Walking the River

Since my last post, I've spent some time walking the Thames (pronounced 'Tems' here) River, mostly on a yet another walking tour by our tour guide, and fearless leader, Brian. It really is fascinating to walk from the east side of London towards the center, as you you start in an area that feels although it has not changed much in the last few years, and feel almost as if you're walking through the years, winding up in modern day by the time you reach the center. We began our walking tour at the Pub from which the Mayflower set out on its voyage, passed by a pub which used to be notorious for 'recruiting' members for the Navy by knocking young men out and putting them on a Naval vessel before they came to, continuing past the Tower of London which was the place many famous people (literally) lost their heads. Eventually, we reached the modern glass buildings which dominate the skyline of the City of London and the Millennium bridge which was essentially built as a symbol of modern times and architecture. 

Bridges which were used to carry shipments
from the merchant vessels to processing

The Tower Bridge (completed 1894) framing St. Paul's Cathedral (completed 1708)

The Millennium Bridge (completed 2000) leading to St. Paul's

Three buildings under construction
(Left to Right: Walkie Talkie Building, Cheese Grater Building, The Gherkin)
Not the official names, but if you call them this, everyone will understand you.

Pirate ship made of old ship parts

El Capitan of said ship

Our organized walk came to an end in a street festival full of booths selling almost anything you can imagine, from clothing to beer. The next night, we decided to continue our walk further west along the Thames, and were rewarded with some wonderful nighttime views of the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and the London Eye.

The London Eye, framing a gigantic carnival swing ride
 (Not sure who decided to top it like that..)

Big Ben with the Eye in the background

Houses of Parliament

All in all, it was a great first week in London, and I experienced quite a bit in a relatively short amount of time, although I think I've learned to begin carrying my camera around with me at all times because I seem to overestimate the power of my cell phone's camera. In any event, tomorrow I begin my internship and start settling into my semester and really living in London instead of just seeing it!