United Kingdom: Elyx takes a look at the UN over 70 years

After a very satisfying full English breakfast, Elyx goes underground to take the tube like millions of Londoners. Taking the #London tube during rush hour is quite a human experience. Elyx instantly feels the energy of London.

A few of our colleagues are present in London, such as UNHCR and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) headquarters.

First stop - Leicester Square (© Photo by Fabienne Jung) 

Elyx takes the tube from elegant Leicester Square to the other side of the Thames to visit the IMO headquarters, a UN family agency ensuring that everyone can rely on safe, secure and environmentally friendly shipping.

Elyx is thrilled by the size of the ship outside IMO headquarters. (© Photo by IMO HQ)  

Elyx is well aware of the historical significance of the next stop, Central Hall Westminster, which hosted the first meeting of the United Nations General Assembly in 1946. But Elyx didn’t know that in return for the use of the hall, the UN General Assembly voted to fund the repainting of the walls of the church in a light blue – the paint that is still on the walls.

On Tuesday, to celebrate our organisation’s 70^th anniversary #UN70, a very special exhibition opened in Central Hall Westminster called UNEARTH. Some of the rarely seen treasures of photographs, campaign posters and film on display have been created by iconic artists such as Victor Vasarely, Robert Rauschenberg, Joan Miró, Jean-Micheal Folon, Hans Erni, Marc Chagall and Keith Haring.

The exhibition is open to the general public from 13^th October until 11^th December.

Elyx admires this striking photo of a member of the UN Protection Force with a Croatian child on his arm. (© Photo by UNRIC Brussels/Linda Okpala)

It is time for the digital ambassador to revel in some of the incredible world famous London landmarks. Elyx begins in Covent Garden, which attracts millions of people each year, to watch a talented street performance artist.

Elyx watches a great live performance in Covent Garden. (© Photo by Fabienne Jung)  

As a highlight to the end of a day filled with overwhelming new impressions, Elyx visits the well-known Tower Bridge, as it has become a symbol of the City of London. Elyx learns that the bridge has been painted in several colors since it was first opened in 1894. A few steps down the road, Elyx is in front of the Tower of London, a very old castle on the river Thames home to the Crown Jewels of England.

Elyx thinks about the role the Tower of London has played in history. (© Photo by Katia Bojinova) 

Elyx is exhausted after a fun day in busy, vibrant London and is looking forward to seeing some of the other beautiful sites the UK has to offer.

More Photos of Elyx in the United Kingdom (Full Flickr Gallery)