Ah London! The cultural and financial centre of England. The term “country bumpkin” could not have been more of an appropriate phrase for what I felt as I gazed at the awe-inspiring buildings of Canary Wharf. However, exciting as the bustle of London was, it also had its drawbacks.
Our first port of call, (after a rather long rail experience), was Stratford, home of the Olympic Park and the Westfield Centre, which did not disappoint. A massive shopping centre, seemingly the size of a small village, contained everything you could ever want.
But, a few metres down the road, was a different story. The Athletes’ Village was empty of life, despite promises of affordable housing made during its building. Opposite, across the divide of the train line, was New Town. Socially and economically deprived, it was plain to see that the sports led regeneration project had failed for the residents of New Town.
Although on first sight of Stratford it appeared that the regeneration project had worked, it was obvious that parts of the area had become deprived of the spirit that swept the country during the Olympic Games of 2012; the empty buildings of the Athletes’ Village a sad reminder of what could have been.
Our visit to Canary Wharf was brief, but the impression upon us was lasting. The regeneration of the London Docklands was a risk, but it was worth it as it has boosted London into its role as a World City. The first thing we noticed was the over-ground rail and the four runners, enterprisingly using their lunch break to keep healthy. As geography students, we thought Canary Wharf was an example of what a sustainable city should look like; clean, efficient, thriving and easy to access.
From a vision of the future our next stop was ‘Winter Wonderland’ at Hyde Park. A great example of London’s more vibrant and colourful culture in a beautiful parkland setting but with rides at £8.00 plus, it certainly wasn’t marketed to those with a budget. However, we could not help but notice how the beauty of the park was highlighted by the setting sun; a circle of calm amid the chaos of London.
We came into school at six forty five
On a trip to London and learning to thrive
Up to Queen Liz’s Park to learn about change
Environmental and social- and why the locals complain
How it's changed over time and what has been done
From footie and flowers, space for people to run
We learnt about facts and admired the place
Then off to Canary Wharf, we weren't in ‘Chase’
Faced by businessmen going out for their lunch
Phone in hand, too busy to munch
We learnt that work came first and play came later
And how change had made this business hub greater
Next stop came, a visit to Hyde Park
A vast open space which is used in the dark
A festive visit to Winter Wonderland
To see how the park has transformed to be grand
So we came back to school with new facts to share
About rejuvenation and business and the fun of the fair!
Owned by: LDN | Last Published: 30/01/2017 08:36:02 | Next Update: N/A
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