From the euphoria of Live8 and yesterday's Olympic announcement to today's events.

It's been an eventful week for London

The British are used to pulling together in times like these. We learned from our parents and grandparents what it was like to live in fear of the bombs of WWII and the threat of invasion.

Many of us have lived through IRA bombings and disruptions. We're used to roadblocks and threats.

Now we have to pray for a peaceful future, and for the world leaders gathered here in Britain to make the world a fairer, less polluted and more peaceful place.

We also have to look to our friends to support us. Not in a political sense, but in not allowing terrorism to infringe on all our rights and desires. Britain is still a beautiful place to visit - please don't be put off coming here.

You will make it through this, you are stronger than the fanatics who're the cause of this. London has stood for many centuries and will go on for many more.

Teacher said:

Jen ... we certainly will. I was prompted to post this by speculation on the news that many people who were planning to visit us this summer will be put off by the bombings today. Whilst I can certainly understand this, I hope that any who do just postpone rather than cancel and still considering coming to our island at some point in the future.

Reincarnate said:

I don't think that will happen, despite what has happened everybody in general seem to have big confidence in the rescue and security working in London. I've been watching the news all day since I found out, and everybody I have seen who've been at the sites have been excellent - they've kept their calm, their integrity and haven't fallen into the trap of speculating or fabricating stories. The police are ALL tight-lipped, doing what they should which is leaving the announcements for the people trained to do it. Londoners in general refuse to let this rock the world they live in every day, they refuse to be scared. Big ups to all of them/you!

It is unfortunate, that some countries will not take threats of terrorism seriously, until they get hit (not talking about the UK here or any country in particular).

I've lived my whole like under the terror threat.

I remember growing up where after every show on TV they would show a short segment telling us to look out for suspicious objects like abandoned bags in bus stops and so on.
In major stores, since I can remember, always checked your bags when you entered the store.

Every corner of the street you'd see the border police checking IDs of suspicious people.

Living in constant fear is no fun.
It is more sad that only during events like these, that people are reminded that something needs to be done (help the poor, fight terrorism, fight for freedom etc.)
[Edited 7/7/05 12:58pm]

I for one, refuse to let these terrorists stop me from going anywhere.I love Britain and I definitely will be going back for many visits.There's a little hotel in Russell Square that is our home away from home...my prayers are with everyone there.

I feel for you guys out there. You just experienced the ultimate high of your city being chosen for the 2012 Olympics, L8 and the G8 summit... then this happens.

My thoughts are with all of the orgers in London. Hope things return to normal.

Well said Reincarnate As a Londoner born and raised, it was amazing to see just how calm everyone remained during the events of today.
We have had some dark days before, and we got through those, and we will get through this too.
London is beautiful, cosmopolitan, and accepting of all people, regardless of there background. Any visitors are always welcome, and add a sense of magic to the flavour here.
The Olympics is a boost for the city, a positive, as is the spirit shown by Brits to the world in times of crisis.

Thanks to all who have shown us support in this little world of ours


[Edited 7/7/05 13:49pm]

Reincarnate said:

I can't help but wonder if immigration will be tightened up (which would most certainly put a damper on my plans), a la post 9/11 here in the US. Homeland Security and the Patriot Act and such. Though Reincarnate, you are right about the IRA bombings - perhaps the UK knows better how to handle this than the US does.

I love the city and what it stands for more strongly than I've ever felt about any place here in the States. I hoped - and still do hope - to make a home for myself there.

Reincarnate said:

ENGLAND ROCKS!! as a foreigner who has come here to live and work I love it here and no bastards are gonna ruin it for me

well said reincarnate

Natsume said:

I have been wondering about this myself...

CarrieMpls said:

bah! and you and I are surely in the same boat, my dear... it's hard enough getting them over here, what with the insane US laws, but now it's going to be even harder for us to get over there.

Natsume said:

co-

Natsume said:

I'll swap you my passport.

Number23 said:

in a heartbeat! I think you can easily pass for a small half-Japanese female.

Natsume said:

And I think you'd make a good Ayrian Braveheart. I'll teach you all the Scottish banter and rhyming slang and drug terminology before we Do A Hanks, as I always callit. No, that was Big. Vice Versa had the guy from Beverly Hills Cop. Coincidentally, his name was Billy too....Coincidence, schminceidence. Oh God fuck geyser joy I want to be a Jew.

Number23 said:

Teach me how to play the bagpipes and what goes under those silly kilts of yours and we will be set. I want to be a Jewess so I can marry my manJew lover Richard Belzer!

Natsume said:

Not if I get to him first!

Natsume said:

HobbesLeCute said:

No no no YOU get Burt Reynolds, Richard Belzer is all mine!

ok enough hijacking on this thread on my behalf, back to solidarity people....

HobbesLeCute said:

Natsume said:

I am %100 okay with this compromise.