by Christine Zibas

Created on: March 04, 2007   Last Updated: April 25, 2007

Although others may disagree, I lived and worked in London for two years (I am an American), and I would recommend it to anyone. Some complain that the climate isn't suitable, but I don't mind the rain. In fact, it's quite conducive to many of the activities that make London great: it's museums, music venues, theatres, book shops, and restaurants. Then, when the sun finally does make an appearance, it's perfect to take advantage of all the parks, gardens, and common areas. I lived in Wimbledon and even enjoyed the crush of tourists and vendors at tennis time each year.

London is an amazing city that, as has been quoted so many times before, "when one gets tired of London, one is tired of life." I never ran out of things to do in this cultural mecca. Each week, I would scan the newspapers for free or inexpensive events. You can always find cheap theatre tickets, seats for the ballet or opera at low prices (nosebleed section), and wonderful classical music all over the city. Going to performances is a great way to see some beautiful architecture, too.

I recommend buying museum passes. I had one to the Tate Gallery and went to all sorts of member events there, as well as at the British Museum. This gives you a more friendly entree to the artistic and cultural treasures of the city.

Most visitors never move beyond the main city hub, but living there, I found myself wandering to Tube stops beyond my workday existence. Venturing out to see where Keats (the poet) lived or where Freud counseled patients on his famous couch will expose you to more wonderful neighborhoods with interesting personalities of their own.

Life is expensive in London. Housing costs are high. Yet all the treasures that are on offer make this a very wonderful place to live in Europe. I'd go back in a heartbeat.

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