First Time in London!
 

Two questions: First, any advice or suggestions for a first time visitor to London? I am going in December for New Years. Second, any advice to for a person who is terrified of flying and is making her first flight across the Atlantic in December?! I truly appreciate any response! Thank you.

You pose so large a queation that my reply must appear dogmatic.

There are no "£musrt sees": tourism is a pleasuire, not a duty. So, you should read a guide book before you come, and chpoose what in it will take your fancyu. On arrival you shou;ld buy at thd airport a weekly listyings magazine, "Time Out" or "What's On", take a pen, and mark what takes your fancy. You should ask a tube station for the all-London bus map, and travel on the tops of busses for short journeys: more interesting than tube trips.

This morning, at London Bridge station, I was` within three hundred yards of an old battelship, a museum of the macabre, a fourteenth century cathedral, a Roman excavation, a pub with good lunches, a minor brewery, a museum of early surgery, and a specialist cheese maerchant. London has a wealth of places to match specific interests and tastes. If you care to tell me what yours are I may have something to suggest.

Welcome to London

Ben Haines

Just for fun I counted over 20 entries/postings on London with dozens of responses. Everything from soup to nuts. You mean to tell us Dawn, that you couldn't get all the info you needed from those postings without repeating and rehashing the same basic questions over and over again? Have you noticed that fewer and fewer people respond to people like you because THE ANSWERS ARE ALREADY THERE IN OTHER POSTINGS! As for your fear of flying - Don't go. Or take a boat. Or drive. I don't particularly like to fly but I get on the plane and go anyway. Maybe you'd be better off staying home and watching a London travelogue. There are a lot of good ones out there. As for you Ben, you either need a new keyboard or Spellcheck. You give a black eye to high quality British education.

Dawn - Fear!!! It's terrible isn't it. I have a fear for flying too but i tell myself that if i have to go......... no matter if its flying or driving..... i'll still go. Just tell yourself that it'll be alright...... taking sleeping pills but its better than just sitting at home and not travel to all those beautiful places around the world. London is great for shopping. Just get any travel books on London and you will be fine. For Brian, you obviously must have some problems about people's fear and spelling. No matter how qualified you are, you just don't measure up and should be the one who is staying at home nursing your ego. Jillian

How fortunate for you to be in London at the holiday time! The stores will all be decked out in their holiday finery; Harrod's, Marks & Spencer, Selfridge's, just window shopping will be a treat. Anything Dickens (Christmas Carol) is a must. Kudos to Jillian for her advice on fear - pay a visit to your physician and tell him what you've told us; that you have this great opportunity to go to London and don't want to miss out due to your fear of flying. He may be able to perscribe something for the flight. And to Brian - your comments are far too Scrooge like for my tastes. This is not the forum for crumudgeon's.

To Jillian and CJ: Just think of me as the travellers' policeman. My job is to weed out the repeaters, the rehashers, the people too lazy to click on the exact same questions that others have asked over and over again, the lazy high school students who ask duh...tell me what you know about Ireland, instead of doing the basic research themselves. A lot of the info on this Web Site is very interesting when it deals with hard-to-find stuff but a great deal is erroneous and ill-advised based upon my experience travelling to over 40 countries. To Dawn: go to Picadilly Circus in central London and take the tourist bus. It's about 12 pounds. Try to sit in the upper deck. You can get off and back on one of their busses as often as you like with the same ticket. And you can do that all day. If you see something you especially like go back another day for a more leisurely tour. As for you CJ I think the word you want is CUMURGEON - a cranky old bastard. And when you pluralize you don't use an apostrophe - only when it's a possessive. We learn that in the 3rd grade. Also a doctor PREscribes drugs. If you ask him to PERscribe he might just stand there and scratch his head. Also Dawn, read a book called How to Get Over the Fear of Flying. It's a much healthier way to deal with your fear than running to a doctor for a drug.

We were in London in late Oct and had what can I can only term "a blast". See a show. We saw Jesus Christ Superstar, Martin Guerre and Oliver. Oliver closes at the end of Dec and who knows when or if this masterpiece will ever return? If you are in Trafalgar, make sure you visit the National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery - surely one of the best "free deals" in London (along with the British Museum).

Dawn, you will love London. We did the usual touristy things such as St Paul's, the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, etc. However, we felt that one our highlights was the trip we did to Greenwich. You can travel down the Thames past the Tower to Greenwich. The boat ride takes about 1/2 hour. Greenwich is quite pretty, with little shops and a big park. Walk through the park to the Royal Observatory and straddle the time meridian. The famous ship "Cutty Sark" is also moored there. We also really enjoyed our tour through Lord's Cricket Ground - however, we're Australian! I guess to Americans it would'nt mean too much. However, to any fellow travellors from cricketing nations reading this post, I can thoroughly recommend it. The tour went for 1 1/1 hours, was very informative and a lot of fun!

I can't help but join the spelling bee. Brian - I like your honesty but, while it appears that CJ made a typographical error in typing the word curmudgeon (crumudgeon), it appears that you misspelled the word (curmurgeon) since it appears that you have extensive knowledge of these things.

We highly recommend the "London Walks", two-hour informative and educational walks led by knowledgeable folks, often moonlighting actors. You can pick up their brochure at many spots around London. Also, if you like theater, London is THE SPOT and nearly everything can be seen on half-price tickets bought from the booth at Leicester Square.

Four years ago we were in London over the Christmas holidays and found that many many things were shut down. Two years ago, when we were actually living there, our local supermarket closed for three entire days (Dec. 24,25,26), typical of establishments giving their employees time to be with family. But you'll surely find loads of interesting things to do, London is marvelous!

I, for one, am thrilled to hear the 'same old questions re-hashed again and again'. Each time one is asked, new and interesting travel trivia comes with it, and that is one of the best things about this forum. So, Brian, it seems like your 'extensive travel to over 40 different countries' has simply rendered you a bitter, impatient man. Too bad, but that's your problem. Don't make it ours. If you cannot share in the enthusiasm and joy of fellow travellers, perhaps you could go elsewhere to get your 'expert' information. In other words, if you can't be supportive, zip it! Now, as for the original question about panic and flying, I can certainly relate. A couple of things I have read might help you. Apparently extreme stress and/or panic depletes the body of simple sugars REALLY quickly, so sip fruit juice every hour to prevent hypoglycemia which has been shown to make panic worse. Slow, meditative breathing helps keep your body relaxed, as well as progressive meditation techniques. You know, the one where you start at your feet and slowly relax every muscle in your body as you go up? I personallt find that the more I try to fight the feeling, the worse it makes it. When I finally got to accept the panicky feelings, and not fight them, they got much better. Try it. Hope you have a wonderful time at such a magical time of year!!!

Hi Dawn--firstly your fear of flying: the Virgin Atlantic website has a section called the Meeting Place which has a whole section on this with FAQs and a self-help guide and is very good. Go to http://www.fly.virgin.com and follow the links to "Meetingplace" and "Are you a nervous flyer?" to find help. Also, you could try contacting the airline you are flying with--they often have programs to help nervous flyers and can assign a member of the cabin crew to make sure you're OK during the flight. Now your trip to London--there is so much to do and Christmas time is magical. If you like music, the Albert Hall has some lovely carol concerts. Museums are excellent: my favourites are the Victoria and Albert (give a suggested donation) and the British Museum (free!!)--go and see the Elgin Marbles before they are shipped back to Athens (and believe me, one day they will and quite rightfully so!) The National Gallery is amazing. The shops are great and there are some great atmospheric walks (eg Ghosts of Theatreland, Jack the Ripper's Whitechapel)--find details in Time Out Magazine. The BBC has just opened an interactive exhibition called "The BBC Experience" at Broadcasting House in the west end--supposed to be excellent. Try and buy some roasted chestnuts from a street vendor--they are delicious!

If you have any specific questions, please e-mail me. Good luck and enjoy London!----Zoe

Just a short post to express my gratitude to all the wonderful people who take time to answer our questions in such a thorough and kind manner. You folks are awesome, the best I've run across on the net. Thankyou! Linda in California

Dawn: since many of the replies to your pleas were useful, try some of those ideas. And try to ignore people like Brian - the world is full of angry folks who get off on cutting others. Brian brags he's travelled to 40 countries - that's probably untrue - the Brian's of this world are afraid to go anywhere alone - which they are often forced to do must do since no one can tolerate their negativism. Dawn - ask your doctor for 10 1 mg. Ativan tables - and take one every 4-5 hours, starting two hours before your flight. Avoid alcohol, and eat lightly before going and during the flight. This will work for you. And don't read any future messages from Brian or his ilk. He's busy surfing the net looking for others to dump on. He's a self styled policeman who cannot take care of himself. He's a man of truth who has none. Have fun in London.

Brian - i think that you should consider getting some counseling.

I just want to thank everyone for their kind words and inspiration. I really appreciate those of you who responded to my message with warmth and consideration. I will heed all of your advice, using it to strengthen myself as I embark on this upcoming journey!

Some practical tips: if you go to Tussaud's Wax Museum, go very early, around opening time to avoid crowds; at Tower of London, take the tour given by the Beefeaters - its very informational and free; at Westminster Abbey take the tour given by the clergy there - very inexpensive; familiarize yourself with the Metro - easy to use and gets you anywhere; last-minute theatre tickets can be had thru hotel concierge - our great concierge at the Chelsea Hotel got us 6th row center for Sunset Boulevard the day of the performance; Sticky Fingers Restaurant (Rolling Stones) overrated; V&A Museum will blow you away; day trip to Stratford-On-Avon, Cotswolds, Warwick Castle, and Oxford a great day with lunch at quaint Cotswolds village; pubs for lunch (fish & chips) are great, inexpensive bet; Jack the Ripper Tour is a lot of fun; be ready to do lots of walking. Hope you don't mind the long reply - you'll have a blast.

Dawn - one of your earlier replies said it all - if you can overcome your fear of flying, do come and enjoy the best of window dressing London has to offer at this time of the year and (I'd argue) no other. And do spare some time to visit intricate little places like Covent Garden and it's piazza and market, Camden Lock & Market, especially if you're looking for little nick-nacks to take home. Oh, and Brian if you're still turning in, as you seem to be a regular 'surfer' of these pages, may I suggest you get in touch with your soulmate, Joan - you'll find her address under the topic on hair colour in passports. You two are made for each other.

Sabrina, it seems to me that YOU and Brian are a better match. It seems the two of you are similar in that you are "proactive" in your insults to innocent people. In contrast, I am "reactive" to people like you who go around bashing others. Hope one day I can get a life that's filled with all the excitement that you have in yours.

Ooops! Sorry Brian. When I was referring to Sabrina's life, I meant to say "your's" (with an apostrophe.)

Oh no! Not here too!

Yes, James, I'm afraid so. Time to tune into another topic and leave like-minds to themselves.

It's not easy being the travellers' policeman around here! I go off line for a week and when I come back I find that all hell has broken loose!! Joan getting off over hair color and passports, Dr. Barbara giving unlicensed medical advice to overcome fear of flying, Dr. Joseph offering me free psychoanalysis and Sabrina giving marriage counseling. And in general so much poor spelling and bad grammar. Wow! It's all so overwhelming. So what's wrong with me giving free grammatical advice? Joan, you were right the first time: it's yours not your's. Before you go on your next trip take a Berlitz course, but in English. Even timid "Gidget goes to London" Dawn piles it on, boldly demanding that I get counseling!! Take that you big lug, you! It's just not fair. Interspersed with my meanness I gave her some really good advice: take the double decker tour bus at Picadilly Circus and throw away all those pills and read "How to Get Over the Fear of Flying." And did I get a thank you for this? No. Nothing. It's just not fair. As for my travels, I did miscalculate the number of countries I've visited. It's 36 and about 30 U.S. states. I'll name them all for you if you so desire and give you first hand info on any of them even to you cranky ones out there. Take care and don't be so touchy. And remember: the travellers' policeman is watching you.

Brian, I stand corrected. You are correct as I was the first time - it is "yours." However, who cares? I don't think many people want to be concerned with grammar when they are planning a trip or during casual conversation on the Internet. I would love to spar more with you to help correct your nasty disposition but your competition tonight is a warm fire and a hot cup of cocoa. Maybe another time.

Awwww, poor little Brian is feeling defensive and needs to make fun of everyone. Poor little Brian. You probably phone 900 numbers too. Since you are the travelling policeman, why don't you just give yourself a ticket and a gag order and be done with it? Then the world would be a safe place to travel in again!! hahaha You are such a loser, it is beyond hilarious. I must say, you are good for a laugh though!! But now you're just getting boring.

Anyway... things to do in London...FREE attractions not to be missed include Sir John Sloanes House, the Wallace Collection, and the Leighton House - all incredible! Go to Hampton Court (but skip Windsor which is mostly closed due to remodeling). Buy theatre tickets just before the play begins to get the lowest price/best seats. We took 3 walking tours and really enjoyed "London Panorama" with Richard T. For an extra L3.50 the walk included a cruise on the Thames from the Tower Bridge to the Westminster Bridge. We did not enjoy the walking tour of the Victoria & Albert Museum as there was too much that we wanted to see that the guide did not cover. If you fly into Gatwick I would also recommend your first night or two in Brighton - easy to get to, much to see, and better value in some regards than London. Have fun!

Dawn. I to am going to London for the first time this Dec. Have been geting some good tips on where to go and have a good time in the message posted by most of the people here. Unfortunately some people think this is where they can post mesages that will boost their ego. It is to bad they just can't try to give you and me a little help on a trip like this. Hope you have a wonderful time.

And I thot traveling was thrilllling, butt reading theese messages, back & fourth, is xcitement enuff. Perhaps I should cancel my trip to London and stay home and read this forum instead. Seriously though, thanks for all the great travel information folks!!! Off to London, Amsterdam & Paris for Xmas. PS, Postscript that is - I was never much of a speller! Cheers from Graduate School!

And I thot traveling was thrilllling, butt reading theese messages, back & fourth, is xcitement enuff. Perhaps I should cancel my trip to London and stay home and read this forum instead. Seriously though, thanks for all the great travel information folks!!! Off to London, Amsterdam & Paris for Xmas. PS, Postscript that is - I was never much of a speller! Cheers from Graduate School!

Dawn,
See the tower of london it gives the best sense of history. Ride the tube every where, shop in harrods
if still time write for tickets to Ceremony of the keys at The Tower, shop on Regent street, visit Greenwich, see the British Museum, its free and you can see the Magna Charta and mummies. See Big Ben and visit Parliment, read the Sun.
Flying... can you fly no, its a control issue willingly give up control, sit back and enjoy the food and the movies and stay sober. Have fun

Dawn:
If you are going to use the Underground, be sure you pick-up one of the little maps showing all the stations (When I was there you could get them at the ticket booth). This is important, because when we blithly descended to the 'tube' station, we thought we'd only have to ask someone which train to get in order to arrive at our destination. We asked eight people, and they were all visitors! Next time, we made sure to have the map!
A note to Brian. Brian, in England and Canada we spell the plural for 'bus' as " buses" Just as a matter of interest, do American's spell it witha double " s'' i.e. 'busses' as you did in your reply?
Muriel

Dawn and Wayne -
My sister and I are travelling just outside London for my pen pals wedding this coming July. It will be the first time for both of us in Europe, can you give me some advice? I would really appreciate it or anyone for that matter!! Thanks!!!

I would like to know some informations about the 'Marble Arch Inn' Hotel near to Oxford Street and Marble Arch. Thanks in advance.