An adventure to Greenwich on the Thames

On a certain day last fall I embarked on yet another an unforgettable adventure; a boat cruise along the River Thames to Greenwich. 
As the boat gently pulled away I felt a sense of excitement. Knowing oh-so-well I was about to see London from a completely new perspective I trembled on the deck.
There are a lot of different companies out there and many operators offer hop-on, hop-off services or guided commentary cruises. The cruises usually take about an hour. I know there is a lot to take in but believe me that time does fly by on board!

Almost immediately, the towering London Eye came into view. Seeing it up close from the water made me appreciate just how ginormous it truly is. It was the perfect symbol to start the journey. It has served as a reminder of the modern vibrancy of the city. Did you know it’s Europe’s tallest cantilevered observation wheel? Neither have I!
The Southbank was alive with energy as we swayed past. The National Theatre and the Royal Festival Hall stood out along the city skyline, but what really caught my attention was the buzz of people. From street performers to visitors and locals alike, they all created an electric atmosphere. I almost wanted to jump out of the boat and join them on their daily tasks. This area is a cultural hotspot, and it is easy to see why.

Further along the river, the dome of St. Paul’s Cathedral appeared in the distance. Even from the boat, the structural beauty of Sir Christopher Wren’s masterpiece was astonishing. The cathedral’s history and role in London’s resilience during WWII made me admire it even more. For now, I was happy to admire it forma far but I have made a mental note to visit it soon. You might be able to ready my experiences of it in the future! Passing the Tate Modern, I was thinking of all the contemporary art housed within. The building itself was a former power station. The Millennium Bridge stretched gracefully across the water, linking the old and the new. A pedestrian connection between the historic St. Paul’s and the modern Bankside. It’s known locally as the "wobbly bridge," though it no longer wobbles thanks to engineering fixes. Otherwise I would not dare to cross it!The Tower of London was one of my favorite parts of the cruise. With ancient walls stretching back in history. It stood as a stark contrast to the modernity found around it. It made me remind of my time when i was seeing the Crown Jewels housed here for the first time in my life. The memory of it all and The Tower Bridge with its iconic twin towers and raised drawbridge, was simply stunning! I couldn’t resist taking photo after photo. All of them was blurry because my hands were shaking, so I might have to reexperience the whole cruise sometime next year! If you would not know, it is not just any ordinary bridge but a working bridge that lifts for passing ships!
As we continued downriver, the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf came into view. Their glassy exterior reflecting the sunlight, made me realize how this area has transformed into a busy financial hub. It’s a wildly different to the historical landmarks we had just passed.

And before I knew it, we had arrived in Greenwich sadly but the sense of history here was noticeable. The first thing I visited was the Cutty Sark, a magnificent tea clipper that seemed frozen in time. I was ready to set sail standing beneath the masts! I imagined what it must have been like to journey the seas inside the ship in its glory days. Believe me or not it was once the fastest of its kind! Then I headed to the Royal Observatory. Walking up the hill was well worth it for the view alone. London stretched out before me, with the Thames snaking through. Standing on the Prime Meridian felt surreal, as though I was standing at a place so mystical, almost out of this world. It is the spot where eastern and western hemipsheres divide. I also explored the National Maritime Museum while I was at it. Which was filled with fascinating exhibits on Britain’s naval history. One exhibit on Admiral Nelson’s life was particularly moving. Then, I wandered through the Old Royal Naval College and spent some time looking at the Painted Hall. The artwork on the ceiling was gorgeous and is often called "the Sistine Chapel of the UK."

To end the day, I strolled through Greenwich Market. The stalls were packed with handmade crafts, antiques. The smell of delicious street food… I picked up a few trinkets and enjoyed a hot meal while soaking in the lively atmosphere. It’s the perfect place for a unique souvenir or a tasty treat. As I boarded the return boat, I reflected on what a perfect day it had been. The cruise itself served as a serene escape from the city’s hustle. Greenwich had charmed me with its mix of history and culture. With attractions like the Cutty Sark and Royal Observatory and the picturesque market. It is hard to pick a favorite part of the day. It was a day filled with discovery, beauty, and unforgettable moments. I just can not get enough of it so I will definitely be back again once more!