London has changed a lot in the last few years , first changes started after Brexit and then accelerated after the pandemic. Is it still worth visiting?
London is beautiful especially for Christmas and this year has been outdone itself with Christmas lights and decorations but there are a few things that have changed.
1.Safety
There are so many instances where London has been reported as not as safe anymore. Crowned by the Mayor knighthood that has been a laughing stock recently, we are laughing through tears, London has never had so much crime as recently. To remain safe there are a few things you have to consider - are you wearing any flashy items that can attract unwanted attention? If yes consider hiding them or swapping for something less obvious. Are you a man or a woman, as a man you probably don't understand what women have to go though when it comes to safety, try putting yourself in their shoes, it is more dangerous for a woman to go back home late at night than it is for a man. Make sure your put your lady friend in a taxi or an uber car, not just give her the money and let her stand alone on the street as someone can use that opportunity to still attack her or get into a car with her while you are blissfully unaware.
Another plague in London are phone snatching gangs. How to recognise them- are you being followed by someone dressed in black with his face covered and riding an electric bike? or more likely there are several of them? Then be very careful and try not to walk around with your phone in your hand or your walled sicking out of your back pocket. Luckily people are catching on to those gangs already so do tell your friends too to be careful. Same people could snatch a luxury handbag or even corner a someone on an expensive bike and steal it.
2. Prices in London
High cost of living and inflation is much more visible in big cities and London is no exception. Rents have gone up 30% in the last 3 years after the pandemic and the prices of literally everything as well. The restaurants are more expensive as well and we are all poorer ! The companies are not hiring as many people as before and cutting down costs and trying to maximise the use of their existing employees. The London gold rush is over, there is not much gold over here anymore.
3. Seasonal crowds or lack thereof
London used to be busy in the most expensive areas and central areas however now I have noticed some 'dead patches' , it seems like people have been saving to splurge around Christmas time whereas the other times it seems to be much more quiet than normal. Another sign of tough times for restaurants and bars are the increased amount of offers and marketing being released to promote their business , I don't ever recall that happening before there used to be a waiting list for top restaurants , now you can just walk in the same day.
4. Same old London as always
Apart from the above changes London is still the same, fun, vibrant with lots of things and events happening. So I am still a London addict and I'd say it is still worth it if you have extra cash to burn and spend like there is not tomorrow.
London life update
life in London
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