Page Title
(Part 2)
By Susie “Chie” R. Cuňada
October 17th was Nicole’s wedding day. One couldn’t ask for a
perfect weather. And as you can imagine a full house, it was a
beehive of activity. The services were held at St. Paul’s Church at
12 noon. My participation during the church ceremony was to read
the First Reading. After the church ceremony, we all proceeded to the
South Lodge Hotel for some photo ops, tea ceremony and the
reception, whose program was short and sweet. After dinner and the
program, we all went out to the lobby while they converted the
reception hall into a dancing hall. Later, we were enthralled by the
lighting of the “sky lanterns” or “flying lanterns”, which added an
exciting element to the wedding reception. Their sparkle flew at great
distances for about 20 minutes, providing an enjoyable yet
amazingly simple show for all ages.
The following day, we drove around Brighton again and saw
By Susie “Chie” R. Cuňada
October 17th was Nicole’s wedding day. One couldn’t ask for a
perfect weather. And as you can imagine a full house, it was a
beehive of activity. The services were held at St. Paul’s Church at
12 noon. My participation during the church ceremony was to read
the First Reading. After the church ceremony, we all proceeded to the
South Lodge Hotel for some photo ops, tea ceremony and the
reception, whose program was short and sweet. After dinner and the
program, we all went out to the lobby while they converted the
reception hall into a dancing hall. Later, we were enthralled by the
lighting of the “sky lanterns” or “flying lanterns”, which added an
exciting element to the wedding reception. Their sparkle flew at great
distances for about 20 minutes, providing an enjoyable yet
amazingly simple show for all ages.
The following day, we drove around Brighton again and saw
A Travelogue
My UK impressions
My UK impressions
Nicole's wedding photo with family
Roedean Exclusive School for Girls, which used to be, in fact, Queen Anne’s
school. The school has an impressive view of the coast, where the “exclusive
properties” are located in the area.
I was blessed with fairly good weather when I was in England. As you know,
English weather is probably known for two things: rain and fog. Contrary to the
popular historical image, fog is a rare occurrence, sometimes seen early on
winter mornings but usually dispersed by the time people get to work. Any fog that
does appear is usually high in the air and not at ground level, so the only thing it
will affect is your view from the London Eye. Rain can happen at any time of year
and sometimes without warning, either being a short burst of heavy rain, or
prolonged light rain lasting a whole day and sometimes longer. However, despite
all of that, London particularly is a remarkably dry city, and you will often see
stories in the local media about water shortages in summer months. In fact, it only
gets about 25 inches of rain each year. Spring and fall (known as autumn in the
UK) can be nice, but the winter months can be brutal. Visitors from the Midwest of
America, or Canada for that matter, will find England winters refreshingly warm –
snow is very rare – but the constant greyness and rain can be daunting and, more
often than not, can lead to depression.
The Royal Pavilion
As a backgrounder, The Royal Pavilion was built in the early 19th century as a
seaside retreat for the then Prince Regent. The Prince of Regent, who later
became King George IV, first visited Brighton in 1783, as his physician advised
him that the seawater would be beneficial for his gout. In 1786, he rented a
farmhouse in Brighton. Being remote from the Royal Court in London, the Pavilion
was also a discreet location for the Prince to enjoy liaisons with his long-time
companion, Mrs. Fitzherbert. The Prince had wished to marry her, and may have
done so secretly; however, this was illegal owing to her Catholic religion.
Between 1815 and 1822, the designer John Nash redesigned the palace, and
it is his work which can be seen today. The palace looks rather striking in the
middle of Brighton, having a very Indian appearance on the outside, and . a
fanciful interior design heavily influenced by both Chinese and Indian fashion. To
say that The Royal Pavilion is Brighton’s answer to the Taj Mahal is simply not
true. It is a blend of domes and minarets, Indian on the outside and a much
Chinese interior. Work started on what was a former farmhouse in 1783 and took
school. The school has an impressive view of the coast, where the “exclusive
properties” are located in the area.
I was blessed with fairly good weather when I was in England. As you know,
English weather is probably known for two things: rain and fog. Contrary to the
popular historical image, fog is a rare occurrence, sometimes seen early on
winter mornings but usually dispersed by the time people get to work. Any fog that
does appear is usually high in the air and not at ground level, so the only thing it
will affect is your view from the London Eye. Rain can happen at any time of year
and sometimes without warning, either being a short burst of heavy rain, or
prolonged light rain lasting a whole day and sometimes longer. However, despite
all of that, London particularly is a remarkably dry city, and you will often see
stories in the local media about water shortages in summer months. In fact, it only
gets about 25 inches of rain each year. Spring and fall (known as autumn in the
UK) can be nice, but the winter months can be brutal. Visitors from the Midwest of
America, or Canada for that matter, will find England winters refreshingly warm –
snow is very rare – but the constant greyness and rain can be daunting and, more
often than not, can lead to depression.
The Royal Pavilion
As a backgrounder, The Royal Pavilion was built in the early 19th century as a
seaside retreat for the then Prince Regent. The Prince of Regent, who later
became King George IV, first visited Brighton in 1783, as his physician advised
him that the seawater would be beneficial for his gout. In 1786, he rented a
farmhouse in Brighton. Being remote from the Royal Court in London, the Pavilion
was also a discreet location for the Prince to enjoy liaisons with his long-time
companion, Mrs. Fitzherbert. The Prince had wished to marry her, and may have
done so secretly; however, this was illegal owing to her Catholic religion.
Between 1815 and 1822, the designer John Nash redesigned the palace, and
it is his work which can be seen today. The palace looks rather striking in the
middle of Brighton, having a very Indian appearance on the outside, and . a
fanciful interior design heavily influenced by both Chinese and Indian fashion. To
say that The Royal Pavilion is Brighton’s answer to the Taj Mahal is simply not
true. It is a blend of domes and minarets, Indian on the outside and a much
Chinese interior. Work started on what was a former farmhouse in 1783 and took
| The Royal Pavilion, built in the early 19th century as a seaside retreat for the then Prince Regent, famous for its Indian architecture on the outside, and an interior design of Indian and Chinese influence. |
Harrods
One of the most famous and largest department stores in the world, Harrods
was established in 1849 as a humble grocery store employing 2 assistants. Today,
it offers everything from food to fashion, furniture to sportswear plus 20 in-store
restaurants serving every kind of cuisine imaginable from pizza to sushi. Services
range from piano tuning to fitting saddles. It encompasses seven floors of
exquisite collection that its grandeur can be a little bit intimidating. Moreover, you
must have a very deep pocket to be able to afford anything in this store. The first
item that I saw was a pen. And you know how much it costs? Six thousand
pounds! Holy Molly!
Since the deaths of Princess Diana and Dodi Fayed, two memorials
commissioned by Al Fayed (Dodi’s father and Harrod’s owner) have been erected
inside Harrods to the couple. The first consists of photographs of the two behind a
pyramid-shaped display that holds a wine glass still smudged with lipstick from
Diana’s last dinner as well as what is described as an engagement ring Dodi
purchased the day before they died.
The second memorial, titled “Innocent Victims”, is a bronze statue of the two
dancing on a beach beneath the wings of an albatross. The albatross is a bird that
is said to symbolize the “Holy Spirit.” The sculpture was created by 80-year-old Bill
One of the most famous and largest department stores in the world, Harrods
was established in 1849 as a humble grocery store employing 2 assistants. Today,
it offers everything from food to fashion, furniture to sportswear plus 20 in-store
restaurants serving every kind of cuisine imaginable from pizza to sushi. Services
range from piano tuning to fitting saddles. It encompasses seven floors of
exquisite collection that its grandeur can be a little bit intimidating. Moreover, you
must have a very deep pocket to be able to afford anything in this store. The first
item that I saw was a pen. And you know how much it costs? Six thousand
pounds! Holy Molly!
Since the deaths of Princess Diana and Dodi Fayed, two memorials
commissioned by Al Fayed (Dodi’s father and Harrod’s owner) have been erected
inside Harrods to the couple. The first consists of photographs of the two behind a
pyramid-shaped display that holds a wine glass still smudged with lipstick from
Diana’s last dinner as well as what is described as an engagement ring Dodi
purchased the day before they died.
The second memorial, titled “Innocent Victims”, is a bronze statue of the two
dancing on a beach beneath the wings of an albatross. The albatross is a bird that
is said to symbolize the “Holy Spirit.” The sculpture was created by 80-year-old Bill
30 years and 500,000 pounds to build; huge money for the time.
After driving around Brighton, we went around the coastal towns of Peacehaven and Newhaven where I was able to see the
white cliffs (similar to the white cliffs of Dover). No, we haven’t reached Dover, but the white cliffs are very similar as they are
apparently remnants of dry valleys that are gradually being eroded by the sea. The views are simply dramatic!
The following day, we took the train from Haywards Heath to Victoria Station, armed with our enthusiasm and a map of the “Tube”
or the London Underground railway system. We set out to paint the town red. Compared to Tokyo which has the most complex railway
system, the Tube is nothing. I memorized it on the first day. But just so you know, the Tube was the first underground railway system
in the world and was also the first to operate electric trains. Moreover, the Tube is one of the most modern transportation systems in
the entire world, making sightseeing accessible and safe.
The City of London
London is one of the most beautiful and interesting places to visit on our planet. From its many awe-inspiring museums to its
lovely parks and gardens, London is a delight. A grand city studded with attractions, it offers some of the world’s most captivating
experiences for first-time visitors like me and Londoners alike. The distinguished landmarks of Westminster Abbey and Buckingham
Palace signify a long and eventful past, while interweaving streets lead you through changing cultural landscapes that give the city
its unique atmosphere. London buzzes with a seemingly endless medley of markets, museums, West End shows, bars and
restaurants, that you can always find something “new” at every turn, whether it’s a classic Victorian building or a modern high-street
garment. London truly is a world of its own.
After driving around Brighton, we went around the coastal towns of Peacehaven and Newhaven where I was able to see the
white cliffs (similar to the white cliffs of Dover). No, we haven’t reached Dover, but the white cliffs are very similar as they are
apparently remnants of dry valleys that are gradually being eroded by the sea. The views are simply dramatic!
The following day, we took the train from Haywards Heath to Victoria Station, armed with our enthusiasm and a map of the “Tube”
or the London Underground railway system. We set out to paint the town red. Compared to Tokyo which has the most complex railway
system, the Tube is nothing. I memorized it on the first day. But just so you know, the Tube was the first underground railway system
in the world and was also the first to operate electric trains. Moreover, the Tube is one of the most modern transportation systems in
the entire world, making sightseeing accessible and safe.
The City of London
London is one of the most beautiful and interesting places to visit on our planet. From its many awe-inspiring museums to its
lovely parks and gardens, London is a delight. A grand city studded with attractions, it offers some of the world’s most captivating
experiences for first-time visitors like me and Londoners alike. The distinguished landmarks of Westminster Abbey and Buckingham
Palace signify a long and eventful past, while interweaving streets lead you through changing cultural landscapes that give the city
its unique atmosphere. London buzzes with a seemingly endless medley of markets, museums, West End shows, bars and
restaurants, that you can always find something “new” at every turn, whether it’s a classic Victorian building or a modern high-street
garment. London truly is a world of its own.
Chie poses at one of Harrods' Memorials in honor of
Princess Di and Dodi Fayed.
Princess Di and Dodi Fayed.
Mitchell who is a close friend of Al Fayed and who has been the artistic design advisor to Harrods for 40 years. Mr. Al Fayed said he
wanted to keep the pair’s “spirit” alive through the statue.
Piccadilly Circus
It is a famous road junction and public space of London’s West End in the City of Westminster. In this context a “circus,” from the
Latin word meaning a circle, is a circular open space at a street junction. It links directly to the theatres and is close to major
shopping and entertainment areas in the heart of the West End. Its status as a major traffic intersection has made Piccadilly Circus a
busy meeting place and a tourist attraction in its own right. The Circus is particularly known for its video display and neon signs
mounted on the corner building on the northern side, as well as the memorial fountain and statue of an archer, popularly known as
Eros.
The British Museum
The British Museum is a great London museum looking at the cultural history of the whole world. Here you’ll find artifacts from
Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe and the Pacific. Founded in 1753 by Act of Parliament, from the collections of Sir Hans Sloane, the
British Museum is one of the great museums of the world, showing the works of man from prehistoric to modern times with
collections drawn from the whole world.
There is so much to see here that you couldn’t begin to take in even half, from the things everyone has heard of, such as the
Rosetta Stone, to less publicized but impressive displays from other cultures. The layout makes finding whatever it is you prefer to
see rather easy. I walked around in amazement and it’s the best I have ever been to. It’s simply incredible! Moreover, entrance is
free!
wanted to keep the pair’s “spirit” alive through the statue.
Piccadilly Circus
It is a famous road junction and public space of London’s West End in the City of Westminster. In this context a “circus,” from the
Latin word meaning a circle, is a circular open space at a street junction. It links directly to the theatres and is close to major
shopping and entertainment areas in the heart of the West End. Its status as a major traffic intersection has made Piccadilly Circus a
busy meeting place and a tourist attraction in its own right. The Circus is particularly known for its video display and neon signs
mounted on the corner building on the northern side, as well as the memorial fountain and statue of an archer, popularly known as
Eros.
The British Museum
The British Museum is a great London museum looking at the cultural history of the whole world. Here you’ll find artifacts from
Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe and the Pacific. Founded in 1753 by Act of Parliament, from the collections of Sir Hans Sloane, the
British Museum is one of the great museums of the world, showing the works of man from prehistoric to modern times with
collections drawn from the whole world.
There is so much to see here that you couldn’t begin to take in even half, from the things everyone has heard of, such as the
Rosetta Stone, to less publicized but impressive displays from other cultures. The layout makes finding whatever it is you prefer to
see rather easy. I walked around in amazement and it’s the best I have ever been to. It’s simply incredible! Moreover, entrance is
free!
Houses of Parliament and the Big Ben
The Houses of Parliament and the clock tower are one of London’s
iconic landmarks. The building is known as the Palace of Westminster and
the clock tower is called St. Stephen’s Tower, commonly referred to as Big
Ben. Big Ben is actually the massive bell inside the clock tower, which
weighs more than 13 tons. The clock tower looks spectacular at night
when the four clock faces are illuminated. It is the largest four-faced
chiming clock and the third tallest free-standing clock tower in the world.
Each dial is 23 feet square; Big Ben’s minute hands are 14 feet long; and
the figures on the face of Big Ben are two feet high. A special light above
the clock faces is also illuminated, letting the public know when
parliament is in session.
Big Ben’s timekeeping is strictly regulated by a stack of coins placed on
the high pendulum. Big Ben has rarely stopped. Even after a bomb
destroyed the Commons chamber during WWII, the clock tower survived
and Big Ben continued to strike the hours. The chimes of Big Ben were first
broadcast by the BBC on December 31, 1923, a tradition that continues to
this day.
The origin of the name Big Ben is not known, although two different
theories exist: (1) that it was named after Sir Benjamin Hall, the first
commissioner of works, a large man who was known affectionately in the
house as “Big Ben”; and (2) that it was named after a heavyweight
champion at that time, Benjamin Caunt. Also know as “Big Ben”, this
nickname was commonly bestowed in society to anything that was the
heaviest in its class.
Despite being one of the world’s most famous tourist attractions, the
interior of the tower is not open to the general public due to security
concerns, although from time to time, press and other VIPs are granted
access. However, the tower has no elevator, so those escorted must
climb the 334 limestone stairs to the top.
Before we proceeded anywhere, I have to have a photo taken with the
“bobbies”, nickname for British Police, at the Parliament. When I asked
their permission to have a photo taken with them, one of them replied that
it’s okay as long as I make it quick (see photo on the right). It was so
quick, in fact, that they didn’t even have time to smile. Or are they
forbidden to do so? Well, your guess is as good as mine.
To be continued …
The Houses of Parliament and the clock tower are one of London’s
iconic landmarks. The building is known as the Palace of Westminster and
the clock tower is called St. Stephen’s Tower, commonly referred to as Big
Ben. Big Ben is actually the massive bell inside the clock tower, which
weighs more than 13 tons. The clock tower looks spectacular at night
when the four clock faces are illuminated. It is the largest four-faced
chiming clock and the third tallest free-standing clock tower in the world.
Each dial is 23 feet square; Big Ben’s minute hands are 14 feet long; and
the figures on the face of Big Ben are two feet high. A special light above
the clock faces is also illuminated, letting the public know when
parliament is in session.
Big Ben’s timekeeping is strictly regulated by a stack of coins placed on
the high pendulum. Big Ben has rarely stopped. Even after a bomb
destroyed the Commons chamber during WWII, the clock tower survived
and Big Ben continued to strike the hours. The chimes of Big Ben were first
broadcast by the BBC on December 31, 1923, a tradition that continues to
this day.
The origin of the name Big Ben is not known, although two different
theories exist: (1) that it was named after Sir Benjamin Hall, the first
commissioner of works, a large man who was known affectionately in the
house as “Big Ben”; and (2) that it was named after a heavyweight
champion at that time, Benjamin Caunt. Also know as “Big Ben”, this
nickname was commonly bestowed in society to anything that was the
heaviest in its class.
Despite being one of the world’s most famous tourist attractions, the
interior of the tower is not open to the general public due to security
concerns, although from time to time, press and other VIPs are granted
access. However, the tower has no elevator, so those escorted must
climb the 334 limestone stairs to the top.
Before we proceeded anywhere, I have to have a photo taken with the
“bobbies”, nickname for British Police, at the Parliament. When I asked
their permission to have a photo taken with them, one of them replied that
it’s okay as long as I make it quick (see photo on the right). It was so
quick, in fact, that they didn’t even have time to smile. Or are they
forbidden to do so? Well, your guess is as good as mine.
To be continued …
| The Houses of Parliament and the clock tower are one of London’s iconic landmarks. |
