London- dissapointing?
 

I have been to many European cities, but not my own capital, London, until this summer. <BR>I have to say it rather poor: <BR>1. far too expensive <BR>2. too many tourists <BR>3. too similar to other British cities- similar shops, slightly dirty in places... <BR>The main tourist attractions were average at best. In terms of Night-life/leisure/pubs there was nothing different from any other British city(other than a large price). <BR>I am suprised at the number of people who love London- In my opinion it's not a scratch on cities like Rome, Prague, Budapest...I even prefered Warsaw. <BR>I only travelled 200 miles, not half way round the world, and I still felt a little dissapointed. I would be interested in your opinions. <BR>Thanks

If Paris had English theatre it would be my favorite European city, but since it doesn't London remains number 1 with me. I can't go to Europe without doing a stop--as long as possible--in London. <BR>Maybe you're just too close to it. The last time I went to Washington D.C. I felt the same way. I was ashamed at the condition of our nation's capital. City streets with pot holes the size of Rhode Island, stagnant and filthy water in the reflecting pools, weed infested lawns in our most important national monuments, and trash overflowing from every trashcan I saw.

Patrick, you make me want to rush off to Washington D.C. tomorrow

Don't know the last time you were in D.C., Patrick, but it's one of the cleanest and prettiest cities in the world--and I've lived in cities on 5 continents. I make my home now in D.C. because it's such a lovely place. <BR> <BR>That said, I really don't see the attraction of London. It has all of the disadvantages of New York with none of the advantages.

I must confess it was three or four years ago. We stayed with friends in their townhouse in Georgetown. When we went to the police station to get a temporary parking permit we were treated like criminals by rude and insulting clerks -- after 10 minutes of everyone in the place trying to decide who should get off their chairs and try to help us. Georgetown was a dirty disgrace and I am not exaggerating about any of the other things I mentioned. There was not a square foot of weed free, green, and healthy grass anywhere in the mall area. Hyde Park, Regent's Park, Green Park, Kew Gardens all put our nation's capital to great shame!

The first time I set foot in London I loved it. The architecture, shops, automobiles, lamp posts, post boxes, telephone booths, accents, even the grey misty view from my hotel window were terribly exciting and so ... British. <BR> <BR>Lots of cities are too expensive and have too many tourists. Being 'similar to other British cities' isn't an issue for me. As a Canadian I would be fascinated by any place in England. Why? Because it's different and I feel more at home there than I do in my own country.

Familiarity breeds contempt. <BR>Much of the fun in foreign places is their very foreignness. <BR>Once you get to know a place well, this can be replaced by an appreciation of its hidden delights. <BR>I suspect John's experience falls between these two. <BR>

I went to London for the first time this past September, and it exceeded all of my expectations. I have also been to Paris twice before, but London just has something. I thought Paris was beautiful beyond compare, romantic, but could be a bit haughty (if that makes sense). There were many times in Paris I felt very out of place (even though I wore my "required" dark dressy clothes). <BR> But London is such a melting pot of cultures, the young people that are about my age are not afraid to express themselves in their fashion sense, and they are just more laid back. London was just pure FUN! The walking tours are great, the street markets are so vibrant, and the city comes alive at night. <BR> London is also very beautiful architecturally, and the parks are amazing. We saw the small "secret" garden in front of Kensington Palace and were amazed. We had a great time. And don't let people who don't know tell you that food in London in bad, they have the world's best Itallian food, Chinese, Indian, etc... <BR>John, you might want to try it again one day and take a new look at it.

If you love theatre, great museums, wonderful architecture, ceremonies and history you will love London. And if you enjoy custom clothing and fine dining, you'll love it even more.

My vote goes to London as my favorite as well. I absolutely adore Paris for it's beauty (London does not compare that way) but London is more "fun" - hard to pinpoint really, but I just feel it. Plus there is the theater, you cannot beat that and it is a prime consideration when we go to Europe. No matter where we head we stop in London. Having my "ancesters" hail from England always gives me a good feeling when visiting as well. Granted they came to the US in the very early 1700's but there is that history connection I feel. Perhaps others feel that since so many of us had our family roots in the UK.

Hi John: <BR>My first visit to London was a whirlwind 2 days as part of a tour. That visit only made me want to return. <BR>I have since returned and love it! The city is vibrant and welcoming. I love the history as so much of the US is tied with it. The buildings, double deckers buses,bobbies and phone booths came to life as if off a postcard. <BR>I am amazed to hear you say "too many tourists." NYC has millions every year and all it does is add to the excitement of the city. Not to mention the revenue it generates! <BR>I will be back to London again. I'm sorry you were disappointed

John <BR> <BR>As a relative newcomer to London, I can sort of understand your point. However, London is not like many other British cities. How can you say it is like Birmingham or Aberdeen? There is such a lot of diversity, but you have to open your eyes that little bit more if you are a native and visiting London for the first time. Yes, the shops are the same, yes, people are speaking the same language (or languages) but if you arm yourself with a guidebook and act like a tourist (as I have done and still do) you will find good bits. <BR>London has its problems, but millions of tourists can't all be wrong.

Henry James said it best: <BR> <BR>'It is difficult to speak adequately or justly of London. It is not a pleasant place; it is not agreeable, or cheerful, or easy, or exempt from reproach. It is only magnificent... You may call it dreary, heavy, stupid, dull, inhuman, vulgar at heart and tiresome in form... But for one who takes it as I take it, London is on the whole the most possible form of life.' <BR>

I suspect that the reason for my dislike of London is indeed because it is too British, and too familiar. One of the reasons I like going to Europe- pretty much anywhere in Europe- is because it is 'foreign'.