Hello, dear friends!
In today’s post, I’ll continue sharing my London adventure. I took so many photos that I’ll likely make several posts about this trip. I hope you’ll find them interesting and maybe even feel inspired to visit this wonderful city yourself—one I hadn’t seen for quite some time.
One of the neighborhoods I explored this time, which I hadn’t visited before, was the vibrant Chinatown, located between Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus. It’s like a small enclave of China that instantly transports you to the Far East with its scents, colors, and even sounds.
The area was bustling with people, and I imagine many visit out of curiosity, as well as to experience authentic Chinese flavors. I personally love some of the dishes, and I was lucky enough to have lunch there. Unfortunately, as usual, I was so busy eating that I forgot to take any photos!
Christmas isn’t really celebrated in Chinatown, so there weren’t any festive decorations. I think it would be amazing to visit during the Chinese New Year instead—it must be a time of pure joy and celebration. I read that they even hold a parade that stretches all the way to Trafalgar Square. Interestingly, Chinatown wasn’t always in its current location; it was originally in the eastern part of London, but most of the Chinese community moved here in the 1970s.
After Chinatown, I headed to Trafalgar Square, one of London’s most iconic and important squares. To me, it feels like the heart of the city, although, unlike Italian cities, London doesn’t really have a historical center.
Trafalgar Square is not only historically significant but also hosts major public events and gatherings. For those who don’t know, the square is named after the Battle of Trafalgar, a British naval victory against the Franco-Spanish fleet in 1805 during the Napoleonic Wars.
At the center of the square, I captured photos of Admiral Nelson, who died in that battle. His column is impressively tall and dramatic, a fitting tribute to such a national hero.
Close to Trafalgar Square is the National Gallery, one of the world’s most renowned art museums. I’d initially planned to visit, but as you can see in the photos, the queue was enormous—probably because entry is free and London is such a popular destination. I decided not to wait too long, especially since I had already visited the museum a few years ago. Still, I highly recommend it—just try to arrive earlier than I did!
Despite the cold and gray weather, I have to say that Trafalgar Square never loses its charm. I’ll see you in my next post, where I’ll share more about my London adventure. See you soon!
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