Did you know there are over 30 bridges in London crossing the River Thames? I've already seen a handful and I have a favorite. This week I visited 2. The first was the famous London Bridge. There is a lively Borough market that happens south of the Bridge that I was keen to visit, but I realized Sunday morning that it is closed on Sundays. Major bummer. But I'll be baaccck! As we approached the London Bridge, I have to say I was a bit disappointed. There was nothing special about this Bridge. Why was it so popular? And why have we been hearing about it our whole lives in the form of a nursery rhyme? Apparently it used to be the only bridge that crossed the Thames river back in the day. I guess that's pretty significant.
Near the London Bridge are two other must see spots: The Monument and The Shard. The Monument to the Great Fire of London stands where a massive and destructive fire occurred in the 1600's. There is a gilded urn of fire at the top of the structure.
The Shard is the tallest European skyscraper. Riya and I have plans to go inside next week, so more on that later.
While standing on the London Bridge I caught a glimpse of a beautiful bridge across the way. I quickly learned it is the Tower Bridge and was determined to visit it during the week. It was just as beautiful from afar as it was in person. It was ornate and colorful. Apparently it used to be greenish and it was repainted in the 70's to blue, white and red in honor of the Queen's silver jubilee. While walking up and down and marveling at the structure, I felt right at home. I missed having history at my fingertips. A lot of thought and planning went into building this bridge, which was one of the first after the London Bridge. It was also featured in the 2012 Summer Olympics. If you have a few minutes, you should read about it.
The Tower Bridge also has an exhibition area with glass floors so you can actually see 140 feet below into the River. The way to get there was not stroller friendly (argh) so we had to pass it up this time. But I'll be baaaaack!
Near the London Bridge are two other must see spots: The Monument and The Shard. The Monument to the Great Fire of London stands where a massive and destructive fire occurred in the 1600's. There is a gilded urn of fire at the top of the structure.
The Shard is the tallest European skyscraper. Riya and I have plans to go inside next week, so more on that later.
While standing on the London Bridge I caught a glimpse of a beautiful bridge across the way. I quickly learned it is the Tower Bridge and was determined to visit it during the week. It was just as beautiful from afar as it was in person. It was ornate and colorful. Apparently it used to be greenish and it was repainted in the 70's to blue, white and red in honor of the Queen's silver jubilee. While walking up and down and marveling at the structure, I felt right at home. I missed having history at my fingertips. A lot of thought and planning went into building this bridge, which was one of the first after the London Bridge. It was also featured in the 2012 Summer Olympics. If you have a few minutes, you should read about it.
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| View from London Bridge |
The Tower Bridge also has an exhibition area with glass floors so you can actually see 140 feet below into the River. The way to get there was not stroller friendly (argh) so we had to pass it up this time. But I'll be baaaaack!
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