Call me old fashioned but I simply love visiting good ol’ London. This is the perfect place for me to unwind, relax, shop till I drop and simply have a good time. The world is changing, so is the British capital, but somehow, London as a city has managed to retain its old world charm.

It has kept pace with time, yet has managed to accommodate its beautiful past as well. This fine balance of the modern and the classic makes London irresistible. I have been there for film shoots, and I also travel to the Queen’s town for holidays. Like most tourists, the first visit was reserved for sight-seeing, going around all those famous tourist places which I had heard a lot about and seen in pictures.

Later, as I started frequenting the place, I gradually discovered its quieter and lesser known places, and I must confess it was like falling in love with the city all over again.

My idea of a holiday is to rejuvenate the mind and the body, a lot of lazing around happens. Besides that I enjoy spending an evening at the theatre or eating out with friends.

London’s cosmopolitan face also adds to its appeal, it seems the entire world has shrunk in this city. A few steps away from Piccadilly Square and you land at China Town, and this small place is completely wrapped in all things Chinese.

Then there is Edgware Road, it has the best of Middle Eastern restaurants. The Arab flavour here can make you forget that you are sitting and enjoying your sheesha in an European city, and not in Marrakesh. Being a known face, often I attract attention, especially among the Asian community. The kind of affection and warmth they display makes one forget that this place is far away from India. Every Indian tourist knows that if you are feeling homesick, all you need to do is drive down to South Hall, also famous as Little India.

A perennial favourite is of course Soho, the place famous for its night life, it has the city’s most happening night clubs and restaurants and don’t be surprised if you brush shoulders with the rich and famous while dining out at one of the better known places in Soho.

It seems the entire area is soaked in some kind of magical energy and indulging in having a blast as if there’s no tomorrow. Covent Garden is about exploring the British capital after the sunset. I love hanging out with friends and even by myself amidst its majestic surroundings.

Going beyond London, I usually enjoy vacationing in Europe, I feel the entire continent is a miniature version of paradise and who would not like to enjoy a slice of heaven.