London [antikvár]

Introducing London The sun is shining brighter in London these days, and the English capital is aglow. It has always been a compelling capital but right now it's also one of the most dynamic hubs on earth, leading the vanguard in music, visual arts, fashion, film and, these days, even food. If s not the technicoloured swagger ofthe swinging '60s but London's back in the spotlight and it is certifiably groovy. This mammoth metropolis is a world in one city; at once exhilarating, irrepressible, intimidating, stimulating and brimming with spectacle and possibilities. It can be different things to different people, but these qualities are always in abundance, making London the place to be right now. Not only is it home to magnificent historical architecture and such familiar landmarks as Big Ben, StPauls Cathedral and Westminster Abbey, it's a cornucopia of cultural wealth thafioasts some of the world's greatest museums ancTart galleries (treasures which, since 2002, are mostly ours for free). The London of Harrods, the Ritz, Buckingham Palace and _Mayfair still charms with the decadence of a bygone era but these days London is riding on the crest of the wave and only looking forward. Propelled by the energy, vitality and aspirations of a population made up of some 40 different ethnic groups, it's a tapestry of different cultures, unparalleled in complexity and colour. Home to between seven and 12 million inhabitants (depending on where you stop counting), London seduces some 30 million Lowdown of us who tramp through it each year. While it receives all-comers with (usually) open Population 7.2 million arms, beneath the cosmopolitan veneer its Time zone Greenwich Mean ^me own distinct personality remains intact. T!'/h i 7. Amid the onslaught of globalisation, London West End LL75 ,, , JI ^.u M Cheapest ride on the Tube L2 struts proudly across the world stage. Wandenng through its ram-sodden street IS a unique experience^ We take giddy delight p. m Its icons: the open-backed red buses, black cabs pohce bobbi^es and their hats pmstriped workers and London Underground signs. We g record sounds that ring in our ears long after hairdresser' our gig here is done: accents from around the world, the diesel engines of black cabs, m ' (need a trim?)