One guess which I picked.
Like most Americans, I grew up seeing Times Square on New Year's Eve, so it seemed silly not to go to the English equivalent when I live so very close. Under normal circumstances, I could walk to the London Eye in about fifteen minutes. On New Year's, it took a little longer than that because of the crowds of people and police searches involved, but it was totally worth it. We left the dorm about 8:15, got to our spot on Victoria Embankment (between the Embankment and Westminster tube stations, if you're interested - closer to Embankment) around 9:00, and settled in to wait. At first there was a lot of jostling and jockeying for position, but by 10:00 or so things solidified and people were packed in enough there wasn't much moving.
For the most part, the crowd was in really good spirits and very friendly. About four minutes after we arrived on the street, I knew we'd made the right decision to go. We also made friends with a very nice couple from Dorking who (sometimes unknowingly) shared their umbrella with me when it started to rain. We were right in front of a speaker, so we could hear the music and the announcer very well, and that made the whole experience super fun. This video shows something of the size of the crowd and the fun atmosphere, though it can't capture all of it (my favorite part is the end).
I feel like I've seen a lot of fireworks in my life. Even ignoring that I grew up in the Fourth of July City, there have been a number of other memorable displays, like the Minneapolis Aquatennial and several trips to Disney World. Nothing, and I mean NOTHING, compares to what I saw in London on New Year's Eve. It was so well-conceived, well-coordinated, and overwhelming that I found myself with my jaw literally dropped several times.
This spectacular display was truly an amazing way to usher in the year where London will host the 2012 Olympics and the Queen will celebrate her Diamond Jubilee. I'll be honest, I was speechless for a bit following the fireworks, but only for a bit. Shortly after the fireworks ended, "Auld Lang Syne" began playing on the loudspeakers and the crowd joined hands and sang along - and people here know the words. While I love the tremendous spectacle of fireworks, this lovely moment of crowd unity was my favorite, and I obviously joined in the singing. When the song finished and the crowds started to move, the announcer came on once again to urge our patience and cooperation while leaving the area. In his words, "Start the new year by making a friend; shake a stranger's hand. Be polite and orderly. You're in the UK after all." I just love that.
If you have the time, the BBC's broadcast of the fireworks is here (for the next few days, then the link will expire). This video is eighteen minutes long and captures the fireworks as well as a tv broadcast can do. A shorter version of the fireworks is here; it gives an idea of the size and scope of the display, but it doesn't capture the timing or experience quite as well. At one point, I was sure the London Eye had exploded. I bet you'll see why.
