At the Prime Meridian

While visiting London in June of 2013, I decided to cross the river in order to visit the land of the Prime Meridian, Greenwich, England. As you know, the time zones of the world are set by Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) (Greenwich was chosen as Prime Meridian of the World officially in 1884). 

At the time this location was chosen, London was a busy and accomplished city—to see the stars one must go across the River Thames to Greenwich, where the Royal Observatory was built. When boats set out on their journeys, they set their clocks by Greenwich Mean Time.

After a long day at the Natural History Museum near Kensington Gardens, I headed toward Greenwich. You can arrive in Greenwich by train or ferry—I chose the train, and then ran the rest of the way to the museum, just for fun. Running is not required, the train station is an easy walk away. While the museum was closed when I arrive, I still enjoyed my trip. 

Here I am by the Prime Meridian

 Greenwich Park is a beautiful open green space, peaceful and enjoyable after the busy streets of London.

If you are in London, it is easy to miss Greenwich with all of the other museums and day trips available (like Cambridge, Oxford, Bath, etc.), but take my word for it, it is worth the trek, even for a short visit.