Oct 11, 2007: Hi…
London is sprawling, diverse and culturally-vibrant. You get to hear so many languages. From the design point of view, the development along the Thames is great besides the history. Architecturally, Sir Norman Foster's buildings were a treat to watch. We traveled by tube, bus, and cruise. The London Eye (like the Ferris Wheel in Paris) gives breath-taking views of the city. And people are very polite. I suddenly felt liberated 'coz i could do small talk, ask for directions in English. Also, lot of Indians and Pakistanis there - so one can even chat in Hindi/ Urdu.
Oxford Road is really crowded, but i liked the Covent Garden and the Liverpool street market - lot of street performances. Oh yes, we also saw a musical - "The Wicked" - very impressive. Amongst all the museums and galleries, i liked the Tate Modern 'coz my inclination is more towards minimalistic Abstract Art. The British Museum looks like a “Loot house" 'coz it houses all the plunder of the empire...Made me a little angry! Also visited the 0 deg Greenwich Meridian Observatory and the Millennium Dome.
Overall, compared to Asia - UK appeared to be soaked in history, a little slow - but very cultured and polite. Because we have been a former colony, it's almost become a part of our roots. The colonial parts of Kolkata, Mumbai or Chennai etc are quite similar. And the cost of living is high. As i understand, it is also not very safe.
Oxford Road is really crowded, but i liked the Covent Garden and the Liverpool street market - lot of street performances. Oh yes, we also saw a musical - "The Wicked" - very impressive. Amongst all the museums and galleries, i liked the Tate Modern 'coz my inclination is more towards minimalistic Abstract Art. The British Museum looks like a “Loot house" 'coz it houses all the plunder of the empire...Made me a little angry! Also visited the 0 deg Greenwich Meridian Observatory and the Millennium Dome.
Overall, compared to Asia - UK appeared to be soaked in history, a little slow - but very cultured and polite. Because we have been a former colony, it's almost become a part of our roots. The colonial parts of Kolkata, Mumbai or Chennai etc are quite similar. And the cost of living is high. As i understand, it is also not very safe.
