A Few Days In London

My Top 3

Well, the weekend’s over and it’s back to South Wales and work but the Dolphins v Giants at Wembley Stadium was awesome I’m glad to report. Wasn‘t a classic I’m told by the experts but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Most of the crowd got behind the Dolphins as they were the home side but to no avail as they were easily beaten by the Giants.

I was with my wife and daughters so I stayed on for a couple of days to catch up on a bit of culture in the British Museum as well as some Shopping in Oxford Street, Bond Street and The King’s Road. A word of caution to husbands or partners venturing unprepared into these areas with their loved ones - your credit card could go into meltdown if you’re not careful! Enough said. I got away with just a slight dent at Jo Malone - a great perfumery just off Bond Street.

I had hoped to see the Terracotta Army Exhibition at the British Museum (on until April 2008) and was not unduly worried that I’d not been able to secure a ticket through the British Museum website, as they have 500 available on a first come first served basis at the museum itself each morning. However I did not bank on a queue of well over 500 people around the building when I got there at the opening time of 09.30am - people start queuing around 7.30am apparently. Disappointed but not disheartened we spent the next four hours being amazed by all the other treasures in this wonderful place so the planned visit to the Tate Modern art gallery was postponed for another day. I had not been here since my school days (don’t ask but suffice to say a long time ago) and I must admit it’s been my loss. If you do go along try and plan your tour around the building using one of the museum guide books that can be bought for a few pounds in the museum - better still get one of their walkman tour sets or join in on one of the free tours that each section seems to have. Don’t forget that entry into our museums and Art Galleries is FREE. You only have to pay to see some of the special exhibitions such as the Terracotta Army.

If you’re in London for any length of time then it’s worth investing in an Oyster Card. This is a plastic swipe card which you can load up with credit to use on the London Transport system (underground and buses). We’ll be able to supply these to our Guests in 2008 -they’re effortless when travelling around the capital and also provide the lowest cost option for travel. Another good option if you’re in London for only a day is to buy a day pass at £5.10 ($10) at any underground station. Again use on underground and buses. Both will save you a great deal of money as a single trip will cost you £2.00 ($4.00) if you’re using cash.

Have a great Halloween.

Keith Roberts