London, The Old Grand Dame
The love affair the world has with London, the Queen and the rest of merry old England intensified this year with the Summer Olympics and the Queens Jubilee.
With direct flights from Phoenix these days, one can be sipping tea at the Ritz in a matter of hours. The journey to Heathrow is less than ten hours and going in style is half the fun.
Now in the center of it all, there are over 170 museums, with 857 art galleries of which three make the world’s top ten list. The cultural vibe there is as important to most Londoners as the presence of the Royals. They feel it ensures a better quality of life, which seems to be working.
There are four World Heritage Sites in the city. The walled fortress of the Tower of London is a symbol of both protection and preservation, housing the colorfully uniformed Beefeaters that symbolically guard the old way of life and the Crown Jewels.
Culture comes in many forms in a city as old as this one. Live entertainment dates back almost to the time of the Romans. Punch and Judy, the somewhat aggressive puppet show was first recorded in 1662 with a performance at Covent Garden and continues today.
The West End of the city is the home to the highest concentration of English speaking performances in the world. Some venues date back to William Shakespeare’s original company. The most difficult thing will be deciding on what to see during your stay. A stroll through Leicester Square will help you find full and discount priced seats.
Londoners are some of the most helpful and friendliest city dwellers in the world. It’s melting pot of ethnic backgrounds that seem to be working in unison to keep the city a buzz. Visitor counts are up and stores are jammed with outrageous merchandise. Shopping is a real reason for coming.
Knightsbridge, a posh neighborhood not far from Buckingham Palace, is home to the famed Harrods. They come in droves to see over-the-top fashions and the most stunning window displays. Right across the street is Top Shop a trendy affordable alternative that also boasts Top Man for all the guys that want to look good without the price tag.
Harvey Nicks is there as well, a sort of Barney’s for the UK set. If department store shopping isn’t your thing, turn the corner head to Piccadilly Circus or Oxford Street, you will find something there to cause you to part with your money.
The food scene in London is changing as fast as the fashions. Gone are the days for cheap eats in the pubs, even they are getting into serving food other than pasties. Take your time to do some research on where to eat.
The city has one of the highest standards of living in the world, so be prepared to pay for it. The city unfolds to every visitor with simple directions to the underground or tube, a massive subway system that will whisk you away to any part of the city.
There seem to be tourist offices on every corner with maps and opportunities to make your visit easy. But, whatever you do bring a smart pair of shoes for walking, something with a little attitude and not sneakers, after all you what to fit in. Looking the part is as fun as playing it in this city of performance and fashion. I’ll see you at the Old Vic.