Just Back from London
 

Just spent 10 wonderful days in London (first trip there) and loved every minute. Weather gorgeous except for one day! Saw all the touristy stuff. Most impressed by Westminster Abbey and St. Paul's. Bad experfience with hotel we chose and had to change after one night. Don't recommend Georgian House Hotel on St. George's Drive near Victoria Station. Saw two shows--Phantom and Mama Mia. Both really great! Shopped Harrods and Lush's--thanks for the recommendation on Lush's. My daughter and I really stocked up, also Boot's #7. We used London Pass, with travel card. Kept track of expenses and really got our money's worth!

I also just returned from the UK; was in London last week and the weather was beautiful! Sunny and mostly in the high 60's, low 70's. I agree with Dorris, Lush is a great bath shop! I got most of my friend's gifts there and had to bring home some of their bath bombs for myself.

Hi, I'm going to London for five days June 9th and just wanted to get some idea of what to pack as far as clothes. I don't want to bring a coat do you think sweaters and such will be fine for the evenings? Also - any particular places you suggest going to (clubs/bars/restaurants/cafes). It's my first trip there and look forward to having the best experience.

Kate, <BR>You had best take a raincoat. We had one day that we had on a sweater, rain coat and gloves. IT WAS COLD and RAINY that day (and of course, the day we went to Hampton Court and didn't get to go in the gardens because the water was too deep in the paths). Other than that one day all we needed was a light jacket for part of the day. Our best meals were at Wagamama's. (We ate twice at the one in Kensington.) Also, ate at a Mexican place (I think it was called Chiquito's on Leicester Square) and a pizza place (can't remember the name of it). The other places we chose weren't really that good so won't mention them. We ate there several times. We were usually so tired after sightseeing all day that we didn't go to any clubs. Do try to see some shows while you are there. As I mentioned earlier Mama Mia was fabulous. I'll be glad to answer any other questions you might have. Dorris

For those Lush fans.. you don't have to go all the way to London to stock up we have one right here in Canada's capital of Ottawaalso one in Montreal.

Also a few in Vancouver. I wonder why they don't open up in the states? Maybe some sort of health laws around all the fresh stuff?

Lush in London told me in March that they were planning some limited openings in the U.S. in about 18 months. I ordered from Lush in Canada by mail, and with the good exchange rate, it ended up that the shipping was actually free.

Where is the Lush store in London? Are there any Lush stores in other cities in Great Britain? We're leaving Sunday for Great Britain and I'd love to got to a Lush store. Thanks.

Kitty, <BR>There is one at Piazza Covent Garden, Kenington High Street. Do a search for Lush. There is a long string on it, that gives all kinds of really good information. That's how we found out about it, and boy are we glad we did. <BR>Dorris

Dorris: <BR>My wife and I were in London May 18 thru 24, lovely weather. Also saw Phantom. Just wanted to warn any readers about our hotel. Stay away from the Grange Adelphi in Kensington. The place is a pit. Only thing worth recommending is the breakfast. Dirty, noisy, tiny (really tiny) rooms, and difficult to find anyone that speaks English.

You can find out where the Lush stores are by going to <BR> <BR>http://www.lushcanada.com/webcart/try3.html <BR> <BR>and clicking on "stores".

I wanted to find out about ATM's. Did anyone have a problem using them? Also - can you access your savings account or is it just your checking? <BR> <BR>Thanks

Kate: <BR>No problems at all with ATMs anywhere in England. That's all I used, only took $150 in traveler's checks for emergencies, but didn't need it. Just keep in mind to minimize your use (ie, try to take out as much money each time) because your bank may charge extra not only for using another banks ATM, but also for conversion of foreign currency (mine did!).

Kate, <BR>I had no problem with ATM's either. In fact I had no bank charges for use. Used on at Gatwick and another at Windsor. Dorris

Message Kate: <BR> <BR>Numerous transactions with ATMs in Europe yields the following: not generally a problem in larger cities, but sometimes a problem in small towns. Many banks also allow only account-holders to use their ATMs--just keep trying. Be advised, however, that the withdrawal (sp?) choice from checking or savings is normally omitted. Therefore, if you want to withdraw from your savings account, you can not.

www.lush.co.uk lists lots and lots of stores around UK and there are also stores worldwide now, I took my friend who lives in Rome a Lush massage bar (for her and her new boyfriend;) and she asked me a week later where she could find Lush when she next came to UK... <BR> <BR>And I found there was a store right there in Roma!!!

We just got back from Britain and had no problems with the ATMs. <BR> <BR>We spent 6 days in London and 4 days in the Cotswolds and Bath. It rained once, while we were in the Roman Baths. It stopped before we were outside. In London, it was hot and humid with bright sun. I got sun burn the first day. My wife only took a few pieces of summer cloths, so she had to wash out her cloths every couple of days. My wife took a sweater and wore it once, our last night when we went out and 10:30 PM to see some sites lit up at night. <BR> <BR>I think that when going to Britain in the summer, you need to be ready for any type of weather. <BR> <BR>