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15.06.2023
Karli goes London
From legendary landmarks, to historical buildings, through to the well-known telephone boxes: There is all sorts to discover in London. That is exactly what the CHIO Aachen mascot Karli thought too, so he decided to pay the traditional metropolis of this year’s partner country a visit.
Beginning at Trafalgar Square, the grandiose boulevard The Mall leads right up to Buckingham Palace. Whether Karli really did march along the whole promenade up to the official residence of the British monarch or waved one of the traditional Black Cabs over, remains to be his secret.
Okay, the cabins of the London Eye were a bit too small for Karli, but the view from the 135-metre high attraction is indeed spectacular. Which is no surprise, after all it is the biggest Ferris wheel in Europe.
Two curiosities in one scene: While Karli tries to see whether the characteristically bright-red telephone box still works in today’s smartphone era, another famous landmark stretches up to the skies behind him: Big Ben. The name of the 96.3-metre high clock tower that was built in the year 1859 has actually been Elizabeth Tower since 2012.
The probably most legendary zebra crossing in the world is found on London’s Abbey Road. It has been a tourist attraction ever since the Beatles released an album bearing the same name. Fans from all over the globe pilgrim to the street to imitate the famous cover – so of course Karli couldn’t resist strolling across this historical site.
Dating back over 160 years, the London Underground is the oldest subway in the world. The red and blue signs of the Tube are an integral part of the cityscape. Yet, it is not merely worth taking a look at, it is indeed a superlative means of transport: The underground network that spans 402 kilometres conveys up to 3.4 million passengers a day – and Karli was one of them.
Gentlemen, it is an honour: Karli in between two soldiers of the traditional Household Cavalry. There is going to be a reunion with the guards of the Royal Family, which is made up of the two highest-ranking regiments of the British Army, the Life Guards and the Blues & Royals, at the CHIO Aachen, where they will celebrate their world-famous Musical Ride.
Both of them have the same taste: Karli sharing his treats with Atlas, the impressive Shire Horse of the Household Cavalry. Incidentally, his powerful, fellow horse can return the favour at the CHIO Aachen: Atlas is namely taking on the role of the drummer’s horse.
Similar to the telephone box, the traditional post box is also painted red. Incidentally, every one of these post boxes carries the abbreviation of the Queen or King that was in reign at the time when the respective box was installed – on Karli’s snapshot the box is engraved with the abbreviation for Queen Elizabeth II.
This way, please: The Horse Guards’ building crowned with a clock tower is the official entrance to St. James’s Palace. What’s more, this is also the home of the Household Cavalry Museum, which tells the story of the guards of the Royal Family using personal testimonies, interactive elements and rare artefacts.