Explore this city’s history and culture
As the English writer Samuel Johnson once said: “Why, Sir, you find no man, at all intellectual, who is willing to leave London. No, Sir, when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford.” We second that sentiment, and here’s why:
It’s the perfect blend of contemporary and classic, a land between fantasy and reality. The prosperity brought by the industrial revolution, the myth of the empire where the sun never sets, the acme of fashion, the birthplace of “Harry Potter,” the rhythm of the Beatles — all elicit visions of London.
Top L: St. Paul’s Cathedral, Top R: Tower Bridge at night, Bottom: St. Christopher’s Place shopping center
Winter in this English city is mostly overcast with a trace of melancholy. Walking the streets, you’ll be surrounded by centuries-old buildings, feel the sea breeze from the Atlantic and look up to see sparkling lights during Christmas. London is so live.
A melting pot of various ethnicities, religions and cultures, London embraces people from all over the world, evolving into a diverse city with historical charm. Besides famous landmarks, such as Tower Bridge, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, the British Museum, and St. Paul’s Cathedral, you can also find fun in the middle of Soho or Chinatown. There are always new things to discover.
This article brought me back to my time in London. I felt as though I was emerging from the tube into the magic that is this city. While huge, the streets make you feel as though you’re in a small town. Well captured.
That magical mixture of contemporary and classic with the modern era is one of the truly special things about London. I don’t know why, but I feel like coffee would taste better, richer there.