London is a Diverse City
by AKtravelers
If you are expecting London to be homogeniously English, thik again! London is the destination of immigrants from around the world, mostly from former British colonies. Furthermore, the expansion of the European Union to the former Eastern Block has made London a magnet for young Poles, whom I seemed to encounter everywhere, from restaurant waiters to the guy I helped with a puzzle on the subway (hey, if you ever read this, I figured it out!). As American, I find his kind of diversity to be normal and I actually didn't really think anything of it until an older Londoner pointed out that this is quite a change over the last 50 years. Happily, most ethnically-English Londoners seem to be comfortable with the new mix, though the recent London bombings are evidence that not all is perfect among the immigrant community. It's clear the the superficial view a visitor gets from seeing the center city is not the reality faced by some immigrants -- one should not be so naive. Still, immigration certainly enhances the joy of being in London as a tourist -- there are lots of great ethnic restaurants in London!
The guy in the photograph is a Sikh who ran the corner market close to my hotel. I saw him every day for three days as I bought newspapers, post cards and phone cards. He was obliging when I asked to take his picture, though he did ask "Why would you want a photo of me?" I answered "Why not?"
Sightseeing.....
by Luchonda
Sightseeing, transportation by the tube - tasting a good local beer/thea in a typical english pub, looking for antique stuff at Portobello Road - visiting the highlights of London like the Tower Bridge - day and night, experience the nightlife of London (SOHO) in a Cuban atmosphere..... To notice afterwards that you missed a lot of the London soul, a reason to go back as soon as possible
Portobello Market
by draguza
What was once a leafy country lane back in the 18th century has developed into one of the most famous streets in West London, thanks to it playing host to one of London's most popular markets. Portobello Road Market is really three markets in one, each with their own speciality.
Portobello Market, the world's largest antiques market, with over 1500 dealers selling every kind of antique and collectable. The market is open every Saturday, while the shops are open six days a week.
Market days start gradually from around 5.30am with trading between dealers from the UK and overseas. Most stall-holders have arrived by 8.00am and the market is in full swing for the rest of the day, with collectors and visitors from all over the world.
The shops and stalls of Portobello Market offer an extraordinary variety of goods ranging in price from a few pounds to several thousands. Visitors come from all over the world because they know that in Portobello Road they will find the most extensive selection of antiques in Britain.
St Leonard's Church, Shoreditch High Street
by alucas
Shoreditch Church was built by George Dance the Elder in 1736/1740.
The spire is an imitation of Wren's magnificent steeple on St Mary-le-Bow in Cheapside.
The bells are commemorated in the rhyme 'Oranges and Lemons'...."When I grow rich, say the bells of Shoreditch".
The Union Jack Flag
by easyoar
If you read my London Homepage, you will hopefully understand the difference between England, Great Britain and the United Kingdom!
The Union Jack Flag (or to be more correct - The Union Flag) symbolises the joining of England, Scotland and Northern Island into one state. The flag is a mix of the three separate flags. Although Wales is included in Great Britain and the United Kingdom, its flag does not feature in the Union Jack - I guess a big red dragon on the flag would have made things just too complicated!
Basically the three flags are:
England: White flag with red cross of St George (lines are straight)
Scotland: Blue flag with White diagonal cross of St Andrew
Northern Ireland: White flag with red diagonal cross.
If you look carefully at the flag you will se all of these incorporated. England being the dominant 'partner' has her cross unbroken, whereas the Scottish and Northern Ireland crosses which are kind of merged together anyway appear to be underneath it.
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The London Coliseum
Adams Rib logo
One of the food-courts.
Canary Wharf (left) ; Gherkin (right, in front)
