Category: United Kingdom

Tower Bridge and Tower of London
After our fishy lunch at Borough Market, it is time to move on to the Tower Bridge, which is my favorite photography spot in London. This iconic landmark of London spanned the River Thames between Tower Hamlets and Southwark. The construction of Tower Bridge was built to ease the traffic congestion on London Bridge. I should also highlight that Tower Bridge is not London Bridge, totally different bridge altogether. But it is common for people to make the mistake since Tower Bridge is so famous in London.
We opt for the self-guided Tower Bridge exhibition tour which gives us access to high-level walkways. The high-level walkways provided a great viewpoint around central London and lots of information about Tower Bridge on display. Rather sad that I am unable to see the drawbridge in operation that day.
London City Hall
The unique sphere shaped London City Hall is just nearby. Hereâ€™s the office of Londonâ€™s Government and where Assembly meetings take place. While parts of the City Hall are open to the public, visitors will be subjected to security screening at the entrance.
There are a cafÃ© and one huge map of London on the lower ground floor.
The second floor will be the Chamber area for Assembly meetings.
Other than that, there isnâ€™t much to see or do in the City Hall. Maybe just to marvel at the unique architectural structures?
Tower of London
Her Majestyâ€™s Royal Palace and Fortress or simply Tower of London on the north bank of the River Thames was originally built by William the Conqueror. The historic castle was further defensively enhanced by successive monarchs and has since become one of the most recognizable buildings. Besides the Royalty, Tower of London was also once a lockup for the prisoners.
One main highlight of the Tower of London is to see and admire at the Crown Jewels, a royal collection of the Queen and significant symbols of the British Monarchy. The priceless regalia possession includes some of the nicest crowns, sceptres, swords, and jewellery, which are passed on to each reigning King or Queen. Even the super huge bank-vault-kind metal door is impressive on its own.
These enduring symbols of the British Monarchy are guarded by the Army, the live-in Beefeaters and the Ravens (which was nowhere in sight during the rain).
If you are puzzled by the name of Beefeater like I was, their proper name would be Yeoman Warder. The nickname was probably because they were permitted to eat as much beef as they want from the king’s table. These Yeoman Warders also conduct free guided tours around Tower of London.
There is a Ceremony of the Keys taking place every night precisely at 09:53 pm. While the ticket is free of charge, it must be booked way in advance at the official website as a result of its popularity.
Dinner at Harrods Food Hall
I would have waited for the sunset to take more photographs of the Tower Bridge but the rain changed my plan. Hence, it is dinner time at Harrods Food Hall instead. The famous Harrods department store is known for carrying high-quality luxury stuff and occupies a huge site at Borough High Street.
Harrods Food Hall is on the ground floor together with the other sections selling perfume, cosmetics, Harrods biscuits and most of all touristy stuff. The lovely painted ceilings, chandeliers, and dÃ©cor make it a great place for dining.
First of all, we started with fresh tasty oysters at the Seafood Bar of Caviar House & Prunier.
Next, we move on to The Steakhouse for some amazing prime beef steak and beef fillet. I must say that eating at Harrods Food Hall can be costly but in this case, totally worth it.
Tower Bridge at night
Itâ€™s time to head back to the Tower Bridge after the nice dinner. And I am thankful that the rain has since stopped. The rainy day is probably the reason for the surrounding around City Hall to be empty and quiet while I am there.
And my, the Tower Bridge at night wows me big time, even more than daytime. My Tower Bridge pictures and words will not do justice to the most noteworthy landmark in London. You have gotta be there to see it!
An attempt with my fisheye lens.
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What are your thoughts about Tower Bridge and Tower of London? Leave a comment and share it with me.
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November 10, 2016
St Paul Cathedral, Whispering Gallery and Stone Gallery
St Paul Cathedral is one of Londonâ€™s many iconic landmarks and the first destination in my itinerary list the next morning. The awe-inspiring architecture with its impressive dome is a big wow factor, and that continues to the imposing Baroque interior with great looking mosaics on the ceiling. The massive and opulent interior reminds me of St. Peter’s Basilica which is equally impressive. Ok, in all honesty, there is the disappointingly no-photography rule similar to SacrÃ©-CÅ“urâ€¦ But I really cannot help it when presented with such amazing interior like St Paul Cathedralâ€¦my bad.
The interior of St Paul Cathedral with the central feature being the dome, one of the largest in the world.
Whispering Gallery
Next is time for some climbing or 259 steps to be exact. After a warren of staircases and narrow passages within the walls, we finally make it to the circular Whispering Gallery inside the dome. The interesting thing here is that a whisper along the curving wall can be heard on the opposite side of the circular wall. That’s provided there is nobody in between you and your recipient.
We tested it and it works! I can hear the whisper as if being spoken directly into my ear! It is rather fun to experience how a low soundwave whisper does that, do try it when visiting the Whispering Gallery! Just make sure you do not whisper into those little holes in the walls – like many others doing thatâ€¦ The purpose of those holes is for the domeâ€™s annual checks with laser beams. Oh well…
The Stone Gallery
And so, from the Whispering Gallery, it will take another 117 steps up to the Stone Gallery outside of the dome. Here is a wide corridor with high stone walls offering a good view of the surrounding through the gaps. But little did we know that it has started pouring since, thanks to the unpredictable weather of London. Still, the views up here are so worth the climb.
The wind and rain become unbearable for wifey so we headed back, skipping the Golden Gallery that will take another 166 steps to reach.
In conclusion, St Paul Cathedral should be on anybodyâ€™s itinerary when visiting London.
Lunch at Fish! Borough Market
The rain was still going on and off as we make our way to Borough Market, a local fresh produce market located near to London Bridge Station and Southwark Cathedral.
There are many stalls around Borough Market which you will find fish, livestock, cheese, fruit, vegetable and a whole lot of other variables. It is a definite must-see when in London, especially for food lovers. You can either grab some small dishes from the food stalls or find one of the Borough Market restaurants for a good meal.
We wanted a place to rest our feet and Fish! Borough Market was the choice.
The restaurant has a cosy atmosphere and a good range of fish options in the menu, obviously. Taste-wise, the fresh fishy-dishes were well cooked and good but perhaps not the super shiok kind.
Millennium Bridge
When the sun and blue sky finally appear, I backtracked to snap some pictures of Millennium Bridge, a good-looking steel suspension bridge across the River Thames. St Paul Cathedral looks really lovely here.
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What are your thoughts about St Paul Cathedral or Borough Market? Leave a comment and share it with me.
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November 7, 2016