spend christmas in London

How I did it: I flew to London, took the tube from the airport to Picadilly Circus (which is a neighborhood).  Before boarding I purchased an Oyster Card for the week for Zones 1 and 2, which is the heart of London and all I needed.  The Airport and Picadilly Circus are on the same tube line so there was no need to transfer.  I stayed at Picadilly Backpackers Hostel.  It was a poor choice, as the staff is not friendly... and quite well known for being unfriendly it turns out.  But I didn't let that dictate my experience.   The tree in Trafalger square is given to London every year by Oslo.   It was pretty small and decorated modestly with a few plain lights.   I found zero Santas and the city was decorated very little.  Christmas cheer was mild and people seemed to have tunnel vision and be individual minded.  The best part of the week was not Christmas oriented at all.  It was spending an evening at the Spanish Tapas Restaurant in the Soho district.

Lessons & tips: 1. Do not stay at Picadilly Backpackers Hostel
2. Be sure to get an Oyster Pass for the Tube (subway)
3. Be ready to have Bacon on just about everything. It is a staple.
4. Wait until you are there to buy tickets to plays and musicals.  There are discount windows where you can purchase tickets for nearly half-price.
5. Before you leave, check to see what airport terminal you are flying out of, as there are 5 terminals (three different subway stops).  It is likely the same one you arrived at.
6. Nothing opens until 7am.  Not even coffee shops or cafes.  Most breakfast places do not open until 10am.
7. Many places include gratuity in the bill.  Check your receipt when deciding what to pay.
8. Order food and drinks at the counter when at pubs. there is no leaving tabs open.  It is always pay every time you order, as they are not allowed to keep cards behind the counter for whatever reason.

Dec 30, 2008, 12:17PM PST | 0 comments