| When I was 16, I got to take a trip to London. I | | | | of government, but seeing it in action is pretty |
| can't even begin to explain how amazing it was. | | | | inspiring. Getting to see the "behind the scenes" |
| Luckily, I was armed with a camera and a little bit | | | | government action was really special, and it |
| of money, so I was able to walk away not only | | | | amazed me how accessible it was. |
| with some of the greatest memories I have, but | | | | Alright, I had to get my picture taken with the |
| also some souvenirs and lots of pictures. I've | | | | famous solemn-faced guards. Even though it's |
| spent years figuring out how I can make my way | | | | pretty cliche, I just had to do it. I didn't try to |
| back there. Even though I had to deal with a | | | | make him laugh or stick my finger up his nose or |
| missing passport and finding the right kind of | | | | anything, as they are armed guards I'll have you |
| electrical adapters, getting to go to London | | | | know, but I couldn't pass up the opportunity to |
| proved to be one of the most inspiring and | | | | stand next to one and have my picture taken. I |
| unforgettable moments of my life. | | | | was surprised how many locations boasted a |
| One of my favorite locations was the Tower of | | | | Changing of the Guards, including the Tower of |
| London. I spent a whole day reading about it's | | | | London. The gardens and parks of London are |
| history and seeing first hand what it was like. | | | | definitely worth mentioning. As a completely free |
| Probably most well known as a royal prison and | | | | way to spend your day, I really recommend |
| place of torture, the Tower of London also | | | | going. Swans and ducks swim in the ponds |
| served many other uses, from menagerie to | | | | surrounded by beautiful banks of flowers in every |
| stellar observatory. One of the most interesting | | | | color. Walking anywhere is very special when you |
| parts of the Tower of London was seeing it's | | | | get to walk through the parks. |
| famous ravens. The ravens that walk around the | | | | Being a woman, I of course have to mention the |
| Tower have been occupants there for | | | | London shopping. I visited Camden Market was |
| generations. A very old superstition keeps them | | | | blown away by the selection. From designer bags |
| there, one that says if the ravens leave, the | | | | to fishnets, Camden Market has something for |
| kingdom will fall. The ravens have some of the | | | | absolutely everyone. So get a little bit of money, |
| most royal treatment of the Tower's inhabitants, | | | | your passport, and your good walking shoes, and |
| with their own personal handler and living quarters. | | | | get ready to walk away with bags and bags of |
| Everyone knows Big Ben as one of the most | | | | stuff. |
| iconic monuments for London. Movies, stories, and | | | | London holds something exciting for everyone in |
| art have been representing Big Ben for many, | | | | your family. I walked away from the week-long |
| many years, and seeing it for yourself will show | | | | London trip with some amazing memories, and I |
| you why. I also recommend that you visit | | | | still dream of getting to go back there someday. |
| Parliament. This is where laws, bills, and other | | | | If you've never been to London, I very highly |
| legislation takes place for the London government. | | | | recommend it. I promise it's even worth having to |
| I've really never been interested in the workings | | | | locate that missing passport. |