Alex Wu, G8, 吴萌

During the holiday, I traveled to the U.K. for just five days — not enough to fully grasp British culture, but the trip left a lasting impression. As the saying goes, seeing for yourself beats reading a thousand books, and I learned a great deal in those short days.

On arrival, I saw thick clouds covering the land from the plane window. I’d always wondered why Britain gets so little sun—now I know: the clouds are too dense. The sun shines above them but simply cannot reach the ground.

This was my first real trip abroad without a tour group or teachers. It was just my father and me, so all the talking fell on me. At customs, the officer asked the purpose of our visit. I stammered that we were there for sightseeing and said we’d stay in hotels. I was nervous and spoke awkwardly.

But the officer was kind and patient. His warm smile eased my anxiety, and he let us through with a “pleasant journey.” That smile marked the perfect start to my adventure.

I finally saw Big Ben — a landmark I’d dreamed of since primary school. Standing beneath it, I felt its magnificence. The chime was lovely, but I noticed it sounded quiet directly below, yet I could hear it clearly far away. I used to think louder sounds traveled farther, so this puzzled me. Later I learned that low‑frequency sounds carry over longer distances—a fact I picked up on this trip.

At Buckingham Palace, I watched the Changing of the Guard. The soldiers marched solemnly in red coats and tall bearskin hats, their distinctive attire leaving a strong impression.

At night, my father and I strolled through London. Even at 11 p.m., the streets were lively. Unlike in America, I felt safe throughout — nothing unpleasant happened. We walked along the river, enjoying the mix of old and new buildings, and even tried a local pub.

Though Britain may not be as prosperous as before, it left me unforgettable memories. Ancient buildings are everywhere, beautifully preserved alongside modern ones. I fell in love with this city, where culture and contemporary life coexist. I highly recommend visiting — you’re sure to have a unique experience.