There were huge open spaces in Central London like the Hyde park, St James park, Area near by Buckingham palace etc. There were also a lot of space on the side of roads for walkers and cyclists and you actually see a lot of them walking and cycling around unlike US. The weather was very pleasant that time and it was really a pleasure to walk around and sitting on open top bus and sight-seeing!
The other thing I liked a lot about London is that old and the new co-existed very well and they have retained the historical structures and the architecture unlike the way Glass and Concrete structures are taking over Indian cities. The palaces reminded me of the architecture of Hiranandani Palace Gardens in Oragadam Chennai. It was not surprising as the township was modelled on British palaces, but I was surprised that how closely it resembled the British palaces.
The other aspect of London that I really liked was that it was multi-cultural. While walking around or in the underground tube, I was surrounded by people from different ethnicity's speaking different languages. You could speak your native language anywhere without looking out of place. You could even see people dart across the roads like back at home. Felt at home… :-)
Some of the things I did was to walk along the banks of River Thames, going for a ride in London Eye, visiting Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey. Visited but didn't like Madame Tussauds much. Harrods was just too expensive though I ended up buying some handbags at the Harrod's store in the airport.
The Underground tube was very efficient and cost effective and sitting on open top bus with wonderful weather and sight-seeing London’s landmarks was great experience.
