My London
London is Europe's biggest city, occupying 620 square miles and with a population between 7 and 8 million (over 4,500 people per square km).
The ethnic mix includes approx 75% white, 10% from the Indian subcontinent and 5% each of black Africans and Caribbeans. More than 250 languages are spoken by 270 nationalities
It has a diverse transport network of road, rail, underground and
light railways (not to mention a few scheduled river services): on an average day there are 27 million journeys in
London (1 million at peak hour) of which 42% are by car, 21% on foot,
18% (4.8 million) by bus, 10% (2.7 million) by underground 5% by rail
and 2% by cycle. Average commuting time to city centre is 55 minutes.
London Underground has 275 stations over a network of 250 miles.
4,200 people were killed or seriously injured on London's roads in
2003
London has 270 museums and galleries and well over 100 theatres. Timeout guide to restaurants reviews 1200, but this is only a small proportion the total.
London is organised into 32 Boroughs plus the City of London. However, the centres of population and identities of Londoners do not coincide with these districts. Some, such as Highgate straddle three boroughs. Finchley, which used to be a borough before being amalgamated into Barnet, has three distinct identities.
London is not a beautiful or elegant city – it is the result of 2000 years of haphazard speculative development – but it is beautiful in parts. I enjoy the variety of what London has to offer and am lucky enough to live in a relatively relaxed and tranquil part. The transport system is comprehensive and easy to use, but after years of neglect there are often delays on the Underground or parts of it are withdrawn for maintenance.
There is always something to do, somewhere to go; peace and tranquility can
be found on many stretches of Londons paths and parks. Originality and history
abound. Much of what
London has to offer is free. 