VISIT LONDON
Upon Westminster Bridge
Earth has not anything to show more fair: Dull would he be of soul who could pass by A sight so touching in its majesty: This City now doth, like a garment, wear The beauty of the morning; silent, bare, Ships, towers, domes, theatres, and temples lie Open unto the fields, and to the sky; All bright and glittering in the smokeless air. Never did sun more beautifully steep In his first splendour, valley, rock, or hill; Ne’er saw I, never felt, a calm so deep! The river glideth at his own sweet will: Dear God! the very houses seem asleep; And all that mighty heart is lying still
William Wordsworth’s sonnet “Composed upon Westminster Bridge September 3rd,1802”, seems timeless and you could easily believe that it was written by a contemporary author. He celebrates the beauty of the sleeping city in the early morning light, gazing at the quiet Thames gliding silently. If you are in London, take a walk in the morning to Westminster Bridge to observe the Thames and the city from the same spot as Wordsworth did. Read his poem and imagine how London would have looked back in the nineteenth century.
London has its own unique charm and has always fascinated me. I had the chance to go back to London many and many times, to explore and appreciate it in all its different aspects and hues. Every time you go you will discover a new unexpected corner!
MULTICULTURAL LONDON
London has something for everyone: historical buildings, museums, Art galleries, an infinity of markets and shops, beautiful parks and gardens, street art and more. The capital of the UK is also one of the most dynamic and cosmopolitan cities in the world. In fact, nearly half the ethnic minority population of the UK lives in London where there are resident communities of people from 34 different countries. More than 300 languages are spoken and one-third of Londoners are from black, Asian, or other ethnic minority communities.
COLOURFUL SHOP IN CAMDEN TOWN
You will find any kind of restaurant, shop, market, or event all year round. There are different ethnic boroughs, the most famous being China Town and Camden. London is one of the world’s most visited cities, with nearly 30 million people every year. Public transports carry about 6.5 million people each day. Because of that, it can be a bit daunting getting around especially if you are not used to a big metropolis. But, hey, that’s why I’m here! Let’s get started on how to get around London!
GETTING AROUND…
LONDON AT A GLANCE
The River Thames divides London into North and South. The latter, since the sixties, has become London’s main cultural centre with lots of museums and concert halls.
London can be divided in three main areas. The East End, the City and The West End.
THE EAST END: used to be a neglected part of the city where immigrants and poor people used to live. Usually associated with poverty, overcrowding and crime, this area has been evolving and changing. Starting in the 1980s, this area has been subject to a huge redevelopment project. Modern offices and luxury blocks of apartments were built, a bloom of coffee shops, restaurants and pubs took place and the inexpensive rents attracted lots of start-ups.
THE CITY. The city is the oldest part of the Roman town. Today, it is the financial heart of the city and one of the world’s great financial centres. In this part of the city are concentrated the headquarters of most British Banks. The area is covered with modern buildings that mainly host offices. Two buildings that are worth a visit are the Bank of England and the Lloyds Building designed by Richard Rogers.
WEST END. The West End is the cool and trendy part of the city. It’s the beating heart of the nightlife. Packed with theatres, cinemas, restaurants and clubs. This is the most expensive area of London with the most famous shopping streets. Many popular tourist attractions can be found here.