London: A Great City for visitors
Written: Mar 28 '01
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Easy to navigate. Wonderful people.
Cons: Expensive
The Bottom Line: London is one of the best cities in the world for visitors!
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| dbhoutx's Full Review: London |
London is one of the worlds more exciting cities. Over the past weekend, I made a short trip to see how things have changed over the numerous years since my previous visit. Many things are much the way I remembered them while others certainly had changed. I really enjoyed this most recent visit and hope to get back again later this year, when another air-fare sale breaks out.
Given the current scare with hoof and mouth disease as well as mad cow disease, the British are worried that folks are staying away from their lovely country. In London, if you stay away from the zoo, you would have little chance of running into any animals that may have hoof and mouth disease. Anyhow, it is not a harmful disease to humans. If you worry about the beef, just don't eat it. London has all kinds of food available so nearly every taste can be satisfied without having to resort to eating beef.
I was enticed to going over the pond after seeing prices well below normal. From Texas one can get over and back for about $400 on the weekend with the specials. If you look hard enough you can find some cheap digs in a bed and breakfast establishment. In my case I found my place to stay on the internet. I was close to Victoria Station, which is great when you fly in and out of Gatwick. For 20British Pounds Sterling you can ride an express train round trip from the airport to Victoria station and back. It is a 30 minute train ride which is definitely shorter than a taxi or bus ride and costs well less than a taxi ride. The train is very comfortable anyhow.
London is a grand old city. Yes it is very old. Some buildings that stand proud today are several hundred years old. One thing I really enjoyed is seeing those buildings that are well preserved. One particular building I visited is the Wesley Chapel and Wesley House. These buildings are over 200 years old. They were built back when John Wesley was preaching and gathering a flock for a new church. I also enjoy seeing the various buildings along the Thames, such as Parliament and Westminster Abbey. The London Tower and the Tower Bridge are also great landmarks in the city.
Several boats operate along the river showing off the sights from the waterway. A trip from Westminster Abbey to The London Tower takes about 30 minutes and costs about $7 depending upon the tour operator. In my case I took "The Big Bus" city tour which included the boat ride. The buses operate two routes, a Blue and a Red route which take you by numerous different landmarks. You may hop off and walk around and then hop back on the bus for more of the tour. If you take both routes and the boat and hop on and off at a couple of different places you can easily fill your whole day. The cost of the tour is about $21.
Eating in London can be fun. There are all kinds of food available. I found a kosher shop near one train station. I saw numerous Chinese and Indian eateries. I tried one of the Chinese places and was quite pleased with the food. The cost was a bit high but I was hungry and did not want to go too far from the hotel. Several Pubs offered the national dish, "Fish and Chips." Not cow chips as you might get here in Texas, but French Fries which in Britain are called chips.
The folks who live in London are on average very friendly. I found them very welcoming in their establishments and friendly when meeting them in the tube or on the streets. Something else to watch on the streets, aside from the friendly folks, is the cars. If you are from the USA, look both ways before crossing streets. You will find that the cars drive on the opposite side of the street than you will find in Continental Europe or the USA.
One of the best ways to get around in Central London is via "The Tube." Otherwise known as either the Underground or a Subway, the Tube can quickly move you from point A to point B throughout a large service area. For travelers they even sell travel cards, which allow unlimited travel subject to selective restrictions. The travel cards are relatively inexpensive. I used one for a day and had fun while moving around the city almost effortlessly. The network is extensive and the trains run pretty often.
While there do not forget to check out Harrods department store. They are closed on Sunday though. Oxford Street is another shopping jewel. You will certainly find the souvenirs you want with just a little effort.
If you go to London, get an A-Z map book to help you find your way around the city. It will come in handy. I am sure you too will have fun if you spend a few days in London. Go forth and enjoy.
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Families
Best Time to Travel Here: Anytime
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Epinions.com ID:
dbhoutx
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 - Top 1000 |
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Member: David
Location: Houston, Texas
Reviews written: 324
Trusted by: 223 members
About Me:
David loves outdoor activities, travel, breeding Registered Texas Longhorns.
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