a regular street corner

including tourists in the environment--making sure they know which way to look as they cross the street

walk signal button

one of the many beautiful old churches you pass while walking in London

London really encourages a cycling culture--These bikes can be rented by anyone for just £5 for the week; under 30 minutes is free. What is interesting, however, is that there doesn't seem to be a helmet law. Even the advertisements for these bikes show people riding them without helmets. Maybe they think not as many people would ride if it was obligatory to wear helmets?

A "public loo" in the city. For a nominal charge, anyone can use these facilities. (note the CHARGE, though-does any city allow you to go to the bathroom for free?. Though I have seen many more people relieve themselves in public here than in New York or DC)

With the wide "pavement" (sidewalks) and numerous railings to lean on, its easy to take a break for some fresh air and linger outdoors for a few minutes.

The buses are extremely efficient here. They come often, are marked clearly, and go to a wide range of locations. Plus, once you're on the bus, a digital display tells the rider what stop is coming up.

some weary tourists take a quick break on one of many benches on Oxford street (which you CAN stretch out on, by the way--interesting to note. Many cities sculpt their benches to make them inaccessible to homeless populations that may need to sleep on one during the night)

The sculpture and clock which adorns the historic Selfridge's department store. Selfridge's, which has been open since the early 1900s, was one of the first places in the UK to use modern-day advertising devices that played on human desires and to foster a culture of consumerism.

An advertising window outside of Selfridge's, complete with real bubbles and a strategically placed stream of water. (playing on human desires much?)

Oxford street. Note the wide pavement (sidewalks), tree lined streets, and the building which are comparatively lower than those in New York. Someone walking by is much more able to see the sky.

the street musician-an integral part of the urban environment. He leans against the wall of one of the storefronts as people walk past him.

no grid system here! The curvy nature of London streets is more difficult to navigate, but defeats any sense of monotony-each street has a unique flavor.

different historical periods of architecture sit right next to one another

the massive amount of construction going on in preparation for the 2012 Olympic Games are already altering the built environment--many places such as Oxford street, which is being radically refurbished, have an unstable atmosphere due to the constant turnover of physical appearance and sounds of construction. Sense of community is shaken.

I'm pretty sure these folks were an Oxford Street security team. (Like the Lincoln Center security)

A pipe burst under the pavement-look at how different Londoners choose to navigate around it. While some jumped over the wide puddle, others walked in the street. Most looked unphased, though the puddle seriously interrupted their quick walking flow.

a woman with a stroller wheels right through

daintily stepping into the puddle

gingerly walking through

Eventually someone asked me why I kept taking photos of this puddle. 🙂

Look at the juxtapostion of architecture here!

Three types of transportation-walking, cycling, automobile

One of the dozens of corner pubs in central London. Though apparently, dozens are closing every day, due to the decrease in communal activity.

traditional call boxes-they now offer texting capabilites. Often, they are plastered with advertisements for escort services.

Charing Cross Road.

urban residences over a storefront, complete with outdoor flowerbeds. Check out the sign on the building. Another sign of the rich history of London.

Taking a break from the workday.

man standing outside of a Pret A Manger. In Central London, it is not unusual to find several Starbucks', Costa Coffees' , and Prets' on one street.

The theatre district: Note Matthew Fox in the marquee of "In a Forest, Dark and Deep." (I actually saw this play). The increase of celebrities starring in West End productions is making theatre tickets more and more unaffordable and inaccessible.

Many theatres line The Strand, a long street coming off of Charing Cross Road.

waiting for the bus on The Strand.

well-dressed female professionals walk down The Strand on a break. Note the varied architecture in the background, the wide pavement, the number of buses, and the designated bus lane.

The Lyceum theatre. A glorious, regal, standalone theatre on The Strand.

The building curves around and fits the shape of the street. Complex architecture is aesthetically pleasing.

All sidewalks are drastically textured at road crossings for blind and vision-impaired pedestrians.

more textured sidewalks

A painter works on a canvas on the side of the street.

an impressive building right off of the Strand.