Cities like people have identities.
They have stories of the past and hopes for the future. They define its people, their outlooks, opportunities and lives. In my very limited travels, I have rarely seen a city with an identity as strong as that of London.
Steeped in history, London has successfully managed to carry its past into the future as an asset and not as a baggage. It has held on to the best and the worst of the years gone by and forged a new identity using the same.
Walking through the streets of London is often like walking through a warped time capsule with its victorian and gothic style buildings juxtaposed with modern amenities and technology.
I love the fact during the course of one day in this city, one can travel through thousands of years of world history in the museums and at the same time stay fully connected to the present. One can witness the beginnings of humanity and at the same time stay rooted in the present. I love the fact that one can watch Shakespeare in the afternoon and Spielberg at night - all within a single day. I love the fact that the city is so comfortable in its own skin.
Unlike London, most cities I see are constantly trying to forge a new identity. To either become more modern, industrialized and advanced or to establish their legacy and their ancient roots.
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