London

“Why, Sir, you find no man, at all intellectual, who is willing to leave London. No, Sir, when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford.”
— Samuel Johnson

Following in the paw prints of a notable Peruvian, we arrived in London at Paddington Station.

Paddington Train Station, London, England, United Kingdom

We took the ~~subway~~ ~~metro~~ underground across the city to Trafalgar Square. At the top of his column, Horatio Nelson looks out over the city he saved from the Franco-Spanish fleet.

Statue of Horatio Nelson, 1st Viscount Nelson, Trafalgar Square, London

On the banks of the Thames is the memorial to the Battle of Britain with the words of Prime Minister Winston Churchill, “Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.”

Battle of Britain London Monument detail of the bronze carving by Paul Day. Showing pilots scramble to their Spitfires during WWII. Victoria Embankment, London

There’s a fascinating blend of old and new. The Morgan Motor Company still embraces traditional styling.

Morgan Aero 8 Sports Car on The Strand, London, England.

But London’s double decker buses have evolved with time.

Double decker red buses in front of St. Paul’s Cathedral, London

The city’s skyline has transformed with the arrival of the Shard, the “Walkie Talkie,” the “Gherkin,” and the London Eye.

The Shard tower by the Thames River, Southwark, London

London Eye ferris wheel overlooking the Thames River, London.

The Lloyd’s Building, Lime Street, London

The money raised by the National Lottery has had a remarkable effect on the success of the British Olympians, but it has also meant that many museums in the UK have no entry fees. Without spending a penny, you can go and experience chilling creatures at the National History Museum,

T. Rex at the dinosaurs exhibit at the Natural History Museum, London, England.

or the National Portrait Gallery.

Eyes of Tony Blair former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, part of oil painting by Alastair Adams at National Portrait Gallery, London, UK

For me the highlight of London is always strolling down the Southbank soaking in the city. It was great to show Yuki the sights and meet up with some old friends.