The Albert Memorial

London embarked on the damp, cold, and rainy part of autumn. But during the few sunny days, I am able to enjoy sights like this one. This memorial is in Kensington Gardens and pays a tribute to Queen Victoria's husband who died of typhoid fever. It reflects Prince Albert's passion for the arts, as it is decorated with subjects from literature, painting, geography, music, as well as angels.

Somerset House

J and I stumbled accidently upon this palace while walking down a busy street in central London. Built in 1547, this mansion became associated with the lavish entertainments of the royal court. Once a centre of the nation's naval power, today the Somerset House is an art gallery, an outdoor cinema, and a venue to a lively music scene featuring performances by Lily Allen, Mika, and Mogwai among others. Oh, and it also has an ice rink. London is getting ready for the Holidays.

Serpentine Gallery Pavilion

The Serpentine Gallery Pavilion is designed by the internationally acclaimed artist Olafur Eliasson and the award-winning Norwegian architect Kjetil Thorsen, of the architectural practice Snøhetta. The Gallery and the Pavilion are located in London's Hyde Park, very near the Kensington Gardens and the horseback riding paths. This structure is used for Gallery talks, performances, and other events.

Natural History Museum

By accident we got off at the wrong station and found this cool attraction outside of the Natural History Museum. The museums and galleries were so busy this weekend and the parks less crowded than usual. Yes, the cold part of autumn is here. Hence the ice rink outside of the Museum.

V

Recently England celebrated Guy Fawkes Night. He plotted to blow up the building in the photo. He was in the cellar of the parliament with 36 barrels of gunpowder when the authorities stormed it in the early hours of November 5th. Guy was caught, tortured and executed. To commemorate the capture of Guy Fawkes the British celebrate with bonfires and fireworks, and by burning an effigy of Guy. I have also watched "V for Vendetta" with my flatmates, as well as attended a bonfire with my classmates in a friend's backyard. Very fun!

Don't Let a Good Night...

I love this photo! J took it. An interesting angle and numerous little details make this picture awkward and fun at the same time.

Westminster Abbey

One other late night stop on our journey through central London was the Westminster Abbey. Benedictine monks first came to this site in the middle of the tenth century, establishing a tradition of daily worship which continues to this day. Although J and I didn't go inside the church, we sneaked into the courtyard and wondered through the darkened corridors filled with tombs.

A Good Evening

J and I have always enjoyed late night walks. In this city they are just as entertaining as during the day time. The atmosphere is very romantic and the buildings, even the residential ones, are lit in very strategic ways. The streets are always busy. Everyone walks really fast here, even late at night. This time of year it gets dark in London before five o'clock.

Covent Garden Market

This busy market is in central London and stretches across a whole square, next to the Opera House. I like it better by night. One can find here pretty crafty things, delicious pastries and posh restaurants. J and I sat on the top terrace and enjoyed a couple of drinks when a mouse ran across the floor...and back! Despite this mice problem, the market is visited by close to one million people per week.