Travel
Sacred Heart School of Halifax
Halifax, Nova Scotia

By Kathrine (grade 8)

This week's travel destination is the one and only ... London, England. London is not only the capital of the United Kingdom but also an international center of finance. It is an industrial city with many factories and a huge port.

If you travel to London by plane you will probably be arriving at one of its two major airports. Heathrow and Gatwick are both known for their numerous flights coming in and going out.

Once you are in London you can be assured not a single day of boredom. London is so large with so many things to see that even some of the 6.7 million people that live there haven't seen it all.

If you're looking for up to date information on what's hot and what's not in London, take a walk down Fleet Street. It is the home of Britain's largest newspapers and magazines. There you will probably find the latest details in the case of Prince Charles and Princess Diana. If you're really lucky you might just catch a glimpse of them or Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace, which today is the residence of the Royal Family. Tours are generally not available to the public however.

If you're not one for the royal life of today then you might enjoy seeing some of London's many historical sights, such as the Westminster Abbey. This is where the Knights and Kings of the past were crowned.

Not for you? Then try something a little more horrific, The Tower of London. The Tower was built by William the Conqueror over 900 years ago. For many centuries it served as a state prison where many famous prisoners awaited their death and were executed . Among these was the famous explorer, Sir Walter Raleigh. Today the Tower is used as a museum where old arms, armor and instruments of torture are displayed.

If you're tired of venturing through museums, then take a walk though one of the many parks found in London. One of the most popular parks is Hyde Park. There, anyone with something to say can speak freely about it in the northeast corner of the park.

For an evening of fun and glamour you may want to visit the Dury Lane Theatre. If you realize you don't have the glamour you're looking for you may want to visit Wakefield Tower. There you will find the Crown Jewels. A little expensive? Don't worry. You can always take out a loan at the famous Bank of England.

Transportation in the city is no problem. You can squeeze yourself into one of the popular two-story red buses. And if they're not fast enough then try the underground.

To end your trip a calm ride down the Thames River would be highly recommended.

For further information on London and other travel destinations please contact the travel agency closest to you.