited was the Buckingham Palace (above), where it became the residence of Queen Victoria in 1837. Tourists and workers are passing by in this area. If the weather is clear, there is an attraction of changing the guard of the palace usually at 10 o'clock.

Queen Victoria Memorial
August 15, 2016

The journey continue to the area of Westminster. It becomes the famous place because of the Westminster Bridge and Palace of Westminster which also known as Big Ben. This area become the main tourist attraction in London. Sadly couple weeks ago, there was an accident in this area, an attack from a guy. Hitting many innocent people and stabbing a police officer. Deep condolence to the PC Keith Palmer who died while on duty guarding the palace and many other wounded victims.

Here also can be found the iconic London Red Bus passing the Westminster Bridge with various numbers and routes.

Palace of Westminster
August 8, 2016

Big Ben
August 8, 2016

Palace of Westminster

August 6, 2016

London Red Bus
August 15, 2016

Still in the area of Westminster, following the river a little bit to the north there's standing the famous London Eye, a big Ferris wheel. Through this wheel, tourist could see the cityscape of London.

London Eye
August 8, 2016

On the afternoon, the journey continue to the west side of London, to the area of Kensington. In this area, I checking in to the hostel and took a rest for a while. I stayed at Meininger Hostel London for 4 nights. The hostel located in the same building of Baden-Powell House. Baden Powell is a founder and the first Chief Scout of The Boy Scouts Association. Late in the afternoon, I move tho the west side of London. There is an old big church named St. Paul's Cathedral which has a door is in line with Millennium Bridge. A little bit to the west, there is a famous Tower Bridge. A bridge which is well-known with its two twin towers and the automated bridge deck to lift-up when the ship is passing by.

West Portico St. Paul's Cathedral
August 15, 2016

St. Paul's Cathedral

August 15, 2016

Millennium Bridge
August 15, 2016

Tower Bridge
August 15, 2016

The view from the Tower Bridge offers the beautiful scenery of the metropolitan side of London. There is the view of the wonderful architecture of the buildings surround the City Hall. Another side gives the beautiful scenery of the modern part of London City.

City Hall
August 15, 2016

City of London
August 15, 2016

On the other day, the trip continue to the city park. The biggest park in the London which is Hyde Park. In this park, there are many place to visits. There is Kensington Palace on the west side of the park. A residence of the British Royal Family since the 17th century. There also a big round pond in front of the palace which has a lot of bird living. On the north-west side, there is an old Elfin Oak in the area of Diana Memorial Playground. It's an 900 years old, carved and painted to look as though elves, gnomes and small animals are living in its bark. On the south side of the park, there is the memorable building of Royal Albert Hall. This building is the witness of many great concerts and events.