There IS something about London. I dont think I have met as many “New Yorkers-at-heart” as “Londoners-atheart”!Despite being a fairly well travelled personthanks largely to my job, London happened to me late in life.I have transited through Heathrow many a times and, bsolutely hated it! Long queues, tougher security restrictions that can feel intimidating and air traffic congestion that can have you cooling your heels in the airplane waiting to de-board after a long haul flight…

And, having heard so much of gush about London from people, I had almost turned a cynic about the city too. And then one day I finally got introduced formally to London. History-meets-art-meets-urban dynamism this was one irrepressible creature that left me panting for more. The rain, the grey skies, the rude cabbies eVeRYTHING added to the iconic charm of this pulsating city. I walked around like a wide-eyed tourist soaking in every little cliché:

the cream teas, the royalty, the double-decker buses, the red post boxes, the ‘bobbies, the fish and chips, the Underground, the London eye… seriously, does any other city have so much character? Can it get any better?

Oh yes it can. London is out to outdo itself as it gets ready to welcome the world in June. With the Olympics coming up, the city is bursting around the seams with new things. And we round up our ‘Go For Gold build-up to the Games with an ‘eye on London package to ensure all of you headed there make the most of your trip. There are secrets tucked away in these pages you will thank us for. There are weekend getaway suggestions to give you a break from all things thletic. And there are some things you absolutely must-do.

We also give you summer escape ideas. Find love in Gulmarg, or go dune bashing in the Thar desert, stay in village homes in Uttarakhand or walk with the giraffes in Kenya. If you are the sun and sand types, our Plus List gets you ten offbeat beaches in and around India. Dont

do Goa, do Gopalpur this season. I hope you are enjoying travelling with the celebrities. This issue, mona Singh of Jassi fame shares her favourite foodie joints in Pune, Katrina Kaif talks of her globetrotting experiences, and wrestler Sangram Singh gives you an update on moscow.

but this summer, we suggest, you Go For Gold!