bhakti kansara
THE WORLD THROUGH MY EYES
[ Travel date : November 2023 ]
LONDON !!! Ahhh, the city that's like a magnet for travelers worldwide! It's got this unique blend of old charm and modern buzz that just draws you in. You know, it's like that friend you haven't seen in ages but the moment you meet, it's like no time has passed at all. It's no wonder people from all over the world are head over heels for this place!
So, there I was, staring at my calendar and thinking, 'Why not spend it in London?' I mean, who wouldn't want to dive headfirst into this fascinating city? Plus, I had a friend there, so it was the perfect excuse for a visit! So I took 15 days off from work, punched in my leave, packed my bags, and off I went. And let me tell you, I must've had some good karma because I snagged those flight tickets at a steal—16,000 Rs. only! I mean, if I could get tickets at that price every time, I'd be hopping on a plane to London every year!
Stepping off the plane, I felt a chilly breeze that made me reach for an extra jacket. As it was almost end of November, the weather was quite cold. Upon reaching to my friend's apartment in Feltham-a small town on London's west side-I found that it was a cozy and peaceful place, with friendly vibes, local shops, and quiet streets.
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The Shard, Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square
On my very first day in London, I made a dash for the Shard, that pointy skyscraper you can't miss. From up there, it was like I had London at my feet, literally! From 72nd floor of the building, I had a scenic view of all the big shots like London Bridge, the Tower of London, and the grand old Big Ben. Even the River Thames looked like a winding ribbon from way up high! The experience was akin to watching a trailer before diving into the full movie. Trust me, it was so COOL! I almost felt like I could reach out and grab a souvenir postcard of the city. Which I did- I made sure to snag a map of London from the souvenir shop.(it felt like a must-have for my adventures!)
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And talk about reaching new heights—going to both the Burj Khalifa and the Shard in the same year was like hitting the skyscraper high! From the soaring majesty of Dubai's tallest tower to the breathtaking views atop London's own architectural marvel, it was a year of literal highs and dizzying sights. Who needs a plane when you can conquer the world one skyscraper at a time. Right?
After taking in the sights from The Shard, I hit up central London for some exploration. My first stop was Trafalgar Square, a super famous spot right by the National Gallery. It's got the famous Nelson's Column, surrounded by majestic lion statues, and often serves as a hub for events and celebrations. After Trafalgar Square, I continued my exploration of central London, hitting up Covent Garden and strolling down Oxford Street. The whole place was decked out with twinkling Christmas lights, and there were massive Christmas trees everywhere you looked.