London has everything that a romantic getaway warrants. Situated in the southeastern part of England, the climate is relatively drier.

When Big Ben chimes over the River Thames and the Royal Guards change at Buckingham Palace, then know for sure that you are where you should be - in London. Capital of the United Kingdom, this city is steeped in history and replete with Kings and Knights, Lords and Esquires, ready to die for the honor of a fair maiden. Romance is held to lofty standards here.

The Thames River, besides being the only source of fresh water, is also the point of reference for all sections of society. Ancient bridges over the Thames join the northern and southern parts of London, as most of the city lies along this water artery. The new image is more generation-now and expansive. Traditions and cultures of multiracial immigrants have amalgamated with the original Anglo-Saxon ways of life. The monuments and buildings may be two centuries old, but the nature of its inhabitants is futuristic, progressive, and accommodating.

From AD 50 onwards, London has retained its position as the largest city in Europe and even today, it is one of the most interesting places to visit.

To vacation here is rather confusing, for so many sights and events jostle for attention. Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, the Tower of London, Big Ben, Covent Garden, and East End: the list goes on and on. Time travel takes you back with red, double-decker buses, English Bobbies, the Royal Guard, and St. Paul's Cathedral, only to catapulted you forward to 20th century's neon and glass high rise buildings.

Even with an unplanned schedule, London is a walker's destination. The soul of this great city is equally fascinating in the maze of streets, the sudden find of a rural setting alongside global financial institutions, and well-manicured botanical parks.

London's cuisine presents endless choices and the stiff, upper-lip approach to all things non-English is non-existent. Tea and crumpets remains "the afternoon thing to do," and warm ale with fish and chips reigns, although Indian or Lebanese fare is becoming just as popular.

You can never have enough of quality culture, for London is the address for performing arts, concerts, and ballets. The fashion statement that London makes rivals that of Milan and Paris. Established outfitters, such as St. James, is in a class by itself and British Tweed walks the streets of this matured city just as easily as punk styles or tattooed attitudes.

At the end of a hectic day, you will find restful romance in the lush greenery of Hyde Park or Kensington Gardens, as you drink in the sounds of London.