Far from simply a shuttle utility, the variety of transportation types utilized throughout the trip have allowed me to experience many aspects of the city in unique ways. The most immediate advantage is a greater understanding of navigation in the city and surrounding areas. Not only did the Underground allow me to quickly move around the area and build a detailed map in my mind, it allowed me to witness the population of London up close in terms of dress, manner, and speed. The boat travel gave an unparalleled experience of the buildings lining the Thames, which could not have been filled into my mental map with the Underground alone. While the double-deck bus was a bit of a novelty for me, overland travel and foot transport provided the micro-scale of city exploration. Similarly, taking the DLR over the Tube lets the rider see the path of travel and all that is along that path.

A trip highlight for me was the bus loop to Stonehenge, Stourhead, and Salisbury. As most of our time was spent in the urban zoneduring the week, the bus let me see the nature of the highways, the countryside, and many small towns in passing. I spotted many models of cars that the United States does not receive and several supercars on the route. Leaving and exiting the city, I enjoyed spotting the buildings on the route that were too far for me to travel to during the trip, including on of Goldfinger’s brutalist towers. The ride back at night was especially enjoyable, as I listened to some of my favorite music from the UK that I felt would pair well with the night bus – and it did not disappoint. Listening to one album in particular was absolutely perfect with the atmosphere of the location, and this will be something I definitely won’t forget.

Lo-Fi: Apparition of Trellick Tower with Partial Relection Self-Portrait

UK Album Selection