A Long Walk in Westminster

Whitehall Street. Photo by the author

Last Sunday I took a long walk in one of the most famous historical parts of London, Westminster. I was particularly interested in how the heart of British democracy – its Parliament – lives today. Has its rhythm changed, as has the rhythm of London’s streets revived after the pandemic? Is Big Ben, back telling the time after a long restoration, really beautiful? (Spoiler: yes). For someone who has spent almost a year away from London, these are far from idle questions.

Piccadilly Circus. Photo by the author

As usual my walk began in Piccadilly Circus, a true icon of London. After reaching Waterloo Place, with its beautiful architecture and monuments, I couldn’t help but stop by the Crimean War Memorial.

The Crimean War Memorial. Photo by the author

The parallels between the Crimean War and the current war in Ukraine are obvious to every careful observer. Today Britain pursues a similar policy compared to the war events of 170 years ago. In 1854, a direct military confrontation between Russia and the leading world powers revealed the complete unpreparedness of the Russian military, diplomacy and political system for war…