There is an old phrase that the sun never sets on Great Britain. Of course, this is no longer true, but somehow, the sentiment has remained with me over the years. I was fortunate enough to attend the wedding of my best friend in the Cotswolds and stroll around London, and had such a pleasant time exploring that I felt compelled to share my experiences.
Firstly, I immediately noticed that people in England are extremely polite. I truly appreciate this, and it makes the experience that much better for it. Secondly, the rolling hills and seemingly endless farmland in the Cotswolds were a wonder to behold, and I felt at peace nearly immediately. There is such a charm to the area, where history is proudly preserved, and the sense of community lives on. People make efforts to remember those who came before them, and to protect it for future generations. Traditions, it seems, hold great weight in English culture.
Vast churches that have stood for centuries are scattered across the landscape, and are truly a stunning addition to the quaint villages they call home. Coming from a country with a recorded history that is miniscule by comparison, it is a source of inspiration to ponder just how many people it took to build and maintain it all.
Attending a typical English wedding was another joyous occasion, and I appreciated that it was focused on the ceremony in the church, and the efforts extended by the bride and groom. This is in stark contrast to the many commercialized weddings in the US that I have attended, which seem to be more intent on consuming large amounts of money and resources rather than the celebration of the couple. Setup was done almost exclusively by the bride, groom, and wedding party, and taking part in it was an honor, and made it feel as though we were all supporting the soon-to-be-weds collectively.
London was equally gorgeous and intriguing, and I was fortunate enough to have nearly 10 days of consecutive sunshine, a streak that is nearly unheard of in England. I was taken in by the architecture, and the devotion to maintaining greenery by way of sprawling parks. Visiting historic monuments, like Big Ben and the Tower of London (among others), added gravity to the city, and I learned quite a bit about its history. My family accompanied me as well, which made the experience that much more special.
All in all, it was a well-rounded trip, and I am certain that I will return again soon to explore the places I have yet to reach. Until then, cheers!
