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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Sunny Saturday

Question of the week: “How do you like to spend a sunny Saturday in London?”

"Out walking – almost any stretch of the Thames path has much to recommend it, or the Greenway as it runs up past the Olympic site, or exploring one of London’s parks: Crystal Palace in North London, and Nunhead Cemetery in South London both have satisfying hills to climb, and fantastic views back over the city to reward you.

The walk down the river from Conway Hall to Greenwich , for example, is a fantastic way to spend a day walking and talking and photographing with friends, and you can stop off at Borough market on the way to pick up a gourmet picnic."- Miss Alice

* Photo by Simon Welsh, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

Sunny Saturday

Question of the week: “How do you like to spend a sunny Saturday in London?”

"I usually spend the first part of a sunny Saturday shielding my sleepy eyes from the bright rays that creep through the window. It doesn’t take long, however, to get out of bed and prepare to get out in the sun and what better way to do that than at one of London’s glorious parks? Primrose Hill is one of my favourite picnic spots, along with St James’s. A park in London is the equivalent of a beach in any coastal city. Though there is no swimming, you will find people sunbathing, eating, socialising, playing all sorts of games, jogging, cycling, reading, and the list goes on and on. It’s a cheerful atmosphere, and the greenery all around you is mesmerizingly soothing as the bustling sounds of the city are muted by the vastness of green space."-Christina

* Photo by damo1977, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

Free Options in London

Question of the week: Are there any upcoming free events you would like to recommend?

"Tate Britain has an exhibition on Picasso and Modern British Art which displays the influence Picasso had on the acceptance of modern art in Britain. Though this exhibition is not free, a performance by the English National Ballet is! Influenced by Picasso's art, the English National Ballet will perform for any interested visitors for free tomorrow night. There are four performances lined up: 6.30pm, 7.15pm, 8pm and 8.45pm. It is always interesting to see art interpreting another form of art, and am curious to see how ballet has captured the modernity of Picasso. You should check it out!"- Christina

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

Affordable Weekend Treats

Question of the week: Can you recommend an affordable weekend getaway?

"A great way to travel somewhere new and save some money on the journey is by visiting Great Britain’s south coast, particularly, Brighton. Brighton is a colourful, funky town full of shops, cafes, and a fun promenade, and the coastline, well, helps. For me, anything surrounded or accompanied by a body of water is more beautiful, so a cheap train fare to Brighton on a Friday and a return on a Saturday night is well worth the time and (not so much) money. Check National Rail and see that you can get a return journey for under £40. Once there, I’d recommend indulging a bit (since you’ve already saved so much on the travel!) and stay at a B&B rather than an impersonal hotel or crammed hostel. The prices are not too high, and the experience is well worth it!"- Christina

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

London Poems

Question of the week: In light of this week’s mood, what is your favourite London poem?

"Oscar Wilde's 'Symphony in Yellow' is one of my favourites. It is a decadent picture of London, in one of the most picturesque times of the year; autumn. Though autumn has now gone, spring can be equally delightful, especially the first few weeks of warmer weather when the traces of winter slowly disappear and the colours of nature emerge gracefully. And there, in different spots of a blooming garden, the leaves of a revived tree, or the sparkling sunrise splashed across the Thames, you are sure to see yellow."- Christina

An omnibus across the bridge
Crawls like a yellow butterfly,
And, here and there, a passer-by
Shows like a little restless midge.

Big barges full of yellow hay
Are moored against the shadowy wharf,
And, like a yellow silken scarf,
The thick fog hangs along the quay.

The yellow leaves begin to fade
And flutter from the Temple elms,
And at my feet the pale green Thames
Lies like a rod of rippled jade.

* Photo by Ade46, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

So Much To See...

Question of the week: “What London event are you most looking forward to in the next four months?”

"There’s always so much to look forward to in London and, sometimes, the hardest task is picking where to go!

The Queen Elizabeth II by Cecil Beaton: A Diamond Jubilee Celebration at the V&A starts 8 February and will show the Queen in portraits from her youth up until recent years that reflect her evolving role as Queen and mother. It will be interesting to see less publicised photos of the Queen, and as many of us know, photographs, although voyeuristic, give us a firmer grasp of a person, even if it is the Queen!

I am also very much looking forward to Sadler ‘s Wells Flamenco Festival. Being an admirer of the particular dance genre, I am not sure what to pick out of the range of performances spanning from flamenco adaptations of poems or seeing Vicente Amigo, a Grammy award winning guitarist! Tickets may be expensive, but a night at Sadler’s Wells is well worth the price."- Christina

* Photo by Richard Pluck, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

The Londoner

Question of the week: "What does it mean to be a Londoner?"

"A Londoner is an explorer. He is someone who loves to navigate the labyrinth of hidden, precious streets and revels at the discovery of an underrated gem, like a new pub, coffee hangout, or a spot with an unparalleled view. Being a Londoner is not so much a feeling, as it is a privilege, because at the end of the day, you have an extensive array of options at your doorstep and if you wish to explore, the search will prove to be unlimited."-Christina

* Photo by Scorpions and Centaurs, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

Shop, shop, shop!

Question of the week: “The Christmas crunch is just around the corner! Where do you like to do most of your Christmas shopping?”

"Considering my lack of patience when it comes to shopping, I'd recommend any place that is not crowded, offers great deals either because the stores are generally affordable or have items on sale and, lastly, there must be loads of eateries around so I can look forward to a reward after a day full of laborious shopping. Since no such place exists in London, I would suggest compromising your shopping times and go to Oxford St, but instead of pushing through the crowds on a Saturday morning, go on the last opening hours of a Monday or Thursday night, say between 7.30pm-9pm. Oxford Street can actually be very pleasant this time of year, as long as you miss the surge of crowds, where you can feel the spirit of the season through random choirs, blinking lights, and decorations absolutely everywhere."- Christina

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

Spread The Good Cheer

Question of the week: “Can you recommend a tree lighting, jolly fair, or festive market to boost your Christmas spirit in London?”

"The first Christmas tree lighting I saw in London was the one right next to the London Centre, Trafalgar Square, and it has since been my favourite! Every year, London is presented with a Norwegian tree as a symbol and gift reflecting Norway's appreciation for Britain's assistance during World War II. This Thursday's lighting marks the 65th year of this long standing tradition, and starts at 5pm. It will surely bolster your holiday spirit to pop out of your last class tomorrow and enjoy the festivities by listening to Christmas carols and seeing a tree lit not only by its own twinkling lights, but by the magnificent surroundings of Trafalgar Square."-Christina

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