Aarohi's Blog

Over the summer I took part in the  John Locke Global Essay competition  for the Junior division. The topic I had chosen was: "Your citizenship at birth was chosen for you. Which citizenship would you have chosen?" This essay had a total of 63,328 participants in the whole contest including the junior division.  In August I was notified that I was shortlisted in the Junior division, and today I received the official certificate and with it I was awarded the title of "Very High Commendation". This title is awarded to the top 1% in each division which is equivalent to the top 10 excluding the three winners.  It was a valuable experience. The research and writing took about 2 months total. Below is my essay.

  Today was a true highlight of our trip—packed with some of Paris’s most iconic landmarks and ending with a magical evening on the Seine.  We began the day at the Place de la Concorde, where centuries of history echo through its wide-open square and grand fountains. From there, we made our way along the Champs-Élysées, the famed avenue lined with shops, cafés, and elegant buildings. Walking this stretch felt like stepping into a living postcard, with the Arc de Triomphe rising proudly at the far end. Standing beneath it and looking out at the radiating avenues, it was easy to understand why it's one of the city's most treasured monuments. Our next stop was the Eiffel Tower, and no matter how many times you’ve seen it in pictures, nothing quite compares to seeing it up close. Its sheer scale and intricate design are breathtaking. We spent some time here soaking it in, snapping photos, and simply enjoying the lively atmosphere of the surrounding park.In the afternoon, we visite...

The morning began with a peaceful one-hour bus ride to Versailles, offering a calm break from the energy of Paris. As we pulled into the town, the grandeur of the palace came into view—its golden gates and vast courtyard already buzzing with visitors. We joined a guided tour that took us through the ornate halls and royal chambers, each room more elaborate than the last. The Hall of Mirrors was especially breathtaking, with its glittering chandeliers and endless reflections capturing the full weight of the palace’s history.After the tour, we made our way out into the gardens, which were just as impressive as the palace itself. Perfectly manicured hedges, grand fountains, and long, tree-lined paths stretched out in every direction. We wandered slowly, taking in the fresh air and the beauty of the layout. As we reached one of the outer paths, we caught an unexpected bonus: a section of the Tour de France passing nearby. Crowds gathered along the barriers, cheering as the cyclists raced p...

  The day began in the pitch-black stillness of 4 a.m., when most of the world was still fast asleep. We groggily gathered our bags, checked we hadn’t left anything behind, and made our way out into the quiet streets. At the station, the atmosphere shifted. Our train to Paris departed at 7:30, and as soon as we settled into our seats, we could finally relax.  Somewhere under the Channel, we crossed from one country to another,and Paris was ahead of us. We arrived at 10 a.m., stepping off the train into the busy, vibrant energy of the city. There’s something about Paris that feels instantly different—the smell of fresh pastries drifting from cafés, the sound of rapid French conversations, and the mix of elegance and history in the architecture all around. Without wasting any time, we headed to our main destination for the day: the Louvre.We wandered through rooms lined with marble statues, delicate ceramics, and centuries-old tapestries. Seeing the Mona Lisa in person was surre...

 We got an early start today and headed straight to the British Museum . Being some of the first people there made the experience feel extra special—it was quiet, calm, and easy to take everything in. The museum itself was huge, and every room seemed to have something completely different and fascinating. We saw the Rosetta Stone (which was somehow even cooler in person), ancient mummies, and all kinds of treasures from around the world. You could honestly spend days there, but we tried to soak in as much as we could before our stomachs reminded us it was time for food. For lunch, we made our way to Borough Market , which was buzzing with life. The smells coming from all the food stalls were amazing, and there was so much to choose from that it took a while to decide. One thing we all agreed on, though: the chocolate-covered strawberries were the highlight. Perfectly ripe, dipped in rich chocolate—absolute heaven. We found a spot to sit, snack, and people-watch for a bit, which wa...

 Our day in London began with a guided tour through some of the city's most iconic landmarks. We started at Big Ben , its towering clock face gleaming in the morning light. The sound of its chimes echoed across Westminster, marking the start of our exploration. Adjacent to it, the Houses of Parliament stretched out with an air of grandeur and importance. Our guide painted vivid pictures of the political decisions and historical debates that had taken place within those walls. From there, we walked to Westminster Abbey, a structure that seemed to hum with centuries of history. Inside, we were awed by the sheer scale of the vaulted ceilings and the intricate carvings that adorned every corner. We paused often, reading the inscriptions of monarchs and poets who had found their final resting place here.  Continuing our tour, we made our way to  St. Paul’s Cathedral . As we approached, the dome loomed large over the skyline, a symbol of resilience and faith. Inside, the cathed...