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Things I learned on this trip-England

Every trip I go on, I learn things. This was not my first time in London so I did not feel obligated to explore things I had already done. This trip to England was no exception for learning so I thought I would share.

  1. Location, location, location. We stayed in an AIrBNB flat in Chelsea. It was very close to the South Kensington tube, V and A Museum, British Natural History Museum and Hyde Park. The neighborhood had lots of restaurants and was totally awesome. Plus we saved some money.

  2. Many British Museums are free. I guess I did not realize this...We went to the British Art Gallery, the British Natural History Museum and the British Museum. Just because they are free doesn't mean that the special exhibits are. Having said that, I went to the special photographic award exhibit in the Natural History Museum and found it mesmerizing. Probably one of my highlights!!

  3. Go to British plays. We decided no BIG musical productions (ex. The Lion King). We went to see The Importance of Being Earnest and Kenneth Branaugh's production of Harlequin. Both were GREAT and I probably would not have picked them out if I hadn't been in London.

  4. Don't be afraid to explore on your own. I was a tag along for my husband's business trip. I was initially nervous about experiencing London on my own but learned to love it. I had the freedom to spend as little or as long as I wanted and to be selfish with myself. I looked at London totally different than I would have with a partner to experience it with.

  5. Embrace the unexpected and just go for it. We were jet lagged the first day but after reading your advice and RS book we decided to buck up and impulsively attended the candlelight recital at St. Martin's in the Fields on a Friday night. Probably one of my favorite things we did.

  6. Finally, slow down and smell the roses. We did just one big thing a day and found it very fulfilling. Riding the Thames to Greenwich and exploring the town and observatory, going to Hampton Court Palace and the museums.

Posted by
32519 posts

Great learning points.

What did you think of David Suchet (Hercule Poirot) in The Importance of Being Earnest? How did you like him playing such a female role?

Posted by
92 posts

Thank you for your trip report and I am glad to hear you had an enjoyable time. We have also just returned from a visit to London, albeit a repeat for us. Yes, many of the excellent galleries and museums currently offer free entry. I am curious: what is the British Art Gallery and what did you see there, please?

Posted by
681 posts

Nigel- David Suchet was very good in the role. I always thought he was a little prissy in Poirot. Sorry, I enjoyed watching him in both roles.

Emma- You are absolutely right.. I meant the National Gallery. I have been to the Tate Modern before and enjoyed both.

Posted by
2461 posts

Nancy,
I love London! The last time I was there was in 2013 and one of the highlights of that trip was our visit to Churchill's War Rooms, so interesting and inspiring to get a glimpse into the conference rooms and offices where Churchill and his leaders made decisions about the war. Seeing the Enigma machine was very moving. I have read a lot about WWII, Churchill and Hitler and so just find this so fascinating to be in the very place where so much happened that affected our freedom today.

Always love going to plays in London and the National Gallery and the Tate. Also, love the V & A.

It was nice reading your report, thanks.

Judy B

Posted by
15560 posts

Now I'm really jealous. David Suchet is one of my favorite actors. I've seen him at least 2-3 times on the stage in London.

Posted by
4025 posts

Four Tate galleries: http://www.tate.org.uk/
The Tate Britain is the established institution in the big city but the Tate Modern is now London's top tourist draw, ahead even of The Tower and Buckingham Palace.