Tired of London?

The Telegraph blogging team are busily discussing the New York Magazine's provocative article on the merits of New York versus London. It seems a bit pointless, but newspapers love declaring, for example that Paris is the best at A, London the best at B and other places the best at XYZ.

Readers humour them by continuing to buy their papers whilst not really caring who is the best at anything because it's all moot anyway. Good luck to those who are in 'the best' city for XYZ, and tough luck on the rest of the world. Still, no one's losing any sleep over it, except maybe some promoters of tourism.

I can't comment on New York since I've never been there. I have known peope who live there who are quite nauseating about how wonderful it is, and I'm sure I'll get there one day to see for myself, at least to visit. It was apparently founded in the 1620's by the Dutch. This is quite a long time after the Romans founded London in AD43. London was burned down several times, but this in no way detracts from its history, which, afterall, does not re-set after every disaster.

I used to work in London, and live in the Green Belt. I remember wishing the GB was greener and that I could access free countryside more easily. Everywhere seemed to belong to someone. I would travel daily on the Northern Line which, in the mid '80s was a dirty, smelly underground hell hole. Have they installed ventilation that works now? It was exhausting travelling for 2 1/2 hours per day and by the weekend, the last thing I wanted to do was go back in for pleasure.

These days, I visit, and I find that suits me just fine. I can go and take what I want and leave the problems for someone else to sort out. The boys adore going there to ride on the train, tube and a nice red bus, visit the Science Museum, or one of the transport, military etc museums. They love going to Hamley's, and eating out.

I find it all cosy and familiar - I know where to go, and how to get there. The museums are FREE and have super shops. I loved being able to skate at the Natural History Museum this winter, and intend to try the one at the Tower next winter.

My parents can travel all over the London transport system for nothing which means they can have super days out for free if they take sarnies.

There are lots of marvellous aspects to London and the ones which are important are the ones which apply directly to the individual. I would not, however, want to bring up my children there. I prefer the fresh air and open spaces that living where I do provides. They have the best of both worlds. They live healthily in the country, but make regular visits to London with mum, and Paris with dad.

Who cares about London vs New York!