Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Bogart Takes you to London (part 2)

You may be able to have a good view of the Tower Bridge by walking along Thames walkway. Constructed in the late 1800’s, the Tower Bridge is one of the iconic and most recognizable landmarks of London. Connecting the old and the new world, Tower Bridge connects Borough to the heart of the City of London Financial District. You have two options going there – go down the London Bridge station in the northern line then cross the London Bridge and walk down the Thames Path. Shorter route will be on the Tower Hill station on the District and Circle line.


The Tower of London is already nearby the Tower Bridge. Functioning as a fortress, a royal palace, and a prison the Tower is also known to be the home to England’s Crown Jewels. I heard from one tv show that it is one of the most haunted buildings in England. Well if you torture and kill prisoner's here that wouldn't be such a surprise.


In the heart of the city is the Trafalgar square. Commemorating the Battle of Trafalgar, right in the middle of the square stands a tall monument that is called the Nelson’s Column. At the back side of this column is the stairway that leads you up to the National Gallery No picture taking inside the National Gallery but it’s just full of paintings (which includes the Virgin of the Rocks by Leonardo Da Vinci as mention in the Da Vinci Code). The square is also notable for one activity – Pigeon Feeding (though it is illegal)


Also one of the most recognizable landmarks of London is the baroque designed St. Paul’s Cathedral. With a huge dome inspired by the St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome it is quite impossible to miss this famous architectural masterpiece. Go down the St. Paul’s Station on the Central Line and walk to the left of the exit (I walked down the right so I had a little bit of detour after 2 blocks and no cathedral in sight)


So where does the rich and famous shop here in London? Where else but in Harrods! Located in Knightsbridge (go down Knightsbridge station in the Picadilly Line). From 1000 sterling fancy shoes to an 80 sterling shirt, to the 300 sterling per gram caviar this is where you can really burn your money. Pick up your Paul Smith and YSL exclusives on the 2nd floor! I once heard that their inventory was so extensive you can actually buy anything in this department store. There's a story going around that there was a certain president (can't remember the country) that tried to test how good can Harrods deliver to his demands. He asked if he can buy and elephant and the store manager asked him if would he be needing and AFRICAN or an INDIAN elephant. Take that Mr. President!


I had the privilage to visit the Philippine Embassy in Sufflok Street and was able to sneak a little picture while insde :D


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