Hammer....I was raised by post war british immigrants and I love GB (however it is defined these days) and have been back and forth many times since Freddie Laker first made it easy. This last trip was my first expressly to experience the north - not just drive through it on my way to Scotland. The south from London to St. Ives has always been the easier trip with no shortage of amazingly unique and beautiful sights and characters. However, I found the north just as unique, more accessible, cheaper and less of a post-card presentation of itself..as London has become. In fact, I have skipped London the last few trips as it seems now to strive toward something less unique and more global while celebrating the fixed icons of what it use to be. So by trying to be dynamic in this way it seems to have washed away its character. I'm sure I have a skewed view since I don't actually live there...but that's just what it seems like to me. As to money, we middle class American travelers have less and less of it. Corporations and Movie Stars have it all and they own lawyers and politicians to insure it stays that way. Same there I would guess. Still, if I stand still long enough in the UK I can feel the money creeping out of my pockets due to an army of vending machines designed to accept it for any possible need I might have, movement I might make, or idea I might have. Same in NYC really....except in UK it seems to radiate into all cities, towns and villiages. I think this post should have been placed in the opinion section with all the other right wing raving...but I'm usually a lefty! Sorry folks.

Hi,

Really pleased that you enjoy your trips here . You are very right .London is stuffed with fantastic things but it has little or no charm, its just another large cosmopolitan city. Everyone is tired., overworked and exhausted. A rat race. Because if this there is not much of a friendly atmosphere. Smile at someone and they look at you as if you have just exited the mad house .

The limited cash situation here as well has effected people badly. Living in London so pricey that when we travel outside we see everything as cheap. Just keep coming and spending somewhere , us Brits need you. If you ever are in the South just PM me.

London relies heavily on tourist income , why do we treat tourist so badly! who knows.

Hi,

Really pleased that you enjoy your trips here . You are very right .London is stuffed with fantastic things but it has little or no charm, its just another large cosmopolitan city. Everyone is tired., overworked and exhausted. A rat race. Because if this there is not much of a friendly atmosphere. Smile at someone and they look at you as if you have just exited the mad house .

The limited cash situation here as well has effected people badly. Living in London so pricey that when we travel outside we see everything as cheap. Just keep coming and spending somewhere , us Brits need you. If you ever are in the South just PM me.

London relies heavily on tourist income , why do we treat tourist so badly! who knows.