I've always been interested in the UK as a country with a rich history, rich culture, elegant style, and diverse landscapes. I want to experience the charm of this country for myself, feel its breath and get to know its people. I also want to challenge myself to travel alone, enjoy the freedom and casualness, and at the same time exercise my independence and adaptability. I don't have a fixed itinerary, just a few places I want to visit, and I want to make my trip full of surprises and explorations.
My trip to the UK lasted about two weeks, and I visited four main cities: London, Cambridge, York, and Edinburgh. I chose these cities because they all have their own character and atmosphere, and there are a lot of things to see and do that I am interested in. I use trains and buses as my main means of transportation because they are more convenient and cheaper, and they also allow me to enjoy the scenery along the way better.
I use a contactless card (with wifi logo) to swipe the card, so I don't have to get an oyster card or buy a ticket, which is very convenient. I stay in some youth hostels or B&Bs because they are cheaper and cleaner, and they also allow me to meet travelers from different countries and exchange travel experiences and ideas. In terms of food, I tried some traditional British food, such as fish and chips, scone, tea, and some Indian and Middle Eastern flavors, which I thought were quite delicious and not too expensive. I spent about two or three days in each city, which I thought would be more appropriate, neither too rushed nor too boring.
There are many highlights and stories that have impressed me during my travels in the UK, so I will pick a few to share with you.
In London, I went to the British Museum, which is the most beautiful museum I have ever visited, it has the richest collection in the world, covering art from different eras, different regions, different fields, sculptures, porcelain, silverware, paintings, architecture, wrought iron, tapestry, and so on. I walked around it all day, and I didn't think it was enough, every exhibition hall dazzled me, and every exhibit amazed me.
My favorite was the Egyptian Pavilion, which had real mummies, pyramids, stone monuments, statues, jewelry, etc., which made me feel like I had traveled back in time to the mysterious world of Ancient Egypt. I also went to the Natural History Museum, which has a blue whale skeleton, and there are a variety of animal and plant specimens, fossils, models, etc., which made me feel the wonder and diversity of nature. I also happened to come across a joint exhibition between the museum and some fashion brands, and saw some very creative and aesthetic clothing and accessories, which made me feel the collision and fusion of art and fashion.
In Cambridge, I went to Kings College, which is one of the most famous colleges of Cambridge University, it has very spectacular and elegant architecture, especially its cathedral, its ceiling is a Gothic vault with beautiful paintings, its windows are stained glass with pictures of various biblical stories, its walls are carved with stones with various patterns and patterns, its floors are carpeted with various patterns, its** There are rows of wooden benches, rows of statues on one side and a huge organ on the other, and the whole church is like a temple of art, which makes people feel sacred and solemn.
I also took a boat ride by the river, and asked a guy who was holding the boat to take me to visit Cambridge's major colleges and universities and some historical situations, the little brother was very handsome and funny, and he told me a lot of interesting stories and anecdotes, such as Newton discovered gravity here, Darwin wrote "The Origin of Species" here, and Chou Dong held a wedding here, etc., which made me feel the charm and legend of Cambridge.
In York, I went to York Minster, which is the largest Gothic church in England, it has a very high spire, a very wide nave, very detailed carvings, very ornate decorations, very spectacular rose windows, a very large organ, very beautiful stained glass, a very sacred atmosphere, it is the symbol and soul of York, it bears witness to the history and culture of York, it is the most beautiful church I have ever seen, there is no one.
I also went to the prototype of Diagon Alley of Harry Potter, the butcher's alley, which is a very narrow alley lined with some old shops, some selling chocolates, some selling magic supplies, some selling books, some selling souvenirs, etc., and the alleys were crowded with all kinds of people, some wearing Harry Potter costumes, some holding wands, etc.
In Edinburgh, I went to the Palace of Harry Lutherhouse, which is the residence of the Scottish royal family, and the birthplace and residence of Queen Mary, the palace has a variety of exhibition halls, showing the life and history of the royal family, with gorgeous halls, exquisite bedrooms, spectacular chapels, and some precious artifacts, such as Queen Mary's jewelry, clothes, portraits, etc., which made me feel the glory and tragedy of the royal family.
I also went to Edinburgh Castle, which is the landmark of Edinburgh, it sits on a volcanic rock overlooking the whole city, the castle has all kinds of museums, churches, batteries, prisons, etc., showing the military and political importance of Edinburgh, and there are also some legends and stories, such as the Scottish crown, the sword in the stone, the one o'clock cannon, etc., which made me feel the mystery and legend of Edinburgh.
I also went to the Royal Mile, which is a street that connects the Harry-Lutheran Palace to Edinburgh Castle, on both sides there are some old buildings, shops, bars, cafes, museums, etc., there are a lot of people and activities here, there is a lot of flavor and fun, I walked around here all day and bought some souvenirs and snacks, I feel that this is the soul and life of Edinburgh.
My trip to the UK has given me a lot, I have felt the beauty and diversity of the UK, I have learned about the history and culture of the UK, I have experienced the style and temperament of the UK, I have also met a lot of interesting and friendly people, I think it was a very worthwhile trip and a very memorable trip.
Of course, I also encountered some unpleasant and difficult things, such as changes in weather, traffic delays, safety threats, etc., but I feel that these are all part of the trip, and it is also an opportunity to grow and learn, I did not give up or regret because of these, but I cherished and enjoyed my trip more. I'd like to give you some travel tips that I hope will help you guys:
Prepare some self-defense tools, such as alarms, tactical pens, etc., to prevent dangerous situations, especially for women and Chinese, pay attention to your own safety, do not trust strangers easily, do not walk at night, do not travel alone, do not disclose personal information casually, etc.
Prepare some clothes, shoes, rain gear, etc., the weather in the UK is very changeable, sometimes all seasons of the day, pay attention to keep warm and rainproof, do not catch a cold or get sick, but also pay attention to your image and etiquette, do not dress too casually or too revealing, respect local customs and habits.
Prepare some British currency, credit cards, travel cards, etc., the price of goods in the UK is relatively high, pay attention to your budget and consumption, don't spend money or be cheated, but also pay attention to the safety of your belongings, don't lose or be stolen, but also pay attention to your own exchange rate and handling fees, don't lose money or be pitted.
Prepare some British travel guides, maps, transportation, tickets, etc., there are many attractions in the UK, you should plan your own routes and arrangements in advance, don't waste time or miss the excitement, but also pay attention to your choice of transportation and tickets, don't take the wrong road or buy expensive tickets, but also pay attention to your travel time and way, don't encounter traffic jams or strikes, and so on.
Be prepared with some British language, culture, history, etc., British people are more friendly, but also more conservative, pay attention to their words and deeds, do not offend or conflict, but also pay attention to their communication and exchange, do not misunderstand or be rude, but also pay attention to their own learning and understanding, do not be ignorant or boring, and so on.
I feel that my trip to the UK was a very successful and satisfying trip, I achieved my travel purpose, I enjoyed my travel process, I gained my travel experience, I also left my travel memories, I feel that it was a very worthwhile trip and a very memorable trip.