Be Expecting A Jolly Good Time In London

London is the best. I went at the ripe young age of 16, but the memories will never leave me. The pictures, souvenirs, and memories that I acquired in England have left me figuring out how to get back there. Although I spent quite a long time trying to locate my missing passport, finding adapters, and packing my bags, it was ultimately so worth it. If you love art, history, and culture as I do, a trip to London has to make its way onto your to-do list.

One of my favorite locations was the Tower of London. I spent a whole day reading about it’s history and seeing first hand what it was like. Probably most well known as a royal prison and place of torture, the Tower of London also served many other uses, from menagerie to stellar observatory. One of the most interesting parts of the Tower of London was seeing it’s famous ravens. The ravens that walk around the Tower have been occupants there for generations. A very old superstition keeps them there, one that says if the ravens leave, the kingdom will fall. The ravens have some of the most royal treatment of the Tower’s inhabitants, with their own personal handler and living quarters.

Big Ben is probably one of the most recognizable monuments in London. As the third largest clock tower in the world, this huge and incredibly beautiful tower is even more breathtaking in real life. It is readily apparent why Big Ben has been represented for generations in films, TV, and books. Standing at the base of the clock tower is a really neat experience. I’ll be the first to admit that I’d rather not get into inner-workings of the government, getting to visit Parliament was really pretty inspiring. Getting to see first-hand how the government of London, United Kingdom runs taught me a lot, and I left feeling happy that I decided to go.

Alright, I had to get my picture taken with the famous solemn-faced guards. Even though it’s pretty cliche, I just had to do it. I didn’t try to make him laugh or stick my finger up his nose or anything, as they are armed guards I’ll have you know, but I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to stand next to one and have my picture taken. I was surprised how many locations boasted a Changing of the Guards, including the Tower of London. The gardens and parks of London are definitely worth mentioning. As a completely free way to spend your day, I really recommend going. Swans and ducks swim in the ponds surrounded by beautiful banks of flowers in every color. Walking anywhere is very special when you get to walk through the parks.

London shopping is unlike any other. All you need is a purse with plenty of money, and don’t forget your passport, and you are set. Camden market is any teenager’s shopping heaven, and some of my favorite souvenirs were purchased there. From classy boutiques to a punk rocker’s paradise, there is something for absolutely everyone, and it is almost impossible not to be walking away with armloads 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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