Friday, May 4 2012

Changing of the Guard

After our plane ride, we took a van to Buckingham Palace to see the Changing of the Guard ceremony. After only a few minutes of waiting, the ceremony began. The Changing the Guard or Guard Mounting is the process involving a new guard exchanging duty with the old guard. The Guard which mounts at Buckingham Palace is called The Queen’s Guard.( The British Monarchy)
What I Learned: I learned that the ceremony attracts many spectators from all over the world. Also, I learned that the ceremony only takes place between May and July of this year.

Underground

In the afternoon, we took the underground for the first time to visit the London Eye. The idea of building an underground railway to link the City of London with the mainline terminals had first been proposed in the 1830s, but it was not until the 1850s that the idea was taken seriously as a solution to traffic problems. (Wikipedia)
What I Learned: I learned that the Underground is a means of transportation for many Londoners. Persons take the Underground to work, school, and for many other reasons.

London Eye

At first glance, the London Eye seems intimidating. Once we were at the top inside, it wasn’t too bad because you could see all the beautiful sites, architecture and everyday life. Passengers in the London Eye's capsules can see up to 40 kilometers in all directions.The wheel design was used as a metaphor for the end of the 20th century, and time turning into the new millennium.(EDF Energy London Eye)
What I learned: I learned that the London Eye has become a symbol of modern Britain. It is the most visited site throughout London.