Pagentry, Government &
Shakespeare
Pageantry and Government
There are special occasions that come
up from time to time allowing you
to see the military troops in their full splendor, but only 4 come to
mind that happen with regularity. They are: the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace,
pretty much daily, the Trooping of the Color, quite a colorful
spectacle with the Horse Guard around the 10th of June for the Queen's
official birthday, the opening of Parliament in October or November,
and the Remembrance Day Parade, the second Sunday in November. Times
can be checked for these events at the Changing-the-Guard
website. These are popular events, so get there well in advance for a
good viewing position. And by the way, it rains a lot in England so if
it's pouring these events may be cancelled or postponed.
Going down Whitehall St. and seeing
number 10 is interesting
but if you want to see the place where the government happens, that's
Parliament. They have an incredibly interesting historical tour in
August when Parliament is in recess. The Parliament buildings
themselves are architecturally beautiful. If you are there during
recess book your tour in advance (as they are timed tours) at the Parliament website.
Shakespeare's Globe Theatre
If you like art, architecture and
history, you probably appreciate
Shakespeare, not just his works but also his place in history. A visit
to the Globe Theatre
on the South Bank is a must. This theatre performs Shakespeare as they
did in
Elizabethan times in a theatre designed after the theatres of that
time. The architecture, design, and the plays are done authentically.
The tours are done during the day and are most informative. And while
you are on the south bank check out the many restaurants and shops that
have sprung up making it the up and coming spot of London. Restaurants
here have some of the best outdoor views of the city.
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