yeah i know its stone heNge; i had a momentary lapse of intelligence

KingPete, good for you. It's a mistake that has been made more than once on this forum and for some reason, bugs the [censored] out of me.

Thin, I am truly astonished that of all the things in the world that might be held sacred, you have chosen performance art.

Thingorjus, goofy performance art can be found right in your *current* hometown. I sat through a (supposedly serious) performance art piece at the Philadelphia Museum of Art (a world class institution) that had us laughing for days afterwards. A small orchestra sat in the main hallway with an aquarium in the middle. Each musician had been "assigned" a fish and they played higher or lower notes depending on whether their fish swam up or down and longer or shorter notes depending on whether the fish headed right or left. A performance, yes. But art? Hmmm.

am only going for 2 days with children age 5 and 9. would like to hit the top spots, considering i have so little time. any suggestions on the must sees in 2 days?!

I congratulate "thingorjus" on his wacky fictional identity! Reminds me of Premiere Magazine columnist "Libby Gelman Waxner" (not as funny, of course, and considerably more boorish). NOT a Londoner, not even from Britain. Uses corny, trite English expressions that real British people don't use, and didn't even use thirty years ago. Also hasn't been all over the world. Place descriptions sound as if they've been lifted straight out of Fodor's (very appropriate). Too, too over the top! I can't be absolutely sure of its gender, but am fairly certain he's a gay man, just from the way he discusses shopping and drops designer names! And a probably a big fan of PBS's Mystery series and the British Antiques Roadshow.

topping this oh so interesting and funny thread

Thingorjus's use of the word "Bollocks" convinces me of his British background. This is one of my favourite words. It's a word that conjours up so much and can be used quite appropriately instead of swear words, (as decided in the famous sex pistol's court case). I doubt a day goes by without me hearing it said at least 5 times.

What not to see in London? - The British Museum and the Victoria & Albert Museum are 2 museums that are overated in my book. Way too big! Shopping - I've never understood the attraction of Harvey Nic's

If he she or it were British (and especially if gay), they would have known that Leigh Bowery died 10 years ago...

Hi,
Believe it or not, I was actually thinking of MAYBE visiting Vineopolis on my next trip.

Could someone tell me why it is on so many "don't" lists. - I'm just glad I saw this beforehand :D

I forgot to mention that I REALLY ENJOYED the Tower Bridge Experience. Of course, I only went once in 1997. (At the end of the tour, they announced that Princess Diana had died) so maybe it has changed a lot since then.

I'm most certainly British and didn't know whether Leigh Bowery was alive or dead, in fact I've never even heard of Leigh Bowery.

The Tower Bridge Experience has changed in the past few years. You no longer climb to the walkway - there is a lift. While it's a much easier trip, you don't hear as much history or background of the building of the bridge.

We did Vinopolis last year and enjoyed it. It was interesting learning about the different wine-making regions of the world and lots of fun tasting the different wines. Bombay Saphire also had an exhibit where you got a free, generous rum drink (but don't know if that's a permanent part of the exhibit or not.) They also have a very nice restaurant. And it's just around the corner from the Anchor Pub if you haven't had enough when you leave. :)

I would not even think to go to Madame Tussauds again-in my opinion it is expensive and you do not get somnething that is worth the price!

Like others, I found Carnaby Street to be disappointing, especially having grown up in the 60's when it was THE fashion mecca. Another DON'T BOTHER - Camden Town market, at leest the part along Camden High street between the tube station & the canal. What a nasty, dirty, noisy, tacky, scary place. We passed through while heading to the canal boat ride (which was OK though not spectacular). Once we disembarked, couldn't get out of there fast enough. However folks with exotic tattoos & body piercings might enjoy the place.

To Calamari - I've visited Apsley House and really enjoyed it though I don't know if it's "frozen in time" as you asked. The rooms on view to the public are as they were in the past, but part of it is still occupied by the current Duke of Wellington. It's very interesting though I don' think I would put it on the "must see A list" of a first time visitor to London. Be sure to notice the naked statue of Napoleon in the foyer.

You can hardly miss the naked Napoleon. It's HUGE! :) We saw Apsley House on our last visit to London and really enjoyed it. I wouldn't say it was a "must-see" for a first visit, but the rooms are beautiful and it is filled with lots of lovely art.

When we were there, there were a couple groups of school children getting art lessons. They were all gathered around portraits and the instructors were showing them how to draw realistic bodies and faces - not typical stick figures. We stood behind them and watched for a while - it was very interesting.

To Skip- The London Dungeon. If its anything like the York Dungeon, it?s a waste of time and money.
On a side note, if you have time while at St. Paul?s Cathedral, be sure and go to the top of the dome. It has some breathtaking views.