There are dozens of accents throughout the British Isles, but few are more colorful than the rhyming slang of the Cockneys, residents of London's East End who, according to history, were "born within the sound of the Bow Bells" (bells of the Church of St Mary-le-Bow). Its rhyming substitutions for certain words - skin-and-blister for sister, apples-and-pears for upstairs, etc. - was originally designed to confuse the authorities when some criminal mischief was afoot, but now it serves mostly to highlight the quick wit and steely resolve of the historically working class citizens of the area. Discover the heart of the Cockney tradition with a stroll through the East End and along the canals, hitting several landmarks and hearing enough quizzical verse to make you scratch your head. This helpful walking tour suggests several major milestones, including Mile End, the site of a Peasant's Revolt in 1381, Mile End Lock, one of many mechanical locks that raise and lower barges through the canals, and the canalside pubs that offer a pint with a view of the action and a constant soundtrack of Cockney slang. And to really put yourself in the center of the action, stroll through Victoria Park (pictured), which was the city's first park dedicated to the common people rather than the royals. Long a hangout of east-enders, it boasts a boating lake, English flower garden, and a Chinese pagoda, a perfect place to duck into if you get caught in the France and Spain (rain). Starwood has hotels throughout London, including Le Méridien Piccadilly.
[image via London is Free]
