HMS Belfast, London, England.

HMS Belfast was completed in 1936, being designed for the protection of trade and offensive attack.

She was officially launched on St Patrick's day 1938 by the Prime Minister's wife Anne Chamberlain, before being commissioned into the Royal Navy the following year.  She was the largest and most powerful cruiser in the Royal navy, equipped with the most advanced radar systems.

 She spent much of her time protecting the Arctic convoys, Russia's supply route during the war. She was also involved in the Battle of the North Cape and spent 5 weeks supporting D-Day landings.

 After WWII, HMS Belfast worked with Allied Forces in the Korean War from 1950-1952, supporting American and South Korean forces. She spent the rest of her years on peace-keeping duty until she was retired in 1963.

The Imperial War Museum wanted to preserve the WWII cruiser, forming a trust with Rear-Admiral Sir Morgan Morgan-Giles, one of HMS Belfast's former captains. She was brought to London for the public to see on Trafalgar Day, 21/10/71. Today she can be seen on the Thames, still one of the largest and most powerful light cruisers ever built.

Custom House, London, England.

A view of Custom House on the River Thames, near London Bridge, with the Gherkin in the background.

My travel map, so far... (2012)

As it is approaching the end of the year, I've posted my travel map for this year. So far, I have travelled to 3 countries:
England (Liverpool, London, Windsor, Isle of Wight)
Germany (Munich, Dachau)
Netherlands (Amsterdam)

Hopefully more to come next year!!

Russian Maslenitsa Festival - Clip

Clip from the Russian Maslenitsa Festival earlier this year in Trafalgar Square, London.

Palace of Westminster and Bonfire Night, England.

The Palace of Westminster (aka Houses of Parliament) is home of both the House of Lords and the House of Commons, and is situated on the Middlesex bank of the river Thames. Originally, the site was home to the first Royal palace, during the 11th century. However, in 1512, a fire destroyed much of the palace and it was no longer used as a Royal residence, instead being used by parliament from the 13th century. Another fire occurred in 1834, followed by a bombing after WWII. 

Along with Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben), it is one of the most recognised and visited attractions in the UK. It also played a fundamental role in the 1605 gunpowder plot in which Guy Fawkes and other Catholics stored gunpowder under the House of Lords in order to kill the Protestant King James I during the State Opening of Parliament on the 5th November. The plan, however, was unsuccessful and us Brits have celebrated Guy Fawkes  Night (or Bonfire Night) ever since!! On this night, fireworks and bonfires are popular, as well as the making of a 'Guy' (an effigy of Guy Fawkes). Kids stand in public places with these Guys and shout 'penny for a Guy' to gain money from passers by. The Guy is then burnt on a bonfire.

"Remember, remember, the fifth of November, Gunpowder Treason and Plot..."

Neues Rathaus, Marienplatz, Munich, Germany

Neus Rathaus (New Town Hall), located in the Marienplatz in Munich City Centre, hosts the Munich city government. Built in the early 1900's, after about 41 years of construction, it now hosts offices and a restaurant, as well as gargoyles and other fine architectural details.

London Eye, London, England.

One of the most famous landmarks of Britain, the London Eye, a 135m ferris wheel, opened back in 2000, shortly after the millennium. As well as being the biggest of its kind in Europe (was the biggest ferris wheel in the world until 2008), it is also the biggest tourist attraction in the UK.

 Standard tickets are about £17 (€21) and offer some of the best views of London. Samsung Galaxy tablets,installed in the pods, offer details and a brief history of the visible landmarks, including Buckingham Palace, the houses of parliament and Westminster Abbey.

It is worth noting, you may have to queue for a while, but it is worth it in the end and there are also fast track tickets available if you are willing to spend a bit more money. You can also buy tickets which include admission to the London Eye, Madam Tussaud's, the London Dungeons and the Sea Life Centre, which is cheaper than buying them all individually.