LondonLondon is one of the largest cities in Europe.The name London has no specific meaning. It was originally used to describe the city of London proper, still referred to as “the City,” and now the financial and banking center of London. Today, the heart of the city consists of “the City” and the Borough of Westminster, also known commonly as the “West End.” London had a population of nearly 7 million in an area of 157,944 hectares.Greater London actually consists of 32 semi-independent boroughs (plus “the City”). Each has dozens of business, residential, and cultural centers of its own. GreaterLondonhas followed extensive coordinated postwar reconstruction programs, including successful intensive efforts to clean facades of famous surviving buildings.Religious ActivitiesAll major religions are represented in London. The Church of England is the established church, but various Protestant, Roman Catholic, Jewish, and other faiths have houses of worship in theLondonarea. Protestants offer independent, interdenominational services. They have Sunday school classes, fellowship meetings, Bible study, and youth groups. Touring and Outdoor ActivitiesLondon is well known as a sightseer’s paradise. Whatever personal interests you have,London’s museums, art galleries, libraries, historic places, pageantry, and parks are bound to fulfill them. Sightseers can explore the city by bus, on foot, and by boat on theThames. EntertainmentLondon is one of the richest cities on Earth. It has symphony orchestras, chamber music ensembles, and pop and rock concerts. World-famous British, American, and international artists are often on stage.There are year round offerings of opera, ballet, and symphonic music at the Royal Opera House, the Sadler’s Wells Hall, the Barbican and South Bank Centers, and the Royal Festival Hall. Going out to the movies is as easy and informal as in theU.S.Restaurants, cafes, and tearooms of every size and price range abound here. Food ranges from fast food fare to exclusive English and international cuisine. Pubs and afternoon tea are two English traditions that should not be missed.Museums and art galleries inLondoncontain some of the most comprehensive collections of objects of artistic, archeological, scientific, historical, and general interest ever to exist in one city. The most notable are the British Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum, National Gallery, Tate Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, British Museum of Natural History,and Science Museum.The British seem to go out of their way to provide entertainment for children. This is especially true during summer and at Christmas. Some of the popular outings are special theater productions, pantomimes and puppet shows, the zoo, concerts, and film festivals.
