London is the nation’s vibrant heart
Most people know a little about London even before they have been formally introduced. It may be the familiar symbols of Royals, bowler hats, well mannered cricketing gents, well heeled ladies, majestic castles, the flowing Thames, tennis at Wimbledon, afternoon tea and scones, monopoly board landmarks, West End theatre and East End humour that spring to mind. It could be the cobble-stoned streets of Dickens, passionate football fans, fish n chips drowning in vinegar, the labyrinth of the Underground, or the cultural phenomena and festivals celebrating music over decades starting in the swinging 60s, through punk of the 70s, new romantic hairdos of the 80′s, and pop, indie rock, dance and hip hop of the 90s and beyond. It has endured and overcome conquests, wars, fires, plagues, terrorism, youth movements, even repeated sporting defeats clutched from the hand of victory
One of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, London offers the traveler a blend of old and new worlds like nowhere else. On one hand London is innovative, energetic, dynamic, and outrageous; on the other, historic, conservative and frustratingly established. A bangers and mash of the anticipated and unexpected, but rarely the disappointing. More than this, the city is renowned for its wealth of history and culture. As home to Britain’s national art collections, striking architecture, over 200 museums, the worlds premier theatre productions, 5 major orchestras, 2 major opera companies; there is something for visitors of all historic and artistic persuasions.
London has embraced multiculturalism like very few places in the world. It has become a cultural melting pot with over 10 million people from all over the world now calling it home. The integration of western cultures with people from Africa, West Indies, and all over Asia has transformed the city into one of the most diverse destinations for first time travelers, and the hundreds of thousands who return year after year.
