A few weeks ago we had the opportunity to compare how London uses different spaces. Through the visit to the various Olympic sites we learned about the changing infrastructure and the lasting legacies. Furthermore, I was able to see how a simple event, like a festival impacts a community. In addition to the tour of the Olympic site we toured the south banks (photos coming soon) and learned the history behind them dating all they way back the early 1100's. It was also evident that there were still some historical remnants or artefacts. (they spell it with an "e" here...)
The first thing that I noticed on each of our tours, as well as in London in general, is how clean and welcoming the city is. At first I was skeptical that it was only so warm and inviting to make it more appealing for the Olympics so that people are more encouraged to spend their money. One might argue that the beautification of London is also a way to make it more walk-able and engaging. Furthermore, it encourages people to go out and be active in the community. In a reading by Gavin Poynter, we learned that some might argue that Olympic Games does not always have positive legacies as some of the "reshaping" of London. For example, many people are displaced from their homes in order for various things to be built; like the orbit and the court. Middleton on the other hand would argue that having the Olympics in London is not that bad for the environment as there are some beautification policies which better the environment. A few simple examples are the cleaning the Thames and Trafalgar Square. On the tour we learned that Trafalgar square was once a place heavily populated and habited by pigeons but is now a major tourist attraction with a beautiful fountain and many monuments, some of which are not fixed but rotating.
In addition, I learned that these events and festivals not only make the city more attractive but also celebrate historical aspects of London. One aspect of London, which I have grown to appreciate, is how much London cares about the preservation of their history. On the tour of the south banks we not only saw what was "left" of the original Shakespeare's Globe but also learned about the rose garden, which was preserved, and the fight and protest that took place for the cause. However, even though some things are built on top of these locations, the memories are never forgotten. For example, while Borough's market has been updated that location has always served as a market. Essentially London is big on traditions and rituals. While some traditions, like the use of brothels, are no longer active today, the stories are still shared and never forgotten.
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| Ikea's rendition of the "Olympic Torch" |
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| Olympic Stadium & The Orbit "The Thingy" (red) |
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| Cup cake shop in the big mall by the olympic site |
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| Trafalgar Square |
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| Statue that rotates. Is adjacent to another figure on a horse. Almost shows how the boy on the rocking horse will one day grow to fill a greater role. |
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| As many of you know, I hate looking like a tourist. You will never catch me asking for directions or pulling out a big map... I decided to give in that day... Doesn't get anymore touristy than this! |
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| Aniela looking like a tourist as well... |
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| Same for Lorraine and Grace. |
