Foreigners love London with its meaningful history. Steeped in kings and queens, famous novelists for instance Charles Dickens's (1812-1870) Oliver Twist and J.K. Rowling's (1965 on) Harry Potter, or renowned painters for example J.M.W. Turner (1775-1851) (exhibiting Tate Britain), or leaders such as Sir. Winston Churchill (1874-1965), and Madam Tussauds amongst other epic and exceptional sights.
My fortune was to take a train north up to Victoria overground station, nearby Buckingham Palace where Queen Elizabeth II used to live. Incidentally, King Charles chose to stay at another royal residence known as Clarence House. Anyway, on this occasion, instead of passing by foot, my decision was to follow the river Thames embankment until the House of Commons which is where the UK Parliament is housed to decide the fate of the land. It was a good move because the waterway was very enjoyable, and the pleasant climate made the stroll first-rate.
What thoroughly impressed me was the delightful views, sunshine and rather warmish weather, and benches which were abundant, so sitting to rest and appreciate the scenic route became second nature to me whenever the opportunity arose.
A couple of miles into the walk and along the pavement was the Tate Britain Museum. Tate holds the national collection of British art from 1500 to the present day and international modern and contemporary art. British art is represented by artists chosen for their contribution to its history and development, rather than their nationality alone.
J.M.W. Turner rose to fame as the star of his generation of artists. His bold paintings challenged convention and still inspire artists today. Famous for golden landscapes and stormy seas, Turner also painted the effects of war, empire and industrialization. His work often asks us to think about the risks of human ambition. Turner was born in Covent Garden, in the heart of London. His father. A barber, paid for art lessons and displayed his son’s drawings in his shop window. By the age of 19, he was known as a brilliant young talent.
After spending a reasonable time at the museum, it was time to continue walking towards Big Ben clock and the House of Commons. Tomorrow, part two of my London Trip will report some more. This week's blogs will encourage you to visit London ASAP!
Take care!
Prof. Carl Boniface
Vocabulary builder:
Steeped (v) = soaked, immersed, drenched, submerged, saturated, marinated
Fortune (n) = used in the 2nd paragraph meaning my luck. (syn) wealth, affluence, opulence, prosperity, treasure, riches
Embankment (n) = ridge, bank, mound, dam, edge, levee, defenses
Fate (n) = destiny, fortune, chance, luck, doom, outcome, upshot, end
Stroll (n) = amble, saunter, wander, walk, meander, promenade (walkway)
Rest (n) = break, respite, breather, timeout, relaxation, recreation, repose
second nature (n) = a tendency or habit that has become characteristic or instinctive. "Deceit was becoming second nature to her."
ASAP = As Soon As Possible
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