Having been in London for almost two weeks now, the one aspect which stood out for me is the absolute contrast in experiences and environments which the city contains. While parts of the city feature one towering skyscraper after another, parts of it are dedicated to plush green meadows, farms and even artificial forests and lakes. Whereas some parts are teeming with millions of people, others are absolutely deserted with acre after acre of desolate land. This feature is something which struck me after visiting two places in quick succession- Canary Wharf and Ruislip Lido, both presenting an absolute contrast to each other.
Let me first start with Canary Wharf. As we first exited the tube station and went over ground, we were greeted by numerous staggeringly tall skyscrapers surrounding us on all sides. In front of us lay a courtyard of sorts overlooking the Thames surrounded by various food stalls serving some of the most delicious foods possible ranging from hot dogs to salads, people dressed in formal suits were swarming all over the place, in fact it seemed to me that I was the only tourist there. Ahead lay a bridge on which ran one of London’s most famous over ground tubes, known as the DLR. Ahead of the bridge one can witness scenic views of the Thames banks. The skyscrapers, the bridge and the Thames combine to form a scene which one can never forget, a perfect mix of man made and natural beauty. Canary Wharf to me seemed like a place which can make even the most boring job seem a little bit more interesting and it certainly is my dream to work here one day. I’m sure a picture will make it easier for you to envision it.
Let me first start with Canary Wharf. As we first exited the tube station and went over ground, we were greeted by numerous staggeringly tall skyscrapers surrounding us on all sides. In front of us lay a courtyard of sorts overlooking the Thames surrounded by various food stalls serving some of the most delicious foods possible ranging from hot dogs to salads, people dressed in formal suits were swarming all over the place, in fact it seemed to me that I was the only tourist there. Ahead lay a bridge on which ran one of London’s most famous over ground tubes, known as the DLR. Ahead of the bridge one can witness scenic views of the Thames banks. The skyscrapers, the bridge and the Thames combine to form a scene which one can never forget, a perfect mix of man made and natural beauty. Canary Wharf to me seemed like a place which can make even the most boring job seem a little bit more interesting and it certainly is my dream to work here one day. I’m sure a picture will make it easier for you to envision it.
Next, I’m going to talk about Ruislip Lido, located in greater London. Ruislip Lido is basically a massive park, which contains a man made lake and forest, which gives one the impression that he is in a different world altogether. The lake houses hundreds of white swans which swim gracefully on its crystal clear waters, and is surrounded by sandy shores on two sides where there are a number of rides and activities for kids. An artificial forest lies on one side of the lake, and although the forest lacks any major wildlife it houses an array of flora and fauna. A path cuts through the forest, offering an opportunity for a beautiful and peaceful walk with the lake on one side and a charming toy train running on the other side.
The park also houses a beautiful park café; overlooking the lake this café serves delicious British fast food like English breakfasts and fish & chips. There are also a number of jetties placed on the water, which seem as if they’re floating on the water and contain picnic tables where families can enjoy a lovely meal while looking at the beautiful scenery of swans swimming and the dense forest beyond. Ruislip Lido is like an escape into nature’s lap, a short drive from Harrow, a beautiful getaway especially if you are travelling with kids.
Stay tuned as I explore more of UK and Europe, till then sayonara!
-SUBIN MITRA
Stay tuned as I explore more of UK and Europe, till then sayonara!
-SUBIN MITRA