1)Travel in an open...
by palmi
1)Travel in an open doubledecker bus
1a)Walk through Hyde Park
2)Visit Camden Market! Especially at weekends there are tenthousands of people and shopping and watching the crowds and just watching and.... and.....
It's a fascinating place!!
2a)if you're interested in antiques visit a market in Greenwich(tip by a very charming London eye guide!!) 1)Sitting or standing in one of the pubs and just enjoying the atmosphere!
2)going up and enjoying the marvellous view of the city from the London eye
3)some hours in 'Ye olde Cheshire Cheese' (that's a pub on Fleet Street I think) and watching Londoners celebrating the new Mayor and listening to a musician dressed as a Pearl King and singing traditionals with all the people joining in!
4)shopping at 'Twinings' tea shop
London Tip
by ching5
The flowers behind the St Paul Cathedral are beautiful. Don't you agree? Was told that if you hug the statue in the garden, you will have a good marriage. And if you are single, you'll get a partner if you make a wish and hug the statue. Want to give it a try??? :-)
Wobble ye not
by rickyvilla81
Oh, we laughed. Not content with the joke of a Dome, we had to go and build a new footbridge over the Thames, linking St.Pauls with Tate Modern. An inspired idea with absolutely no faults, opening in the Year 2000. We all thought Y2K bugs were reserved for computers. We had the best architects in the world: Arup, Rogers, Foster. And when they opened it, they had to close it because it wobbled too much, and nobody knew why. It took them a year and a half to figure it out. In the end, it all came through, and has now lost it's wobble, and safely shepherds tourists across the Thames. We really missed out on a Pisa-type attraction here, though.
The cheek to cheek "kiss" greeting
by amyLbrown2002
It took a while for me to get used to this. English people, when they meet you will lean in and give each other a "kiss" on the cheek. Though they never actually put their lips onto your cheek. It's more of an air-kiss, or they touch their cheek to yours.
It can get embarrassing for someone who doesn't do it naturally, when they lean in and you shy off, or you end up banging your heads together because you're so flustered!
I'm sued to it now, and when I meet other kiwis/aussies who don't do it, I feel really weird - like I haven't acknowledged them properly or warmly enough!
Things to Leave Behind ... And NOT!
by Elena_007
Pack up your troubles and leave them behind. Your objective is ... to Have Fun! Whatever your idea of fun is, just do it! Leave enough space in your luggage to bring home treasures of your memorable experience. Before arriving at the airport, check on the baggage weight limit for your flight. By no means go overboard, it is a costly mistake. (Unless, of course, money doesn't matter to you). The 'penalty' charges are nearly out of this world! Depending on your length of stay, bring enough clean clothes to last the entire visit. Reminder, See above tip: Laundry is NOT fun! COMFORTABLE shoes are a must have! Note: Walking in London IS fun!
Deciding what types of clothes to pack depends entirely on the time of year you are traveling ... Check the weather forecast before you leave home. After all, you ARE on the Internet! A tiny fold up umbrella (brolly) is always useful, and not much bother. Mine fits inside my purse, even! For your convenience, I have included a link to the 5 day forecast in London. There is an option to view in Fahrenheit degrees also, as many Americans do not know Celsius.
London Weather
http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/5day.shtml?world=0008 If you are on medication, then surely you wouldn't leave home without it! If you fancy your own toiletries, then pack 'em. If you forget a few items, well, buy 'em. Please don't forget your toothbrush and toothpaste, at least, although these items are readily available in London. A digital camera would be ideal, (as you can see the shot and decide if you want to keep it or try again) but a camera is a must!!! Even if it is a disposable one, it is something you simply can not live without whilst in London. Trust me, you will be glad you did. Photo opportunities are endless! Well, if it is an outdoor adventure you are planning, then do bring the necessary gear along, or buy disposable items, if you prefer. Just don't start any forest fires trying to make a cup of coffee, if you are out in the English countryside camping. Be sure to bring enough money! (Or rather, access to your cash) ATM (cash machines) are everywhere, so only carry the amount you will need for a few days at a time. If using a credit card, be sure you set it up to require a PIN # for purchases, in case lost or stolen. Also, always carry some coins, because you may NEED them, as some toilets require an entry fee, but ... mostly to impress the shop attendants with your ability to count foreign currency.
Don't forget to bring a prepaid phone card in case you need to use the telephone. (Hint for Americans: DO NOT say, "I have a calling card." It means something ENTIRELY different!)
Most importantly, bring a smile along to brighten someone's day. Relax, and take time to enjoy yourself. Create some pleasant memories, that will last a lifetime, to take back home with you. One last thing to remember... If something doesn't go quite as planned, do not allow yourself to be upset. Instead ... Laugh at yourself, if only to amuse others. You are only human, after all.