I had the distinct pleasure of being invited to the House of Commons to attend the launch of my aunt's book. She's spent years researching the history of Catholic Goans and essentially mapped out the forces that led to the spread of Goans throughout most of Europe and Africa (and most notably out of Goa). Apparently, one of the MPs is a Goan and a big supporter of her work. To be honest, when I first read the book title (Colonialism, Migration, and the International Catholic Goan Community) I wasn't really drawn in but after hearing the speakers about the book I can't wait to read it. Anyways, enough of a plug, to the House! We've all seen Westminster Palace from the outside (and if you haven't, get over there!) but I gotta tell you, it doesn't really measure up to the feeling you get when you enter the cavernous halls with golden walls and arches (the old school Church kind, not the Mickey D's version) and ancient oil paintings of kings, lords, ladies, and other lesser beings. The entrance hall alone (where they hold State receptions that you see on tv) seems to dwarf the Turbine Hall in the Tate Modern and is infinitely more luxurious. The Jubilee Room (located just up the stairs to the right of the entrance) is suitably decadently decorated (and the free flowing wine helped with that impression). It's fairly small, but you can see it works well as a private reception room or committee meeting room. Every room has two mini tvs (one for the House of Lords and one for the House of Commons) which keeps people apprised of the current happenings in each of the two Houses. We even got a tour up to the House of Commons to see them in session. To be fair, it was late and they were talking about a Finance Bill (which I can't imagine to be that exciting), but given that it's their jobs I expected more than a handful of MPs to be there and those that were there to not be taking a nap. Credit to the lady MP from Kingston upon Hull who kept at her speech regardless but it was a bit of a let down. I would have loved to have been there for PMQs though! Overall, it's a beautiful place and makes me want to be an MP just to go to work there. I'm not one for sightseeing and I've been known to jog through a museum or two, but as far as sights to see goes, this one is a must for London. read more

House of Commons - Public Services & Government Near Me - Westminster, XGL

The home of British democracy! Did you know you can just turn up, for free, and get into the debating chamber? You are behind toughened glass to prevent you throwing flour or anything more dangerous at the UK's elected representatives, but you're still super close to MPs and Ministers. Where else in the world can you get access to such an old and historic building for free, and then get to see real politics in action? read more

Pretty impressive building. It feels like I've been transported to a different era. This is a must-visit at some point.