London, the Capital of England and of the United Kingdom. I was so overwhelmed with my experience with this city I have to write a two part blog about it. The moment you land at Heathrow Airport (the busiest airport in the world in terms of air traffic), you already feel the immense diversity of culture that this city is known for. Everywhere you look you will see different race, culture and nationality. You will be surprised where is the person in front of you is from and how exactly did they get here. 7.5 Million people and over 300 languages spoken, how more diverse can it actually get. Funny story is when I first landed, the first person that I actually talked to is a Filipina - The Immigration officer! Conversation went like this
Immigration Officer (IO): Hi, how long will you intend to stay here?
Mysterious brooding handsome visitor (ME): Will be staying for a couple of months then fly to Toronto
IO: And what exactly do you do?
ME: I, together with my business contacts here, are marketing real estate properties in the Philippines
IO: Where will you be staying for couple of months?
ME: Selbourne Rd, Wood Green
IO then Stamped my passport and visa, she then noticed my Philippine flag Adidas Jacket
IO: Wow, Suot mo ang bandila ng Pilipinas?!
ME: Ei marunong kayo magtagalog!!! (How cool was that, pinahirapan pa nya ako sa Ingles!)
IO: Hindi ka maniniwala kung sino ang nakita ko kanina! Si Tita Shawie!!! Mega pila siya dito sa harap ko. (I was trying hard not to laugh hard because the person behind me was starting to get annoyed that I am staying longer than usual and we are not exactly talking immigration stuff)
ME: Ay opo (oh yeah) mag ppromote ng movie nya na Caregiver! Have you seen it?
IO: Bukas, wala akong balak panoorin pero nung nakita ko siya manonood na ako...
That concludes my first 30 minutes in London. I see full of pleasant surprises ahead in this city.
One of the city's priced possessions runs several meters below the actual city – its underground system. The Tube (which it is often called) has several interconnecting lines and I believe is the oldest, longest and most expansive railway system in the world. The stations are all over the city you can actually walk from one station to the other – that’s how close each station is. Some of the lines are more maintained over the other but generally it’s old and dirty. I ride the Piccadilly line practically everyday. The busiest station is the Waterloo Station! Don't ride here during rush hours! hehe!
The Westminster is the concentration of most the historic and prestigious landmarks of London including the Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, London eye and much of the West-End of London (Piccadilly Circus, Oxford Circs, Leicester Square).
Buckingham palace is the official residence of the English monarch (sorry Charles I can’t play chess with you as I was really busy). They open it to the public once every year (can't remember when)
Westminster Abbey is a traditional gothic style church that has been the official place for both crowning and burying English monarch. The place where Big Ben strikes every hour everyday!
London eye is the world’s tallest observation wheel (it’s not a theme park ride!) and is the most popular paid tourist attraction in the UK. It gives you a great view of the city (didn’t ride it though) and a good view of the Westminster Abbey from above.
Most of the best sights in London are in the West-End side. From it's world famous theatre's and sought after shops and stores, you can all find it here.
Piccadilly Circus (where The Cupid fountain is Located)
Leicester Square (Buy your Musical tickets here at half price)
Oxford Circus is London’s 5th Avenue, it is where all the best retail shops are located. Biggest Burberry shop I have seen!
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