London
London is a fabulous city, with a rich heritage and history that greets you everywhere you go. There is so much activity and beauty in London that multiple trips are usually a necessity to get a true sense of the region. Perhaps Samuel Johnson was right when he said, a man that is tired of London is tired of life. The glory of Big Ben and the splendor of a trip to Buckingham Palace are only a beginning. The British Museum is magnificent, and the shopping in the city is spectacular.
Present-day London still possesses an air of the medieval, which only adds to its charm. St. Paul's Cathedral is a glorious site, which has stood since the 1600?s. The Thames flows by on the same course as it did 2,000 years ago, and London's time machine museums are magnificent. Art, fashion, and dining in London remain popular, and even the United States tries to imitate the dress and music of Britain's hot spot. London is still a swinging city, and Vanity Fair recently proclaimed it the coolest city in the world.
But all you traditionalists do not dismay, for Britons have a strong sense of culture and tradition. Teatime remains the most sacred part of the day, and is honored by nearly every citizen in the region. The tall, red double-decker buses still tour the city, and the matching red telephone booths can still be found on nearly every corner. And of course, the Royal Family continues its own tradition in England. Taking a tour of the Royal Quarters, gallivanting around the area, and exploring all of London's sights first-hand, are unparalleled experiences.
There is so much adventure to be found in London, but it does take a bit of effort. The layout of the area is quite difficult to navigate, but this simply adds to the fun! Venturing around the city and discovering unique experiences is the best thing about London. It is made especially enjoyable because London is one of the safest cities in the world, so you will be secure and comfortable in all of your travels. It is the swirling maze of streets and the city's medieval arrangement that make London difficult to travel from point to point. As a result, you will end up taking roundabout directions from locals, encountering wonderfully eccentric people and experiences along the way.
Tromso
Tromso is the largest city in northern Norway. After much archaeological study, Tromso is thought to date back 9,000 years. Today it is a technologically advanced city that still maintains an aura of charm and simplicity even in the midst of its bustling activity and industry. Tromso boasts of having a population of well over 50,000, and the most tourism annually in the country.
This is a cosmopolitan city that, because of its thriving nightlife and reputation for fun, has earned itself the nickname Little Paris. It is the kind of place where tourists and locals alike stay up and socialize all night, then somehow manage to work and explore the town during the daytime hours. Like most all of Norway, Tromso is as picturesque as can be. It is famous for its snow-capped cliffs and is ground zero for many polar expeditions that leave from the city. However, the climate here is not harsh in the least. The city maintains a nice climate throughout most of the year and never feels as cold as it may look. During summer months, daylight lasts well into the late evening, giving people there even more reason to stay up late and enjoy their surroundings.
Tromso is a busy port of call where tourists and traders come in and out constantly. It is a fishing town, with its main exports being shrimp and herring. As you might imagine, this makes for some spectacularly succulent dining possibilities. The streets are always filled with workers and tourists, and everywhere you look there is something new that you have yet to taste, hear, smell, see, or touch. This city appeals to the senses in every way imaginable. With glorious scenery, delicious cuisine, friendly locals, and high quality Norwegian goods, you will be hard pressed to experience boredom here.
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