LONDON has gained more prominence at the start of this year following the release of National Treasure: Book of Secrets. In that movie, Queen Elizabeth’s room in Buckingham Palace itself is featured particularly the wooden desk made of parts of HMS Resolute. There is also a spectacular car chase that followed which ended on one of the bridges of River Thames. Another feature that has made London a spotlight in that movie is that American characters had a dilemma on how to drive cars in London whose wheels are customized for the left lane of the road.

Obviously, this is not the first time that London is portrayed in pop culture. But as far as I have encountered, the most vivid description of London that I have recalled so far was in the book Patriot Games by Tom Clancy. This is the second Tom Clancy novel and events in this book are a prequel to his stunning 1984 debut The Hunt for Red October. The book starts with the novel’s main character Jack Ryan, an American, almost having an accident as a pedestrian because he looked left instead of looking right. That is really a common dilemma faced by foreigners who are going to London for the first time. So this must be taken seriously by any London-bound amateur. Before you log on to Expedia and book that flight and hotel deal, be sure to know by heart that London drivers drive at the wrong lane at least from our perspective! You would certainly be more comfortable with the rail service Britain has to offer, for sure! British rail tickets are a cheap way of seeing the country and furthermore, for only a little extra cost, for seeing the country in style, by upgrading to first class! There are very worthwhile offers to be taken advantage of - giving you more money to spend on your London travels!

It really is a city with a lot to offer….

In the world of music, London-based music giant EMI says in a recent statement that it is planning to hire 2,000 more workers. The new hiring is driven by the fact that British recording artists have dominated the airwaves once again with such names as Amy Winehouse and British all-female sensation Spice Girls. Of course, who can’t forget Sugababes too?