Along the road more traveled
by penumbra
The Victoria Palace Theatre is off on its own, but can be worth the trip depending on what’s playing. I had one of my great travel learnings in London. It was the weekend and I wanted to find some entertainment but didn’t know where to go. I stopped in at a tourist office and got a couple of addresses to some clubs, but when I went looking for one of them it turned out to be closed. Disappointed, I was standing on the platform of the tube waiting to head back into London. A group of people came onto the platform and we all headed into town. More and more people boarded the train at each stop. Then at one particular stop most of the people got out, including the group that had got on at my station. Curious, I followed and found that there were even more people already converging from streets above ground. A special event? Nope… I’d discovered Leicester Square, the theatre and restaurant district. And there in lay the learning. If you’re looking for the main attractions in a city, follow the crowd. Once you’ve found those, you’re in a better position to explore off the beaten track.
The Gherkin
by scotlandscotour
London's new icon - the Swiss Re office block, better known by locals as the Gherkin - see pictures on websites.
This is winning architectural awards and certainly raises a smile as you view the London skyline from the Thames.
At long last - a building with curves!
From the great architect, Norman Foster, comes this amazing skyscraper - also known as the erotic gherkin, or 30 St Mary Axe
BBC.Co.Uk - Gherkin
Norman Foster
Buy The Big Issue
by luke850
When you are in London, please buy the Big Issue. This is a general interest magazine, sold by very poor, or homeless people. It is a good read, isn't expensive and the profits go to the person selling it. It is an excellent way of helping out poor people in London, who are trying to make an honest living, instead of begging.
The Sultans Elephant
by Mariajoy
Is there a day that goes by in London when something surreal and sublime doesn't happen? Whether it's on a small personal scale or on a HUGE public scale like The Sultan's Elephant, a four day, street theatre event organised by The Arts Council for England and The Mayor of London.
The Sultans Elephant is a 40 foot high, 42 tonne automaton and his companion is The Giant Girl. I think I probably have said this before, but it still holds true. Amongst the mundane, humdrum, and sometimes downright tiresome, it's always possible to find something in this city that is magical and mysterious... this massive puppet was unexpected and just beautiful!
We found the Elephant in Trafalgar Square, the roads in the area had been closed off for his procession on Saturday and he was having a rest outside the National Gallery. There were thousands of people waiting there for his arrival and taking photos, and a BIG WELL DONE to those guys in orange who do a great job of crowd control! Thanks :)
Please check the website for more info about the story of The Sultans Elephant
Afternoon Tea
by Sharon
Yes thats one of the most famose habbits in London and the UK, the 4:00 Oclock Tea.
If you like to try that you and you have no Local friends to Invite you then try one of the big and famous hotel like Savoy, ritz, Hilton, Dorchester,Claridge Or just at Harrods or Fortnam & Mason.
The price wont be cheap but then its another nice experience and after that you wont be hungry for at least a few more hours.
Dress code is still very strict at the Ritz and at the Savoy though at the Claridge smart casual is accepted until 6.30 pm.
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maybe they should put it on smaller plates!
All Hallows by the Tower Church - London
Queensway market.
Salmon fishcake
