It is strange to be in a foreign country where the native tongue is (almost) your own.

Street signs and menus are understandable and aside from cars coming at me in the wrong direction, this city is easy to navigate.

As I take in the city and its sites here are a few things that have surprised me…

No dog poop!  I haven’t seen any dogs or dirty sidewalks since I arrived.

Where are the English?  I have met Greeks, Portuguese, Italians and French.  As confirmed by one Italian waiter, there is no problem meeting Italians in London, but practicing English is a challenge.

Visiting London’s historic sites is a clear reminder how rich and powerful this constitutional monarchy once was.

A Unesco World Heritage Site, Britain’s gothic Houses of Parliament (also known as Westminster Palace) is stunning yet intimidating.  Bombed on fourteen separate occasions during World War II and still standing.  This building says “Don’t mess with me, there’s someone ruling over you.”  I think you must have guts to enter a building like this every day.

For a country known for tea, coffee seems to be the drink of choice.  There is a coffee house or chain on nearly every corner – don’t miss Monmouth in Borough Market on your next visit to London.

Enjoy the sites!

Leslie