London is a surprisingly compact city, making it a walker's delight. Two weeks in London means a two-week-long history lesson. The exciting history of London is waiting to be explored around every corner. It also can be a relaxing, easygoing sight exploration of the best that the town can offer to a first time traveler - landmark sights like Tower Bridge, Big Ben, Parliament, Westminster Cathedral, Nelson's Column, Admiralty Arch, St Paul's Cathedral, and the historically rich Westminster Abbey. The city also boasts some of the world's greatest museums and art galleries, and more parkland than most other capitals. Not to mention castles and palaces - Buckingham, Windsor, Kensington, and Leeds, one of the most beautiful castles in the world, in Maidstone, Kent, in the outskirts of London.
The main geographical feature of the city is the River Thames, which meanders through central London, dividing it into northern and southern halves. The central area and the greatest number of important sights, theaters and restaurants are within the Underground's Circle Line on the north bank of the river. The tourist-ridden West End includes Soho, Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square and Regent St.
During my 2-week stay at King's College in Champion Hill, I often rode the bus because it gives me a more coherent picture of the city than traveling by Tube. Also, buses are a pleasant and interesting way to get around, especially during the non-rush hours. The classic red double-deckers have been retained only on two "heritage' routes." Route No 9 goes westbound from the Royal Albert Hall to the Strand and loops back to Piccadilly Circus. Route No 15 runs from Trafalgar Square past St Paul's Cathedral to Tower Hill.
Though London prices are high, value-conscious visitors like me will find plenty to do and see. Almost all the major museums are free -- British Library, Museum of London, National Portrait Gallery, the Tate Modern, and the Victoria and Albert Museum -- and there are enough colorful markets and iconic sites—Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey—to fill up anyone's itinerary. As for food, the best and most filling is an English breakfast. Then for lunch, fish and chips, and Chinese takeouts.
My memories of London will never fade, but it is one city I would love to go back to, if only to re-live these memories, and kindle more.
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