Things I learned in London

So I'm back home (yay!) from a successful trip abroad, and thinking about it there are some helpful hints I could give others travelling to London. So here goes:

Movies - Start times for movies are when the doors open, not when the movie actually starts. Plus, you get a good solid half-hour of commercials (at least 10) and then trailers before the movie starts. The good news is the alcohol-friendly waiting lounge.

Trash - Carry a bag big enough to store trash in if you plan on making any. There are almost no trash bins in central London. This is apparently due to years of bombing. Still, very inconvenient.

Food - I hope you like Curry, Sandwiches, Pizza, Kebab, or Fish & Chips. This compromises about 80% of the food options. The other 20% are fast food and Haagen Dasz.

Changing of the Guard - Show up early. I recommend either standing at the Victoria Statue facing the main gate, or somewhere you can see in the courtyard. You have no chance of seeing the whole thing, so pick your spot.

Bus - Get some good info on the bus lines (available at any tube station). Buses go everywhere, are pretty cheap, and you can see the city.

Tube Maps - These are available for free at every tube station. So don't go buying anything because it has a tube map in it. That's a waste. No one understands the Tube. No One! I was giving advice to people about where to go, and I'm not even from there.

Getting Money - Don't bother getting more than a few pounds before your trip. There are bank machines everywhere in London and you end up getting a much better rate than from your bank back home (say if you live in Canada)

Spending Money - Okay you really can't convert pounds back to your own currency and have a good time. Just think in pounds and the whole experience will go much better. In pounds everything is about the right price (and some things are cheaper) ;)

Crossing the Street - Most corners have the direction you should look for traffic written on them. Pay attention to these! Ignore the parked cars - apparently you can park whichever way you want so parked cars are not clues!

Power - Check your hotel online or call them. Mine had a N.A. plug in the room so all that universal plug/transformer stuff wasn't needed. Plus every plug I brought already had transformers that converted from 220/110. Also, in Europe they sell these really cool all-in-one multiplugs that take up almost no space. If you don't need a transformer these are the way to go.

TV - If you don't have more than basic cable... TV is BAD. I pity da fool who only got BBC1,BBC2,ITV1,Ch4,Ch5! If you don't like TV, this may be a good thing as there's even less incentive to watch.

There, that's it for now. Nothing too overwhelming but stuff I picked up as I went. Enjoy London.

Posted at 03:45 PM to Personal By: John Fairley