London Excursions

Day Trips from London

As part of our tour package Day 5 was Oxford, Stratford- Upon-Avon, and Warwick Castle.

As I said before I really didn't like being a part of a tour for these trips.   But we only got to spend a limited number of time in each place. I only went because I have always wanted to go to Oxford and Stratford - Upon - Avon. Next time I will take the train from London, which is really simple and convenient and I get to spend more time there!

But even with minimal amount of time I really enjoyed all three excursions.

I have only recently started to get into architecture, its complicated but  worth learning. And Oxford doesn't disappoint. I don't know how to describe how much beautiful the buildings are in person.

We toured Christ Church College, Corpus Christi College, viewed the Radcliffe Camera, peaked at the Bodleian Library, and went through some of the tourist shops.

Here are pictures of Oxford...

 The great hall at Christ Church College was used as a model for the great hall in the Harry Potter films. It does not look like my dining hall in college.

We drove through part of the Cotswolds - the countryside is refreshing! Stopped in Stratford- upon- Avon and paid my respects to one of literature's finest. 

 The one below is Shakespeare's Birthplace.

 Warwick Castle

Then a short drive to Warwick Castle. 

Warwick Castle has been managed by Merlin Entertainment but there are plenty for adults and history buffs to enjoy.

Final Day

I  been meaning to put up the post for awhile but haven't had the time...

May 2012 - Last Day in London
 
The final tourist day in London was memorable. Mom and I wanted to see the Museum of London. The museum is located in the middle of the financial district (The City) near St. Paul's Cathedral. The outside of the building is not much to look at (relatively modern)  but inside is well worth the trip, especially if you want to learn about the history of London. I should note this is one of the least appealing in terms of architecture. But don't judge the place from the outside.

And here are some pictures of inside...

 I love lamp posts.

 Art Deco elevator - used to be at Selfridges.

I then went on my own and walked past St. Paul's Cathedral all the way down to the River Thames to Millenium Bridge. In the Harry Potter films this pedestrian bridge was destroyed by the Death Eaters in Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. I enjoyed the view from this bridge. A little windy but got some great video. I then walked around the Tate Modern for awhile. Didn't see the whole place but definitely want to go back. I hear that the restaurant has spectacular views of the River Thames and some of the London skyline.

I then walked along the river (south side). I walked from the Tate Modern all the way to the London Eye, a very long way. I did stop at some the cafes and browsed the National Theatre bookshop. The area around the London Eye is full of families and tourist. If you want to go on the London Eye - book well in advance because lines are very long. I had no desire to go on that today I just wanted to gaze at the Houses of Parliament and the Clock Tower (Big Ben).

I then went to Victoria Tower Gardens just to the southwest of Parliament Square and Houses of Parliament.

I then took a bus back to Victoria Station and went to Harrods. Ending quite a memorable trip. Probably go back sometime in 2014 when I finish graduate school. Stay tuned.

Historic Cleveland

Gray's Armory in Cleveland opened its doors to the public this past weekend. Located on Prospect Avenue just south of the Theater District the building is quite a gem to Cleveland. This Cleveland landmark provides a glimpse into history. The structure was built just after the Civil War in 1893, although founded in 1837. Old uniforms, equipment, and photographs were displayed throughout the building, especially from the Civil War era. I am not a Civil War buff, I tend to gravitate to European History, but its still fascinating. I have seen this building from East 14th Street and always wanted to see inside.

The Romanesque Revival architecture is what makes this landmark interesting. I love looking at old architecture although I admit I don't know much about it...but slowly learning. I tend to like Gothic revival or the Tudor revival AND original Gothic and Tudor like the ones in Europe. I must say I am starting to sound like an old person. But I guess I am studying history, philosophy, and art in graduate school so that's probably it. I am also into lanterns and lamp posts now so that explains the one picture.

I am also like these kind of windows.

Here is the outside...