Classic London in One Picture

What's the first thing that comes to mind when you think of London? If you asked me that question, I would say Big Ben. Ever since I was a young child, I have wanted to see Big Ben in person. I had this video game that was set in London, and one of the levels involved a scavenger hunt around Big Ben. I always saw this magnificent structure through a video game, but never in person. Another structure that came to mind was the red telephone booths. In the U.S, we have public telephones, but they do not define what makes America unique. These red telephone booths are all around London. The first time I spotted one was in one of my favorite movies, The Parent Trap.  In a few scenes throughout the movie, viewers see a glimpse of what life is like in London.  The mother's house in London, walking through the outdoor mall, the weather changing from beautiful sunny to pouring rain, and having afternoon tea with the grandfather. Therefore, Big Ben and the red telephone booths were items that I believe are what make London unique.

When I decided to study abroad, I was ecstatic that I would be able to see these two structures in real form.  I began to research typical things to do as a foreigner in London, and somehow came upon this picture:

After seeing these two quintessential London structures in person, I believe that this picture sums up what a typical day in the city is. We see the red telephone booth with a beautiful view of Big Ben in the background. You can tell from the shiny ground and the overcast sky that it had just finished raining (which happens all the time in London). On the right is the entrance to the Westminister tube stop, which has access to the District and Circle lines that can take you to many locations throughout London.  I love how in this picture, London looks very gloomy and un-appealing to the naked eye, but the red telephone booth brings the city to life. It almost looks as if the telephone booth is the heartbeat to London and the telephone booth keeps the city alive. The neutral colors in the background makes the telephone booth a striking red color. With all the experiences that I have encountered in London, the telephone booth creates a channel of communication between two people from across the world. The fact that I can call anyone and tell them that as I speak with them I am looking at Westminster Abbey and Big Ben is wild and crazy to think about.  As I look and analyze this picture, I think about all the memories had at this location and wish I was back in this beautiful city.