Thoughts on London

I mentioned some time ago that I had been doing a bit of tourguiding recently.

The visitor in question was from Denmark, and it was interesting to get her thoughts on our city. I will summarise the points:

How is getting around?

Confusing, especially the signs. Could not find the Piccadilly line at Heathrow (T5).

Is London expensive?

No, seems OK.

Friendly people?

Nicer than expected.

Hotel?

OK, but struggled to find one with a private bathroom.

Food?

Good, but places close early. Hard to find food after 10pm.

Weather?

Just like Denmark.

Good points?

Free museums and galleries are exceptional. How the tube works.

Bad points

Nothing much that was not expected for a big city.

Most surprising things?

Double decker buses. People drinking on the streets. People crossing the roads at random spots (jaywalking).

Christmas fayres

Many cities and possibly towns too have Xmas markets or fayres. These are places you can buy sweet and unhealthy food, trinkets and baubles and drink hot wine.

London has several. There’s usually one in Leicester Square, from the beginning of December into early January. We have seen more stalls outside the National Gallery. There are big things, Winter Wonderland, in Hyde Park. We even seem to remember something outside the Natural History Museum once.

Other places, like Covent Garden and Battersea Power Station have special stalls and all the usual stuff available.

Some of these may require admission tickets, purchased in advance, but many will not.