With work done for the week, I decided to take the tube from East Finchley to Waterloo Station, a site from where I happily took the Chunnel train to Paris with my family several years back. While those international services have since been transferred to St. Pancras Station (located next to King's Cross), Waterloo is still easily one of the busiest rail stops in Europe. It's central position was a good base for the day's exploration and as I stepped out of the bustling hub, a cool breeze and sunny sky greeted me. It was a great day for journeying and criss-crossing around the city and here's an amateur's summary of a few highlights of my unplanned itinerary for the day. These are obviously not the only sights in Inner London but rather places I explored and eagerly learnt more about on this day so I guess the tour guide/over-explaining history addict in me came out even more (I bet you're giving a sarcastic Yayy?!)
BUILDINGS
-Borough Market: Ok so it's not a building reeaaalllyyy, but it doesn't belong in the street or bridge category either, so I'll just throw it in with these following architectural wonders. Claiming to have existed since 1014, this market has over time become a fancier option for buying groceries, through celebrity chef promotions, and has been featured in numerous films. Many rare delicacies from around the world can be found here (I was intrigued by a couple poisonous pufferfish on display), and while it may not be the budgeteer's paradise, it's absolutely a fun place to look around.
-The Gherkin: The informal title of 30 St Mary Axe, this 591 foot uniquely-shaped (and Britain's most expensive) office building has always been one of my favorite symbols of modern architecture and New London. A gherkin is a British/European term for a pickled cucumber and the name has certainly stuck since the dawn of the millennium, even before the building started construction.
-The Shard: A site that I've been wanting to see up close for awhile, the recently topped-out Shard captured my architectural curiosity once it began construction in early 2009. At 1,016 feet, it's now the tallest building in the European Union and certainly made my amateur photography skills and equipment (the ole iPhone 3GS) look fairly professional. It officially opened with a laser show last night, so it seems I missed out on the real excitement.
-St. Paul's Cathedral: A site standing atop Ludgate Hill (the highest point in Inner London) since the 7th Century, the current 365 foot cathedral was the tallest in London from 1710 until 1962 and is among the largest in the world. My favorite feature is the Whispering Gallery, located on the inside of the dome, where you can communicate clearly via whisper to others around the gallery.
STREETS
-Cannon: A residential district for candle makers in the Middle Ages (yes randomly learnt yet fun fact), I roamed across this street, that runs parallel to the Thames River and up to St. Paul's Cathedral, after passing the London Bridge and working my way back to Waterloo Station. It is home to the London Stone, an ancient block of limestone said to have lasted since the founding of London and allegedly part of the stone that King Arthur withdrew the sword from. While the origins are mythical and many Londoners surprisingly haven't heard of it, the stone is there and I'm a big history lover...So who the hell would want to go see an old rock??...I would love to, Pleaseee!! I didn't find the little guy, maybe because I'd been a bit tired from 6 hours of walking or because I didn't have a map, but I will find the elusive treasure soon.
-Whitehall: A road named after a Middle Ages-era monarchy palace that was extensively destroyed by a fire in the late 1600's, Whitehall is the centre of Her Majesty's Government. I felt terribly underdressed and under-qualified walking through this area, dotted with top-hatted chauffeurs and dignified government officials, but was charmed and humbled by the various memorials and monuments, most notably The Cenotaph (Britain's principal war memorial). It also provides a good escape from the luggage-wielding, cash-carrying, stop-and-staring MEGA tourists that can crowd the corridors of the Embankment (listed below).
-Northumberland: An avenue that I've owned before (on the London Monopoly edition that is), Northumberland runs from the Thames Embankment in the east to Trafalgar Square in the west. There was an air of excitement, filled with buzzing cars and congested government buildings, as I traveled along this alley after Whitehall. Its tremendous location to the Thames riverbank and Trafalgar Square provides a great convergence point for any day trip.
-Thames Embankment: Ok so I didn't paint the best picture of the Embankment for you in the Whitehall post, but I was mainly referring to certain busy parts, including around Westminster Bridge (listed below), near the Houses of Parliament, and along the South Bank (which isn't even part of the Embankment, I just like to include it). The Thames Embankment, which consists of the Victoria and Chelsea Embankments on the north bank of the Thames, is a fascinating achievement of 19th Century civil engineering (made from reclaimed marsh lands) and provides a sometimes peaceful and always inspiring river-walk experience of Central London. Sure at times you'll have to battle the masses, but it's a great place to get a feel for a grand city that runs for miles in all directions from this historic core.
BRIDGES
-Blackfriars: An iron-arched crossing decorated with various carvings and red coloring pleasing to the eye, this bridge was opened by Queen Victoria in 1869. Ironically, it's the infamous site of a 1980's suicide (possible murder) that featured an Italian bank chairman on the run from Italy (accused for embezzlement) and indebted to the Mafia. He was discovered hanging from an arch with five bricks and thousands in several currencies in his pockets. I won't name names to protect myself from being ousted by the Mafia, but it's an enticing story that I'm sure Google could tell you more about...
-Hungerford: Another 1860's creation that shares foundation piers with two railway bridges known as the Golden Jubilee Bridges. Unfortunately I didn't learn of any intriguing stories behind this particular footbridge, but it saved me a lot of time while exploring so I thought it deserved a reference.
-London: Arguably the most famous of bridges (by name) throughout the world but far from the most attractive, the name London Bridge actually refers to many links that have spanned the Thames over time in the same location. The current bridge started operating in the early 1970's, after replacing the former that was sold to an American entrepreneur and now stands in Arizona, and is made of a super exciting combo of concrete and steel.
-Millennium: Aka the Wobbly Bridge, this footbridge connects Shakespeare's Globe Theatre and the Tate Modern Art Gallery on the southern end to St. Paul's Cathedral on the northern side. It's known as the Wobbly Bridge because it seemingly swayed the first couple days it opened but was fixed and reopened a couple years later, so millions have thankfully been spared the panicked excitement of the wobble while the nickname has stuck.
-Tower: Built in 1894 and one of the most famous bridges (by appearance) around the world, Tower Bridge is sometimes mistakenly referred to as London Bridge (the more bland bridge upstream). While I didn't venture that far downstream (the legs starting giving out after around 5 hours so I crossed at London Bridge), it's a truly impressive structure that can become the focal point of any day itinerary.
-Westminster: Although mostly filled with tourists (along with government officials, buses, taxis, bikes, and street vendors), it's fairly interesting to observe the diversity of languages and peoples from all over the globe finding their way while silently laughing at and feeling sorry for those who have more belongings than you (I had a small backpack but witnessed many hauling suitcases). It's a very practical bridge that can get you across the river but expect to spend more time on it, whether ruining group photos or taking photos yourself. It gives the most outstanding view of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament (busy for a reason) and can give you a personal snapshot of, arguably, the world's most famous travel sight.
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