British Isles and Norway '08

When I planned out my next trip, I decided to take a cruise to the splendid British Isles and the beautiful country of Norway. When I pictured London, I imagined the red double-deckers, the black taxis, Big Ben, the Tower Bridge, and other traditional symbols. I arrived at London's Heathrow airport in the morning after a transatlantic flight from Newark. I stayed at a hotel in the mainly residential 'Chelsea' area of London. I had forgotten that the driver's seat was on the right side (whoops) while riding toward my hotel. I rode along a middle eastern section of Chelsea before getting to my hotel. After unpacking my bag, I went over to a nearby pub decorated with images of Winston Churchill, the Beatles, and other British figures. I loved the traditional atmosphere of the pub, filled with smoke and easygoing Brits drinking their pint while watching a rugby game on the telly. There was a Thai restaurant that was incorporated into the pub. It served delicious Thai plates and spicy curries. After drinking a pint, I took the 'Tube' (the subway or metro) all the way across London to the Tower Bridge. I walked around the Tower of London and along the Thames River, savoring the beautiful view of the Tower Bridge. There were many people enjoying the balmy afternoon. I was pleasantly surprised that there was a museum on the bridge that included an observation deck from the towers. There was a splendid view from the bridge and a very interesting exhibition of how the bridge works. One could see London's new city hall, the Tower of London, St. Paul's, and the Thames. In the basement of one of the towers there were many turbines, engines, and other machinery. Afterwards, I walked along the bridge towards the metro station. On the way, I saw a part of an ancient Roman wall. By the time I finished sightseeing, it was time for dinner, so I took the tube to Picadilly Circus. I recognized the statue in the middle of the circus, while the bright signs reminded me of Times Square. It was a great end to my first day in London.