Author: Rita M

Why Solo Travel Could Be the Best Gift You Give Yourself?

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Once, Freya Stark said-

“To awaken quite alone in a strange town is one of the most pleasant sensations in the world.”

This fearless British-Italian explorer and travel writer was so keen on traveling…and I bet she went on many of her trips alone. Look what travelling did for her …she lived a 100 years and more.

I am not asking you to travel to live for 100 years…or yes, if that drives you. But if traveling adds a few happy decades to life, well, it’s worth considering, isn’t it?

And, while travelling won’t you wish to rediscover yourself? If yes, then traveling solo is what you need. Apart from self-discovery, there are reasons…some pretty good ones… why it’s worth every bit.

Now, before you decide whether traveling solo is actually for you or not, just read on. After all, you won’t have to book a flight ticket to read it.

Why travel solo when I can travel with family & friends?

Good question. Well, I won’t argue here that it is the best kind of feeling to travel with your loved ones….you make memories there.

But, traveling solo? That’s something else…entirely. More rewarding. And yes, every aspect of it is related to who you truly are…I believe, such a trip can bring out the truest version of you.

So…

  • Confidence

When in a foreign land, you will do everything alone from navigating a foreign city to solving small mishaps, finding your way in foreign streets, ordering your first croissant in broken French…

Believe it or not, facing all those challenges alone will boost your confidence… immensely.

  • Ultimate Freedom

Yes…it gives you freedom. You can plan your own itinerary the way you want it, change plans spontaneously whenever you want, and the best part is that you don’t have to convince anyone.

How does it sound?

  • Connections

What if I tell you now that solo travelers are more likely to meet more locals and fellow travelers?  Yes…they are more approachable. If you give yourself a chance, you will find yourself chatting with strangers, sharing your stories, and maybe even dancing at an unknown festival.

Would you let that chance go?  I don’t think you would.

  • Mindful Observation

Another thing…such solo travel makes one super mindful. Because you are there all alone, you need to keep yourself safe…that’s natural instinct. And, this instinct makes you more observant…

It’s needless to say that the mindful you will notice details, flavors, and cultures more deeply…leading to richer travel experiences in a foreign part of the world.

Last but not least, such kind of travelling helps one conquer fears …and, that’s some personal empowerment.

There’s one thing common in every solo traveler…. They came back different. More hopeful. More ambitious. More alive.

Now, can you go everywhere alone just like that? No. Not every place would be safe for such an adventure.

Best Destinations to Travel Solo

When it comes to choosing where to go, I’m a bit of a checklist person myself. I prefer to take into account the aspect of crime, cleanliness, local laws and weather of those destinations mainly. Still, safety is my major concern always.

  • That’s why, first I chose…Japan. More specifically, Kyoto. Mild spring and autumn are perfect for this beautiful postcard-perfect city. Along with serene temples, you will find respectful locals here. Trust me, you will feel like staying there forever.
  • Next is Switzerland. Go to Lucerne in the summer. It’s exceptionally clean, very safe for both men and women, and locals follow laws meticulously. Also, it’s where you will get the Alps.
  • If you are into Europe, consider Austria too. There’s Vienna, Hallstat, Salzburg, Innsbruck…all the beautiful places of the world. It being one of the safest country in Europe makes it extra beautiful.
  • And then, if you are in the mood for a crisp summer? Let’s go to Reykjavík, Iceland. Here, you will get the cleanest possible air and the friendliest of people.

Apart from these, top 4, you can always consider Melbourne of Australia, Copenhagen of Denmark and obviously ultra-safe Singapore.

And, if you are okay with extreme cold…keep Norway and Finland on your list. They will give you what you need most for such a solo traveling…. “High quality of life and security to its best”

Now, even if you decide to go to one of these places….are you ready for it? Well, you aren’t without your safety checklist. Therefore,

Solo Travel Safety Checklist

✔️ First of all, do not forget to photocopy important documents like passport, insurance, and IDs.

✔️ Don’t trust your phone too much. What if you lose it? That’s why, you always keep emergency contacts saved offline somewhere…maybe in a notebook or diary.

✔️ Don’t try to save money by booking hotels offering cheap rates, especially when you are traveling alone. Book only reputable accommodations with good reviews.

✔️ This one’s for female travelers mostly…learn some basic self-defense techniques or simply master the art of aiming pepper spray straight into an offender’s eyes.

✔️ Then, always have a backup plan for transport…in case you miss your booked bus or train. What will you do then?

✔️ Next, I would say save the local embassy’s contact information….you never know when it will come in handy.

✔️ Use anti-theft backpacks or money belts. Make sure you keep your money and passport close to you all the time.

✔️Last but not least..always carry a portable charger and local SIM/data access, otherwise, it’s possible that your solo trip will end at the airport maybe. This is the most expensive mistake…because it can make you buy a new phone.

I know, these few seem doable for many of you. And, honestly, if you keep all these in mind, you are 99% ready for your solo trip.

But, what’s in that last 1%? Some more tips maybe…

Travel tips for First time solo traveler

Everything has a first time, right? And, so when you are traveling alone for the first time…you need to do plenty of research to keep yourself updated about every minute detail.

  • Know the local customs, laws, emergency numbers, cultural etiquette….everything. After all, when you know enough, you aren’t that afraid. You would be rather excited.
  • Try to pack as light as possible…essentials only. And, you will see, how easy it is to carry, or even harder to lose.
  • No matter how lazy you sometimes are with your communication, this is when you need to stay connected all the time. No no no…you won’t have to chat all the time. But yes, share your itinerary and accommodation details with someone you trust.
  • I think a few words in the local language can be a lifesaver for solo travelers. This shows that you can show respect. That’s something valued everywhere. Also, I would suggest, dressing modestly and avoiding flashy jewelry to minimize attention.
  • Last but not least, if something feels off, walk away immediately… your instincts are your best guide. Always.

Now, if you think you can follow all these…trust me, you are ready for your solo travel.

And you know, the rise of “solo travel” on Instagram has grown by over 150% in just the past 5 years? Yes, today, it’s no longer just a trend, it’s a lifestyle for many.

But, that’s no pressure on you. You first decide whether you need this kind of solo trip…if yes, then decide at which age you would like to try this. I would say, don’t do it out of FOMO. Just go for it, when you actually feel you are ready…

And, I believe reading more and more about solo trips will help you build your confidence. So, keep reading at your leisure time.

On this note, I would definitely bring on some more blogs on solo traveling eventually. Till then…stay tuned.

This is Rita, signing off.

Top 5 Must-Try Foods in London & some more

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Have you ever fallen in love with a city through its food? Go on, think about it.

Was it Paris for its croissant? Or Tokyo for its ramen bowl? Or a plate of pasta in Rome so good it made you consider staying… forever?

I haven’t ever seen anyone thinking about London in such a way…just for its food.

I know, London is not known for its food in this world. Most people know London for Big Ben chimes, posing at Tower Bridge, or hopping on the London Eye in the rain…I agree all of that has its own soggy charm.

But, I’m talking about something much deeper.

I’m talking about the London of bacon baps on misty mornings, of golden fish and chips eaten on a park bench, of Sunday roasts that taste like family, even if you’re eating alone.

I believe, if you really want to understand London… to feel its heartbeat, its history, its quirks and quiet afternoons…you won’t find it in the guidebooks.

You’ll find it on a plate. Hot. Crumbly. Sometimes swimming in gravy. Often wrapped in paper. Occasionally challenging your spice tolerance. But always unforgettable.

So whether you’re the traveler who hunts for secret street food stalls in Camden or the kind who dresses up for cucumber sandwiches under chandeliers — come hungry. London’s calling.

Common Eats of London

London is one of the fastest cities in the world, you can guess…every minute here some young talented chef is coming up with a new dish… amidst all these, it is possible for a traveler to miss the most traditional and authentic ones.

That’s why, everyone should know what are must-try in London.

And, now, without looking for anything else…first I would say, start with an English Breakfast.

  1. The English Breakfast

Yes, you’ll find this breakfast all over the world, but nowhere does it with such unapologetic swagger as London. It’s an institution in itself.

This breakfast is a classic combo of the sizzling sausage, the glossy eggs with yolks like sunrises, the earthy mushrooms, grilled tomato, beans, black pudding, and golden toast … all served with the kind of no-nonsense charm only a true Londoner can deliver. And, yes, sometimes, it’s served on a plate the size of a vinyl record.

I believe Full English breakfast in London is more of an experience. And to get that experience to its fullest, you should definitely try it at the Regency Café in Westminster which is known for its retro vibes and the booming voice from behind the counter calling out orders.

Now, what’s next? Well…can it be anything else but fish and chips?

  1. Fish and Chips

For this, I would ask you to straight go to Poppie’s Fish & Chips in Soho…where you will get the crunchiest golden cod with thick-cut chips, and mushy peas on the side. Their specialty is they serve it in faux newspaper just like in the old days.

In this context, let me tell you a funny story….you know, during WWII, Winston Churchill refused to ration fish and chips. He believed it kept morale up …and honestly, who could argue with that? In fact, this dish is so close to London’s heart that British spies abroad used “fish and chips” as a password to identify fellow countrymen.

I believe even today, fish and chips in London isn’t just lunch. It’s an emotion… a golden, crispy batter cracking gently under your fork, the tender white fish inside still warm, on side soft chips bathed in salt and vinegar. If it isn’t a comfort food in a chilly London afternoon, then what is?

  1. Beef Wellington

Everyone should know that Beef Wellington is a timeless British classic, immensely popular even today among Londoners. This beef delicacy is a showstopper on the menus of many high-end restaurants and five-star hotels. Though a long-standing part of British cuisine, it became particularly fashionable during the 1970s dinner party culture.

Named patriotically after the Duke of Wellington, it features tender beef wrapped in duxelles and puff pastry, followed by salty prosciutto and then a tender, medium-rare beef tenderloin. Its exterior boasts a light, crisp, golden-brown crust that provides a delightful crunch and buttery flavor, while the soft beef inside makes each bite incredibly satisfying.

Truly, Beef Wellington is a royal feast that might just bring a tear to your eye. It’s the kind of dish that makes you sit up straighter.

Now, if you’re looking to order this exquisite dish, I recommend visiting Rules, the oldest restaurant in London. Located in Covent Garden, they have been serving lip-smacking Beef Wellington since 1798. If you don’t see it on their regular menu, simply book a table and order it in advance – it’s well worth the extra step.

  1. Sunday Roast with Yorkshire Pudding

I have to talk about this next….that slow and steady roast beef that melts in your mouth, accompanied by roasted potatoes with an angelic crunch, crispy potatoes, seasonal vegetables, rich gravy, and that glorious, golden puffy Yorkshire pudding… far from just a dessert, it’s the perfect vessel for soaking up that delicious gravy.

Did you know that Yorkshire puddings were originally cooked beneath the roasting meat on a spit to catch all the flavorful drippings? Clever indeed! Perhaps that’s why they complement the British Sunday Roast so beautifully.

Now, why is it called “Sunday roast”? Well, quite simply, because it’s traditionally enjoyed on Sundays, especially for Sunday dinner. It’s meant to be savored while relaxing with family after the work week concludes. It’s more of a celebratory meal for those slow Sundays.

If you’re seeking the most authentic experience of this roast, head to Hawksmoor, Seven Dials.

  1. Sticky Toffee Pudding

While you’re in Covent Garden, another British delicacy you absolutely can’t miss is sticky toffee pudding, and I’d say The Ivy does it best.

What’s so special about it? Well, it’s a moist date-rich sponge cake soaked in hot toffee sauce. Generally, it tastes the best when served with custard or vanilla ice cream. For a truly perfect sticky toffee pudding, the sponge is so incredibly moist it almost collapses under your spoon, and the toffee sauce is so rich and dark that it gleams like candlelit eyes across a room. But personally, I believe it’s the contrast of the cool ice cream against the warm, sweet pudding that truly completes the dish.

Interestingly, despite its comforting, seemingly traditional flavor, sticky toffee pudding is actually a 20th-century invention, possibly first served in a Yorkshire hotel or a charming Lake District inn. There’s even a polite north-south argument about who really invented it (in true British fashion, no one has resolved it, but everyone has strong opinions).

I think these 5 are the first ones any traveler in London should try first. After that, if you’re still eager to explore more London delicacies, I highly recommend trying a Bacon Bap. It’s simply a floury white roll filled with salty streaky bacon and sauce of your choice. I believe it’s a soul-satisfying simplicity that makes you believe in breakfast again. And, you will find the best Bacon Baps in South Bank…especially in the Camden area.

Another must-try before you leave London is the Scotch Egg. Today, it’s a pub classic. Best enjoyed with a pint and good banter. While the very best Scotch Eggs might hail from Scotland, if you’re departing from London, give The Harwood Arms in Fulham a try. Nowadays, there’s a soft-boiled egg wrapped in sausage meat, coated in breadcrumbs, and deep-fried to perfection…but earlier, they used to use fish paste for the coating. I wonder how this would taste…Maybe, I should make one at home to find out.

And last, but certainly not least, there’s the quintessential Afternoon Tea with Scones, clotted Cream, and jam. It’s the soft clink of fine china, the delicate layering of scone, cream, jam (or jam then cream…let’s not fight), and the gentle flirtation of finger sandwiches. I truly believe this afternoon tea experience offers travelers a wonderful opportunity to soak in the very essence of British culture and to get a delightful taste of what it feels like to be British for an afternoon.

I still remember my first winter in London. Cold, grey, and endlessly drizzly. I was hungry, homesick, and tired of sandwiches from Pret. Then, one day, I stumbled into a tiny, fogged-up café in Camden, lured by the scent of bacon and butter. The woman behind the counter handed me a bacon bap with a nod. One bite later…I swear… somehow, London didn’t feel so far from home anymore.

That’s the thing about this city. Its food isn’t loud. It doesn’t demand your attention with spice or flair. It’s comforting, full of stories, and made to be shared. It holds your hand when the skies are grey and whispers, “You’re alright, love.”

So yes, maybe you didn’t come to London for the food.

But trust me… you’ll stay for it.

While I’ve offered a basic food guide here, there’s still so much more to explore. I haven’t even touched upon the delights of eel pie, the iconic Salt Beef Bagel, the fascinating gin tours of London, and countless other culinary adventures. It seems a sequel, another food blog dedicated to London’s delicious secrets, is definitely on the horizon.

For now, however, I must bring this gastronomic journey to a close.

Until next time, happy reading, and even happier eating!

The Untold Natural History Museum London: Behind the Fossils

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If you ever got the chance, would you spend a night at the Natural History Museum?

Well, I wouldn’t. And trust me… it’s not because of the dinosaurs.

Now, most of London’s museums close their grand doors by early evening. But, I think the Natural History Museum does it out of necessity. To keep the whispers from turning into headlines.

You might ask…what whispers?

Oh, just the usual… security guards refusing to walk certain corridors alone, mannequins that allegedly blink back, taxidermy models that move on their own …and the lingering scent of pipe smoke when there’s not a soul around. You know. Tuesday stuff.

By day, it’s a family-friendly haven of science and wonder. But, after the sun goes down…the specimens claim this museum as their own. And there are 80 million such specimens. You can understand where I am going right?

Well… let’s just say that taxidermy isn’t the only thing that stares back.

Behind the elegant Romanesque arches and fossil-lined halls lie stories that never made it to the museum guidebooks. Neither they tell you about it on the museum map.

Now, don’t think of this blog as a ghost tour…rather, consider it as a part II of “Natural History Museum London- Where World Hides Its Oldest Secrets”

Let me tell you in this blog… there are no demons. No Victorian banshees. No “possessed porcelain dolls.” I believe, what lingers in this museum is subtler. Stranger. More curious.

And after this blog, no traveler can skip the Natural History Museum. Yes, it’s that interesting.

So, come on.

Haunting in the Museum

Let’s start with the million dollar question…”Is it haunted?” Well, officially it isn’t. But it depends on what you call “haunted” after you’ve heard the stories from those who swear it is.

  1. Sir Owen’s Rounds

Once one-night guard joked with a nervous laugh…“If the temperature drops suddenly, it’s Sir Owen doing his rounds”.

He meant Sir Richard Owen, the Victorian-era founder of the museum. Brilliant, yes. But also highly protective of his collections. His office once stood where the modern museum administration block now sits.

And, sometimes, in the grand hall some unusual things people report to experience. Such as footsteps hurriedly pacing in empty corridors, a sudden smell of old pipe tobacco and some even claim to see a shadowy man in a frock coat walking near locked exhibit rooms.

Seems like Sir Owen never quite handed over the keys.

So, next time you enter, be at your best behavior around the specimens. Because that’s all he cares.

  1. The Weeping Baby

Now, let me share with you an incident…

One night, a worker of NHM once found one of the baby chimpanzee models on the floor… several meters from its original case. No alarms. No broken glass…there was absolutely no explanation.

It happened in the Mammals Gallery.

Over the years, several museum security guards have reported hearing faint crying from this room and when they’ve gone to investigate, they found nothing at all…except the air was suddenly freezing cold.

This crying generally happens near the display of mother animals with their young, especially in the taxidermy mammal rooms.

Are you afraid? I bet not.

4. The Crocodile Whispers

This time, it was a paleobotanist. He quit mid-research, saying- “Something in that hallway spoke to me and it wasn’t living.”

Now, where was he? He was in the Paleontology department, near the fossilized skulls, particularly near the crocodilian skulls and prehistoric predator fossils.

And, later…some workers even reported hearing those whispers too when walking alone. But only if they stop.

5. Jars That Shift

Yes, in that infamous Spirit collection, there are the Victorian Jars that “Move”.

Well, some of the oldest specimens, especially the ones from the 1800s…are said to shift positions slightly overnight, despite being sealed in fluid for over a century.

Many a time, museum staff have returned to jars to find Labels mysteriously turned around, sometimes tiny creatures facing the opposite direction on their own.

Once, one particular jar containing a fetal primate “swam” very slowly to the edge of the jar over the course of weeks…as if trying to get closer to the glass.

What do you have to say here?

 It’s like the specimens are trying to scare someone or simply trying to get themselves out of there.

Weirdest natural mutations in the Museum

Let’s detour for a moment into science’s stranger side…The museum has a stunning collection of bizarre, mind-bending natural mutations that will make you question the limits of biology.

No, these aren’t mythical creatures at all. All of them are real animals and specimens affected by rare mutations, evolutionary anomalies, deformities, or bizarre adaptations that push the definition of “normal” in the natural world.

  • You know, behind the scenes in Spirit collection, there’s a chick embryo preserved in ethanol with two fully-formed heads sprouting from a single neck? Though the chick never hatched, but the preservation is immaculate… both heads have beaks, eyes, and brains.
  • Next, there’s a Cyclops Shark Embryo. It’s not on public display ever… just studied privately. Such a Shark Fetus was found inside the womb of a pregnant dusky shark caught by fishermen. Let me tell you, Cyclopia is a lethal mutation… and it’s a one-in-a-million mutation.
  • And then, in the Spirit Collection Vaults, there’s a Transparent Frog revealing every organ and bone inside its body. The fun part is that… you can literally watch its heart and see its circulatory system like nature’s x-ray. But, it’s no mutation. Isn’t it fascinating?

Still, there’s more… The Six-Legged Piglet, Two-Headed Snake, Albino Hedgehog, The Goat with Human-Like Face, The Mutant Flower That Grew Teeth, Chick with Three Legs and One Eye…, and so many more.

These mutations aren’t just oddities — they offer vital insight into genetics, developmental biology, and evolutionary extremes. But let’s be real …some of them are fascinatingly grotesque.

While many of them are tucked away in research vaults, some are even on public display.

So, you never know, when you will get a glimpse of them.

Let me ask you a question now…based on all these events would you say the NHM is haunted? I don’t think so…It’s more like the museum is living in the past, and all these rumors and stories make one wonder about those forgotten past.

What do the staff say?

Like every other ghost story in the world, there’s nothing here you can pin down or prove with cold, hard evidence. It’s all in the similar stories shared by the staff…with similar sort of feelings and experience.

But yes, across decades many spooky happenings do take place.

Sometimes, at night there are footsteps behind people when they’re working late…as if something is keeping an eye on them. Then there are Exhibits that move slightly, even under climate lock and Jar lids start “sweating” as if something alive were inside.

Isn’t it creepy? Definitely.

Can they be some coincidence? Perhaps.

But there are some museum folklore…which the staff take surprisingly seriously.

No one knows exactly why, but…

  • Never whistle in the Spirit Vault.
  • It’s considered very bad luck. Enough said.
  • Always greet the Komodo Dragon in the jar.
  • Apparently, “he gets grumpy” if you don’t.

Now, I know, you will ask me….” why all this?”

Well, I believe the people who came up with these peculiar codes have seen things most of us couldn’t handle. Those who work in the archives speak in quiet tones about odd happenings… and follow an unofficial code with absolute conviction…

  • Never mock the dead.
  • Never take selfies with the Spirit Collection jars.
  • Always nod respectfully at the mummified animals.

Why, there are such strange rules? Certainly. But they weren’t written on a whim. These superstitions likely stem from years of trial, error… and a few accidents best left off the record.

Many a time, staff were seen fainted on the museum floors, they talked about strange dreams after touching some particular items, some scientists even reported hearing some auditory illusion with whispering, breathing, and all. Some incidents were dismissed. Others quietly documented. But the stories persist.

 It is believed that this museum has some allegedly cursed items, which come with their own eerie legends. And I’ll be honest…I won’t be listing those allegedly cursed artifacts here. Not because I’m scared (okay, maybe a little), but because each comes with a trail of bad luck — and frankly, I’d rather not tempt fate.

I believe the Natural History Museum isn’t just built from Victorian stone and scientific wonder. It’s built on centuries of death, discovery, and unspoken memory. Science hasn’t quite caught up with the strange happenings in this place. Maybe one day, it will. Till then, you’ll just have to wait.

On that note, I’ll pause this story for now. But do plan a visit to this museum. Who knows, maybe some of you can uncover the reasons behind these unexplained occurrences.

In my next London blog, I’ll take you somewhere equally fascinating.

Until then, stay curious, stay brave… and if possible don’t whistle in dark hallways while in NHM.

This is Rita, signing off.

Natural History Museum London- Where World Hides Its Oldest Secrets

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Ever come face to face with something so massive it makes you appreciate the tiny ant? Or stood before an object older than Earth itself?

In London, that’s not just possible—it’s waiting for you.

Welcome to the Natural History Museum.

Here, one moment you’re face-to-face with a dinosaur frozen in time, the next you’re craning your neck beneath an 82-foot blue whale skeleton that makes you feel wonderfully small. And just around the corner? Ancient meteorites that have seen more of the universe than we ever will.

It’s where nature’s greatest hits are all on display—and guess what? It won’t cost you a thing. Entry is entirely free. No catches.

So whether you’re on a solo adventure, dragging along your very curious (or very tired) kids, or just in search of something marvel-worthy on a rainy London afternoon…this is one London stop you can’t skip.

Now, with so much to see, where do you even begin? Glad you asked. That’s exactly what I’m here for.

So come on then.

Let’s start with a bit of History

Now, I know what you’re thinking… ‘Oh no, not a history lecture!’

Don’t worry, I am not in the mood to bore you with names and dates. But here’s something you should know…. “Why was this place built in the first place?”

Well, to give nature its own space in London.

Before this museum existed, all the natural specimens were stuffed into the basement of the British Museum in Bloomsbury…buried there under art, mummies, and Greek antiquities.

Nature was, quite literally, downstairs.

Then came Sir Richard Owen, the anatomist and paleontologist who coined the term ‘dinosaur’. He believed natural history deserved a dedicated cathedral of science, and he fought tooth and claw for years to make it happen. Finally, in 1864, he won when the government agreed to create a separate Natural History Museum.

And, thus began one of London’s most ambitious museum projects.

Construction kicked off in 1873, and the museum officially opened in 1881…though it wasn’t technically finished for next few more years. But, it officially parted ways with the British Museum in 1963, and since then, it has grown from 5 million specimens to over 80 million.

Yes, 80 million. Can you believe it?

Now, come to Architecture

Here’s the bit you didn’t expect to fall in love with- the building itself.

The architecture of this dedicated museum is just as jaw-dropping and legendary as the dinosaurs inside.

Just like Big Ben, in this case also a design competition was held to choose the architect for this grand museum of today’s.  Alfred Waterhouse, a young architect known for his distinctive Romanesque Revival style was chosen for the job. This last-minute dark horse was more into building a cathedral of natural science than a mere museum.

Mr. Waterhouse decided to model it after 12th-century Romanesque architecture, with influences from continental cathedrals featuring grand arches, columns, and vaulted ceilings to the museum.

Do you know, the museum was built using terracotta tiles? And, it wasn’t just for beauty, but because it resists London’s signature soot and smog. Practical and pretty. What do you say?

The best part about its architecture is that…it’s more of a storytelling. If you aren’t paying attention at 100%, you never know when you will miss those hidden creatures on the wall.

This is where the magic of Waterhouse design kicks in.  

He filled the building’s façade and interiors with hundreds of animal carvings, all hand-sculpted in stone. There are extinct animals, real species, and mythical creatures from frogs climbing pillars to apes peeking from arches.

On the west side of the museum, carvings focus on living creatures…while on the east, there are mostly extinct and fossilized species. If you look closely you’ll find bats curled into column tops, lizards on stair rails. Even the floor tiles are themed…very intricately styled with leaves, vines, and ancient floral motifs.

You must agree with me, that it’s a living building.

No doubt, Waterhouse was a genius. He built a building which doesn’t house nature. It is nature.

So, what’s inside the museum?

Honestly, where do I even begin?

There are so many things inside that this place needs its own postcode, let alone a separate blog (which I will be writing, by the way).

The grand entrance hall

Let’s start with the Hintze Hall (well, it’s the current name) which was the former home to “Dippy the Dinosaur”. However, in 2017, Dippy went on a UK tour and now “Hope”, a real blue whale skeleton, floats above you…a  4.5 tonne of grace, suspended in mid-air as if she’s still diving through time. Even this skeleton alone is so large that you’ll need to walk for several minutes to fully appreciate its scale.

Just beneath Hope, near the entrance, you’ll discover one of the world’s most complete Stegosaurus skeletons. And right across from the staircase, there he is….in this very hall sits Charles Darwin. Who knows, perhaps, he’s just observing the daily visitors to this museum.

Anyway, while still in Hintze Hall, be sure not to miss the fascinating meteorites and displays of extinct reptiles just above those stairs. Up on these balconies, there’s also a remarkable 2-meter tall Fossil Tree Trunk which is no less than 300 Million Years Old. They say, it’s from a prehistoric rainforest….and belonged to a species that predates dinosaurs. Older than dinosaurs? Wow!

After this hall, you need to decide where you want to go next depending on your interests…there’s red zone, green zone, blue zone, and the orange zone.

A Quick How-Not-to-Get-Lost Guide

First, let me tell you where the dinosaurs are…they are in the Blue zone.

There’s actually a life-sized animatronic T. rex which roars and moves in a dark jungle setup. If your kids seek the Jurassic Park T.Rex experience, this is where you need to bring them.

Also, don’t forget to step into the land of giants. This giant mammals hall of blue zone includes the full-size model of a blue whale, mammoths, a giant ground sloth, and many more. This is some place, where you will actually feel tiny. Your problems will feel even tinier.

And then? You need to see the Neanderthals, and early humans. For that, remember to visit Human Evolution Gallery. Also, this is where a replica of Lucy is, though the real lucy is in the national museum of Ethiopia. That 3.2-million-year-old ancestor of ours.

And, if you’re a fan of The Lord of the Rings, you’ll enjoy staring at those tiny Mystery skulls of human “Homo floresiensis”.

When I saw those, I couldn’t help but wonder….How can a human skull be only about the size of an orange? Yes, they are that tiny. As per historians, it belongs to a human species that lived in Indonesia about 50,000 years ago.

Just like many others, I initially thought, it was fake…or some kind of deformity. When it was found, some scientists also thought the same….until more skeletons were found. Yes, It’s real… and it rewrote human history as we know it today.

Now, let’s go to the Red zone next.

This is your portal to the Earth Hall and geoscience zone…where you will see a real moon rock brought back from Apollo missions, the Aurora Pyramid of Hope, and of course, you can experience a terrifyingly real earthquake simulation.  

No matter what you skip here, don’t miss the Nakhla Meteorite.

Why? What’s so special about it?

Well, it’s one of the few meteorites known to have come from Mars… and it was rumored to have killed a dog when it landed in Egypt in 1911. (Though that’s possibly an urban legend).

What most people don’t know about it is…Scientists discovered amino acids in the rock and this very rock was the reason which sparked decades of “life on Mars?” debate.

I missed it the first time too – partly because I didn’t know it existed, and partly because I didn’t have much time to figure out what I’d missed. So, don’t make my mistake. Whenever you visit the museum, make a list of the items you’re eager to see.

Do you want more? There’s still a Green zone.

Totally focussed on Fossils, Minerals, and Treasures.

Here, you can come across those sea monsters that ruled this planet before the dinosaurs. And then in the Minerals Gallery, there are rows after rows of glittering stones, meteorites, and volcanic rocks. By the way, here in this zone…there’s a treasures gallery, where there is the first edition of On the Origin of Species by Darwin.

Also, here’s that 4.5 billion-year-old meteorite and an incredibly rare 2,000-year-old Dodo skeleton….We all know, that Dodos went extinct around 1681, making them the first species we recorded as wiped out by humans. Now, doesn’t that make it worth seeing? Yes, of course.

And finally, there’s Orange Zone with its Darwin Centre.

Ever heard about the Spirit Collection? This part of the museum is often missed by the casual visitors. If you forget about this section, you might miss over 8.5 meters long Archie the Giant Squid.

Do you want more? I can keep talking…for another hour or more. Believe me, there’s still so much more to still talk about, and more importantly, so many legends and stories to tell you all.

Don’t you wonder why London’s Paddington bear is so afraid of this Natural History Museum? Or where they are hiding that real Anaconda Skeleton? Or simply why on earth there are so many pigeon skulls next to Darwin’s book?

These are the kinds of questions that naturally arise, and they all deserve answers. That’s precisely why I believe the Natural History Museum warrants another dedicated article.

So, I’ll conclude this one here. Find me on my next London blog.

Until then, go, wander, wonder.

Everything you need to know about south bank walk london

Published on by Rita MLeave a comment

How boring do you think the South Bank walk is?

Well, I get it. It can feel a bit dull on gloomy, grey days. But have you ever seen South Bank on a bright, sunny afternoon? Trust me, you don’t want to miss that.

I know many dismiss the South Bank walk as just a 2.5-mile stretch of “unnecessary walking.”

But is it really? Absolutely not.

I believe, whenever you get a chance to go on a long walk, especially in London…you should always grab it with both hands. And, there is no better place for it than the south bank. It’s the most vibrant and scenic riverside stroll in the city.

But, yes…I too agree, it’s a bit of a long walk. That’s exactly why it helps to know what to expect, so you can get the most out of it. This 4 Km long walk covers so many iconic landmarks and legendary sights on both sides of the river. Without a little homework, you could miss some incredible hidden gems along the way.

But don’t worry… I’ve got you covered.

In this blog, I will guide you through it, but before that come let’s see why why the South Bank walk is worth every step?

What can South Bank Walk offer you?

Well, everything.

History, art, culture, entertainment, or even a peaceful moment by the river—whatever you’re looking for, the South Bank has it. More importantly, it shows you the North Bank of London through its eyes.

But, let’s start with the south side of the river…

First up, the London Eye. The most striking structure of the south bank. Towering over the Thames at 135 meters, it offers breathtaking views of London’s skyline. And, on clear day you can easily see as far as Windsor Castle. Not bad for a start, right? But, for South Bank, it’s just the beginning.

There’s more.

It would be a crime not to mention Shakespeare’s Globe, it’s right across the river. Come and watch a play here. f you’re not heading to Stratford-upon-Avon anytime soon, this is the place to soak in that Elizabethan-era vibe and catch a performance the way it was meant to be seen.

And, then if you are an art lover, there’s always Tate Modern. Housed in a former power station, this place has the world’s most striking contemporary art. If you were looking for Picasso in London, this is where you will find him.

Apart from these three common attractions, you should set aside some time to spend a while in the south bank center. With its poetry readings, literature festivals, street performances, and live music, it’s an artistic explosion in the best way.

And, while exploring, why not visit the National Theatre? From Shakespearean classics to groundbreaking modern plays, it never fails to enthrall…not even a single day.

Now, it might sound a little ironical…but one of the biggest perks of walking the South Bank?

The view of London North Bank.

So, how’s the view from the other side?

In a word, it’s breathtaking.

It’s a game in itself…’ How many iconic north bank landmarks you can name correctly?’

As you walk along, you’ll see there’s St. Paul’s Cathedral, standing tall and majestic, the tallest building of The Shard piercing the sky, and the mysterious tower of London.

Oh, I almost forgot about Big Ben and the House of Parliament. But, when you are on South Bank the chimes of Big Ben won’t let you forget about it.

It’s all right there…just across the Thames.

And, how’s the vibe?

Sure, it’s busy. But not the annoying kind of busy.

It’s alive.

To me, South Bank is the laughter of tourists, the quiet musings of locals, the rhythm of footsteps on old stone paths, and that hum of a saxophonist playing to no one in particular…yet touching everyone in passing. For Londoners, the South Bank is both an escape. But, for tourists, it’s the moment they realize they’ve fallen in love with the city.

I believe, to get the best of South Bank, it is important you reserve a whole day for it.

The morning here starts rather gently. You will find very few tourists clutching takeaway coffees lean against the railings, planning the day ahead. But, as the sun climbs… the artists, musicians, and book lovers begin to take their places. At Gabriel’s Wharf, painters set up their easels, and near the South Bank Center, you will find some street musicians or a lively jazz band lost in their own melody.

South Bank is a place for all kinds of art lovers. But, if you are a book lover, don’t forget to browse the outdoor stalls under Waterloo Bridge.

I would say, keep your afternoon booked for Tate Modern, and Shakespear Globe followed by a delightful lunch at a nearby borough market…and come back to the riverside when the sun dips behind Westminster.  Trust me, the South Bank takes on a different kind of beauty as London enters into its Golden hour. You may not want to miss it at all.

This is the time when Friends start to gather at riverside cafés, you can even hear the distant wine glasses clinking. I would suggest you to be a part of it. There’s the Oxo tower with stunning views of St Paul’s Cathedral. Whether it’s a date night or a solo indulgence, it’s a perfect way to end the walk.

And, before leaving South Bank walk… wander through those quirky boutiques, charming cafes, and indie design studios of Gabriel’s Wharf.

Let’s make the walk more interesting.

Do you know before modern bridges altered the flow of the Thames, the river occasionally froze completely solid during the Little Ice Age? At that time, the people of South Bank used to hold Frost fairs on ice. Wow!!

This very place also hosted the Festival of Britain in 1951. In case you don’t already know, that grand event which celebrated the post-war recovery of the country, shaped South Bank into the cultural destination it is today.

Do you want to know more?

The South Bank walk can be more fascinating when you know its little underground secret. Beneath the ground, there lies a network of tunnels that were used as bomb shelters during World War II. People say that some of those tunnels even lead to iconic landmarks.

Talking about WWII, you know, it was devastated during the Blitz. Yes, South Bank suffered heavy bombing due to its industrial warehouses and docks. The area was so damaged…that later it had no other option but to be redeveloped into a cultural quarter.

Next, I have one for music lovers. Do you know many famous musicians started their careers performing along South Bank? It’s true….it even includes famous singer Ed Sheeran.

Like every other part of London, South Bank Walk is part of an English legend as well. Ever heard of that South Bank Ghost Ship? Often, Locals and night-watchers report seeing a phantom ship sailing on the Thames, supposedly from the 16th century. The Legend says it’s the ghost of a ship lost in a storm, cursed to sail the Thames forever.

Does that make you scared of a late-night river walk on the South Bank? I doubt it.

If you’re okay heading home late—don’t skip a night walk along the South Bank. Because that’s when London really speaks to you. With its sparkling lights, and distant music the city is more unforgettable than amazing….timeless, alive, and waiting to tell another story.

On that note, I would come back with another London blog to make you fall in love with London some more.

Until then, this is Rita…signing off.

Travel hacks on how to get over jet lag fast

Published on by Rita MLeave a comment

How do you feel when you find yourself wide awake at 3 AM on your much-awaited holiday? I know, how it feels …. lying in bed, staring at the ceiling, desperately waiting for sleep to come.

“Ah, Jet Lag”

It’s the price we all pay for international travel….after every long-haul flight. And trust me, you are not alone there, it happens to us all.

Imagine planning the trip of a lifetime, covering all the expenses, and landing at your dream destination, only to feel exhausted all the time. You wake up tired, feel like you are about to pass out at around 7 PM, but when it is actually time to go to bed…suddenly you are the most energetic, not at all sleepy.

Does it sound painfully familiar?

I know, it does. After all, a bad jet lag can sabotage everything….all you have planned for the holiday. I feel it’s a lot worse than losing luggage at the airport. So, let’s do something about it.

There are actually some ways to outsmart it, and I am not joking. They might not completely erase it, but definitely will reduce the impact. But, before I tell you those hacks I want you to know about jet lag in detail. Come on.

What is jet lag?

Well, it’s a physiological condition….maybe even psychological for some people. It’s that state where you are not sure whether you are hungry, bipolar, hormonal, or just in desperate need of sleep. It’s also when you start finding everyone around you unusually annoying.

But scientifically speaking, jet lag occurs when you cross through different time zones, confusing your body’s internal clock…your circadian rhythm. And you know, this natural system regulates our sleep, wakefulness, and even digestion. But, when you take a long-distance flight through several time zones, suddenly, your body lags behind. It tries its best to cling on to the old time zone.  

That’s when the trouble starts.

First, your sleep-wake cycle gets messed up, then you start feeling irritated for no reason. Then, you feel like you’ve been run over by an invisible truck. And, the worst part is…It’s not just about feeling sleepy at odd hours. Jet lag also brings headaches, digestion problems, reduced alertness…so many. Technically, it sends you into zombie mode.

Now, you might ask, how long does jet lag last?From a few hours to even few days.

And if the first few days of a trip are ruined, it becomes even harder to salvage the rest of the adventure. So, it becomes all the more necessary to fight it. But how do you fight it if you don’t know its exact causes?

So, what are the causes of Jet Lag?

You know, I don’t think Jet Lag is about distance. It’s more about the direction. It is often said that flying east is notoriously worse than flying west. Any idea why?

Well, because when you fly west, your day extends…your body can still tolerate it. But, when the day shrinks while flying east, in a way you force your body to fall asleep earlier, but your body isn’t ready.… Hence, it resists just like a stubborn toddler.

Here, apart from direction, there are other culprits too.

You already know about the number one. The Circadian Rhythm.

In this context, I would like to add that… it matters a big deal whether you are crossing one time zone or multiple at a time. If you are crossing six or more at a stretch, it can leave you feeling completely disoriented for days.

And you know, what makes it worse? The overnight flights.

People think that it is the most convenient option, but no. It charges a hidden tax from your body. Trust me, it’s already difficult to have a good night’s sleep on an airplane… If you don’t get proper rest on the plane, you will arrive at your destination already sleep-deprived…and that will only make the effects of jet lag worse.

Now, do you want that? So, no overnight flights.

Next is Dehydration…Don’t be surprised. Airplane cabins have extremely low humidity levels and that’s why they are highly likely to cause dehydration. It only exacerbates the fatigue, headaches, and the overall discomfort.

Sometimes, a pressurized environment inside an airplane too can reduce oxygen levels in the blood. This only adds dizziness to the already intense jet lag.

Other than these vital ones, there are caffeine, alcohol, prior stress, and anxiety  ..which just make this syndrome insufferable. Would you still go for a beer on a flight?

Despite all these, some people naturally handle jet lag better than others. In most of the cases, the younger travelers tend to adapt more quickly to it. But, it can be really problematic for older individuals.

So, I believe everyone should know how to get over jet lag or escape it entirely?

Let’s prevent Jet Lag Like a Pro

Are you ready?

The best way to avoid jet lag is …’come down to discipline’. And, you can beat it easily.

Here’s how-

First, start shifting your bed time by an hour or two a few days before your trip and it should be in the direction of your trip. I understand… it can’t fix jet lag completely, but yes, it will soften the blow definitely.

Next, you can’t even think about binge-watching movies during a long-haul flight. You need to sleep for a while. And while you are awake on the flight, keep on taking small sips of water every now and then. By the way, here, wine doesn’t count (I checked).

Sometimes, to let your body know that you are in a new time zone, all you need to do is to get some sunlight. Nothing can reset your body clock any faster.

And, most importantly, when you land …do not jump on your comfy hotel bed for a power nap. You never know, such a decision might keep you awake at 2 AM. Instead, force yourself to eat something as per the local time. While battling jet lag, you can’t mind eating breakfast when your brain thinks it’s midnight.

Now that I have talked about all the general prevention methods for jet lag, it’s time for some quick tips for busy travelers.

  1. If your international trip is for less than 2 days, just stick to your home time with eating, drinking, sleeping… everything.
  2. Learn to rely on some serious jet lag app. You may not believe me, but they can customize a really good sleep plan based on your flight details.
  3. Do your body a favor by booking flights with stopovers…so that your body naturally adjusts to the changing time zones.
  4. And, always book a hotel room that is sleep-friendly with blackout curtains, temperature control…everything.

I know what you are going to ask me…

Can You Really Have a Jet Lag-Free Travel Life?

Well, the answer is both Yes and No.

Actually, how much jet lag affects you depends on your body, even if you take all precautions. I don’t want to give you any false hope, but yes, one thing I can tell you for sure…with these ‘how to get over jet lag’ strategies, you can reduce its impact by 80-90%.

But, still, if it worries you too much….instead of changing the location and fitting it to less number of time zones, consider adding a buffer day or two to your trip before diving into full-blown adventures.

So next time you book that long-haul flight, don’t just pack your bags…prepare for jet lag too.

Trust me, your well-rested future self will thank you.

Poet’s Corner: Their final chapter in Westminster Abbey

Published on by Rita MLeave a comment

Is Westminster Abbey just a church to you? Or simply a must-visit in London?

Let me tell you, it’s far more than that.

Apart from being one of the most famous and historically significant churches in England, this thousand-year-old abbey is a perfect blend of history and mystery. It’s where Queen Victoria’s coronation took place, and for hundreds of years, the kings and queens of England have been crowned beneath its grand vaulted ceilings.

It’s the coronation church of England…. linked to the heart of the British Monarchy.

But is that all? Of course not.

Westminster Abbey is also a living monument to Britain’s literary past. Yes, the Abbey has a special corner. The Poet’s Corner.

Tucked away in the South Transept of Westminster Abbey, just a stone’s throw from the main altar…there it lies. Don’t worry, it’s not hard to find at all…after all, it is filled with tombs and memorials.

I agree, the corner isn’t that large… but none can deny the amount of cultural and literary significance it holds.

It\’s not every day we get to feel the presence of literary legends like Chaucer, Dickens, Austen, and Wordsworth beyond the pages of books. So when you get the chance, why miss it?

How did it all begin?

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Do you know…the tradition of honoring writers in Westminster Abbey actually began by accident?

Yes, it started with the burial of Geoffrey Chaucer, father of English Literature and poetry. Back then, Westminster Abbey served as the final resting place for monarchs, noble families, and high-ranking clergy rather than poets and writers.

So, why did they make an exception for Chaucer? Well, they didn’t.

The very first poet to be buried here wasn’t given the honor because of his literary brilliance, but because of his government position. He worked as Clerk of the King’s Works and happened to live within the Abbey precincts. Therefore, when he died in 1400, it was convenient to bury him near Westminster Abbey. His grave was completely unmarked at first… until 150 years later, a fellow poet, Nicholas Brigham commissioned an ornate tomb for Chaucer in the South Transept.

This sparked a trend…

In a way, the posthumous recognition of Chaucer as the \”Father of English Poetry\” turned his grave into the foundation of Poets’ Corner. From then on, the practice of honoring poets, playwrights, and writers here continued. Some were buried in the Abbey itself, while others were granted commemorative plaques.

Today, Poet’s Corner stands as a reason to visit Westminster Abbey.

So, who are buried under the Abbey?

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There are over 100 individuals memorialized in Poets’ Corner, but only about 50 are actually buried there. The rest have plaques or statues in their honour but interred elsewhere.

Though the tradition of Poet’s Corner started with Chaucer…the next literary burial came more than a century later in 1599. It was Edmund Spenser, the man behind The Faerie Queene.

You know, some say that his unpublished works still rest beneath the stone sealed away forever.

Legend has it… mourning poets of the time gathered around his tomb, slipping their own verses into his grave as an offering.

What an eerie offering! I just hope none of them got a reply from the grave.

Anyway, the tradition went on…

In 1637, Playwright and poet Ben Jonson was laid to rest here. Then, in 1700, came dramatic opera writer John Dryden…in 1721, it was British poet and diplomat Matthew Prior\’s turn…in 1784, the creator of the first comprehensive English dictionary, Dr. Samuel Johnson, joined them. And so, it continued.

You know, in 1870 when English novelist Charles Dickens died, all he wanted was a quiet burial. But, it was the public demand that brought him to this Poet’s corner.

And in case of Thomas Hardy in 1928, his ashes were interred here…but his heart is buried in Dorset.

Other than them, today, you can also see the burials of Rudyard Kipling, Richard Brinsley Sheridan, Alfred, Lord Tennyson, Robert Browning along with many others including actors and historians who have also found their final resting place within Poet’s Corner.

Where’s Shakespeare?

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Ah, sorry to disappoint you, but the most famous writer in the English language is not buried here. Instead, he rests far away from this abbey…beneath the Holy Trinity Church in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Why so?

Well, it’s because of the time when he died.

In 1616, Poet’s Corner wasn’t yet an established tradition for literary burials. It didn’t fully take shape until the 18th century. At the time, Westminster Abbey was still a place for royalty, noblemen, and high-ranking clergy, not playwrights. And, back then Shakespeare was still seen as a respected playwright and wealthy businessman.

By the time, literary burial in Abbey became a tradition, it was too late… Shakespeare had been resting in Stratford for over 100 years and moving his remains would have been considered disrespectful. Also, come on?

So, Shakespeare remains in his hometown Stratford-upon-Avon…

But, Shakespeare was too important to be left out entirely. In 1740, over 120 years after his death, a large statue of Shakespeare was added in Poets’ Corner in honor of his contributions to English literature. This marble statue shows Shakespeare leaning on a pile of books, with an inscription taken from The Tempest:

“The cloud-capp’d towers, the gorgeous palaces,

The solemn temples, the great globe itself,

Yea, all which it inherit, shall dissolve”

So, you can say…

Even in death, Shakespeare remains uniquely untouchable. His body in Stratford, his words in Westminster, and his legacy everywhere.

Who else has memorials but no burials?

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Let me break the news upfront…. Just like Shakespeare…Jane Austen, Lord Byron, John Keats, Percy Bysshe Shelley, T.S. Eliot, Ted Hughes, and Philip Larkin are not there.

In the Poet’s Corner, these literary figures have only been memorialized.

Jane Austen did not achieve widespread fame during her lifetime when she died in 1817. Her novels including Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility gained immense popularity long after her death.

But, the rebellious Romantic poet Bryon was denied burial in Westminster Abbey when he died in 1824.  I believe it is due to his controversial reputation and life of scandal…Actually, Byron never cared for the rules of society, and even in death, it took 145 years for Westminster Abbey to welcome him….

145 years, can you believe it? Long enough for Bryon to be reborn twice!

Now, it seems his epitaph rightly states,

“But there is that within me which shall tire,

Torture and time, and breathe when I expire.”

But, what about Keats and P.B.Shelly?

Well, these two Romantic poets died young and far from England. Keats died of tuberculosis at just 25 years old in Rome and Shelley drowned in a shipwreck off the coast of Italy at 29 years old.

Even though they rest beneath the Italian sun, the poet’s corner has brought them close to the heart of England.

It’s possible that you won’t find your favorite writer or artist here, but let me tell you, the tradition of memorializing great writers in Poets’ Corner continues even to this day.

And, it means that literature’s always been an evolving legacy.

What they rarely talk about

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Ever heard about Ben Jonson? This famous English dramatist was buried standing up due to lack of space. Maybe, that’s why on his tombstone…one can find “O Rare Ben Jonson\” 

And, who knows…maybe for this reason, some visitors claim to have seen a shadowy figure near Jonson’s burial site.

Is it possible that his restless spirit is still looking for a better resting spot?

Let me tell you, the graves of Dickens and Chaucer aren’t any less haunted…as per rumors. It is believed by many that on every death anniversary, Charles Dickens comes to visit his tomb, and close to Chaucer’s it feels as if someone is reciting lines from The Canterbury Tales.

Of course, the Abbey officially denies these stories, but let’s be honest…would they really admit it if the poets were still hanging around? But, what couldn’t be denied so easily were those rumors about unexplained chills near certain graves.

So, it’s true that when you are in that poet’s corner you will feel these literary elites’ presence in one way or another.

And before I leave…

You already know Westminster Abbey is famous for royal burials…there are not just any royal, monarchs as in kings and queens are buried under this abbey.

The first royal burial in the Abbey started in 1066 with Edward the Confessor and continued till James VI & I in 1625. In the graves, you can find Elizabeth I, Mary, Queen of Scots, Henry III, Edward I…and many significant historical figures.

Beyond the royals, there’s a scientist’s corner as well…where you can find Sir Isaac Newton, right next to him there are Charles Darwin and Stephen Hawking.

When you leave Poet’s Corner you will realize that even in death poets are alongside scientists, politicians, and respected royals. As they were in life.

So, try not to miss them while in Abbey.

If you need more convincing…I am there for that. Always. Simply, keep an eye out for my upcoming blogs.

National Gallery London: A journey beyond paintings

Published on by Rita MLeave a comment

Is visiting Trafalgar Square on your itinerary? If yes, then add another…it’s situated right on the north side of this square…Any idea what it is?

Yes, it’s the National Gallery London.

I know, many would think …” Oh, just another art gallery”.

But let me ask you…How many art galleries in the world house the masterpieces of Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent van Gogh, Raphael, Turner, and Rembrandt under one roof? Very few…I am telling you.

And if I am not wrong, this gallery has more than 2000 paintings from 1200 AD to modern days…Would you still miss the gallery?

I know you won’t.

So, while you are in London, carve out at least two hours from your jam-packed itinerary and come to this National Gallery London.

So, where exactly is this gallery?

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Well, it’s in central London… a stone’s throw from the National Portrait Gallery and St. Martin-in-the-Fields Church.

You can hop on a bus, Tube, or bicycle…whatever suits you and head for Trafalgar Square. Once you are at Trafalgar Square, finding the National Gallery is a breeze.

It’s right there, on the northern edge.

Now, the story of its birth

For this, I must take you back to 19th-century London…a thriving, bustling city that had everything except a public art gallery. Sure, the wealthy aristocrats had their private collections of art, but what about the average Londoner? They didn’t have any access to the grand masterpieces of European art at all.

Things needed to change, there was no doubt about it.

Then came the year 1824, when a wealthy art collector urged the government to purchase a collection of 38 paintings from the estate of merchant John Julius Angerstein. Clearly, it wasn’t that simple. What followed was a series of heated debates, but finally…the historic decision was made.

British Government was ready to purchase the Angerstein collection for £57,000.

And just like that, the works of Raphael, Titian, and Rembrandt…became part of the National Gallery.

Though initially these paintings were housed in Angerstein\’s former townhouse, they needed a permanent home, a grander public space where a number of people could visit. That’s when the public space on the north side of Trafalgar Square came to notice and it was perfect in every sense.

The construction began…and in the next 14 years National Gallery was ready to open its doors to the world. The collection started to grow rapidly through acquisitions, gifts, and sometimes, through bequests.

The gallery was no longer just for displaying pretty paintings, but it decided to play a much more important role in fostering a sense of cultural identity among Londoners and to elevate their taste in fine art.

And what about its architecture?

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I would say, it’s a masterpiece in itself…

The original building of this gallery was designed primarily in a neoclassical style by William Wilkins. That’s why, upon entering you can see…those tall Corinthian columns and a central dome. As part of typical neoclassical architecture, he added several symmetrical designs here and there…just to maintain the balance and harmony of the space.

But, just like paintings…here also, some critics didn’t like the architecture at all. They thought it lacked originality and called it bland. But what they failed to see was … the building was deliberately designed in such a manner to complement Trafalgar Square and to give it a commanding presence.

Despite all the criticism, London kept on adding more collections to the walls of this gallery. As a result, the gallery had no other choice but to expand. They kept on adding new wings. The mix of classical stonework, modernist steel, and unique brickwork of these new wings introduced a modern taste to the existing neoclassical gallery. Over the years, the National Gallery has of course gone through several renovations which kept it relevant in the modern age.

Today, the gallery is ready to accommodate its ever-growing collection and to welcome more and more visitors. 

How not to get lost inside?

Trust me, it’s quite challenging not to get lost inside… at least, it was for me. I missed Van Gogh just because of it.

The gallery is big. Really big.

And, that’s why…to avoid the surprise of coming back to the same room again and again…don’t forget to pick up a physical map at the entrance or simply download the National Gallery app on your phone so that you can easily check the room numbers for some famous must seen paintings.

Talking about masterpieces, there are few paintings one shouldn’t miss at any cost…

Like The ‘Virgin of the Rocks’ by none other than Leonardo da Vinci, ‘Sunflowers’ by Van Gogh, ‘The Fighting Temeraire’ by England’s favorite William Turner, and ‘A Young Woman Standing at a Virginal’ by eminent artist Vermeer. To know their exact location in the gallery, you can always find the room number on the map or on the NG website.

There’s another thing you should know…the colour-coded room system in the gallery.

Yes, the colors aren’t chosen so randomly after all.

They used the color Red for those rooms where there are Italian Renaissance paintings…whereas, blue is for British art & Impressionists. And the green rooms are dedicated to only 17th-century Dutch & Flemish art. There are still yellow rooms…generally, those are used for temporary exhibitions. So, even if you miss the yellow rooms try not to miss the others.

But, if you have very limited time, I would suggest you opt for guided tours…generally organized during the afternoon hours.

Now, let me ask you a question….

Do you think the National Gallery is just an art museum?

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It didn’t feel like a mere museum to me…

The moment you enter the gallery, the chaos of London and its distractions fade into the background. It’s a whole different world.

And it starts under your feet as footsteps fall on the grandeur of the mosaic floors. You can’t feel anything but guilty for walking on it….Yes, the floors are even that beautiful. And, when you climb the next flight of stairs, you will find right above you those high neoclassical ceilings adorned with intricate designs and a touch of gold.

All of a sudden, you will feel like the entire gallery is asking you to listen and surrender to the experience that is about to unfold before your eyes.

Then comes the paintings. I believe these paintings don’t just hang on the walls… they breathe with longing, tremble with sorrow and wish to speak. After spending a few minutes quietly inside that gallery, it won’t be about looking at paintings anymore. You’ll feel them. You will try to see something more than just colours or figures. And at some point, you’ll start mirroring their emotions, tracing their stories, wondering about the hands that once held the brush.

And suddenly, you will realize that …this gallery didn’t just tell you some story of the bygone era, but made those paintings a part of you.

It’s such an experience, I bet no other building in London can give you. For this, you have to come to the National Gallery making time out of your busy schedule. To convince you more, I have some interesting facts about the gallery….

What’s more interesting?

Well, do you know during World War II, the gallery had a secret hideout? Many do not know, but yes…most of the paintings were secretly moved to a Welsh slate mine in Snowdonia to protect them from bombings. There was only 1 painting left in the entire gallery as requested by Winston Churchill to remind Londoners of their cultural heritage.

I have another surprising fact for you…

Can you guess how much was the price of Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Virgin of the Rocks” when the national gallery bought it? Back then, it was just £300. Can you believe it? Such an unbelievably low price for a painting which is now considered priceless.

And then comes Room 32…is it just the largest room in the gallery? No…not at all. You know, it allowed many British political figures to make crucial decisions here. Seems like they wanted those paintings to be the witness while those decisions were made.

And what could make such a grand gallery more interesting without some ghosts and legends?

Do you know the gallery has a painting that is believed to be cursed? Yes, my friend…even the staff claimed that this tragic painting brings misfortune whenever it is moved. Apart from this, there’s always room no. 61…the room is rumored to be “haunted”.

Do you need more? For that, you have to wait for my next London blog…

On that note, now, I am signing off…until next time!

Paddington: A bear that stole London’s heart

Published on by Rita MLeave a comment

“Please take care of this bear. Thank you.”

Do you remember seeing this anywhere? I bet you have seen it on a tag while passing through some souvenir store in London, especially in Paddington. Yes, this tag is often found around the neck of Paddington Bear soft toys.

And to know more about this little bear, you have to step into Paddington station. There, amidst the rattle of trains and hurried footsteps of Londoners, you will find a small bronze statue of a little bear…very easily to overlook if you aren’t watchful.

But, let me tell you, that is no ordinary bear…..it’s Paddington Bear, the most well-mannered and well-loved bear in Britain.

I know there are so many questions coming to your mind now…same thing happened to me when I first saw the hype about this Paddington bear. Now, I have answer to all these questions…and I decided to write this article so that next time you meet this bear, you don’t feel like you are meeting a stranger.

So, come along.

The Arrival of Paddington

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Paddington was born in the mind of British Author Michael Bond in 1956.

Yes, Paddington is not a real bear. He’s a literary character…but the way Londoners have showered love on this bear, it feels as if someone like Paddington bear actually walked the earth. For a city as busy as London, Paddington is the symbol of kindness, curiosity, and adventure.

But how did a bear in a duffle coat from the \”darkest Peru\” capture not just London’s heart but the entire world\’s?

To know that you have to journey back to the Christmas Eve of 1956 when Michael Bond spotted a lone teddy bear on a shelf at Selfridges. He bought it for his wife… but little did he know at the time that he was about to change the literary world forever. Inspired by stories of wartime evacuees and displaced refugees, he began writing about a bear who finds himself lost in a new world.

He wrote ‘A Bear Called Paddington’

… and that’s how Paddington bear was born…a polite, marmalade-loving bear from “darkest Peru” who arrived at Paddington Station with nothing but a suitcase and a note around his neck.

With his blue duffle coat, red hat, and perpetually sticky paws, Paddington Bear symbolises something deeply British…their unwavering belief in kindness, resilience, and, of course, an undying love for tea and toast.

As the story goes…this little refugee bear came to London and wandered into the Brown family’s lives (and ours). He came to London in search of a home, but initially all he received was rejection as a bear and got chased by a few pigeons. Tired and disappointed…the bear was ready to crash on a station bench for the night…that’s when he was found by this family and from then on, he was…. ‘Paddington’.

The best part is…Paddington is both an outsider and a beloved member of the family…an immigrant finding his place in the heart of Britain. Perhaps that’s why he resonates so deeply with Londoners…in a city built on diversity, where everyone, no matter where they come from, can find a home.

How Paddington found its way through London’s culture?

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I don’t think Paddington is just childhood nostalgia for Londoners… is it?

He is that rare spirit of every Londoner who has ever offered directions to a lost tourist, shared an umbrella at a bus stop, or left a book on a train seat for a stranger to find.

It seems…for Londoners, this little bear is a reminder that Kindness isn’t just a virtue…it’s a way of life. He represents the warm and welcoming soul of London…where despite the fast-paced chaos, there’s always time for a bear who believes in the goodness of humans.

Apart from this, I honestly think that many residents of London whether born here or having arrived from elsewhere…see a bit of themselves in that Paddington bear who found a home in London just like them.

And that’s why…London knew it needed to do something to keep this Paddington Bear alive.

Apart from the popular bronze statue of this bear, Paddington station also has an official Paddington bear shop…where one can find everything from classic plush toys to limited-edition collectibles.

Funny how Paddington bear has given adults a fair excuse to buy soft toys.

You know, even in Paddington underground station there are reminders of this little bear to make commute a little brighter for the passengers. If you check out the market hall shops of Paddington station, you’re likely to find a few bottles of marmalade ready to be sold…. it’s all in the memory of that beloved bear.

And the Paddington craze of Londoners doesn’t end here…

The success of the Paddington films made some places of London extra famous…such as Portobello Road Market, St. Paul’s Cathedral and of course, the Paddington station. In fact, now a days…there are Paddington themed tours across London…Isn’t that amazing?

It looks like anything with the name of Paddington bear becomes extra special for Londoners…Over the years, Paddington has become the symbol of British Hospitality.

How do tourists get to know Paddington?

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It happened many a times that tourists had no idea about the legacy of this Paddington bear…

But do they stay ignorant for long? I don’t think so.

The bookstores and London Souvenir shops remind them again and again to familiarize themselves with this bear…and come on, if you see a particular thing everywhere, curiosity will naturally lead you to search for that thing. Same happens here with Paddington bear as well.

The face of Paddington bear is everywhere in London….on books, bags, trolleys, souvenirs everywhere… It’s almost impossible to leave the city without seeing his friendly face on a book cover or something else.

And on top of that, Paddington statues are found in the most visited tourist destinations of London….such as Leicester Square garden, Paddington station underground interchange.

I bet, tourists leave London with a special soft corner in their hearts for this gentle bear.

Finally, some rarely known facts about Paddington bear

With its cute face and gentle gesture, this furry cop Paddington Bear is already one of the most interesting and beloved character of London…but here are some interesting facts you might not know…

Okay, here’s the first one.

Can you imagine this little bear almost had another name? ‘ Barnaby’

I wonder how different things could have been if this bear wasn’t named after London’s most popular rail station.

Here’s another….The author took inspiration from real-life evacuees while creating Paddington. And that is why, Paddington is dressed like those children who evacuated from London during World War II…in duffle coats and well-worn luggage tags.

Paddington can be a refugee bear, but he always had another home…and that’s in Peru. To honor world’s most beloved bear, Lima also erected a statue of Paddington in its supposed home country.

…and then to take its legacy a little farther, a small Paddington figurine was sent into space in 2015.

This bear has truly set the bar really high…I don’t think any other bear would ever dare to challenge him?

And there’s still more.

You know, some say there’s a secret platform at Paddington Station…where one can actually see Paddington bear. But for that, you have to truly believe in him. Rumour has it that if you whisper “I trust you, Paddington” near the bronze statue, you might just glimpse it.

It seems like a harmless and risk free adventureto try to catch a glimpse of Paddington at that station…Wanna try?

If you really decide to go to Paddington station for him, you should know about another urban legend of “the great marmalade heist”…and if you want, you can also leave behind a few marmalade jars there for that old friend.

Talking about this old friend, I would like to tell every Londoners who moved to London from other countries….if you ever feel lost in London, just remember- somewhere, in the heart of London, a small bear in a blue coat is waiting with open arms and a jar of marmalade, ready to remind you that no matter how far you’ve travelled, you are always welcome here.

Before I leave, I would like to say…if you reach out, you will always find a friend in Paddington.

So, till then, keep a marmalade sandwich handy!!

Paddington: From sleepy village to the connecting hub of London

Published on by Rita MLeave a comment
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What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the name Paddington?

I bet it’s the little bear from Peru with a duffle coat, a battered suitcase, and an insatiable love for marmalade sandwiches. But long before Michael Bond introduced the world to Paddington Bear in 1958, this corner of London was already famous…yes, it truly was.

It would be a mistake if you consider Paddington as just a train station. It’s much more than that…I believe, Paddington is the living, breathing guardian who has proudly watched the London grow, evolve, and thrive.

Yes, Paddington is that old.

In last 200 years, Paddington has seen young Queen Victoria step off a train at Paddington Station in 1842… witnessed how the discovery of Penicillin by Alexander Fleming changed countless lives within the walls of St Mary’s Hospital. Paddington even remembers that smile of late Princess Diana in 1982 when world met little Prince William.

As you can see, Paddington’s always been about people… their journeys, their stories, and the moments that define a city like London. Its history has been written by those who have passed through its platforms.

Between those arrivals and departures of trains, Paddington has silently noticed those tearful goodbyes of soldiers heading for War and the uncertain gazes of their wives and children waiting on its platforms.…It remembers the thrill in the eyes of Victorian travellers stepping onto Paddington platform for the first time. Padding can tell you more about London than the city itself. Paddington has stood as a bridge between this city’s past and present.

Therefore, I believe the story of Paddington isn’t just something to be read, it’s something…that should be felt.

And no matter how many articles people write about Paddington, there’s always something more to say…This brings you to my blog today.

Let’s begin.

Early History of those Platforms

Do you know long before the roar of diesel engines and the hurried footsteps of commuters, Paddington was merely a whisper of a village located on the western fringe of London? In those early days, Paddington was just a cluster of homes, surrounded by some fields and streams outside the ancient city walls.

But this village wasn’t meant to stay quiet for long. Fate had bigger plans for it…

As London expanded, this humble village came to notice…due to its position as a natural gateway to the west. Paddington offered best of both worlds….the proximity to London and yet a convenient access to the vast West Country.

Then, in the early 19th century, along came a man with his top had and a grand vision for Paddington—he was none other than the famous Engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel. With the stroke of his genius, Paddington became the London terminus of the Great Western Railway (GWR) in 1838 connecting Bristol to the capital. And then in 1854, his next masterstroke arrived as a grand main line station…which is still there in Paddington after 200 years.

If this Engineer were alive today…I wonder how he would feel seeing today’s Paddington station.

The connecting hub of modern London

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Paddington’s rise into London’s ultimate connecting hub today was no happy accident at all….it was always in London’s strategic vision. As the railway network expanded with time, Paddington became the launching pad for all those journeys across England and deep into Wales.

It seems like Paddington was inviting England to a modern era…and it certainly looked the part with its expansive iron-and-glass train shed which covered around 13 platforms then. Given the dates when it was constructed…well, I believe it is no less than an Engineering Marvel.

Do you know Paddington is the home to World’s first underground railway? Yes!

It was in 1863 when Metropolitan Railway opened its line from Paddington to Farringdon Street…and back then it was for steam locomotives only. Later, other underground lines such as Bakerloo, Circle, District, and Hammersmith & City lines were further integrated into the transit network of London.

And after all these, Paddington was not ready to stop. It dreamed something bigger.

Today, this station is known for its long-distance intercity services to South West part of England and the South of Wales. Not only, this but one can avail passenger services from Paddington to west London and the Thames Valley also.

And then, in no time, Paddington became famous to most popular station in London when it was also made the eastern terminus of Heathrow express in 1998.

 Just imagine, you can reach Heathrow to Paddington in just 15 minutes? That was truly a dream come true for Londoners. No more ‘stuck in traffic’ when you have a flight to catch.

Finally, came the Elizabeth Line.

It redefined Paddington. Overnight, it became the Central Transport Hub of the city dramatically shortening the journey time for travellers. It a nutshell, this Elizabeth line of 2022 added that missing touch of contemporary comfort to the rich history of Paddington station.

Today, Paddington is London’s one of the most vital interchanges.

Truly, how much more a mere station can become? Seems like Paddington has never been in the mood to stop surprising London.

A masterpiece of Victorian Engineering

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I have been to this station… and like countless others, I was awestruck by its unique look. I couldn’t help but gaze up at those magnificent ceilings for a few seconds.

Beyond its soaring barrel vaults, the station boasts of its 200 prefabricated iron arches allowing natural light to filter beautifully through the glass. It’s fascinating to know that even in the 19th century engineers prioritized welcoming a bit of sunshine into their constructions. What do you think?

I think Paddington is a perfect blend of functionality and aesthetics.

You know, this eye-catching station is incredibly spacious…everyday, it accommodates the constant throng of travellers stepping off at Paddington. And speaking of crowd…Paddington is the second busiest railway station in Great Britain after London Liverpool Street.  

But let’s come back to the architecture.

One might say Paddington Station is the Rolls-Royce of railway architecture…Why?

Well, I think because it is luxurious in design yet built with the robustness to withstand the perils of rush hour. From its ornate stonework to its allegorical sculptures, it’s astonishing that a railway station can feature such meticulous detailing. It’s just a treat for the eyes of travellers.

For its architectural beauty alone, I’d say Paddington is worth lingering in for a few extra minutes. Nowadays, the station is not just a transit hub but a lively destination in itself. The newly added market halls bring food traders into the mix creating a more lively atmosphere.

So, next time when you arrive early in Paddington station, stop by M&S or Sainsbury’s to grab a bite. Then find a public bench, and enjoy the station’s grandeur while you eat. I must say…Paddington Station treats travellers with a certain sense of comfort placing everything they might need—food, essentials, even medicines—within easy reach.

 Looking at the Paddington of today, one can’t help but feel proud of how it has evolved from a sleepy village into the nerve centre of London’s travel.

What a journey it has made through history and time!!!

Before I wrap up this article let me leave you with something interesting about this station—something that has nothing to do with the famous Paddington bear.

You think you know Paddington?

I don’t think so.. Paddington is hiding centuries of secret in its platforms.

Say, for platform no. 1… staff and passengers have reported sightings of a shadowy figure. Some even claim to have heard whispers and footsteps in the quiet hours of the night, long after the last train has departed.  Many believe that it’s the spirit of a man who tragically lost his life on the tracks many years ago…looks like Paddington Station has its resident ghost there on Platform 1.

Other than these, have you heard about the mysterious underground passages right below the Paddington station? There’s a rumour that these were secret escape routes for high-profile figures during wartime. But, the full extent of these underground passages remains unknown till date.

And maybe, that is why there’s some more to these rumours….it is speculated that the passages lead to abandoned stations and even forgotten government facilities.

I smell some mystery here…do you?

Let’s see what else is there…oh, there’s the rumour that during the construction of Paddington Station in the mid-19th century, a time capsule was buried somewhere within its foundations. People say that it contained letters from Brunel himself, sketches of his early train designs, and even a bottle of Victorian-era whiskey. However, despite various renovations and restorations over the years, no such capsule has ever been found—yet.

Looks like a thorough search of Paddington is needed…just imagine if the time capsule really exists!!!

You know what? when it comes to Paddington, there’s no end to such stories. And there’s even more…

On this note, I am going to sign off now… if you are interested to know more about Paddington and this city of London, keep an eye out for my upcoming blogs.

Bye!