London ND: 2012

So - this is goodbye.

The last undergraduate students of the 2011/12 academic year have finished their programs, and after three years (and over 475 posts) we've decided to wrap up this blog. The archives will remain, but we'll be focussing our energies elsewhere in the new academic year.

Thank you, for your readership, thank you again to the photographers who have shared their work under creative commons, and have illustrated these posts, and thank you to all the members of the LUP team, past and present, who have contributed to this project.

Once the new academic year comes around in August you'll find us sharing our enthusiasm for London on Facebook, Twitter, and at our own website, nd.edu/~ndlondon/ug

So long, safe travels, and farewell.

* Photo by lewishamdreamer, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

The South Bank

Question of the week: Do you have a favourite spot/place along the South Bank?

"It's temporary, but I love the garden at UdderBelly!"- Kris

* Photo by NomadicStateOfMind, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

The South Bank

Question of the week: Do you have a favourite spot/place along the South Bank?

"My favourite spot on the South Bank is the Roof Garden on top of the Queen Elizabeth Hall/Purcell Room. Take the yellow spiral staircase up from ground level, and you'll find a café/bar at the top where you can buy a drink and then sit and drink it with the most spectacular view of the river and surrounded by a beautiful garden, lovingly maintained by a local community group. Well worth a visit."- Jamie

* Photo by shaggy359, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

The South Bank

Question of the week: Do you have a favourite spot/place along the South Bank?

"The stretch from London Bridge, past City Hall to Tower Bridge is pretty neat, and if you push on just a few hundred yards more, you suddenly fall back in time as you walk through Shad Thames. Keep going and the modern age re-instates itself – the benches outside the Design Museum are a good spot to people watch, and to river watch, and, at least for me, to look at some London landmarks from the “wrong” side – I walk past Tower Bridge heading downriver fairly often – looking at it heading upriver is a less frequent occurrence, and it always makes me remember how lucky I am to be in London."- Miss Alice

* Photo by .Ines' buddy icon .Ines, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

Festivities in London

Question of the week: Are there any events/exhibitions/concerts you are looking forward to in the next two weeks?

"If you are not into the musical theatre scene and wish to explore something different, then you might want to consider the London Festival of Architecture 2012 which is based on the theme of the ‘Playful City’. I think the most interesting part of the festival will be the exhibition of ‘The Developing City’. This exhibition will trace back to the City and its growth back to the Roman times and make its way through all the way to a vision of what the City might look like in 2050. Interestingly enough, in addition to the more common factors that contribute to the evolution of architecture in any city (such as climate and culture), the envisioned 2050 City will reflect the influence of banking reform. What might that look like? Check it out at http://www.lfa2012.org/events/."- Christina

* Photo by .Martin.'s buddy icon .Martin., used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

Festivities in London

Question of the week: Are there any events/exhibitions/concerts you are looking forward to in the next two weeks?

"Watch Trafalgar Square transform into a West End Live festival this weekend! West End Live is an annual celebration of West End productions where all the top-selling musicals such as ‘Sweeney Todd’ and ‘Les Miserables’ are performed live right here in Trafalgar Square for a full weekend! (23-24 June) It’s an amazing opportunity to get a glimpse of all the glitz and glamour that London West End theatre has to offer and the fact that it is all free is JUST amazing. So, grab yourself a cup of coffee on Saturday and head over to Trafalgar Square where you can enjoy the show(s)!"- Christina

* Photo by hibri, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

Festivities in London

Question of the week: Are there any events/exhibitions/concerts you are looking forward to in the next two weeks?

"I am really excited about the Greenwich and Docklands Festival which runs from the 21st to the 30th June. They always put on some really fantastic dance-related performances, and this year they’re putting even more performance types into the mix with poetry and spoken word and puppetry and all sorts. I have tickets for “Mean Between Times” which promises to turn the daily commute into a work of art, and for “Knight Watch: SouthS‘tory” which promises drumming, poetry, and urban mythology, and I’m planning to go to Prometheus, which looks magical, and to get down to at least one of their big night-time spectaculars, as well as Dancing City, which is a day in Docklands jam packed with all types of dance – and all of this is free! What are you waiting for? "-Miss Alice

* Photo by drinksmachine, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

London by Summer

Question of the week: What do you most enjoy about summers in London?

"Summer in London can be most enjoyable because there are many evenings when the temperature is just right: warm and cool at the same time. Since there is no beach around, the river serves as a London substitute, so a pub or cafe along the South Bank can be the perfect host to a warm summer evening. If you walk down along the South Bank, there are a number of great pubs and cafes overlooking the river where you can catch amazing views of the City and watch (not hear!) the water of the Thames flow below. The Anchor is one such place and is a delight in the summer time!"- Christina

* Photo by Ewan-M, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

London by Summer

Question of the week: What do you most enjoy about summers in London?

"Swimming outside in the Serpentine or the ponds at Hampstead Heath"- Kris

* Photo by Feggy Art's buddy icon Feggy Art, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

London by Summer

Question of the week: What do you most enjoy about summers in London?”

"The long, light evenings – perfect for sitting out in a park, or walking down the river path, and chatting with friends."- Miss Alice

* Photo by weesam2010's buddy icon weesam2010, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

London by Summer

Question of the week: What do you most enjoy about summers in London?

"Lazy days spent in one of London's fabulous parks with a picnic and a frisbee. A particular favourite is Hampstead Heath, where you should be sure to take a dip in one of the famous swimming ponds. Great fun!"- Jamie

* Photo by jaremfan, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

Weekend Trips and Tips

Question of the week: Looking ahead to the long weekend, can you suggest a last-minute-friendly getaway destination?

"Instead of recommending a specific place, I think it might be more useful if I suggest a site where you can find affordable trips around Britain by bus! Just go to National Express where you will find plenty of destinations to choose from, and if you don't mind travelling by bus, then you can find some great deals! And don’t underestimate the luxury of the bus where you can watch the landscapes glide past you."- Christina

* Photo by net_efekt's buddy icon net_efekt, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

Weekend Trips and Tips

Question of the week: Looking ahead to the long weekend, can you suggest a last-minute-friendly getaway destination?

"Paris! It's close, it's beautiful, and sometimes you can find great deals on Eurostar."- Kris

* Photo by brunotto [Still very busy...]'s buddy icon brunotto [Still very busy...], used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

Weekend Trips and Tips

Question of the week: Looking ahead to the long weekend, can you suggest a last-minute-friendly getaway destination?

"Often, to get a good price on train travel you need to book ahead. If there are four of you who’ve left it to the last minute, though, you can grab a great deal on-the-day with GroupSave tickets to various destinations in the South East. My personal recommendation would be Brighton – this is a city with great night life, so it’s a shame to relegate it to a day trip and miss out on that. A group save train ticket, and loads of B&Bs and hostels for bargain accommodation, and away you go. As well as the seaside fun of the pier and the OTT historical opulence of the Royal Pavilion, you might want to head out to the Downs for a country walk, or treat yourself to a day at the races."-Miss Alice

* Photo by wvs, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

Around Trafalgar Square

Question of the week: Can you recommend a hidden gem around Trafalgar Square?

"I'd have to say that St Martin's Lane, behind Trafalgar Square, is one of those small streets that many wouldn't notice unless by accident or if suggested by someone else. It is a small street with extensive options, such as theatres, cafes and second-hand bookshops. It's wonderful how such a narrow, relatively quiet street is home to all these things! The best part is, you don't have a lot of street traffic, as is mostly typical in other London locations, and you can buy yourself a book, go to a neighbouring cafe and enjoy your time reading or chatting with friends."- Christina

* Photo by markhillary, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

Around Trafalgar Square

Question of the week: Can you recommend a hidden gem around Trafalgar Square?

"I don't know how hidden it is, but I love St. James Park. It isn't far from Trafalgar Square, and it's a great place to take your lunch, or just spend some time outside."- Kris

* Photo by daiquiri_frozen's buddy icon daiquiri_frozen, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

Around Trafalgar Square

Question of the week: Can you recommend a hidden gem around Trafalgar Square?

"Notes Coffee Shop, St. Martin's Lane. Not so hidden perhaps, but to my taste buds, the best cup of coffee in London, and a great place to bring a book and get some reading done."- Jamie

* Photo by Yukino Miyazawa, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

Around Trafalgar Square

Question of the week: Can you recommend a hidden gem around Trafalgar Square?

"The Strand Gallery, on John Adam Street, tucked in behind Charing Cross – this little gallery gets rented out for all sorts of events and short-term exhibitions. Most of the exhibitions are free and open to the public, and I’ve seen some really fantastic shows there. Check out their website. Oh, and tucked in behind St Martin in the Fields, and the back of an ice cream truck, Maggi Hambling’s A Conversation with Oscar Wilde is one of my favourite statues in the area – well worth the tiny detour for anyone who has any fondness for Wilde at all!"- Miss Alice

* Photo by ecf1691, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

Introductions - LSP 2012

Introductions: What do you do for the LSP?

"Hello! My name is Christina and I am the Program Administrator for the LSP. I am based in the London Centre Undergraduate Office where you are welcome to pop by any time if you have any questions, need to pick up theatre tickets (!), sign up for events, or need to find out where and when your next class is! Really, any assistance you need, I am here to help you. Looking forward to a great summer! "- Christina

* Photo by caracolquiscol, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

Introductions - LSP 2012

Introductions: What do you do for the LSP?

"I am one of the Rectors at Conway Hall. Hopefully I'm someone you'll feel comfortable approaching for advice about where to go and how to do things both inside and outside London. I would also like to be someone to talk to if you feel stressed or upset, or have any problems during your time in London."- Kris

* Photo by law_keven, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

Introductions - LSP 2012

Introductions: What do you do for the LSP?”

"Hello all! I'm Jamie, and I'm one of the LSP's two Rectors. My job is based mainly over at Conway Hall, where I'm here to help all students on the program to get the most out of their time in London, and to foster an atmosphere of mutual respect and support. My hours on duty are 6pm-Midnight on Tuesdays and Thursdays, together with every other weekend. During those times you'll find me roaming the corridors of Conway hoping for a good old chat, and to find out if there is anyway I can help."- Jamie

* Photo by maistora, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

Introductions - LSP 2012

Introductions: What do you do for the LSP?

"Hi, I’m Miss Alice, and I’m the program’s librarian. I’m here to help students find all the resources they need – to help them learn as much as possible and put together great assignments, and more generally to make the most of their time in London. I love London, and I love sharing it with students – helping them discover the perfect place or event for them and their interests."-Miss Alice

* Photo by rachel_titiriga's buddy icon rachel_titiriga, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

Exams, Exams, Exams

This is a very hectic week for all of us here at the London Centre which means the blog is on pause too, but we wanted to wish you all good luck on your exams!

* Photo by fee-ach, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

London

Question of the week: What do you think distinguishes London from any other cosmopolitan city and makes it worth visiting a second time?

"It is impossible to see not all, but most, of London’s treasures in one visit as the city is so overwhelmingly filled with exciting places and events. London is not a static city but a bustling centre that is constantly evolving; chances are, when you get here a second time, there will be numerous places to see or events to visit that were not here the first time around!"- Christina

* Photo by MykReeve, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

London

Question of the week: What do you think distinguishes London from any other cosmopolitan city and makes it worth visiting a second time?

"I think – and this is a personal opinion without objective evidence – but I think the balance of past, present and future is what makes London so special – two thousand years of history, not preserved in aspic, but rubbing up alongside new development, new communities, new ways of life. Not even the history stands still – there are constantly new discoveries and new interpretations and presentations of London’s past. Whatever your area of interest, there’s always something new to come back for, as well as a goodly chance that your old favorite will still be here. "- Miss Alice

* Photo by ThisParticularGreg, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

What to do...again

Question of the week: If you only had two weeks left in London, what would you make sure to visit or see again?

"I would go visit the museums one last time. There aren't many cities that offer free entrance to the museums, and, well, I would make sure to go on my museum round one last time. Most importantly, I would have a walk around the centre of the city--watch people, cross the street with the characteristically round, lit globes showing the way on each pedestrian crossing, sit by the Thames with a cup of coffee, and take mental photos that would eventually morph into positive memories."- Christina

* Photo by xjyxjy, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

What to do...again

Question of the week: If you only had two weeks left in London, what would you make sure to visit or see again?

"One of my favorite places is the Tower of London - I know that it seems expensive, but it's one of the oldest castles in England, there are Beefeaters, ravens and the crown jewels. What more could you want?"- Kris

* Photo by mbrand, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

What to do...again

Question of the week: If you only had two weeks left in London, what would you make sure to visit or see again?

"A performance at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre."- Prof Kucich

* Photo by I am I.A.M., used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

What to do...again

Question of the week: If you only had two weeks left in London, what would you make sure to visit or see again?

"That’s a tough one, because it all depends on where you’ve already been, and what’s important to you… Personally, I’d be trying to squeeze in as much as possible – dinner in places that do good food *and* have something unique about them, studying at the Bishopsgate Institute or The British Museum, going to one of the lidos or up to Hampstead Heath to swim instead of a regular gym visit. I’d want to prioritize things that are very London specific – gigs and readings and events as well as historic sites and beautiful buildings – and if you can score some more double-value things at the same time, grab them with both hands – head up to Rough Trade East and explore Brick Lane and Spitalsfield Market.

I’d also put a premium on enjoying my regular locals before I had to leave – I’d probably spend my last day in London having lunch and tea at my local cafes, a final pilgrimage to Foyles and the British Museum, walk the familiar route down the river to Tower Hill, and hop on the DLR so I could admire the views on my way to Pudding Mill Lane for a final glimpse of the Olympic Park, and then walk home talking lots of photos of those very ordinary details that you tend not think about! "- Miss Alice

* Photo by J. A. Alcaide, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

Outdoor London

Question of the week: Can you recommend a cafe or pub with an outdoor patio or rooftop terrace that you think is worth seeing?

"I like terraces and patios as long as there isn't too much street traffic. Considering that London is mostly made up of street-side restaurants, pubs, and cafes, it is a bit more challenging to find a tranquil outdoor space where the sound of the bus doesn't serve as your background music. For this reason, I recommend Covent Garden. Though crowded, the centre provides a great variety of little restaurants and cafes where you can sit, relax, and watch the pedestrian traffic instead of the car traffic!"- Christina

* Photo by Tilemahos_E, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

Outdoor London

Question of the week: Can you recommend a cafe or pub with an outdoor patio or rooftop terrace that you think is worth seeing?

"Have you found the cafe in St. James' Park? There is seating, or take your goodies and have a picnic by the lake!"- Kris

* Photo by Alex Akopyan, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

Outdoor London

Question of the week: Can you recommend a cafe or pub with an outdoor patio or rooftop terrace that you think is worth seeing?

"The Lamb, on Lamb’s Conduit Street, one of the best pubs in London, and even better, my local!"- Prof Kucich

* Photo by Cian O'Donovan, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

Outdoor London

Question of the week: Can you recommend a cafe or pub with an outdoor patio or rooftop terrace that you think is worth seeing?

"No one’s going to be surprised if I come up with suggestions facing the river, are they? Head east on the north bank to find the Prospect of Whitby, and on the south side of the river, The Mayflower in Rotherhithe – both have history and river view patios to recommend them – and The Mayflower does an excellent Sunday lunch."- Miss Alice

* Photo by Fabiana Zonca, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

Easter in London

Question of the week: Are there any Easter-related activities you would like to recommend?

"If it's a reasonably warm day, I suggest you spend the day outdoors as much as possible. Whether you are following the massive London Easter Egg-Hunt or relaxing at a nearby park with some food, or watching the boat race by the Thames, Easter is (hopefully) meant to be an outdoor occasion!"- Christina

* Photo by barryskeates, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

Easter in London

Question of the week: Are there any Easter-related activities you would like to recommend?

"Check out The Old Vic Tunnels, which is planning to host an underground Victorian Era Easter theme park."- Prof Kucich

* Photo by guioconnor, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

Easter in London

Question of the week: Are there any Easter-related activities you would like to recommend?

"Check out Strictly Easter Ballroom on Friday, 6 April. There are lessons for everyone, demonstrations, music, and it's all Free! "- Kris

* Photo by ktylerconk, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

Easter in London

Question of the week: Are there any Easter-related activities you would like to recommend?

"The passion play staged in Trafalgar Square on Good Friday is always a huge event. Maybe balance out the crowds there with a visit to one of London’s City Farms, for some Easter-time chicks, lambs, and donkeys, and a breath of fresh air. Mudchute Park is a good bet for all of the above."- Miss Alice

* Photo by tomaszd, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

Countdown to the Olympics

Question of the week:
Do you have any tips on how to go about seeing the Olympic Park by foot, or coach, or public transport?

"The DLR – Docklands Light Railway – offers some great opportunities to get close to the Olympic park. If you’re coming from Docklands, or from Tower Hill, the section from Pudding Mill Lane to Stratford runs right alongside the park, with some great views of the main stadium, and your only chance to see the beautiful Aquatics Centre “end on”, and so glimpse the wave form of the main building, which is hidden by the temporary “wings” from any other angle. The platforms at both Pudding Mill Lane and Stratford are high enough to give you good views, too. If you change at Stratford for the other DLR line, you can ride right through the middle of the park, to Stratford International DLR station – one of five new stations in east London created for the games. To be honest, you don’t get the most scenic views from the train – up close and personal with the side of the Waterpolo venue, and then underground for a spell – but when you come up the escalators at the station, you’re right at the gates of the Athlete’s Village. It might not be as flashy as the main stadium, but it’s an interesting development, none the less, and a big part of the legacy planning. It’s going to be the “greenest” large scale new residential development in Europe when it’s finished! What you can see rather depends on the building work going on - there’s a floating population of porta-cabins and cranes which sometimes block the view, but look out for the green roofs, and the panels from the Parthenon friezes on some of the buildings. "- Miss Alice

* Photo by Andy Wilkes, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

Countdown to the Olympics

Question of the week: “Do you have any tips on how to go about seeing the Olympic Park by foot, or coach, or public transport?”

"The View Tube, located on the Greenway at Pudding Mill Lane has some of the best views going! This social enterprise project offers a café and garden, to go along with the view, as well as information and artistic responses to the park. You can even hire a bike to help you explore the area that way. (The other main viewing platform is from the other side of the park, in John Lewis in the Westfield Stratford City development – the contrast of settings is quite noticeable!)"- Miss Alice

* Photo by Andy Wilkes, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

Countdown to the Olympics

Question of the week: “Do you have any tips on how to go about seeing the Olympic Park by foot, or coach, or public transport?”

"To continue from yesterday’s recommendation, you also have the option of buying a ticket for a 1.30pm tour from www.visitbritainshop.com which slightly differs from the 11am tour.

The afternoon group can meet at Leyton Underground Station at 1.30pm for an approximate 1.45pm start which would end at, approximately, 4pm. This is a much more extensive walk, and comfortable shoes and energy are essential! So, for any of you who like to add exercise into your daily routine, you can both exercise and view the Olympic Park on one go! This particular guided tour will get a closer view of the Athletes Village and the Velodrome.

The only remaining tour of this type is this coming Saturday, 31st May. So, if you want, make sure you sign up quickly if any spots are still available! The price is still at £9 per person."- Christina

* Photo by STML, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

Countdown to the Olympics

Question of the week: “Do you have any tips on how to go about seeing the Olympic Park by foot, or coach, or public transport?”

"To see the Olympic Park with a guided tour, starting 1st April, there will be a Daily Olympic Park as provided by www.visitbritainshop.com starting at 11am and another at 1.30pm. More details tomorrow on the 1.30pm tour.

If you want to catch the 11am tour, which is not as extensive and doesn’t get very close to the Velodrome, go to Bromley By Bow Underground Station at 10.45am where a tour guide will meet you (and anyone else who has booked) and walk you through Lower Lea valley and old mill paths and ends on a footpath where you can view the 2012 Olympic Park construction sight. This tour provides information on why Stratford was selected as the main site for the Olympics, venue specifics, athlete information, and what will happen to the site once the Games are over.

You must visit the website to book in advance! The price is at an affordable £9. Why not use this unique opportunity to witness the making of something as historical and grand as the Olympic Games?"- Christina

* Photo by Sum_of_Marc, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.