London, part 3

Big Ben

The clock tower at the Houses of Parliament - referred to as "Big Ben" from this point on, even though that's technically the name of the bell, not the tower - is an incredibly impressive site. The stonework, the vertical lines, even the honey-brown color all combine to give a sense of overwhelming magnificence as it towers over you.

Imposing

It is hard not to look up whenever you are in the neighborhood. It dominates everything around it, beneath it, below it - yet it is only a part of an even more magnificent structure: the Houses of Parliament.

Big Ben through the trees

Majestic and imposing as it is, at the same time it is approachable, viewable, a part of its neighborhood. Unlike the skyscrapers of New York City, Big Ben presents itself to be viewed. Look up from near the bottom of the Empire State Building and you will see nothing but the face of an enormous building. Look up at Big Ben and you'll know what time it is.

Parliament

But don't spend all of your time looking up. Big Ben is just one part of the Houses of Parliament, which are truly incredible - these pictures do not do the building justice. Up close it does not feel like a building but more like a stratified geological formation, with great stalactites reaching up into the sky and the weight of ages presenting itself to the passersby. And at he same time it also feels like some massive organic entity, some alien creature that has beached itself in London, its bones jutting out of its rocky skin as it hovers between life and death.

Parliament across the Thames

It's a building I've seen a thousand times in pictures. I grew up watching British programs on TV - Doctor Who, Monty Python's Flying Circus, The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy, and dozens of BBC documentaries. A photo of Parliament across the Thames was the logo of Thames Productions and it appeared at the end of their programs. Yet none of that prepared me for the feeling of awe I felt when I was near the building itself.

Parliament and Westminster Bridge

Hell, I've been to New York City a bunch of times, and Philadelphia a few, and Los Angeles once, and Washington D.C. more time than I can recall. I'm not one to be overly impressed with mammoth architecture. But something about the Houses of Parliament struck a nerve. I was impressed.

Postcard shot

Of course, Big Ben and Parliament are not the only sights to see in London. I managed to get a few shots that didn't focus primarily on them. But those will have to wait until my next installment!