BR 3-15: London

It is a big, beautiful, noisy, and exciting city. More than eleven million visitors come every year from countries all over the world. (p.40)

     How come London has been developing so much until now? It is one the most nominated countries in the globe. Today, I would like to share my idea about  the question with you, adding my experience in Singapore and Japan. 

     Londoners have respected and symbolized their Royal family and the Thames as Japanese people set the emperor and empress the central pillar instead of the specific religion. Let's take a look at a famous spot, Kensington Garden which is located to Hyde Park. There is a playground called Princess Diana, who lived near here in Kesington Place, and where a lot of children's jolly voice can be heard continuously. As is well known, while she was alive as the princess, her life must have repeated ups and downs. She gave a birth the two loving boys who are now Prince Charles and Prince William, however her destiny could not have been changed at ease since she was part of the nation's important lady. On the other hand, she was also a fine lady and desired to fall in love seriously and live with a dear partner without obsession about the status. The two aspects of Diana as a mother of the princes and a beautiful lady has been struck in the citizens' mind, and the custom seems now to be sort of their identity. 

     The main river would always be the origin of the nation's prosperity. The first Globe Theater along the river was constructed at the time when the Queen Elizabeth the First was on the throne. In 1997, an iconic writer in England Shakespeare's Globe Theater opened, and people watched his work's play with huge applaud. In addition, Tate Modern facing The Millennium Bridge having 88 rooms of twentieth century and twenty-first century exhibits something new and attractive all the time such as Picasso, Pollock, Rothko and many more. 

     London has similar points with Singapore and Japan in some ways. Singapore has a long history with the Singapore River and Marina Bay. As well known in the world, Merlion Statue is a definite symbol there, and local people admire it in the same way of the Royal Family in England. It shows not only one of the favored areas in Asia, but includes their hope that it is not going to have a miserable history like being invaded and abused by others who are approaching with spite against peace in Singapore. From these perspective, I could say every country has own their symbol which means sometimes their consolation, hope and goal which become the origin of development.

Escott, John. London. (2008). Oxford, UK; Oxford University Press.