Getting Around in London

London is a very easy city to get around it.  Although it is vast, it is pretty simple to navigate once you get the hang of it.  There are a few ways you reach your destination, and walking will always be my favorite.  There is nothing like walking among Londoners and finding your way through the winding streets to really get to know both the layout of the city and the people around you.  I have noticed that when you are walking on a sidewalk, there is no designated side to walk on.  When I go somewhere by foot in Philadelphia, everyone tends to walk on the right side of the sidewalk, following the same pattern that cars do.  Here in London, that is not the case.  Everyone takes whichever path they please, and I have walked straight into other people as a result.  Another issue with travelling by foot in London is the amount of time it takes to get somewhere.  If I decide to walk to class one day, I have to leave an extra hour early to make sure I get there on time.

The most convenient options are the London Underground (the Tube) or the bus.  To access either one, you must purchase an oyster card, which allows you to pay to ride.  The Tube is easy to use and to navigate.  In my experience, it is usually more reliable than the buses and can be a lot faster.  Buses offer comfortable seats and a nice view.  They are also less expensive, but make more stops, which will slow the travel time down a lot.  It all depends on how far you are going, but no matter what, the taxis are outrageously expensive.