Being only 16 years old, I certainly have been very lucky, as I’ve had the opportunity of visiting the U.K. numerous times. My first visit was in 2008, and this is how it went!
As I descended from the aeroplane, there were butterflies in my stomach and a feeling of excitement was in the air. The airport itself left me baffled; it was huge, so huge that getting lost became a common occurrence. After getting our luggage we headed to my sister’s apartment on the Thames, where we were going to spend the next one month.
Next day, we started exploring. The first destination on our itinerary was the Tower of London. Located on the bank of the river Thames, this imposing structure is home to the crown jewels, including the famous Kohinoor diamond. In the Tudor age, it was also used as a prison and as an execution ground. This fortress is where the infamous execution of Anne Boleyn took place (she was the second wife to the then Tudor king Henry VIII), along with many other people who protested against or denied the King’s rule. The execution spot had an eerie silence lingering over it. The prisoner’s cells still had the markings they had made with their fingernails, awaiting death, it transported us to a different era. It was almost as if one could feel the plight of the men and women who had been held captive there, even though they had done no wrong. Every one of those dark, cramped stone cells had a story of their own to tell.
Next, we proceeded to the hall where the crown jewels were kept. The room was dimly lit and it had an escalator running along the ground. On the right were those magnificent jewels each having a vivid past, we passed the Kohinoor and the Imperial State Crown, each one taking our breath away. We then proceeded to a gallery where we were shown a video of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, this gave us an insight into the royal side of Britain and left us wanting more. We then proceeded to the Tower Bridge, built over the river Thames. This bridge not only has a historic past, but also offers panoramic views of the city of London. There are telescopes which one can use for a paltry fee of one pound- these telescopes provide unimaginable detailed views of every corner of the city. We then took a boat ride on the Thames and headed back to Greenwich. As the wind rustled against our hair, the boat cruised on the clear blue waters of the Thames as monuments and landmarks went by. As we reached Greenwich only one thought crossed my mind- this was where I wanted to spend the rest of my life.
As I descended from the aeroplane, there were butterflies in my stomach and a feeling of excitement was in the air. The airport itself left me baffled; it was huge, so huge that getting lost became a common occurrence. After getting our luggage we headed to my sister’s apartment on the Thames, where we were going to spend the next one month.
Next day, we started exploring. The first destination on our itinerary was the Tower of London. Located on the bank of the river Thames, this imposing structure is home to the crown jewels, including the famous Kohinoor diamond. In the Tudor age, it was also used as a prison and as an execution ground. This fortress is where the infamous execution of Anne Boleyn took place (she was the second wife to the then Tudor king Henry VIII), along with many other people who protested against or denied the King’s rule. The execution spot had an eerie silence lingering over it. The prisoner’s cells still had the markings they had made with their fingernails, awaiting death, it transported us to a different era. It was almost as if one could feel the plight of the men and women who had been held captive there, even though they had done no wrong. Every one of those dark, cramped stone cells had a story of their own to tell.
Next, we proceeded to the hall where the crown jewels were kept. The room was dimly lit and it had an escalator running along the ground. On the right were those magnificent jewels each having a vivid past, we passed the Kohinoor and the Imperial State Crown, each one taking our breath away. We then proceeded to a gallery where we were shown a video of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, this gave us an insight into the royal side of Britain and left us wanting more. We then proceeded to the Tower Bridge, built over the river Thames. This bridge not only has a historic past, but also offers panoramic views of the city of London. There are telescopes which one can use for a paltry fee of one pound- these telescopes provide unimaginable detailed views of every corner of the city. We then took a boat ride on the Thames and headed back to Greenwich. As the wind rustled against our hair, the boat cruised on the clear blue waters of the Thames as monuments and landmarks went by. As we reached Greenwich only one thought crossed my mind- this was where I wanted to spend the rest of my life.
Next day, we took a train to Leeds, a British county, to explore the famous Leeds Castle. The castle initially built by the Normans was transformed and renovated by Henry VIII for his first wife Catherine of Aragon. The castle is marked by traditional Tudor architecture and is surrounded by a moat on all sides. Overlooking pristine greenery, marked by Maple trees and peacocks, this castle certainly makes one feel as if he is in a heavenly land. You might think that I’m over exaggerating, so here’s a picture.
Inside the castle itself, one feels as they are back in the Tudor age. The bedrooms where the royals resided have been preserved and to a certain extent, recreated. One can see massive canopy beds, portraits, china pottery and a huge mahogany desk overlooking the water and the trees. The castle is also marked by a number of royal tapestries; in fact the preservation is so complete that even the bathrooms have been kept just like they were in the Tudor age! The castle also has a charming restaurant which serves traditional British cuisine, and a lodge overlooking the castle where one can further relive the royal experience. When I look back at Leeds castle, the one experience which stands out is having the privilege of seeing a peacock dance, and that certainly is an extremely rare occurrence, one which shall forever be imprinted in my memory.
So sayonara, and stay tuned as I explore more of London, Scotland, and Europe.
-SUBIN MITRA
-SUBIN MITRA