It was day five on the island
and we decided to explore the local landmarks in order to acquaint ourselves
with the lives and customs of the natives. The Royal Borough of Kensington and
Chelsea, named auspiciously for the being the residence for much of the native
rulers of this land, allowed us the opportunity to blend in with the tourists
moving in and out of museums and parks. My companion and I decided to head
toward the largest and most regal looking of said museums, named by the locals,
“Natural History.”
This museum is majestic in
appearance but inhospitable in practice. The building traps in the heat like a
pressure cooker, and leaves the patrons inside milling about like tiny
unassuming rice people. As one walks about the museum this sensation only
intensifies until it feels as though you are mere seconds away from being
encased in the same glass and stuffed with the same materials as the animals on
display. It is in actuality a very prudent decision on the museum’s behalf to
keep its visitors from lingering too long or overstaying their welcome.
Finding our way out of this
historic matrix from the exhibit we had ended up in was a struggle, but
manageable for those gifted with the intelligence and cunning that my companion
and I are. At the corner we turned left, heading north towards the main watering
hole of the locals. They call it “Hyde Park” and its large greenery is interrupted
by a small river cutting through it. While massive, the park seems lacking in
many chairs or other sitting instruments, a not uncommon phenomenon we notice
in this area despite the unrelenting sun and copious amounts of physical
self-transport. The water also, while picturesque, is inundated with a large number
of ducks, swans, and whatever else lies beneath the surface swimming freely
throughout.
Walking through the local park
does invoke a sensation similar to peace or perhaps tranquility, and it becomes
clear why the locals swarm there. The incursion of runners, couples, families,
tourists, natives, dogs, and ducks attacks and also soothes the senses creating
a mood something like happy panic, or harmonious tension. The singular breeze
that blows through the city that day blows through at this moment in this park,
adding to the mounting suspicion of magical properties existing there.
The march to the edge of the
park stretches for what can only be assumed as approximately five hundred miles
minimum. Once we reach the edge, we make an executive decision amongst
ourselves that public transport would be in our best interests at this moment. Stepping
off the public transport, after purchasing a cold beverage to rally my spirits,
we continue our trek through the city of monuments, museums, and palaces.
Heading east towards what they
are now calling “Westminster” we visit the Buckingham Palace for a quick minute.
This palace seems to be largely overrated, considering there was nothing to
see, so we move on. Further east, and ten hours later, we come across
“Westminster Abbey,” and the “Elizabeth Tower.” The latter of the two was
perhaps this trip’s greatest disappointment. Unable to be viewed, the tower
stands mocking us from its massive height, while we sit meekly in despair along
yet another river, and think about how it has come to this.
By the end of the day we
drudge our weakened and emotionally exhausted bodies back to the flat and I
have decided on an agenda to suggest for the rest of my comrades.
At ten o’clock in the morning
of Saturday 7 July, I recommend meeting at the Natural History Museum, and
spending however much time is possible before heat exhaustion reaches their brains.
At which point they should walk it off, by taking the quick jaunt up to Hyde
Park and resting by the water or in the grass for class-time. From Hyde Park, I
recommend either taking public transport or self-transport to Sloane Square in
Chelsea. While not detailed in this report, the borough of Chelsea contains a
weekly farmer’s market located in the Duke of York Square held on Saturdays
featuring an assortment of diverse food stands. This market would serve as a
suitable choice for mid Saturday lunch. You’re Welcome.
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