london

A 90-minute walk around London

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In this article, I take readers on a walk around the Pool of London and describe some of the significant landmarks and history of the region.

London is, quite literally, the centre of the world. It sits at the point where east meets west, the prime meridian, and all other places on the globe are measured in relation to it. London definitely lives up to its prime location; it is a bustling cosmopolitan city steeped in history, decorated by glorious architecture, and full of cultural treasures. For a tourist on foot, London is the perfect city to explore. Join me on a short walk around the Pool of London; you’ll be amazed at how much history you can explore in just 90 minutes.

The London Bridge – From Dungeons to Skyscrapers

The London Bridge was an historical workhorse throughout the centuries. It was built in the first century by the Romans and spans the River Thames. The first stone bridge was built in the 1100s and lasted over 600 years. Throughout history, about 30 heads have been displayed on pikes atop the bridge, the first being William Wallace, executed in 1305 by King Edward Longshanks. Today, the London Bridge is a popular tourist destination, featuring museums, The Dungeon of London, The London Tombs, and wonderful shops and restaurants. It is also the site of The Shard, a stunning glass skyscraper, which is the tallest building in the EU. Everyone in the family will find something to enjoy in the London Bridge area.

The Tower of London – The Castle, the Jewels, and the Prison

This iconic structure is the oldest Norman castle in England, built by William the Conqueror at the end of the 11th century. The castle served as the royal residence for British monarchs. It also served as the one of the most infamous prisons in history, known for gruesome acts of torture and murder. Queen Elizabeth I was briefly kept there, and Ann Boleyn, wife of Henry VIII, was executed on the Tower Green. The Tower also housed the important documents of state, the Armory, and the Crown Jewels, which are still kept there under armed guard. You can see an amazing display of these priceless jewels, as well as an exhibit dedicated to the Royal Mint and coins of the realm, among the many fascinating events at the Tower of London

The Tower Bridge – A Spectacular View of London

One of the most easily recognised landmarks in the world, the Tower Bridge frames the border of the Pool of London. This beautiful suspension bridge and its spectacular drawbridge is one of the most popular attractions in London, with approximately 40,000 people crossing its walkway every day. The covered walkway, linking the two towers, offer incredible views of the city, and house an exhibit dedicated to the history of the bridge. Despite its immense size, the bridge can be opened in under five minutes. This is an amazing sight that never fails to thrill children. You can find a schedule of daily opening times and plan your visit so you won’t miss the spectacle.

London is one of my favourite cities to visit; it’s easy to navigate on foot, and no matter where you walk, you’ll find history, culture, and excellent food. It’s a great family destination, with something to interest people of every age.

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MEETING PEOPLE IN LONDON, HOW I MADE FRIENDS ON MY TRIP TO LONDON

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My first piece of write aims to provide those who are traveling to London with some helpful advice on making friends and meeting new people during their journey. From learning different slang terms to meeting people online in advance, this guide makes meeting new people a cinch.

London is by far one of the most diverse cities in the world. While I was planning my trip overseas to enjoy this beautiful city of wonder, I started thinking about how well I would fit in with the locals and if it would be easy to make friends during my trip. To my surprise, by simply taking advantage of some helpful tips and advice, I was about to make friends nearly everywhere that I went during my journey! By using my tips, you will find out how I was able to make friends on my trip to London and how you can too.

Diversity Preparation

When I first went on my trip to London, I was not sure just what I was going to be getting into. In fact, there was so much diversity within the city that I felt a little bit out of place at first. The key to meeting friends and getting to know new people is to simply not feel intimidated by your surroundings or by the people that you may run into. Simply be prepared with the diversity that you will experience upon entering the city. In fact, over 350 languages are spoken throughout London, as it saw a large immigration from India, the Middle East and the Caribbean during the 20th century. Be aware that you will meet lots of different types of peoples from all walks of life.

Social Networking

The help of the internet makes it easy to meet new people before arriving in your desired destination. Before going on my trip to London, I was able to use my social networking profile to search for London locals that shared the same interests with me. By connecting with these people online before going on my trip, I was able to get to know them a little bit before deciding if we should meet up or not. The great thing about meeting new people online in advance is that they will be able to show you around to local hot spots, giving you a real feel for local life in the city of London.

Learning the Language

While people in London typically speak English and communication is quite simple, there may be certain terms and phrases that you are just not familiar with. In order to meet new people on my trip to London, I first became familiar with the language and different terms that the locals would use. By knowing exactly what unfamiliar phrases and slang mean, it will be easier to get along with different types of people. You will also want to brace yourself for the different types of accents that you will come in contact with while meeting people in London. Many individuals may speak in different dialects, as they are not originally from London, but from various destinations around the United Kingdom.

The key to making friends wherever you may travel is to simply put yourself out there. By dining out, visiting local spots such as pubs and clubs, heading out to the museums and browsing the streets, you are sure to run into people that you may get along with.