Know London Better

What is the best thing to do in London? 


I went to a very energetic and inspiring performance by Barak Marshal at the Dance Festival; did the Jack the Ripper Tour, and visited most of the tourist places. But for me the most exciting experience had nothing to do with a particular site or event. It’s a feeling. 


The feeling comes about leaving the Oxford circus tube station on a Saturday. It is a true London experience . If you’ve never been in a big cosmopolitan city you might find it difficult to realize what is happening around you. People carrying big bags trying to find their way out, but end up in another store spending even more money. 

They don’t care about the traffic lights, and keep walking as if the red light is a sign indicating that the store from the other side on the street is running out supply. 

If the people in Green Park will give you directions, here it will be tricky to stop someone and expect help. 

Being spellbound by the feeling of Oxford Street their only aim is satisfy the desire for something new. That feeling is the moving force of the city of London. Where does it go? Eventually to the closest McDonalds. People spend almost all of their weekly allowances, feel exhausted and start living on a budget again…until the next Saturday. 

Due to the ongoing industrial action some lines might be affected...

In countries like France, Germany and Greece calling a strike “inappropriate" may foster a negative reaction towards the government, but in a country with almost no tradition of strikes the general attitude might be different.

It is the second Tube strike in one month for London and the commuters are not happy or supportive.

“I don’t see why they’re striking really. I think it’s just causing trouble stopping everyone to go where they want to going.”, says Samuel who’s living in Uxbridge and uses the unaffected part Metropolitan line.

The strike was organized by the RMT and TSSA unions. Yesterday at 1830 their members walked out over plans to cut 800 ticket office jobs.

Today the Transport for London said about 75% of stations on the network were open. At the same time the RMT described the disruptions as "massive and widespread".

Dimok who was running late for an unexpected business meeting didn’t have the time to find information online and he was trying to figure out on the spot which was the best way to travel. At Northwick Park Tube there was nobody that could help and the automated screen was not clear enough for him. Dimok said, “I support the workers, but there are other ways to negotiate.” Thinking of alternative ways to get to the city he concluded, ”The London Underground should be privatised. “

Ghelani is a seller at a news stand at the same station. Though the Metropolitan line is not completely closed she can feel the difference.

“It’s almost noon and the papers are still around, even the Metro (the free paper) is still there. Usually at 7 o’clock they’re all gone, but today there are still here.”

She feels sorry for the workers, but thinks that the job cuts are part of the development of the technologies.

“They don’t need cashiers any more at the ticket offices.”

It seems most of the commuters were irritated by the disruptions in the city. It is a common attitude that resonates with the words of the Transport Secretary Philip Hammond who described the strike as “completely unnecessary and inappropriate.”


On a personal note I expected disruption, but I didn't have any troubles using the Metropolitan Line and was one hour early for class.

Dieu et mon droit*

It is a popular misconception from abroad that the Queen is the most important person in the United Kingdom. The glitzy ceremonies surrounding her every move might present the State head as the sole leader of one of the most influential Western powers.


Taking a closer look at the heart of the British government, however, shows that it is a well functioning democratic mechanism powered by each member of society.


The Royal Palace of Westminster has been home to Parliament for centuries. Once a year the Queen comes to the House of Lords and invites the members of parliament, representing the House of Common to listen to her speech. 

During the legislative process she should give her Royal Assent to the final text of every bill, but this is largely symbolic. Members of both houses get the chance to introduce a bill and only once there is agreement in both Houses can become law.

It is all happening in one building and everyone can participate. Members of the public meet their representatives and question them. The legislative members can walk through the historic corridors a continual reminder of their predecessors looking ahead to serving the nation, making it better for the future.

*The motto of the British Monarch. From French "God and my right shall me defend".

Take a Break When You Feel Like an Idiot

Adapting to the life in another country can be stressful. Kyle Burton, a 22 year old exchange student from the United States has found a way to be cool with it.

Kyle moved to London two weeks ago and though the United States and the Britain share the same language he needed time to adjust.

“You can’t be too eager to try to jump into the culture. You have to be patient with your own comfort giving yourself a break when you feel like an idiot.”

One of the ways to take a break is to visit the nearest park. It can be very relaxing and helps to organize life in the big city. “Don’t throw yourself to the wolves which can happen if you’re constantly moving in the city.”

As an exchange student the 22 year old American needs to spend a plenty of time to study, but he also tries to devote a couple of hours every day exploring London. Walking down to a small unexplored side path can be “incredibly fulfilling”.                                                                                                                                                                           

Kyle is not afraid by the culture shock because for him “meeting new cultures you can grow your personality and your own character because people from different walks of life can teach you something about yourself and about their life.”

Click here for the whole interview.