5/5 Salty Light M. 2 months ago on Google New
Ah,
Trafalgar
Square,
where
the
lions
sit
stoically
beneath
Nelson's
Column,
like
guardians
of
British
stoicism,
or
perhaps
just
grumpy
old
cats
in
need
of
a
nap.
I
approached
these
majestic
feline
sentinels
with
the
enthusiasm
of
a
kid
in
a
candy
store,
ready
to
unleash
my
inner
lion-tamer
and
mount
one
for
a
regal
photo
op.
But
lo
and
behold,
a
sign
caught
my
eye
–
a
picture
warning
tourists
not
to
turn
these
kings
of
the
concrete
jungle
into
unwitting
steeds.
I
couldn't
help
but
chuckle
at
the
sheer
brilliance
of
this
public
service
announcement.
It's
like
the
city
of
London
preemptively
knew
that
some
overzealous
tourists
might
mistake
these
stone
sculptures
for
the
latest
thrill
ride
at
the
amusement
park.
Perhaps
they
imagined
an
influx
of
selfie-snapping
daredevils,
perched
precariously
on
the
backs
of
these
leonine
works
of
art,
striking
poses
that
scream,
"I
conquered
Trafalgar
Square,
one
lion
at
a
time."
As
I
stood
there,
contemplating
the
missed
opportunity
for
an
epic
Instagram
post,
I
couldn't
help
but
appreciate
the
strategic
placement
of
this
sign
–
a
gentle
reminder
that,
despite
the
temptation,
these
lions
are
not
your
average
jungle
gym.
It's
a
testament
to
the
fact
that
even
the
most
cultured
of
travelers
can
sometimes
succumb
to
the
siren
call
of
a
cheeky
photo
op.
In
the
spirit
of
rebellion,
I
briefly
entertained
the
idea
of
defying
the
sign,
tossing
caution
to
the
wind,
and
channeling
my
inner
stuntman
atop
the
unsuspecting
lion.
But
then
reason
prevailed,
and
I
thought,
"Ah,
Anthony,
mate,
you've
seen
one
too
many
action
movies."
Instead,
I
settled
for
a
more
dignified
selfie
beside
the
lions,
honoring
the
unspoken
agreement
between
man
and
sculpture
–
no
horsing
around
on
the
wildlife,
even
if
it's
made
of
stone.
So,
to
the
brilliant
minds
behind
the
warning
sign
at
Trafalgar
Square,
I
tip
my
imaginary
hat.
You've
managed
to
preserve
the
dignity
of
both
lions
and
tourists,
ensuring
that
our
conquests
in
London
remain
firmly
grounded
in
respect,
with
just
a
dash
of
humor
on
the
side.
After
all,
nothing
says
"I
came,
I
saw,
I
didn't
mount
the
lion"
quite
like
a
well-placed
sign.
Cheers
to
you,
London,
for
keeping
us
in
check
–
one
lion
at
a
time.