Ep 8. London: Historic and Dynamic

Rick Steves' Europe season 7 episode 8 titled "London: Historic and Dynamic" takes viewers on a tour of one of Europe's most iconic cities. Rick's objective is to explore London's rich history and its dynamic modern culture. The episode covers a wide range of sights and experiences from classic landmarks to trendy neighborhoods.

The episode begins with Rick's visit to the Tower of London, a historic castle that was built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century. Rick guides viewers around the castle while sharing historical anecdotes and telling the story of its past inhabitants, including the royal family and various prisoners. At the end of the tour, Rick recommends that visitors take a stroll across Tower Bridge, the famous bridge that spans the River Thames next to the Tower.

The next stop on Rick's tour is the British Museum, one of the most famous and most visited museums in the world. Rick walks viewers through the museum's galleries, showcasing some of the most important artifacts in human history, including the Rosetta Stone, the mummies of ancient Egypt, and the Parthenon sculptures from ancient Greece. Rick also takes a moment to highlight some of the museum's lesser-known treasures, including ancient chess pieces and the Lewis Chessmen.

Moving away from traditional history, Rick next explores some of London's hippest neighborhoods. He starts with Camden, a thriving area that is popular among both locals and tourists. Rick walks viewers through Camden Market, a vibrant marketplace selling everything from vintage clothing to street food. He also visits some of the area's bars and clubs and enjoys a night out dancing to the city's vibrant music scene.

The following destination is Notting Hill, a picturesque neighborhood that has become synonymous with the eponymous film. Rick shows viewers around Portobello Road and its famous marketplace, a colorful shopping district with a rich history. He also spends time exploring the neighborhood's colorful streets and their iconic pastel-colored houses.

One of the episode's highlights is Rick's visit to Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, which he discusses its history and significance in British theater. Rick also interviews one of the theater's actors, who gives a brief insight into Shakespeare's works and acting techniques.

The episode ends on a sweet note, with Rick spending time at a traditional British tea house. Throughout the segment, he talks about tea culture and the history of the beverage in England. The last scene of the episode shows Rick taking a sip of tea and urging viewers to explore all the wonderful things that London has to offer.

Overall, Rick Steves' Europe season 7 episode 8 "London: Historic and Dynamic" presents a fantastic insight into one of the world's most vibrant and historic cities. Viewers will enjoy Rick's amusing commentary with his usual blend of humor and history while learning about various landmarks, neighborhoods, and historical sites that make London a must-visit destination.