Hello readers. I am back from my vacation.
It’s been quite a whirlwind week trying to get back on track after missing out for two weeks. However, I believe I am catching up now and gradually returning to my normal routine.
I’ve been dealing with some post-travel blues, though.
I took my initial journey to Europe earlier this month.
I spent a couple of days in London followed by a few days in Paris with my parents. It turned out to be an amazing journey.
On this journey, I had the chance to explore numerous locations I hadn’t expected to see. While in London, I checked out iconic sites such as the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Temple Church, Kensington Palace, Royal Albert Hall, Windsor Castle, the ancient Roman bathhouse in Bath, and even Stonehenge. Additionally, we enjoyed a boat ride along the Thames all the way to Greenwich and went on a coach tour where we passed famous landmarks including Scotland Yard and the Bank of England.
While visiting Paris, I explored the Cathedral of Notre-Dame, the iconic Eiffel Tower, and the grand Palace of Versailles. Additionally, I paid respects at Napoleon’s Tomb and visited the renowned Louvre Museum. An unforgettable journey took me to Normandy where I walked upon the historic Omaha, Sword, and Juno beaches and also spent time at the American Cemetery.
In just a matter of weeks, the globe will mark the 81st anniversary of the D-Day invasions, and I plan to pen a special piece to honor this occasion.
However, one of the most astounding chances during the journey was the opportunity to
ascend to the summit of St. Paul’s Cathedral
I mean, for someone who wasn’t fit and was around 40 years old at that time, what significance do those 528 steps hold?
It turns out, quite a lot.
Later, I discovered that this ascent is labeled as “challenging,” which proved true for me. The final portion involved steep spiraling stairs that seemed never-ending, making my legs feel utterly spent. At points, it felt more like dragging myself upward than actual climbing, leaving me completely drained.
However, the prize was undoubtedly the spectacular vista of London’s skyline from the summit of a famous structure.
I first encountered St. Paul’s Cathedral in the film “Mary Poppins,” and indeed, I had the chance to visit the spot where the little old bird woman used to sit. Using the London Eye, I managed to take a photo of the Elizabeth Tower, which many people know as “Big Ben.” Our guide at the
at the very pinnacle of the “Golden Gallery”
He told me how fortunate I was to capture that photograph. According to him, previously, a structure obscured the view of the tower and the Palace of Westminster, but he mentioned that another edifice would soon obstruct this vista as well. Only afterward did it dawn on me that the unfortunate guide must have ascended all 528 stairs just to reach our location.
After finishing the descent, which proved equally challenging as the ascent, I recognized how incredible this experience truly was. Despite my legs constantly threatening to give out under me, I managed to muster enough strength to investigate the church’s crypt. It is here that you can find the final resting place of the Duke of Wellington—the commander who defeated Napoleon—as well as tributes to three significant British figures from World War II.
It was an utterly amazing journey, and I could easily go on writing about it, but I think I should wrap up for now.
I’ll finish by saying this: It was an incredible, much-needed vacation, but it’s good to be back in Edwardsville. Our team did a great job of keeping things going while I was gone, and we’ll continue to work our tails off to serve all of you.
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