London calling

[bridybo]

With great airfare deals and the exchange rate being more favorable that it has been in years my husband has decided he would like to go to London to celebrate his graduation (plus he is valedictorian amongst his major, I just had to brag ) and our birthdays. We're looking at going in late May for about a week and once we get our dates finalized I have my eye on a couple of the great LL offerings. I'd love to hear about any expeiences or advice for London that the LL community has.



Bridybo

[thepiranha]

First, congratulations on your husband's graduation and being honored as class valedictorian. Ah, London. I spent two months in London years ago, but I still remember it well. Definitely check out the theater. There are many theaters (theatres?) in London that have fantastic shows. You don't have to go to the huge productions to see something good. My trick was to purchase the least expensive tickets to a mid-week matinee and move up to better seats since the theaters usually didn't sell out. The museums in London are fantastic. Check out the Victoria and Albert Museum with its many Greek and Roman ruins. I also like the War Museum. Food in England is no longer something to be avoided. Indian restaurants in London are probably the best in the world. There is a small Chinatown on Gerard Street and I've had some of the best Chinese food that I've ever eaten in London. Lee Ho Fook, the restaurant popularized in Warren Zevon's "Werewolves of London" is now closed. Street vendors sell schwarma that is delicious and inexpensive. Make sure that you check out some of the outdoor markets that sell everything from antiques to clothing. Portobello Road is open every Saturday and has over 2,000 stalls. The Brick Road market is very interesting because it's in the East End, home to many Bangladeshis. It's open on Sunday. There's also a 24 hour bagel place in the East End. The East End was once home to many Jewish people, so the bagel shop is a vestige of those times. It's very popular, even though it's strikingly out of place for the area. Check out Covent Gardens as well. There's so much to do and see in London that whatever you do, you're going to get only a small sampling of the city. Have fun!!!