I chose this quote as the title of my blog because I relate to it very well. When you see beautiful natural scenes and landmarks you learned about in your history classes, it truly leaves you speechless. Often, the sites you see when you travel are so new, unique, or overwhelmingly beautiful that you may have no words to say. I am often awe-struck by historical sites, cultural icons, and geographic features. Although words can never truly capture the essence and beauty of many places, after experiencing these scenes, all you want to do is share your experience with your friends and family, hoping that you can convey that excitement and grandeur.
One moment that left me in awe was our visit to England during London’s celebration of the Royal Wedding. I was actually in Paris for Easter break but my family and I knew that we could not give up this once in a lifetime opportunity.
We took a train from Paris to London, on the morning of April 29th, 2011. We travelled from Paris’ Gare du Nord Train Station, through the Chunnel underneath the English Channel, and arrived at St. Pancras Station in sunny London. After a short walk through Green Park, we began our approach to the famous Westminster Abbey, site of the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton.
Although we obviously couldn’t get into the actual wedding, we were, however, able to stand near the Abbey and watch the guests and British onlookers. Londoners swelled with pride over their Royal Wedding. A national holiday was in effect, the weather was unseasonably pleasant, and a mood of joyful celebration permeated the city. What a wonderful time for one’s first visit to a world class city!
The streets were filled with people from all over the world all hoping to be part of this alluring event. We walked about the city, taking time to gaze at Big Ben, the Parliament, and Piccadilly Circus. The excitement of the Royal Wedding seemed to hang in the air and on the faces of England’s proud citizens. Although there were tourists from all ends of the earth, that day, we were all British. We paraded through the streets, waving our mini British flags as patriotic tunes spilled from the widows of homes and stores. The restaurants offered complementary beverages and the shop owners even gave out mini souvenirs so that everyone could remember this momentous occasion.
While we were walking the streets and enjoying the energy and excitement, we noticed a regal looking couple dressed in a very formal manner. My mom stopped them and asked them if they had actually attended the wedding. The couple had in fact been present at the Royal Wedding and they were kind enough to let us look at their formal invitation. They even allowed us to photograph their personal invite!
We spent the rest of the day walking the streets of London and taking in the buoyant mood and welcoming locals. It was truly amazing to see an entire country come together to participate in this historic event. But it wasn’t just British people who took part in this occasion; it was people from all over the world.
My aunts, at home in Maryland, stayed up all night to be able to watch the wedding live and my friends begged me to bring home souvenirs from the beautiful event. There is something quite fascinating and intriguing about the Royal Family and I am so thankful I was able to be there, in London, to witness something so special with my family. I am also thankful that the people of England welcomed us into their home and allowed us to wave our British flags and join together with them to cheer for the Royal Couple. My visit to London during the Royal Wedding is an adventure I will continue to tell for the rest of my life.
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