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| London's West End Photo Credit: Kenwilsoneltfiles.wordpress.com |
This weekend, while watching “Shakespeare in Love”, I became fascinated by the rich history and romance of the city of London and its blend of Elizabethan-era charm, with modern style and pace. The home of writers, artists, models, and musician, London holds a myriad of attractions for lovers of the Bard, Kate Moss, or the Beatles. It also is also a legendary intersection of both preppy Polo spirit (think Prince William in a match) and the bohemian avant-garde art scene. For my first visit to the great city I was sixteen years old and overwhelmed by the charged bustle of Victoria Station, the majesty of Big Ben, the House of Parliament overlooking the Thames, and the picturesque vision of brick row houses, with white Georgian columns and wrought-iron fences. I noticed how art infiltrates London"s atmosphere as it boasts some of the world’s finest collections housed in the National Gallery, the Tate Britain, the Tate Modern, and the Victoria & Albert, to name a few. London itself is a multi-faceted work of art, full of countless cabinets of wonder waiting to be discovered, a phenomena best described by the immortal neoclassical poet and critic Dr. Samuel Johnson: “He who tires of London tires of life.”
Having an idea of predetermined “must-see” destinations is essential to making your London experience memorable and manageable. Organized bus tours are fantastic sightseeing options, and especially time-efficient, while still hitting the major districts. Prippie™ travel recommends riding on the top tier of the bus like a true Londoner, complete with wind-swept hair! However, if you decide to venture out on your own, take advantage of the Prippie™ London Calling list, directing you to our favorite hangouts!
1. HYDE PARK:
Mingle with the locals in this beautiful green expanse, which graces the heart of the city. Runners, dog-walkers, businessmen on Bluetooths, mothers and children, lovers, geese-feeding old women— Hyde Park people-watching is a great way to get in the London groove while staving off jet-lag, making it an ideal first-day activity.
2.TRAFALGAR SQUARE:
Host to two of London’s finest art museums, the National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery. These bastions of British culture contain amazing collections of the Italian Renaissance painters, French impressionists, Dutch masters, as well as the portraits of the legendary Tudor monarchs. The Square itself is a spectacle, with the pillar of Lord Nelson overlooking a giant fountain guarded by two classical lions. Note the hipster kids and skaters also adorning the scene.
3. HARROD'S:
Arguably the world’s most unique and exquisitely decorated department store, Harrod's is located in London’s classy Knightsbridge shopping district. It is the go-to place for Versace evening gowns, antique pool tables, tourist teddy bears, and everything in between. If your budget is limited due to the appalling exchange rate, simply grab a teatime scone at the food court, while marveling at the elaborate seafood sculptures or equally as elaborate passers-by. Finally, ride the escalator up and down all seven levels. It is here you will experience the splendor of Egypt and the face of the stores former owner, Mohamed Al-Fayed, as it is installed in Pharaoh’s headdresses throughout the corridor. At the bottom of the escalator lies the most unexpected find of all: a creepy yet fascinating shrine to the love affair of Princess Diana and Mohamed’s son Dodi , complete with a moldy champagne glass and supposed engagement ring preserved in cut glass.
4. THE TOWER OF LONDON:
The execution spot of Braveheart, the unfortunate wives of Henry VIII, Thomas Cromwell, Guy Fawkes (think V for Vendetta)…need I go on? This historical gold mine holds grotesquely fascinating and romantic displays such as medieval armor, torture racks, and dark Romanesque architecture. For those less morbidly inclined, however, the treasure of the Tower literally is a treasure: the royal Crown Jewels have been stored there since the 14th century, offering a one-of-a-kind opportunity to see the very crowns that have graced the royal family for centuries. Look to the center of the Tower green for the glass pillow, that marks the exact location where so many souls lost their heads…
5.THE WEST END:
After a depressing day at the Tower of London, head to the city’s vibrant West End for a night at the theater. Les Miserables, Lion King, The Phantom of the Opera—with such excellent choices, and equally pleasing venues, the problem becomes deciding which one to see. Two years ago, on my most recent visit to London, I was fortunate enough to see a production of Waiting for Godot with Sir Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart, two truly brilliant actors who made this theatrical masterpiece come alive. The audience of the Haymarket Theater went wild with existential excitement and applause.
-Anna Marie Armistead, Staff Writer