London

[Insidious Von]

I've been to numerous European cities yet this financial and cultural hub has eluded me.

I was intrigued by the fact that three of England's best actors were born in Hammersmith, London: Rosamund Pike, Tom Hardy and Benedict Cumberbatch. Also The Who's Quadrophenia was set in Hammersmith, is the area some sort of bohemian quarter?

Didn't know where Hammersmith was so I Google Maped it. It's east of the enclave of the Russian Mafia (Chelsea).

For those who don't know who Rosamund Pike is, she's about to break big. She has to carry that listless of all actors Ben Aflleck in David Fincher's Gone Girl.

 

[benstt]

Never been out to Hammersmith. If you get there, Leicester Square, Soho, and Covent Gardens are a reliable hopping scene.

Great place. Great museums too.

 

[Insidious Von]

I had planned to go there for the Hadrian Exhibit at the Royal Museum, but I couldn't fit it into my schedule. I heard there were lineups every day throughout the show. The English seem to have a great deal of love for that Roman Emperor but he had his warts. He brought prosperity to Britannia but at the same time he persecuted the Jews with a vengeance.

I have a feeling that London is like Paris - once I get there I won't want to leave.

 

[The Fruity Hare]

I spent some time during my late teens and early twenties in London. I loved it then, but it was a different era. I don't think Hammersmith has much going for it now, perhaps just the Odeon Concert Hall if it is still in existence. Otherwise, unfortunately, it is just another subway (tube) stop on your way through London.

 

[saxon]

My favourite city to visit, I've been there 7 times over the last 20 years. Last visit was 5 yrs. ago. I need to go back.

 

[james t kirk]

I have a feeling that London is like Paris - once I get there I won't want to leave.

London is not like Paris. While they are both truly "world class cities", I like London better. I'm not an expert by any means, but the thing that struck me is how Paris is extremely refined and almost a bit gaudy in some places. It's like it tries too hard.

London on the other hand just seems to have a natural energy that Paris lacks. It's not as artistic as Paris, but it seems far more solid. In fact, the first time I went to London, I was AMAZED at just how high energy it was. Piccadilly Circus on a Saturday night in the summer is incredible. Throngs of people out and about.

My only knock about London is that it is EXPENSIVE. Extremely expensive. Restaurants, hotels, get ready for sticker shock.

One of my favourite things to see in London was the Tower of London. (I'm a bit of a history buff.) Fascinating place.

 

[K Douglas]

I haven't been to London since the 90's. Time for a revisit.

 

[lighthouse boy]

I was there the day after the royal wedding (my cousin was married the same date in Florence then I flew to London the next day). I have always loved London. Good transport and great museums. The Tate Modern is my favourite one and their escort scene is a freaking candy store IMO.

 

[james t kirk]

London and Paris are similar in terms of price.

Paris is overrated and you have to worry about pick pockets. .

I found Paris less expensive than London. Still expensive, just not as expensive.

But talking about pick pockets and scams....pretty much always perpetrated by gypsies.

I was in Paris with the GF and had just come out of the Musee Dorse and this guy walks up to us on the street (now I stick out as a tourist. I probably had my shorts on (it was July) and I'm 6'-3" and 220 pounds and just scream North American). He's got this gold wedding band in his hand and asks if we lost it (jesturing at the ground). I'm not even sure what is going on, I'm just walking down the street, but I say no as does my GF. We continue walking, but he keeps up, and asks if we lost it again (to which we say no). He puts it on his finger, but it's too small, and now he wants to "give" it to my GF. He takes my hand and puts in my hand telling me to keep it for luck. I simply toss it back to him and say that I don't want it, it's not mine, it's your lucky day. He finally takes the hint. I have no clue of what's going on, but my GF says, "check if he picked your pocket, he was way too persistent" Nope, wallet still there.

Back at the hotel, I google, "Paris ring scam"

It's a scam alright. The ring is brass, worthless. He hopes you take the ring from him, then he will ask for a little donation as he's down on cash or whatever. If you refuse, a guy shows up accusing you of stealing a ring and chaos ensues.

Gotta laugh.

The other scam that I came across (numerous times in both Paris and Rome) is the "petition scam". People come at you from all angles, on the train, on the streets, wanting you to sign some idiotic petition for one thing or another. (Americans will sign anything won't they) But then they ask you for a donation to help support the cause. 10 Euros, 20 Euros, whatever. It just goes right in their pocket. (Fortunately, I read about the petition scam when I was googling the ring scam.)

I must have gotten about 5 different groups of people trying the petition scam on me