London's old and new buildings

18th Sep 2009- Gherkin Tour

Thanks to H, we were able to visit the Gherkin or aka Swiss Re building, the city skyscraper located right at the centre of the main financial district. H, worked in the building and therefore has the privilege to bring max 5 friends to wine or dine at the top floor of this landmark. After going through the security scanning, we went up to the 40th floor with two transits at Floor 34 and 39 to meet the rest of our friends, A, H, F and A. At the club, we witnessed the 360 degrees of the London's night view. It was beautiful. This building was completed in 2003 and opened in April 2004 and has since symbolized the prime of the new high rise construction boom in London. Apparently, the bullet-like building has also became one of the most pronounced architecture in the capital. I was rather surprised to see some tourists hanging outside the building, admiring the designs whilst taking photos and discussing about the unique structure. I could never have imagined that this landmark could have drawn quite a handful of tourists' attention given my initial perception that Gherkin was merely an office building. A visit to the Gherkin has changed my mind. Gherkin is spectacular, a renown place where city bankers and professionals in suits work hard and chill out after hard days work with great companies, cold beer, good food and obviously the stunning night views, overlooking the Tower Bridge, river Thames and other skyscrapers, while reminding the patrons of the city's culture and status.

20th Sep 2009 - Tower Bridge

In conjunction with the London Free Open House and with F's booking, B & I were fortunate to step into one of the London's oldest buildings, the Tower Bridge. The Tower Bridge was built in 1894, which took 8 years and approximately GBP1.184 million to complete. Based on the marvelous engineering concept of its ages, Tower Bridge has since been hailed as one of the most renowned London icon. The visit to the top of the bridge where we toured the East and West walkways while savoring the awesome city bird's view left us dumfounded. Also, the art of feeding ourselves with the history and the mechanism of the bridge were really inspiring. The visit of the place was capped with the finale at the engine room which displayed the tools and machines used in lifting the bridge.

20th Sep 2009 - City Hall

Across the river, we were contemplating whether to head to the Tower of London which was on the other side of the river or the City Hall. Finally, we've decided to visit the City Hall, the home of the London's government where the London's Mayor, Assembly and support staff are based. The slight slanting see-through spherical shape building is supposed to symbolise the transparency of the London government. We went to the 9th floor of the building where we managed to capture amazing views overlooking the Thames, Gherkin and Tower Bridge. Apparently, these views were supposed to remind us, the visitors and the employees alike of London's status as a vibrant and world class city.

As we ascend down from the 9th floor building by walking through the spiral stairway, I can't help admiring the inner architecture and design of the staircase. The photos captured on the spirals should explain what I really mean. The downward walk ended in a mini art exhibition of paintings by mouth and foot painters. The artwork were really good and some touches my heart.

The tour was capped with a final visit where the bicyles were displayed as the city is encouraging the residents to cycle to work in an attempt to be more environmentally friendly. The city map which was intact to the floor was pretty impressive and the different types of bicyles displayed were also an eye opener.

During the tour, there was a quote which says "If you are tired of London, you are tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford." (Source: Boswell's Life of Johnson). I can't agree more. Considering the activities that I have spent in the city during the past weekends and the coming weekends, London is just never short of things to do.