London

London is a huge city, diverse, busy, yet charming. It is also called the "City of Dreams."

I guess most of us had heard of the song “London Bridge is falling down,” especially when we were kids. This nursery rhyme is popular globally, but they say that the meaning of the rhyme is not certain, though there are lots of theories related to it.

My goal on my first trip to London was basically to bring my son, Joshua, on his 18th birthday and to walk on the London bridge. 

Well, we didn’t just walk, but we walked with a rainbow above us. That’s a unique experience, and for sure a great one to remember. I always believe that the rainbow is a good sign. 

London Bridge is a bridge over the Thames River in central London. One interesting fact about the tower is that “the original bridge was built in the 1830s. The bridge was sinking and needed immediate attention. Rebuilding was deemed preferable to repairing it. So it was sold to an American oil tycoon, dismantled, and shipped in Lake Havasu, Arizona. The bridge still stands today.”  With so much history of the London bridge, I can connect its history and the famous nursery rhyme. But that’s just my own interpretation. 

Tower Bridge is also an iconic symbol of London, completed in 1894. It is not just a bridge, but the bridge opens up to allow for ships to pass, and traffic comes to a standstill. Our tour bus passed through the bridge, but there was no ship passing through. 

Buckingham Palace is the United Kingdom’s sovereign's official residence since 1837; it is the Monarch's headquarters. The State Rooms are open to visitors every summer.  The palace has 775 rooms. These include 19 Staterooms, 52 Royal and guest bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices, and 78 bathrooms. Overwhelming, isn’t it? I would be lost, in case they would invite me for a night.

"Changing the Guard" is a popular event that takes place outside Buckingham Palace. It happens on certain days from 10:45 am and lasts around 45 minutes. If you want to see this unique event, you should be there on time to save a good spot. 

London Eye is Europe’s tallest observation wheel and the most paid popular attraction in the United Kingdom. When it opened to the public in 2000, it was the world’s tallest Ferris wheel then.

Tower of London is a 1000-year old fortress and a World Heritage Site. The Crown Jewels, a Royal collection, and the British monarchy's most powerful symbols are the armed guards at the Tower of London.

Big Ben is a British cultural icon recognized all over the world. It is renamed Elizabeth Tower in 2012 to mark the Diamond Jubilee of Elizabeth II. It was completed in 1859, it was the largest and most accurate chiming clock in the world. The interior of the tower is not open to tourists. However, the United Kingdom residents were able to arrange tours through their Member of Parliament. It has no lift, so they have to climb the 334 limestone stairs to the top. 

What's in the telephone booth? This red telephone box is a familiar sight on the United Kingdom streets and a British cultural icon known throughout the world. It is color red to make them easy to spot, and the kiosk has a prominent crown, representing the British government. 

What is a full English breakfast? It’s called fry-up and consists of fried eggs, sausages, bacon, tomatoes, mushrooms, baked beans, buttered toast, or hash browns, accompanied by tea or coffee. The full English breakfast remains popular simply because it has been enjoyed for centuries by people from all walks of life. 

I had this knowledge that it always rains in London. Based on my research, it's not true and just a myth. It did rain a bit but eventually stopped. The weather was a little cold with the fresh air of fall.

The Christmas market has started, so we took advantage of it. We shopped and also window shopped. Can't buy a lot anyway. The view of the London Eye at night was fascinating. 

There are many places to see and things to do in London. Transportation by train is fast and efficient. The hop-on-and-off bus tour is a way to go, to see many places.

My first trip to London with Joshua on his birthday was a great memorable trip. This was the best part of all.