Hi Bryony,
Yes, I’ve been to some of the lesser-known neighbourhoods in London (thanks to visiting with a local last year), and indeed, there’s less of a crush. It’s almost an energetic thing; a feeling of people everywhere, even if there’s space around you.
But like I say, London is growing on me…or rather, I’m learning to feed on the energy!

There are little pockets of places in London that are different, Stoke Newington, Shoreditch, Camden (around the Lock) – they’re a little more boho, more rough around the edges. Not saying they’re rough but I mean they’re a little more real, local people mooching about, hanging out, selling or eating, drinking etc. If you get slightly off the beaten track then London is a lot more chilled and less hectic. Also the markets, borough food market, brick lane markets etc. I say this sitting down watching narrow boats float past at Camden lock. London isn’t my fave city (the only city I’ve lived in in the UK is Brighton, and that’s hardly a city at all – its a mish mash of little streets and the sea). So yeah, London far from the maddening crowd (and the tourists) the energy is better. Hope your flu cleared up! 🙂

Indeed – the underground is great! It’s all very interconnected, and the signage is tops. Glad you ultimately enjoyed London!

Hi Tom,
Hmm…you love London, but not Londoners? Is it possible to love one and not the other? (I guess so – hey, it only took you 27 years!) 😉

Thanks, Carmen! Where have you moved to?

I’ll never live that down, will I? 😉
(It’s okay; I deserve it)

Sweet – thanks! What contest are you in?