Between modern architecture and historic edifices
Landmarks like The Gherkin and The Shard rise majestically before our eyes. Their modern architecture forms a stark contrast to the historic buildings to left and right. ‘If you’d like to come with me now, I’m going to show you London from on high,’ beckons David. Soon we alight on the 32nd floor of the Shard. From the Aqua Bar at this level, a spectacular view of the city spreads out beneath us. Brandishing a newspaper, our guide points to a building. ‘Over there, on the far side of the Thames, you can see St. Paul’s Cathedral and, a little way to the right, the Tower of London. Take time tomorrow to visit the exhibition of the Crown Jewels. You simply must see them!’ Neatly, he changes the subject from Queen Elizabeth II to King Roger. ‘I suggest the next thing we visit is the hallowed lawn of Wimbledon, where our Brand Ambassador has triumphed eight times to date. What do you think?’ – Love to!
The legendary Underground whisks us off to Wimbledon. En route, we learn that the London subway is the world’s oldest, at 156 years, and the longest such network in Europe. A good fifty minutes later, we find ourselves in front of the All-England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, which hosts the world’s oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament every year.
An awed silence, which can only be likened to a church, prevails on Centre Court. ‘Allow me to present: Roger Federer’s living room,’ whispers David. We pause, fascinated. In our mind’s eye, we run action replays of a few of the maestro’s most thrilling volleys. No-one who has ever admired the lush green of this carefully tended grass will ever feel smug again about the lawn back home. A visit to the Tennis Museum is an absolute must for all friends of this elegant sport.