Passing through Tower Bridge

It was a dark and gloomy day. A normal occurrence in this part of the world. However, it was a lot more cloudy than usual. To my surprise and ignorance, it started to rain hard. Like being hit with a garden hose, I was soaked. I had to find a store that sold ponchos and umbrellas. I was warned by my hosts that it rains unpredictably over here. Being the hardheaded person that was I, that warning went from one ear to the other without being processed in the middle. Regardless, this wasn’t going to stop me from having a good time.

Looking at Tower Bridge from afar photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

After getting a poncho and an umbrella, I was ready to explore more of London. I keep hearing from friends and family about this famous Tower bridge. I was even told that you haven’t been to London unless you have seen the Tower Bridge. Growing in the San Francisco bay, I had to see the hype behind this bridge and compare it to the Golden Gate.

One of the towers of Tower Bridge photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Once I got near Tower Bridge, I was approached by a local that was selling tour bus tickets. Might as well get a view of the Tower Bridge on a bus. Got on the bus and my inner tourist came out. Keep in mind, I was in a poncho the whole time. I always try to not look like a tourist. However, sometimes you just have to go with the flow. With my poncho and I love London hat, I was ready to see this Bridge.

A better view of the first tower photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Passing by Tower Bridge, it was an interesting experience. I learned from the tour guide that this bridge helped put a dent into the traffic problem in London. The cool thing about this bridge is that it still lifts when boats pass by. In the usa, lifting bridges are not the norm. I don’t think I ever saw one during my trips throughout the Usa. I saw people walking above us. It was a clear sign that I have to go back and see this bridge again.

Passing through the second tower photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

The Golden Gate Bridge compared to the Tower Bridge is like old world meets the new world. The Tower Bridge has the medieval feel/look to it. While the Golden Gate looks a lot more modern. However, the bridges were only built about 40 years apart. The Golden Gate (1937) and Tower Bridge (1894) look like they were built 100’s of years apart. These two bridges might as well come from two different eras. This is what I love about traveling outside of the Usa. Even with the newer structures, there is a hint of deeper history in the designs.

Thank you so much for reading! Stay safe everyone! Wash your hands! Much Love!

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August 15, 2020 34

The London Bridge Is Standing Strong

Yeah, as the corny title suggests The London bridge is still standing. Really makes you think twice about that nursery rhyme. The one that claims this bridge is falling down. Either way, I had to see it for myself while I was here.

The view outside of the tube station photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

I got off at the monument station. I was surprised by how the weather changed so quickly. I was warned by my host that it can rain here out of nowhere. However, I thought they were exaggerating. Here I am with only a small umbrella. At that moment, I was reminded of that Rihanna song. It kept playing in my head, while I walked blissfully.

A photo of the monument photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

As I was walking to the Bridge, I met some friendly locals. They told me which side to get a better view of the bridge. Also, to make sure I check this monument out. This was built to remember the great fire of London. I heard about it as a kid from history books. For those who don’t know, the fire destroyed about 90% of the homes in London. Leaving about 70,000 people without a home. This was during the time when London only had around 80,000 people. It’s hard to imagine how people must have felt like after losing their homes. This is truly a city that has rebuilt itself from ashes to great heights. It should be nicked as the phoenix city.

A beautiful view from the London bridge photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Finally got on the bridge and I was surprised to see the view. The grey clouds with a view of London’s downtown, I felt like I was in a harry potter movie. I read that London averages about 1600 hours of sunlight yearly. No wonder why my British friends love going to the Caribbean.

A view of the London bridge tower photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

I walked further down the bridge and I saw the tallest building in all of the UK. It is sometimes called the London Bridge Tower. This is the sixth-largest building in Europe. I can see why the friendly people I asked earlier told me to walk on this side of the bridge. It truly looked beautiful up close. The picture doesn’t really do it justice. The grey clouds mixed with the color of the building’s windows looked awesome to me. Truly enjoyed my time on this bridge that is clearly standing tall and strong.

Stay safe everyone and remember to wash your hands!

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For my underwater photos, I use the gopro hero 7 white.

July 25, 2020 10

Feeding Ducks at the serpentine River

Walking deeper into Hyde Park, I noticed a body of water. Started walking towards it. When I came next to the river, there were kids and their parents throwing pieces of bread. Of course, they were doing this to attract ducks and geese.

Ducks eating and looking for bread photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

The kids were having so much fun. This reminded me of my childhood. The times I spent with my parents at the local park. Instead of feeding the ducks and geese, my childhood friends and I used to annoy the feathered animals. We used to chase them while screaming at them. After some time, they would start chasing us back. The tables were flipped and we were the ones running away.

A duck looking where to go photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Seeing this warmed my heart. Sometimes, I can’t believe how much of a trouble maker I was. Nothing like these kids at the park. All this made me think of how would life be like as a father. I just hope my children are not like how I was. If they are, I will not have a fun time.

Ducks about to swim photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

After getting lost in my thoughts, I was snapped back into reality. A bunch of ducks started grouping around me. The pieces of bread were being thrown near me. Got out of the way like a deer running from headlights.

A Board explain the ducks photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Eventually, I started throwing bread at the ducks. Following the lead of a young couple that kindly let have some bread. I felt like a kid again. On my face was the brightest smile. It was as if, my inner-child came to know peace. Who would had thought a simple act of bread feeding animals by a river could be so reflective and healing.

Stay safe everyone and remember to wash your hands!

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For my underwater photos, I use the gopro hero 7 white.

July 11, 2020 12

Going further into Hyde Park and reflecting about living in the USA

After my time of exploring the flower garden, I decided to walk towards this statue. It looked super important and I had to take a picture of it. The statue represents the British Empire and its strength. With everything that is going on now, I wonder if this statue will still be up. This was last summer, it’s crazy how things can change so quickly. Never even thought twice about statues like these. Which, I’m glad to be more aware of these issues.

Started going towards where the people were being people. I love people watching. Everybody was acting so genuine. Laughter with friends, you can tell Londoners live a nice life. When I say nice, I mean a life full of calmness. Although, in certain areas, there are parts of London that are busy just like any major city in the USA.

People sitting at the park photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Kept walking around to feel the moment. The differences in attitudes from New York City and London are very noticeable. I mentioned this before in another post. However, New Yorkers are very rude compared to the locals of this British city. It’s weird how living in new york has changed me. People say Londoners are rude and unfriendly. Try living in New York for a while. Nothing compares to the rudeness of the big apple. Afterward everywhere else, rude people seem mild.

Another view of the park photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

I felt so at peace here. I always feel this way when I’m out of the USA. In the USA, lately there always some stressful event going. During the time I went here, there was a record high shooting in Chicago. Also, the feeling of not worrying about being shot by police or some crazy person. That calm vibe and feeling are expressed in the faces of the locals here. There are violent crimes in London that involve a gun. However compared to the USA, the numbers are a lot lower. According to the number of violent crimes per population.

Street lamp photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

It started to get a little dark. Saw this street lamp. It reminded me of all the videos I have seen about London. The lamp had a spooky and classic charm. Here in England, it rains a lot. A little too much for my liking. However, that feeling of being safe is worthwhile. I almost wish I could live here. Until I saw the prices of the apartments.

Stay safe everyone and remember to wash your hands!

For videos about cultures of the world and to see our travels, subscribe to our youtube channel!

For my underwater photos, I use the gopro hero 7 white.

June 27, 2020 40

Going to the Buckingham Palace and stumbling across a marathon

On my way to the Buckingham Palace, I came across an event. It was at Green Park when I noticed all these people gathering around. For those who don’t know, you must pass Green Park in order to get at the entrance of the Palace. The park was surrounded by DJs playing loud music and portable bathrooms.

A sign showing where to start the marathon photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

It was crazy that I stumbled across this. The environment felt like a concert for a famous artist. Everybody was going around with water bottles and sitting mats. This gave me memories of the concerts back in San Francisco’s golden gate park. It was such nostalgia.

Vitality sign photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Started walking further into Green Park towards the palace by following the signs. It’s surprising to see how green the parks are in London. Yes, we got beautiful parks in the USA. However, you still feel like you are in a city. Here in Green Park. made me felt like I was in a country side. Of course this was when I was away from the marthon.

People finishing the marathon photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Got into the entrance of the Palace, I was stopped by the event offers. We were not allowed to cross while the runners were in the way. Who would had thought this event would affect my time at the Buckingham Palace.