Being apart from the continental Europe, the only land connection between the United Kingdom and the rest of Europe is the English Channel. This (un)connectedness may have resulted in the difference between the European identity and the so-called British identity as most Brits and Brit politicians define.
In my Switzerland article, I talked about ‘one song for a journey’. For me, the song for my journey throughout England has been ‘This is Love’ from Will.i.Am feat Eva Simons as one setting of its video is at the banks of the River Thames in front of London’s Tower Bridge. While reading these lines, you may listen to this song and get an idea about how London looks like prior to your journey ☺
First experiences are usually the ones that are remembered more than the second or third ones or others. But my England experience, which is my second experience abroad, is also worth to remember as I had the longest journey by flight up to that time that took about 4.5 hours straight! 3 weeks, 3 cities, and unforgettable memories!
It was July 2012, when I newly graduated from the high school and was waiting for my university entrance exam results with a great excitement. That was the time also when the 2012 London Olympic Games were held!
On July 23rd, I landed in Manchester Airport and was given a lift by a taxi to reach the campus of the high school where I was going to attend a language school for a week. Though I had some issues in my visa application for England and my departure had been delayed for a week, I had great moments afterwards. During my stay there, I had a chance to visit Liverpool and York, which were the cities nearby. After that week, we moved to London for another British experience for two weeks.
Though I was not able to watch the Olympic Games, I remember the time when I saw a game being played at a stadium which was close to Big Ben at the time I was on the peak point of the London Eye (free tickets, Yeay! ☺). In summer time, the London Eye and places nearby are very crowded. So as a recommendation, it is better to buy the tickets in advance.
In my Switzerland article, I talked about ‘one song for a journey’. For me, the song for my journey throughout England has been ‘This is Love’ from Will.i.Am feat Eva Simons as one setting of its video is at the banks of the River Thames in front of London’s Tower Bridge. While reading these lines, you may listen to this song and get an idea about how London looks like prior to your journey ☺
First experiences are usually the ones that are remembered more than the second or third ones or others. But my England experience, which is my second experience abroad, is also worth to remember as I had the longest journey by flight up to that time that took about 4.5 hours straight! 3 weeks, 3 cities, and unforgettable memories!
It was July 2012, when I newly graduated from the high school and was waiting for my university entrance exam results with a great excitement. That was the time also when the 2012 London Olympic Games were held!
On July 23rd, I landed in Manchester Airport and was given a lift by a taxi to reach the campus of the high school where I was going to attend a language school for a week. Though I had some issues in my visa application for England and my departure had been delayed for a week, I had great moments afterwards. During my stay there, I had a chance to visit Liverpool and York, which were the cities nearby. After that week, we moved to London for another British experience for two weeks.
Though I was not able to watch the Olympic Games, I remember the time when I saw a game being played at a stadium which was close to Big Ben at the time I was on the peak point of the London Eye (free tickets, Yeay! ☺). In summer time, the London Eye and places nearby are very crowded. So as a recommendation, it is better to buy the tickets in advance.
Liverpool
Mini Info about the City
The city of Liverpool is located in the west coast of England. The city is well-known for its cultural attractions, and has won the right to be named European Capital of Culture for 2008.
Liverpool is a city which has a historical importance due to its past where the city served as a leading port between Europe and the Americas, and the hub of slave trade in 18th and 19th centuries. Now the city is mostly known for its world renowned football club which takes its name from the city of Liverpool, and the famous music band ‘The Beatles’ of whose traces can be seen in almost every corner of the city.
Must-See Places
Below you will see a few of the must-see places, which I believe the highlights of the city.
Mini Info about the City
The city of Liverpool is located in the west coast of England. The city is well-known for its cultural attractions, and has won the right to be named European Capital of Culture for 2008.
Liverpool is a city which has a historical importance due to its past where the city served as a leading port between Europe and the Americas, and the hub of slave trade in 18th and 19th centuries. Now the city is mostly known for its world renowned football club which takes its name from the city of Liverpool, and the famous music band ‘The Beatles’ of whose traces can be seen in almost every corner of the city.
Must-See Places
Below you will see a few of the must-see places, which I believe the highlights of the city.
- Liverpool Cathedral is a perfect must-see with its jaw-dropping and award-winning architecture. Being ranked as the fifth largest cathedral on Earth, the cathedral mesmerizes the visitors both with its interior and exterior design.
- Merseyside Maritime Museum which is a museum at the Albert Dock has collections that reflect the historical and international significance of Liverpool as a port city, including its role in the transatlantic slave trade and emigration.
- Albert Dock is a complex of dock buildings and warehouses at the harbor of Liverpool. There are several museums including the Merseyside Maritime Museum and International Slavery Museum that you can visit at the Dock.
- The Beatles Story is a museum solely dedicated to the lives, culture and music of the famous band, The Beatles. It is a great spot for The Beatles fans and for those who would like to learn further about this world renowned band.
- Royal Liver Building is a symbolic building which is located at the Pier Head. The building, of which the construction was finished in 1911, became the first major structure in Britain.
- International Slavery Museum displays the historic past of Liverpool with the legacy of slave trade and slavery, and untold stories of enslaved people. It is an impressive location for those of who are curious about the history of migration and slavery, as well as the past of Liverpool and England.
- Williamson Square is the main square located in the center of Liverpool, as well as one of the famous landmarks of the city.
- Church Street is a great spot for shopping. Even though you are not into shopping, the street offers a good taste of the city life. During my visit to Liverpool, there was a street piano where everyone could play songs. I hope it is still there for those of you who are good at playing piano ☺
York
York is an ancient city in the middle of the island of England with a history which dates back to before Roman times. In the 9th century BC, the city of York had been named as Jorvik after being captured by the Vikings. The remnants from the Vikings which have been excavated especially in the 1970s are displayed in the museums and various places of the city.
During the 19th century, the city of York has become the major railway center and preserved this title until the 20th century. This legacy is displayed in the National Railway Museum where you can see historically significant railway vehicles and other artifacts.
York is an ancient city in the middle of the island of England with a history which dates back to before Roman times. In the 9th century BC, the city of York had been named as Jorvik after being captured by the Vikings. The remnants from the Vikings which have been excavated especially in the 1970s are displayed in the museums and various places of the city.
During the 19th century, the city of York has become the major railway center and preserved this title until the 20th century. This legacy is displayed in the National Railway Museum where you can see historically significant railway vehicles and other artifacts.
Must-See Places
Below are some of the most important landmarks of the city of York.
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- Micklegate which is one of the most famous landmarks of the city of York is a street holding the southern entrance into the city called ‘Mickelgate Bar’. While walking in the Micklegate, I came across with a funny street performance. You can see the photos below ☺
London
Mini Info about the City
Being the capital and largest city of the United Kingdom, the city of London is truly vivid and cosmopolitan. It is currently the largest city of the European Union, but most likely will lose this title after the process of Brexit is completed. Situated on the Thames River, the city which is the international capital of history, education, culture, trade, tourism and much more currently has a population over 10 million.
The history of London dates back to 2,000 years ago from now. The city has experienced several significant historical events including aerial bombardment during the World War II, and terrorist attacks in the post-Cold War era.
For me, London is one of the cities that I would love to visit once again. London is Sherlock Holmes, or Mrs. Dolloway. Watching the TV series ‘Sherlock’ or reading Mrs. Dolloway from Virginia Woolf remind me the moments I had in London, and sparks my desire to have another London experience even more.
Unlike the other cities in the world, the London metro is called ‘tube’. So during your journey in London, get used to hearing and using this word!
From London, you can make daytrips to Warwick which hosts a historic fortress and where the TV series ‘Merlin’ has been filmed, and to Oxford where the world’s oldest English-speaking university is located.
Mini Info about the City
Being the capital and largest city of the United Kingdom, the city of London is truly vivid and cosmopolitan. It is currently the largest city of the European Union, but most likely will lose this title after the process of Brexit is completed. Situated on the Thames River, the city which is the international capital of history, education, culture, trade, tourism and much more currently has a population over 10 million.
The history of London dates back to 2,000 years ago from now. The city has experienced several significant historical events including aerial bombardment during the World War II, and terrorist attacks in the post-Cold War era.
For me, London is one of the cities that I would love to visit once again. London is Sherlock Holmes, or Mrs. Dolloway. Watching the TV series ‘Sherlock’ or reading Mrs. Dolloway from Virginia Woolf remind me the moments I had in London, and sparks my desire to have another London experience even more.
Unlike the other cities in the world, the London metro is called ‘tube’. So during your journey in London, get used to hearing and using this word!
From London, you can make daytrips to Warwick which hosts a historic fortress and where the TV series ‘Merlin’ has been filmed, and to Oxford where the world’s oldest English-speaking university is located.
Must-See Places
London is a huge city, so only an overview of the landmarks are listed below.
London is a huge city, so only an overview of the landmarks are listed below.
- St. Paul’s Cathedral is an Anglican cathedral which was built in the English Baroque style. Being one of the most renowned and recognizable spots of London, the cathedral has a dome that is among the highest in the world.
- Buckingham Palace, which is the London residence of the Queen and administrative headquarters of the monarch of the UK, is a must-see spot even if you don’t go in. You can watch the changing of the guards at the front gate of the palace. I consider myself very lucky as I had a chance to see this occasion during my stay in London.
- Hyde Park is one of the biggest parks in London. There are several entrances of the park, including the one near the Buckingham Palace that I used during my visit to the park. As the park had been a major place for demonstrations, gatherings and protests, several fortifications were built in the 17th century, including the one what is now ‘Marble Arch’.
- Trafalgar Square which is the main square in the center of London is associated with celebrations (including New Year’s) and demonstrations.
- Piccadilly Circus is a road junction which connects Piccadilly and Regent Street. It is very close to major entertainment and shopping areas, and surrounded by several notable touristic attractions including the Shaftesbury Memorial, the Criterion Theatre and London Pavilion.
- Tower Bridge is a bridge that was built across the Thames River towards the end of the 19th century. It has become the iconic symbol of London. During the 2012 Summer Olympics, a set of Olympic rings were displayed from the bridge.
- Westminster Abbey which is mainly a Gothic-style church is one of the most notable religious buildings of the UK. The abbey is located in the west of the Westminster Palace. It is a traditional spot of coronation and burial site of British monarchs.
- The Palace of Westminster and Big Ben are probably the most renowned symbols not only of London, but also of the UK. The Palace of Westminster is the meeting point of the two chambers of the Parliament of the UK. It lies on the north bank of the Thames River. The Palace has several bells, one of which is called ‘Big Ben’ that is situated at the north end of the Palace.
- British Museum displays the human culture from the very beginning to present from all continents with its permanent collection. These collections include the renowned Rosetta Stone from Egypt, which is a stele written in Egyptian hieroglyphics.
- Tate Modern is one of the largest museums of contemporary art in the world. Noteworthy that the collection displays are free of admission charge, while you must purchase tickets for the major temporary exhibitions. The museum is a great spot for art-lovers!
- Covent Garden Market is a big and vibrant open market in London, close to the Royal Opera House, where you can find various types of cheap souvenirs, jewellery, shops, bars and restaurants. You can always find street performers in the market performing acrobatic movements or some dressed as famous actors. During my visit in Covent Garden, I came across with a men resembling Charlie Chaplin and didn’t miss the chance to take a photo with him ☺
What Can You Taste (*heavy breathing*)
Comparing to the Turkish cuisine, I consider that the English cuisine is not as much diverse. But there are a great number of mouth-watering English flavors which you can taste during your journey throughout England!
Comparing to the Turkish cuisine, I consider that the English cuisine is not as much diverse. But there are a great number of mouth-watering English flavors which you can taste during your journey throughout England!
English cuisine is mostly based on potatoes, meat and fish. You can taste various dishes such as stew and roast beef.
Fish and chips is obviously the most well-known English food. It is a hot dish consisting of fried fish and hot chips. It is a very common take-away food in England, and it reminds me of the French fries of Belgium which is also a street food that you can find in every corner in Belgian cities! |
There are various types of potato chips in England, but one of them was a kind which I haven’t seen or tasted before. I was very astonished when I saw potato chips with salt and vinegar flavor. I didn’t like its taste at the very beginning but you get used to it when you keep eating ☺
You can try different types of beers in England. Ale is among the most well-known beers, which is fermented differently than other types of beers across the continental Europe. Its taste is more fruity and sweet, and color is usually darker than any other beers. |