Having a long free weekend is a blessing in London, especially if the skies are not a dreary grey and there is a hint of sun. Autumn welcomes you in every corner and during this time of the year, the festive spirit just about starts creeping in.
The day starts with a visit to Little Venice, where the treetops are showing off their fiery autumnal hues.True to its name, this charming little piece of London is a quiet neighbourhood that mimics Venice. Bookstores and coffee shops on the boats floating along the canal is a perfect spot to spend a blissful and lazy morning when the sun is out.A far cry from the City, this place feels a tad bit more European than British with the church steeples and fairy-tale bridges.After spending a quiet time at Little Venice, I head over to Trafalgar Square, which is still to come to life.Towards the left stands the Admiralty Arch – which leads to The Mall and eventually to the Buckingham Palace.After a long walk along the heavily wooded park, the Palace comes into view.Victoria Memorial that marks the end of The Mall and stands at the entrance of the Palace gates.After a recorded tour of the inside of the Palace, which by the way is spectacular, I land on the outside lawns behind the structure.Just before the exit, this quiet little spot towards the right catches my attention and the tranquillity involuntarily pulls me towards it. I break away from the exiting crowds and sneak in for a quick snapshot.The day ends with a meet up with friends at Victoria Park to witness the fireworks for Guy Fawkes Night.Also known as Bonfire Night, I somehow could not stop myself from drawing similarities to my own traditional festival of Diwali, which is celebrated around the same time.
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