Brianna

I will try posting this thing one more time, as I saw some of the questions asked today, and am sure no one will bother to read a post called "cont" so here goes...<BR><BR>Well, I am back from my fabulous trip to England and back to the realities of daily life. Anyway, although it wasn’t my first time there, I thought I would compile a few suggestions or recommendations for fellow American travelers…first I will start with London. We were in London for a few days and stayed at the Fleming’s Mayfair. Let me tell you, this is in a GREAT location and I would highly recommend this hotel to all. It is right off of Piccadilly, right across from Green Park, and right by the Green Park tube station. It is right next to The Ritz, and an easy walk to Piccadilly Circus. There is so much hustle and bustle going on, you are right next to EVERYTHING and yet the actual hotel is on a quiet street (Half Moon) and in a very safe location. The room was spotless, and the bathroom (a.k.a. “toilet” or “loo”) was normal sized, and also very clean. I booked my room on travelocity, although it did show up cheaper later on lastminute.com. I paid $380 VAT incl. for two nights. I thought that was fair, considering the location and quality. We did not hit the restaurant there, getting Pret A Manger (think Au Bon Pain), which was right around the corner, croissants and coffee (don’t expect cream in your coffee, it’s just served with milk), for breakfast. Most days we were on the go and we picked up the prepackaged (tasty) sandwiches in the morning and kept them in our backpacks. This was very convenient, as you could picnic wherever when you were hungry, and saved a lot of money.<BR>

Bri

We did the “Big Bus” Tour, which was fabulous, and better than the “Original” Tour that I did last time. It’s a jump on and off 24-hr deal. You can pick this bus up everywhere, we got ours right in front of The Ritz. On the bus I highly suggest buying your tickets to attractions you want to go to from the driver. It costs no extra money, and is almost like having a VIP or “Fast Pass” from Disney or something. You literally glide past huge lines (a.k.a. “queue”) and right into places. We did that for The Tower of London and The London Dungeon and it saved us a ton of time. The Tower was nice, although we didn’t do the Beefeater Tour, it was more of an adult thing, I don’t know…it might be boring for younger kids, maybe not. It is very museum-like. We loved the London Dungeon – it suited us, but it might be too gory for really young kids. I am 25 and (still much a kid in some ways!) found it very fun and interesting. No I am not a sicko! It almost reminded me of a Universal Studios-type thing, you walk through the “museum” then go into different rooms with different speakers, a quick water ride through the “prison” etc. Silly fun.<BR><BR>On Thursday night we wanted a good meal and were hungry about 6pm. Be warned – the “nicer” restaurants do not begin serving until 7pm. We tried one place that wasn’t open, then went to this place called “Baggios” or something on Piccadilly which was okay, nothing to write home about, but fine. On Friday night we went to “Tiger Tiger” (around 8pm) right near Piccadilly Circus (The Haymarket). We got in without a reservation and got sat at a fab table. The food was GREAT, although I guess expensive (dinner with 2 bottles of wine was well over $100) and slid right into the nightclub after dinner. It was a young, hip crowd, our age, very fun. When we left there were lines to get in.<BR>

Bri

Riding the tube was fine, very similar to Boston, although cleaner. The locals are generally very friendly – much friendlier than here as I have noticed since I’ve been back – I have gotten flicked off twice by idiotic drivers just today! We did the London Eye on Friday – definitely book your tickets from the British Airways website before you leave. When you get there you go into the building, slide your credit card into the machine and – voila! - out pop your tickets. No waiting in the lines. Our tickets were fro 11:30, but it wasn’t too busy and we got on around 11. It is about 25 minutes or so, it moves very slowly and easily. I get freaked on ferris wheels, but this was nothing like that. You don’t even notice the motion.<BR><BR>Weather was English February – rain, then clear, then rain, etc. It didn’t matter. Granted, it is getting warmer, but I would suggest those that go soon bring a scarf and hat if you will be doing much walking around London. A few days it was very windy and chilly and I was glad for the scarf! <BR><BR>Ummm…we did rent a car the first few days (no, not in London), which was fine. Driving the stick with the left hand was no problem, it did take a few minutes getting used to being on the right-hand of the car though, and in the right hand lane. The highways are much more sane, people use the passing lane as just that, to pass, not travel and ride up on each other like here. Driving on the country roads can get sketchy, as the trucks (a.k.a. “lorries”) barrel down the same roads, but you get used to it. It’s fine. <BR><BR>Other than that, we did Warwick Castle (which I have always loved) – big thumbs up, Stratford on Avon…we did do Shakespeare’s birthplace, as I do teach English and skipped it last time I was there. I felt it was an obligation, ha ha. The house itself is lame, but the exhibit you walk through after you buy your ticket is very interesting and informative, if you are interested in Shakey Bill. We videotaped the whole thing, but no cameras in the house. Not much to see anyway! <BR><BR>We also did F1 testing at Silverstone. Fun if you like racing, make sure to hit the “Green Man Pub” right nearby. It is fabulous, and authentically old. The food is great, and has lots to choose from over your typical pubby-type fare.<BR><BR>Well, I am sure I am leaving out loads, but this is becoming a novel. Let me know if anyone has any specific questions. Not that I am any expert on England or anything, I can only answer for what I saw, my novice opinion! SO much fun! <BR><BR>

jen

was the big bus tour more money?

bri

don't think so! They're about the same!