London Bridge and Tower Bridge

We dedicated this day to roam around London and visit the sights we have not yet seen so far.  This day was extra special since it was recorded as the warmest day of the year, officially marking the start of Britain's summer.  And if we Filipinos are going gaga over December's cool nights, well here, it is an understatement to say that everyone was so excited to take their sweaters off to finally wear their shorts and summer tees.  It was also overwhelming to see most public parks jam-packed with people sunbathing.

So... to start of our trail... 
we first embarked in the London Bridge station. 
:-) 

The London Bridge!  

Physically, you will think that there's really nothing special about it.  But the very fact that it was standing since the Roman's time will make you think otherwise. 

In fact, it was built by the Romans themselves as the first bridge built crossing over the 

Rivers Thames.  

The Arches of London Bridge

Alvin having sentimental thoughts over London Bridge? :-)

London Bridge City Pier, 

the main pier at the South Bank 
of the River Thames.  

The scene on the river's shore.

Many people was in a day-out 

enjoying the much awaited sunshine...

:-)

The HMS Belfast, gloriously located at the heart of River Thames.

HMS Belfast is a 1938 light cruise ship used by the British Navy during WWII.  

It now serves as a ship museum.

"Hay's Galleria:  In the Mid 1850's following the steady rise 

of River Thames as the commercial lifeline of the City of London, 

Sir William Cubitt was commissioned to build a new wharf around an enclosed dock.."

The Queen's Walk is a promenade and a pedestrian walkway considered integral 

in the Jubilee Walkway in celebration of Queen Elizabeth II's Jubilee Anniversary in 1977.

The main  financial district of London, the most prominent of which is the 

Gherkin or the Cucumber Building, also known as 30 St Mary Axe.

The Tower Bridge, the iconic symbol of London.  

All this time we thought it was the famous London Bridge, haha. 

Definitely breathtaking...

For the bridge's full history, visit:

http://www.towerbridge.org.uk/TBE/EN/BridgeHistory/

A metal map found in the center of the Queen's Walk.

Yes, colorful baby elephants are found in the city!  

These works of art painted by famous artists was exhibited in order 

to raise awareness on the protection of Asian elephants whose numbers are

reduced significantly over the past years.

Huh?  Where's his head???

People enjoying the sun at the Potters Fields Park

located alongside the Tower Bridge.

A&R, regal in London.

:-)

The bridge was colored with white and blue as part of the 

queen's silver jubilee celebration in 1977.

The Butler's Wharf.

The River Thames, as viewed while standing from the middle of Tower Bridge.

The famous River Thames Tour.

:-)

*Data used in some of the pictures was sourced from various Wikipedia sites.