London relaxes

In the coming couple of weeks London, capital of the United Kingdom, or Great Britain - or whatever you like to call it - will be on show to the world. This grand old dame of cities has been around since Roman times and has pretty well seen it all. Now it, and the rest of the nation, plays host to the world for the XXX Olympiad, the 2012 Summer Olympics.

The lion appears on the royal coat of arms, and maybe these children should have more respect, but it's summer and they're having fun.

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London's theatre scene in the West End is alive and well. The Phantom of the Opera opened in 1986 and has been playing continuously around the world for over 25 years.

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London, with its population of 7.5 million and an area of almost 1600 square kilometres is a large and confusing city for visitors. London cabbies have what they call 'The Knowledge', priding themselves that they know every lane, road and highway by heart.

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This says it all. If you know London well, there are enough clues here to pinpoint where these girls are standing. Can you work it out?

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History is everywhere in London, from statues of famous people and animals....

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....to pubs that commemorate those who live only in book and film.

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Of course there are the icons, such as the 135-metre high London Eye, visited by over 3.5 million people every year.

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Most people know that Big Ben is the bell, not the clock itself, which is not even very old, as it was installed a little more than a hundred years ago, in 1859. As part of the celebrations for the Golden Jubilee in 2012, the clock tower will now be renamed the Elizabeth Tower.

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London's red double decker buses are almost as ubiquitous as its black taxi cabs...

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.... and telephone boxes.

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But tourism is the lifeblood of the city. Around 31 million people are estimated to visit the capital annually. Britain rates seventh in the world for numbers of visitors.

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Many of them will eventually find their way to this unassuming street, and stand outside the gate of Number 10 while someone takes their photograph!

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But when it's all said and done, the locals love nothing more than a good ale, a cup of tea and of course a plate of fish and chips.

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Cafes have become popular too, and like anywhere else in the world, people love to sit in the sun and watch the passing parade - which on most days has nothing to do with horses and coaches. London has grown into an exciting and vibrant multicultural city where there is something for everyone, and plenty to see and do and enjoy.

Maybe it's time to visit it again sometime soon.

Let's finish with a touch of fun . City councils love signs and London is no exception. Here, so that there is absolutely no mistake, this one is written in five languages - as well as pigeon!

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