Greenwich, The Royal Observatory and Canary Wharf

Wednesday was a gorgeous day here in London. Spring has arrived with blue skys, bright sun and a steady breeze. In order to make the most of it, my roommate and I headed out to Greenwich, an area across the river in Southeast London. After a confusing tube/DLR ride we walked under The Thames through the Greenwich Foot Tunnel. It was odd to think that you were actually walking under the river and the question of will this cave-in on us was definitely bigger. Arriving in Greenwich we were immediately confronted with the Cutty Sark, the last of the tea clippers. Walking through the streets of Greenwich, I felt like I was in small, quaint village many miles away from London, rather than being simply across the river. Greenwich has the most amazing park, with tree lined paths and plenty of open spaces, to lie or play. A giant hill stands in the middle, with The Royal Observatory perched on top, like something out of one of those old Disney movies, which is in a good way.

The Royal Observatory is worth a visit if you are interested in the Prime Meridian and wish to stand on either side of it or learn about how it came to be. But one of the best reasons to climb the hill, and trust me its quite a climb, is for the view. The view of London (see above) is amazing and on a clear day like we had, it was spectacular. I really can't describe the feeling you get, being high above London and seeing for miles.

After we had taken in all the views we could, we headed back down into Greenwich to get lunch at Goddard's Pie House. We got a meat pie, mash and gravy for only 2 pounds! 2 pounds! For those of you who don't live in London, 2 pounds for a hot meal, that isn't take away, is pretty much unheard of. I'm not one of those people who prides myself on finding the cheapest deals, meals or anything, but I still think 2 pounds is pretty impressive.

Greenwich is a small place, but does hold a lot. You can wander along the river, eat a cheap lunch, visit the park, Royal Observatory and The Old Naval College, The National Maritime Museum and even something called the Fan Museum, which from what I read is just a collection of fans....if you're interested. Yet we had enough of Greenwich and headed back on the DLR (Docklands Railway) to Canary Wharf.

Canary Wharf is this new collection of skyscrapers,(I think they are skyscrapers being outside of New York for so long anything tall looks like one), outside the center of London. It's supposed to be the new business area, holding Bank of America, Citigroup, HSBC etc. It looks more like a sci-fi city. Everything is gleamingly new and futuristic and definitely has the hum of business. If your in search of the London businessman in his pinstriped suit try here, for not only will you find plenty I think you will appreciate the buildings.

So Greenwich is worth a visit for its small village feel, park and two pound lunch. Check out The Royal observatory for the views and Canary Wharf if you want to feel like your in the future.