Jessica Gordon Ryan/The Entertaining House

It seems unjust to portray a city as magnificent as London, on a flat two dimensional surface. As one wanders through the streets of this city one uses all of one's senses - touch, taste, sight and smell.

While there's so very much to see - a true visual smorgasbord - we mustn't forget to touch, taste and smell as well. As you walk through the city open your eyes and see the diverse and eclectic mix of new and old. Elegantly carved stone sculptures co-exist beautifully with the streamlined steel and smooth glass of today. Here, old and new marry and live in perfect harmony. It's not often Neoclassical architecture and Steampunk can do this!

Walk through the busy streets and close your eyes. What do you see? Yes, see... there's so much more to the culture and the city than what meets the naked eye. When your eyes close you hear much more clearly. What do you hear? The sounds in the streets and in the air. Listen to the voices of people not only from Britain but from around the world. London is a melting pot - of people, culture, art, architecture, music and food.

Smell the aromas from around the world. Once thought to have a painful and dreaded fare, London is now mecca to some of the finest restaurants in the world. Taste the flavors from France, Spain, Italy, Japan, Malaysia as well as others that have infiltrated into the British cuisine.I have enjoyed some of the best meals in London. Sip the bubbly... Londoners, like most Europeans, love their wine, Prosecco and beer, and these are enjoyed through the day in both enclosed and open spaces. Be sure to meander through the colorful, vivid and aromatic covered markets... treat yourself to a glass of sangria as you do so!

London is a city with a long and rich past that perfectly poised to embrace the future and all things new and modern. If you've not ever been, or not been in awhile, you will be amazed at the changes - in the skyline, in the people and in atmosphere. London, once thought to be quite stuffy and buttoned up, has taken on a more European flair and joie de vivre. Her people are warm and friendly - inviting and incredibly hospitable. She has worked her way back to the top of the list of my favorite cities. I hope you will pay her a visit. London and her people have captured my heart.

I hope the images below give you a taste of the city... of the sights and smells and colors, textures and flavors... I hope that through these images you can somehow taste, touch and feel London as I did!

Jessica Gordon Ryan/The Entertaining House

With many gracious thanks to the folks at Poggenpohl who arranged for a most magnificent architectural tour led by University of London Architecture Professor Timothy Bruce-Dick.

Poggenpohl was a major BlogTour London sponsor. The company was founded in 1892 in the heart of Germany and is the oldest and best-known kitchen brand in the world. Since its conception by founder, Friedemir Poggenpohl, the company strives to continually‘improve the kitchen.’

For the past 120 years, Poggenpohl has been reinventing life in the kitchen one idea at a time. It was the was the first company to introduce many transformative innovations including white lacquer furniture, ergonomic work-top heights, and the kitchen island.

Technical expertise, materials of unsurpassable quality, craftsmanship and trend-setting design go into each Poggenpohl kitchen as they constantly pay utmost attention to detail and never compromise on perfection. The company is represented in more than 70 countries worldwide.

I hope you enjoyed the tour!

XOXO,

Jessica

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