It’s been a bit since I’ve posted, so I thought I’d come in and give you a short update. I’ve started outlining the Rose’s Hostage sequel, while waiting for an expert to answer a few questions. I’m also reading something related to catching the villain (can’t tell you yet). And I got a very good idea about some research I can do while in London.
The Universe gave me the finger on that special request (dammit), unless it’s got something planned later down the road.
Still, maybe the Universe isn’t saying no; maybe it’s saying not right now. But because of that nice little chunk of bad news, I didn’t sleep much last night, and still I worked all day and did two sets of stair climbs. So you can imagine that today hasn’t been a great day. Here’s hoping I sleep tonight and don’t dream about it.
In addition to all that, I’ve been making notes and tapping out a few things here and there on a much more ambitious work, which the special request sort of would have helped (dammit again). It’s something I’ve been sitting on for a while, but it requires specialized knowledge I don’t have.
Plus, I can’t decide on a period for it and that would make a difference. It’s fighting to get out, so we’ll see if I can settle it down and work on two things at once.
I’ll catch you up more later. Meanwhile, please enjoy this video of Ed Sheeran’s catchy new single, titled “SING.” The album x comes out June 23. I love this guy. Yeah, I know the video is a little weird; just roll with it.
A friend at work and I went to lunch yesterday, and we were talking about my upcoming trip to London and Cardiff and her planned trip to London next year. I told her I’d send her some links. Of course, my enormous email turned into a blog post.
Instead of just sending them to her, I thought I would draw on my previous trip (though it was very long ago) and recent research and post it here in case anyone reading wants to go. Seriously, off the top of my head, I know five people besides me who are going either this year or next.
So this may be my longest post ever, but here is my compilation of travel tips for first-timers in London. If I got anything wrong, please correct me in the comments.
General stuff
First off, a few useful facts:
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (aka UK or Britain) consists of England, Scotland (for the moment), Wales, and Northern Ireland.
London is the capital of England.
Edinburgh is pronounced ED-in-burr-uh.
Say Gloucester as GLAW-ster.
Say Leicester Square as LESS-ter.
Say Grosvenor Street as GROVE-ner.
Say Thames as Tems.
Striped pedestrian crossings are called zebra crossings. Pronounce zebra to rhyme with Debra.
ATMs are called cashpoints. Rick Steves has more info on how to use them here.
Temperatures are in Celsius. Weights and measures are metric (except for miles, I think). You may see 24-hour time (00:00–24:00) in train stations, though if you ask someone the time, they’ll tell you it’s four p.m., not 1600 hours.
Some public bathrooms are pay toilets (mostly in tube stations). You have to pay to get into the stall. Save your change! I have no idea how much they cost now. Keep a pocket pack of tissue in your bag in case you get caught without any. Self-cleaning toilet booths are pay also.
It’s okay to ask for the toilet in London; alternately, the loo, WC, lavatory, bog, ladies’, or gents’.
Airport
If you’re going through Heathrow, you can take the Underground (commonly referred to as the tube) to central London. It’s cheaper than the Heathrow Express. Find travel information here on the airport’s website (Transport & Directions).
Power adapters
Voltage is higher than in the US. You’ll need UK adapters; ones for Europe in general won’t work. Amazon has them. I’d take one with you so you have it right away in case you need to charge your phone, etc. For more info, check here.
UK power outlets are bigger than ours. Many of them have switches. If you plug something into the outlet with your adapter and it doesn’t work, try flipping the switch.
If you forget anything, you can buy it at a drugstore (chemist). I won’t even bother to pack toiletries, just put travel sizes in my carry-on in case my luggage is delayed. I’ll buy shampoo, etc. there and then ditch it when I leave.
Language
Accents aren’t that hard, especially if you watch a lot of BBCA, but not everyone in England sounds like they just stepped out of Downton Abbey. The only person I had trouble with was a cabdriver with the thickest accent I’ve ever heard in my life—he was damn near incomprehensible. He was nice; he laughed pretty good-naturedly when I admitted I couldn’t understand him.
If someone is talking too fast and you can’t quite keep up, all you have to say is “I’m sorry, I’m not used to your accent. Could you please repeat that more slowly?”
Brits have different terms than we do for things. Look at this link for a list of words that might trip you up.
In Wales (Cymru), everyone speaks English, though signs are in both English and Welsh. Click the link to hear someone say the word Wales in Welsh—it’s nothing like it looks! I’m planning to practice a bit of pronunciation, so I won’t end up in the sea if I ask where something is.
Last time I was there, the Underground had little yellow paper tickets you put through the barrier (yes I’m old—shut yer gob). It didn’t take me long to get the hang of it, but now people have Oyster cards.
You use an Oyster card on the London Underground (tube) and the bus. This link helped me understand the Oyster card / Travelcard thing. If you’re staying more than a few days, it’s cheaper to get an Oyster card at Heathrow when you get there. You can top it up at the tube stations. You can also load the Travelcard onto the Oyster card, apparently, but NOT if it is a Visitor Oyster card.
UPDATE: According to this Buzzfeed article, TfL is moving to contactless debit/credit card usage on the transport system. You should still be able to get/use Oyster for a while, anyway. Keep an eye on the TfL website.
London is a massive city and people are in a hurry. The main things to remember on the tube are (1) have your Oyster card or ticket ready at the barrier (so you don’t create a traffic jam), and (2) keep right on escalators, stairs, etc.
The tube has been in use (though obviously updated) for over 100 years (1863), so there are stations without lifts (elevators), and THERE IS NO AIR CONDITIONING. Delays are common. Twice when I was there before, they closed the line for something. Once was a train problem and once was a suicide on the track, and I had to find another train or a cab.
Try to plan ahead when you take the tube and avoid peak times (rush hour): 6:00—10:00 am and 4:00—7:00 pm. This is a good post about etiquette on the tube.
UPDATE: You don’t really need a London A-Z, not if you have a smartphone, but it makes a great souvenir. – EW
If you want one, you should be able to get it at the airport or at any newsstand (newsagent). British people don’t say Z—they say Zed (rhymes with bed). So ask for a London A-Zed.
I hung onto mine for years and I finally threw it away because it was so outdated (and I didn’t think I’d ever go back, waah).
London is very walkable, but you’ll need good shoes and make sure they are rainproof. Because it will rain.
Drivers of the iconic black taxis have to pass an insanely difficult test called The Knowledge before they can drive the cabs. They know where stuff is and will not jack you around on the fare. Find out how to take a London cab here.
DO NOT TAKE UNLICENCED MINICABS. In my research, I’ve been warned that women especially have been assaulted by drivers. In any case, they don’t have The Knowledge. Legit minicabs must be booked in advance. Some people are upset that they are taking business away from the black cabs; how you feel about that is up to you.
WARNING: remember that people drive on the LEFT in England. If you value your life, look right when you cross the street, and ONLY cross at the zebras!
English people are reserved, though they are usually quite nice when you do speak with them. They LOVE it when people are very polite. Their sense of humor ranges from extremely sarcastic to gross/borderline offensive to incredibly silly. You’ll always find a few rude jerks anywhere you go, but overall, they are really lovely people.
Keep your volume low. The British don’t bellow like we Americans do. On the tube, please refrain from chatting up everyone you see. If someone is reading or wearing headphones, leave them alone!
They don’t smile at everybody they see either (this is a knee-jerk reaction where I live). Just act like you’re in New York and you’ll be fine. This link is for kids, but it’s awesome and if anyone is confused about anything, it explains it very well.
Food and stuff to do
I’ve skipped the obvious tourist stops, which I’m sure you’ve already googled. The only thing I did last time that I might do again is Madame Tussauds Wax Museum. The original is in London and it was totally worth it for the Chamber of Horrors alone. Don’t be put off by the insane website.
I found a terrific Trip Advisor thread for those of us without a trust fund. I googled links or names of places I found interesting to see if they were still open. You can sort it by newest or oldest posts first.
Though it’s a bit old, this is a good post also (scroll down to #8, by caffn8me). This person gave a lot of good advice, including stuff to avoid.
Harrods has a dress code. I’ve heard people have been turned away for wearing too-casual clothing, including celebrities. For Harrods FAQs, visit this link.
I highly recommend you see Hampton Court Palace. It’s Henry VIII’s house (Tudors!) Seriously, this place is AMAZING.
My mother said I HAVE to go to this place. The bakery here has been going since Tudor times (wonder if Henry VIII had any of their little treats?)
I hope that gets you started, or at least dreaming of the ultimate British holiday. If you spot any mistakes, or if you have any recommendations about fun things to see and / or do, please share in the comments.
Graphomaniac - A. Elizabeth West 
