Chapter 79 - AN OUTING WITH BIG BROTHER YUAN
The next day, Han Luo and Mo Yuan went out to Central London, after Han Sheng Ming and Tang Yujin had left. At first, they visited Tower Bridge. It is a relatively old bridge as it was built between 1886 and 1894. It crosses the River Thames – close to the Tower of London – and has become London's symbol. People do often mistake Tower Bridge for London Bridge.
"It's brilliant!" Han Luo gazed at the landmark with her bright eyes, from the left of the bridge. It was a sunny day, and the chilly breeze from the Thames swept her bangs to her eyes multiple times, which she got annoyed by.
The bridge consists of two towers linked together at the upper level by two horizontal walkways. It was designed to survive the forces imposed by the suspended sections of the bridge. The vertical parts of the forces in the suspended sections are carried by the two robust towers. At the base of each tower, there is operating machinery to open and close the bridge for any ships. Luckily for travelers, the bridge deck can be accessed by both vehicles and pedestrians, though it is often crowded because many people stop to take photos there. The bridge's twin towers also have high-level walkways and Victorian engine rooms, which are a part of the Tower Bridge Exhibition. To enter, there is an admission charge.
Mo Yuan took Han Luo to the exhibition center. They ascended to level 4 by lift before crossing the high-level walkway to the southern tower. In the towers and the walkways, there is an exhibition on the history of the bridge. The walkways – which have a glass-floored section – also provide views over the city, the Tower of London, and the Pool of London. The exhibition center uses films, photos and interactive displays to explain why and how Tower Bridge was built. There is even a display of the original steam engines that once powered the bridge bascules, housed in a building close to the south end of the bridge.
Han Luo tugged Mo Yuan's sleeve while excitedly asking, "Big brother Yuan, can you take me on a boat ride? I want to see the whole Thames!"
Mo Yuan couldn't help but smile. "Sure, next time we will do that."
Next, Mo Yuan took her to the Tower of London. The Tower of London, officially Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress of the Tower of London, is a historic castle on the north bank of the River Thames. It is a complex of several buildings set within two concentric rings of defensive walls and a moat. It was built in 1078 by William the Conqueror, during the Norman Conquest, and used to serve as a symbol of oppression. It even acted as a prison for princes in the late 15th century. In World War I and II, the tower once again was used for its old purposes where 12 men were executed for espionage. But now, it is a famous landmark which retells the history of England.
Mo Yuan had already read about the Tower's history before coming here, and because of that, he could tell Han Luo the whole story. Han Luo was interested in the history of England, as it was the only country that ruled all over the world. She wanted to know more about England and admired Mo Yuan for knowing so much. "Big brother Yuan, you are so cool! You know a lot!"
Mo Yuan unintentionally smirked. He could feel how Tang Yujin felt when he was praised by her. But recalling last night's events, when Han Luo told Tang Yujin that he was the best, Mo Yuan's mood became sour again.
Han Luo suddenly said, "Big brother Yuan, I'm hungry." They were so busy looking around that they almost forgot that they were hungry. Only after coming out of the Tower of London, the girl realized that her stomach was empty.
"Let's go to a restaurant." Mo Yuan took her hand and pulled her to the nearest restaurant. He felt bad that he didn't notice her hunger before she said. He felt a wave of spite towards himself as he failed to notice such an important thing. And he was supposed to be her big brother. If Tang Yujin were present, he would have definitely noticed. No wonder she called him the best. Thinking about it made his heart tug even more.
Han Luo didn't notice his abnormality. She ordered a few dishes and looked at the digital camera she brought with her. She took some photos of the places they visited, and Mo Yuan took some pictures of her. She smiled happily as she saw the pictures Mo Yuan captured; his photography skill was much better than Han Sheng Ming's.
He then took Han Luo to St. Paul's Cathedral, an Anglican cathedral in London which serves as the mother church of the Diocese of London. It sits on Ludgate Hill at the highest point of the City of London and is most noticeable by its huge dome. Just how the whole outside is covered in white, the inside too is all angelically white and embroidered with gold.
"This place is huge," Han Luo commented, "and so majestic!"
"It has to be," Mo Yuan replied.
"I heard it's famous for its dome." Han Luo stood under the dome and looked up. She could see the frescoes decorating the dome and admired how realistic they looked.
Mo Yuan explained, "This cathedral is one of the most famous and most recognizable sights of London. Its dome has dominated the skyline for over 300 years. It is 111 meters high, so from 1710 to 1963 it was the tallest building in London, but its dome still remains among the highest in the world. Also, Prince Charles and Princess Diana got married here."
Han Luo grinned at the boy's deep knowledge, but her drive to discover lived on. "Big brother, take me to the British Museum. You promised me!" Han Luo requested by grabbing onto his sleeve. When she was small, she had the habit of tugging his sleeve to ask for something. Six years later, her habit didn't change.
Mo Yuan looked at his watch and said, "To visit the British Museum, it's a 30-minute walk – if we're fast. Plus, we need a full day to look around it. Since it's getting late, why don't we just walk around the city?"
"It's only six o'clock! Why don't we go to a park?" Han Luo didn't want to go home right away. She squinted her eyes as her hair fell on her face.
"Aren't you tired?" Mo Yuan reached out, moved her bangs away from her eyes and placed a few strands behind her ear.
"I'm with you. How can I get tired? I can walk with you like this all day." Han Luo took his right hand in hers and squeezed it. She smiled brightly at him.
Mo Yuan felt as though his heart was squeezed by her soft hand. He subconsciously held his breath in and cherished her radiant smile.. With his free hand, he pinched her right cheek. "Are you deliberately trying to please me? Where did you learn to say such sweet words?"