~England~

One of the most astounding features this country possesses is numerous castles. Buckingham Palace, one of the world’s most famous castles, is located in London, and is one of the present homes of Queen Elizabeth II. It is enormous with it’s 600 rooms, but only 12 of them are used by those that occupy the grand palace.

Every day at 11:30 a.m. in the summer, and every other day in the winter, the Changing of the Guard takes place at Buckingham Palace, as one of the famous ceremonies performed here.

Big Ben, the large clock tower that over looks London, is another of London’s many splendors. It is the largest bell(13.5 tons) inside the Clock Tower(320 ft.) which forms the Houses of Parliament. The clock's four dials each have a diameter of 23 ft, the minute hands are 14 ft long and the numerals on each face are nearly 2 feet high.

Among some of the other amazing sights in London are the Crown Jewels, which are used for the coronations among other things; Westminster Abby; and the simple but beautiful green hills of the country side. Another one of England’s many attractions to tourists is it’s royal family. Even though the Queen has no governing power she is still a figure head, and part of what gives England her grandness.

Besides, being country filled magic, splendor, country gardens, and teas, it is truly a beautiful land. A land tucked away on the North East corner of the Atlantic. Where in the summer posies bloom and everything is green, and in the winter it remains cold and still. Where rain splashes the roof tops and castles tower over the hillsides. It’s a place where the legend of Robin Hood lives on, and where Medieval times are not completely forgotten.

There are famous old colleges that only admit the very best. From Cambridge, to Oxford, and many others that would take too long to mention. The old stone gates and streets that surround them remind you of the time they were built many years ago.