London Zoo - No matter what you hearts desire, there’s a good chance amongst its thirty six acres and over five thousand animals the London zoo will

London Zoo
by: S Wander

No matter what you hearts desire, there’s a good chance amongst its thirty six acres and over five thousand animals the London zoo will have it. The London zoo has an extensive collection of birds, small mammals, bears and hippos, and apes and monkeys. Everyone is bound to fall in love with at least one of the many animals they are likely to encounter while walking through the zoo’s extensive gardens, tunnels and bridges.

First opened in 1828, the London Zoo was the world first scientific zoo housing a variety of exotic animals that were studied by the day’s scientists, and were closed off from public view. In 1847, the zoo finally opened its doors to the public Not only did the zoo become a part f the public eye, but it also quickly became the most famous zoo in the world.

The London zoo along with its numerous animals has a variety of programs each day designed for travelers to the zoo. If you plan a trip to the zoo, stop by the zoos information center to see what types of programs are available for your viewing pleasure during your stay. One of the more popular programs to visit is feeding times for some if the animals. Children young and old can delight in watching the predatory birds dive for their prey, or watch the penguins swallow their fish dinner in one huge gulp. Occasionally you can even get up close in the bughouse to zoo’s bird eating spiders.

The London zoo is home to over one hundred species that are currently listed as threatened. For these species and other, the London zoo participates in breeding programs that are designed to help reproduce the species, and help prevent it from becoming extinct. The London zoo is not concerned merely with having the animals there as an attraction for today’s zoo visitors, it is concerned with the preservation of the animals species, and the ability for that animal to be here for generations in the future.

The London zoo embraces group visits, and encourages people of all ages to visit the zoo and see the animals. The zoo offers free admittance to school groups from London schools, and offers the zoo as a conference venue for business groups, or for those planning special parties or occasions such as weddings. No matter what your group event, the zoo more than likely has a venue appropriate for your particular gathering. The zoo also offers catering for some special events, so you group can enjoy a meal, or some hors d’ouvres while enjoying the animals and your gathering.

For those who particularly enjoy the zoo, you might want to consider purchasing a zoo membership. A zoo membership is primarily designed as a way for you to give money to the zoo, to help in the zoo’s maintenance, and enable it to offer additional programs in the future, and keep providing the animals with tremendous care. In exchange for your financial gift to the zoo through a zoo membership, the zoo will give you free admittance into the zoo year round, and invitations to special embers only events, as well as discounts on parking and in the gift shop.

The London Zoo has earned its name, as one of the world’s most wonderful zoos. No trip to London could be complete without a trip through the zoo to visit the fantastical creatures within. Whether you are going to be in London for a few days, or are spending a few weeks make a point to make a trip to the London zoo, and experience the magic of seeing animals that you can’t see together anywhere else in the world.

Copyright 2005 S Wander

About The Author


S Wander

Smooth Hound http://www.smoothhound.co.uk/ offers affordable hotel and guest house accommodation throughout the world.

London Travel Museum Guide - A single day maneuvering through London’s museums will prove to be very enlightening and educational. With perhaps the

One Day London Travel Museum Guide
by: Pat Stevens

A single day maneuvering through London’s museums will prove to be very enlightening and educational. With perhaps the world’s highest concentration of museums per square mile, the choices are as varied as the tastes of the visitors. An itinerary of one day, depending on energy levels, can prove to be absolutely packed to the brim with not a moment to spare. This one-day guide will provide the most interesting options for a packed itinerary, and for those who want a calmer day, pick and choose what sounds best for your energy and speed levels. As everyone knows, London can be expensive; as not everyone knows, some of London’s best museums, like the British Museum, are free of charge. Thus, an itinerary is provided for those who want to spend the minimum of money seeing the maximum of London’s culture. On the other hand, some of the best museums, like the Tower of London, are quite pricey. The London Pass can be an economical solution, giving free entry to countless London attractions for a set fee. Tourist-oriented museums, like Madame Tussauds wax museum, are a category in themselves, perfect for the day when the visitor seeks entertaining education rather than analytical thought in a museum visit. So, let this article be your guide through the best that London’s museums have to offer for minimal or free admission fees, through the benefits of the London Pass, and through the attraction museums that provide fun and fast-lane learning.

The museums in London whose permanent collections are free of admission are not too few in number, and will fill up your one day of London travel. To start, the British Museum is one of the world’s best-known museums, showcasing one of the widest collections of world cultural history. Some highlights are the Rosetta stone; the first known image of Christ; Lindow Man, whose well-preserved 2000-year-old body was found in a bog; and the Reading Room, where Lenin, among others, studied and wrote plans for his Revolution that would affect the whole world. After this contact with world heritage, promenade over to the National Gallery on Trafalgar Square, where you can see art by Europe’s best painters and sculptors. Nearby is the National Portrait Gallery, concentrating its collection on England’s most famous citizens throughout the centuries. For a change of taste, follow up with the Tate, London’s best modern art museum, with paintings, photo exhibitions and installations. If you have time at the end of the day, conclude with the Museum of London, informing its visitors about London’s history and culture. If you’re interested in London, this museum is for you; and, presumably, you are interested in London if you’ve traveled all the way to get here!

When you think of the distance you’ve traveled to get to London, you may think it worth spending a few pounds while you are here. The one-day London Pass costs 27 pounds (it can be bought in combination with an Underground Travelcard for 32 pounds), gives you free access to countless museums, castles, and other places of interest, saving you a good sum of money at the end of the day. In this sample itinerary, you would save 30 pounds: start off at Kensington Palace, former home of Princess Diana, and enjoy the museum as well as the grounds and gardens. Next, St. Paul’s Cathedral is a stunning architectural achievement, offering stunning views of London from its cupola. Shakespeare’s renovated Globe Theatre will have the bard charm you “encore” with his wit as you learn more about him and his theater. In the afternoon, climb up Tower Bridge and learn about the history and construction of this world famous bridge. Conclude the afternoon with a tour of the Tower of London, which will glitter your eyes with the Crown Jewels, and turn your stomach with the tortures and mystery surrounding the prisoners of this VIP prison, which definitely lacked in VIP treatment. Finally, wind the evening down with a discounted West End show, to give you a full and well-spent day discovering London’s culture.

For those seeking to discover London’s culture in a more interactive setting, attraction museums are ideal. The London Dungeon mixes history with a haunted house theme, with museum employees and wax figures unexpectedly frightening the visitors. In the north of London are the London Planetarium and the neighboring Madame Tussaud’s wax museum, which not only houses the world’s largest and most up to date collection of wax figures, but also the most life-like – you will likely take a double take to make sure Prince William isn’t really standing in front of you. For those who want to stand at the location where “time begins”, the nearby town of Greenwich, home of the Prime Meridian, will impress you. There you can visit the Royal Observatory, enjoy the beautiful park at the base of the Observatory’s hill, the National Maritime Museum, the famous Cutty Sark ship, and get a feel for an English village, so close to the metropolis of London.

Whether you choose to partake of the free collections of London’s museums, the countless options that the London Pass provides, or the attraction museums both in and near to London, you will be happy with the result. London’s museums are very well organized and are full of surprising facts about the city that jump out at you from paintings, photos, sculptures, documents, architecture, and wax figures! Any visitor is bound to be surprised and impressed by the London they see guided by its museums.

About The Author


This article was written by Pat Stevens with support from The Jesmond Dene Hotel, a family run bed and breakfast located within walking distance to King’s Cross station. To learn more about how bed and breakfasts can add to your London travel experience, please visit http://www.jesmonddenehotel.co.uk/

Eating Out In London - London is without doubt the restaurant capital of the UK. Immigrants of all nationalities have brought their own exotic flavour

Eating Out In London
by: Pauline Wapping

London is without doubt the restaurant capital of the UK. Immigrants of all nationalities have brought their own exotic flavours and culinary culture to the city, making London an exciting and cosmopolitan place to eat out. Here’s a guide to some of the best restaurants area by area.

Covent Garden

Covent Garden is an attractive area with a covered piazza complex at its centre. It’s popular with tourists but can be pricey. If you’re looking for an inexpensive meal in this area your best bet is to try out some of the large bar/restaurants such as Wagamama and All Bar One, where you’ll find reasonable quality food in stylish surroundings at affordable prices.

If you want to experience a traditional London restaurant, try Rules on Maiden Lane. It’s rather expensive but it’s worth it. Reputed to be the oldest restaurant in London, it has a beautiful vintage interior and serves old London favourites, from oysters and eels to pies and puddings.

Another famed London restaurant and popular hang-out of the rich and famous is The Ivy on West Street. You’ll need to book a table weeks in advance to savour its wonderful modern and luxurious British cuisine – shepherd’s pie, leek tart, kedgeree and the deliciously decadent sticky toffee pudding.

South Bank

Urban redevelopment has seen lots of ‘gastro-pubs’ pop up in this area – chic and trendy bars serving high quality food in informal surroundings and at reasonable prices.

For fabulous modern European cuisine, try Festival Square on the ground floor of the Royal Festival Hall. It’s a relaxing café-bar serving everything from light snacks to filling main course dishes.

Another popular gastro-pub is the award winning Anchor and Hope on The Cut. In contrast to many of the bars in this area, its décor is traditional, with oak panelled walls, but its food is most definitely up-to-date. Try the beetroot and goat’s cheese salad or the lamb shank with minted beans.

Bloomsbury

Bloomsbury is home to many of London’s top academic institutions such as University of London, University College London, Birkbeck College and the British Museum. It’s always bustling with students and as a result there’s a great choice of good but cheap café-bars and brasseries as well as some more upmarket restaurants.

The Coffee Gallery on Museum Street, next to the British Museum, has an eclectic range of organic and vegetarian dishes, from sandwiches to salads and pastas.

One of the best ethnic eateries in the city is Hakkasan, London’s first Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant. It’s chic and sophisticated, with inventive dishes and a fashionable cocktail bar.

Knightsbridge and Chelsea

Two of the most fashionable and exclusive parts of London, Knightsbridge and Chelsea are dotted with upmarket and Michelin-starred restaurants.

Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay has London’s only restaurant with three Michelin Stars. Named simply Gordon Ramsay, it’s on Royal Hospital Road near Chelsea Embankment.

Founded in the 1950s, the Troubadour on Old Brompton Road is an eclectic café-bar with a prestigious live music heritage. Bob Dylan, Charlie Watts and Jimi Hendrix are among the stars who have performed here. The epitome of London bohemia, this West London institution has a deli, club and café, and it’s great place to hang out for food, drinks and music.

Camden

Camden is young, hip and trendy and there’s nowhere better in London for a lively night out. There are restaurants of all sorts interspersed between vibrant bars and clubs.

For excellent French cuisine, try Le Petit Train on Chalcot Road, or Belgo Noord on Chalk Farm Road for hearty Belgian cooking and great beer. The best tapas can be enjoyed at the Spanish themed Bar Gansa on Inverness street.

Soho/Chinatown

Soho is probably one of the best places to eat out in London in terms of quality and value for money. Most of the restaurants offer fabulous cooking at reasonable prices, especially in Chinatown, where there are some great Szechuan, Thai, Cantonese, Japanese, Indonesian and Vietnamese restaurants. Try Imperial China Cantonese restaurant on Lisle Street, Kulu Kulu Japanese restaurant on Brewer Street, Busaba Eathai Thai restaurant on Wardour Street or Saigon Vietnamese restaurant on Frith Street.

Brick Lane

London’s large Asian population is concentrated in the East End, especially around Brick Lane. Lined with Indian and Bangladeshi restaurants, it’s earned the nickname the ‘Curry Mile’. Monsoon is one of the hippest modern Indian restaurants, with contemporary Tandoori dishes as its speciality, whereas Sweet and Spicy gets back to basics, serving top-notch Indian food in modest surroundings. One of the most stylish Bengali restaurants is Café Naz, a sleek café-bar with modern wood and steel décor and atmospheric lighting. Its fish and seafood dishes are delicious. Preem is another good Bengali restaurant with a fantastic range of balti dishes.

Islington

Once a run-down residential area, this inner-city suburb in the north of London has been given a new lease of life in the last few decades. The beautiful Victorian townhouses have been renovated and it’s now a trendy and fashionable part of London with an air of bohemian chic. The restaurants are a varied mix of stylish and quirky. The Elk in the Woods, for example, is reminiscent of an old lady’s living room. It’s a small and cosy place on the lovely cobbled Camden Passage. Just like the décor, the food is inventive and unusual – with a modern European influence. Flaming Nora is a great burger restaurant and takeaway, but it’s not a typical fast food joint. The burgers are all made from the freshest, highest quality meat and fish, chargrilled to perfection. Aberdeen Angus, lamb and tuna burgers are the specialities, and it also does a great line in skewers and kebabs.


About The Author

Pauline Wapping
Website: http://www.londoncityinformation.info/
Pauline Wapping is a Londoner, having lived in the city all her life. She is a travel writer.

London City's Top Sights For Free - Cool Britannia. London is the city that lives and breathes its historical past, yet its vibrant pulse sets the

London Calling? See The City's Top Sights For Free
by: Matthew Lawson

Cool Britannia. London is the city that lives and breathes its historical past, yet its vibrant pulse sets the trends that the world watches. In culture, fashion, music, architecture and the arts, ideas, no where else is like the London. Constantly-evolving, always entertaining, it's the city that should be right at the top of your must-see list.

However, London can be expensive, a real shock to your wallet. If you're looking for good value accommodation, web sites such as http://www.hotel.com.au/london have dozens of hotel choices including serviced apartments in all the popular districts. Check it out.

But there is an upside to the expense of London. The capital offers not just dozens, but hundreds of free attractions and sights. From museums to art galleries, historic parks to scenic walks, they won't cost you a cent.

Buckingham Palace. The Changing of The Guard

A rousing military march marks the start of one of the oldest and most famous London sights, full of pomp, color and that famous British stiff upper lip. It's the Changing of The Guard. This royal ceremony is conducted outside Buckingham Palace each morning at 11.30am and lasts about 45 minutes. The Queen's Guard usually consists of Foot Guards in full-dress uniform, wearing bold red tunics and bearskins. A New Guard exchanges duty with the Old, accompanied by a band playing music. This ranges from the traditional to the trendy, and even songs from West End shows.

Park yourself for free.

London is a very green city sprinkled with delightful parks. At 350 acres, Hyde Park is one of the largest open spaces and makes up one of the four Royal parks, the others are St James's Park, Green Park and Regent's Park.

Head out to Hampstead Heath.

Take the subway (the Tube) to trendy Hampstead, it's just four miles (6.4km) from central London. Hampstead is full of quaint leafy streets, charming boutiques and smart cafes. If you're into celebrity-spotting, you might even see some familiar show biz faces and fashion models as you relax with a quiet latte. Hampstead is also home to the Heath, a huge area of grass and woodland, covering 791 acres with sweeping views across London. Perfect for lazy afternoons and picnics, the Heath is a great place to exercise. Play tennis, go running, outdoor swimming or why not try your hand at cricket, a bit like baseball, only gentler.

See Kenwood House free

The 18th century mansion, Kenwood House sits elegantly on a hill in Hampstead. It was remodelled for Lord Mansfield by the great Robert Adam. Among its splendid interiors hangs the wonderful Iveagh Bequest of paintings, including masterpieces by Vermeer, Rembrandt, Turner, Reynolds and Gainsborough.

Visit your past and future free

London has amazing museums, many of them are free. Probably the most famous is The British Museum at Great Russell Street. Among the objects on display are the Rosetta Stone and the Elgin Marbles. Founded by an Act of Parliament in 1753, the British Museum was the first national public museum in the world - and the first to belong to a nation rather than a monarch or private patron.

The Natural History Museum, South Kensington

This is the UK's national museum of natural history and a centre of scientific excellence in taxonomy and biodiversity. A wonderful way to spend a few hours exploring and enjoying the wonders of nature.

Imperial War Museum

The Imperial War Museum is unique in its coverage of conflicts, especially those involving Britain and the Commonwealth, from the First World War to the present day. Exhibits range from tanks and aircraft to photographs and personal letters; film and sound recordings and 20th century paintings.

Royal Air Force Museum Hendon

Take the train, subway or bus out to North London to this amazing museum of flight. The Royal Air Force Museum Hendon is situated on the historic site of the original London Aerodrome and you can see over 80 aircraft from around the world, along with short film clips and interesting exhibition areas.

Museum of London at The Barbican

London was a Roman city. This museum traces the growth of London from prehistoric times up to the present day, using a combination of models, artefacts and reconstruction. There is also an impressive Roman interior, with its original mosaic pavement, a collection of jewels dating from 1560 to 1640 and an illuminated model of the 1666 fire of London.

Look for historic Blue Plaques

If you spend a little time in London, you'll spot small Blue Plaques on the facades of shops and houses. Some of these buildings are grand and imposing, others look remarkably ordinary. The connection? A famous (or infamous) person lived or worked there at some time in the past.

Actors, authors, politicians, painters, scientists, sportsmen, campaigners and reformers - people from different countries, cultures and backgrounds - have all been commemorated in this way. You can see where Dylan Thomas, Charles Dickens, John F. Kennedy lived and where Karl Marx stayed. The borough with the most plaques is Kensington and Chelsea with 180. The biggest category is Writers with 180 recorded.

Personal favorites: plaques for composer George Frideric Handel and guitarist Jimi Hendrix stand side-by-side on 25 and 23 Brook Street, in Mayfair. Despite being a fictional character, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's "Sherlock Holmes" has a plaque on the supposed site of 221B Baker Street.

To market, to market! London is full of bargains

Just about every part of London has a street market of some type. Portobello Rd, west of Marble Arch, (featured in "Notting Hill", the popular movie with Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts) is home to marvellous antiques, jewellery, coins, clothes, bric-a-brac, food and general merchandise. (The antique market opens every Saturday. The general market usually runs 6 days a week.)

Go alternative. Camden Markets

Alternative, funky, goth or punk...fashion lives in Camden. Camden Town, a few miles from central London, is where to go bargain spotting, especially for original fashion. Camden Lock Market, by the canal, was the original craft market, established in 1974, but over time, the market scene has gown and now offers a much wider spectrum of goods. Walk the mile between Camden Town and Chalk Farm Underground stations, and you can stop, and shop in all the markets of Camden. There's also a lot to enjoy in this lively area...restaurants, bars, pubs, clubs, theatres and cinemas.

Covent Garden. The home of speciality shopping in London

For more than 150 years, Covent Garden was London's largest fruit, vegetable and flower market, covering 30 acres. In the 1970s, the market relocated south of the river. In 1980, after careful restoration, Covent Garden re-opened as London's first and best speciality shopping destination.

Today, almost one million people visit the famous Market every week from all parts of the world. This is a very special retail-therapy experience with everything from leading fashion and stunning gifts to unique toys and games.

Get arty. The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square

After you've fed the pigeons and taken shots of Nelson's Column, visit The National Gallery, home to over 2,300 pictures dating from 1250. The collection includes all the major European schools of painting and masterpieces by many great artists. Access to the permanent collection of paintings is free.

The Tate Modern, it's free if you are

On the South Bank of the Thames, this former power station has been superbly converted into the World's biggest collection of Modern Art. The two huge floors cover the complete century. Stark, modern, intriguing - and often a little crazy. It will get your brain ticking over with a new appreciation for modern artistic expression.

This list is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. What else can you find to do, see and enjoy in London without dipping into your wallet? My guess is, lots.


About The Author

Matthew Lawson heads up http://www.hotel.com.au/ and is an avid traveler.

London Hotels - Looking for A luxury Hotel in London? Here a three of London's Luxury Hotels: The K West Hotel, The Athenaeum Hotel

London Hotels: London Luxury Hotels Online
by: Mary Hanna

Looking for A luxury Hotel in London? Here a three of London's Luxury Hotels: The K West Hotel, The Athenaeum Hotel, and The Chesterfield Mayfair Hotel

Body:

The K West hotel in London is a very chic well designed luxury hotel. The K stands for a Kerry Hotel. It is very contemporary with clean lines and full service. It is located outside the congestion zone of London but minutes from the West End. Notting Hill and High Street Kensington are just minutes away and if you take the Central Tube you are 10 minutes from Bond Street.

It's excellent and stylish restaurant has a brand new menu crafted by Chef Sam Sweeney. It has beautifully been redecorated with leather seating in rich reds and blues, with dark wood, stainless steel and glass. It is pricey but delicious.

The K Spa is absolutely luxurious. It is a perfect cosmopolitan retreat allowing you to spend some peaceful calming time while being pampered. They use E'SPA products and have a dedicated and skilled staff. Their many treatments will enhance your lifestyle in an holistic and enjoyable way. They even have Spa lunches.

Another fine hotel and spa is the Athenaeum, a family owned and run luxury Hotel group in the United Kingdom. Their staff is friendly and committed to first class service. Their other properties are the Grove, Runnymede Hotels and Spa on the Thames and Greengarden House which are serviced apartments just off Oxford Street. The suites and rooms combine English elegance with modern technology. There are rooms that have gorgeous views of Green Park towards Queen Elizabeth's Buckingham Palace, giving you a sense tranquility in bustling downtown London.

The food served in the dining room is definitely English style and world renowned. They have dining throughout the day using local products whenever possible. Valet parking is available for all diners.

The spa at the Athenaeum, which is exclusive to their guests, is a place to relax after the hustle of central London. They have a full roster of services or just rejuvenate in the Jacuzzi.

They have stylish business meeting rooms melded with 21st century technology. These beautiful rooms can be transfixed to elegant private dining for weddings or any special occasion.

The third luxury hotel is the four star Chesterfield Mayfair discreetly tucked off Berkeley Square. The atmosphere is calm, quiet and very efficient. The Mayfair offers contemporary convenience in a great location. It is one of eleven outstanding luxury hotels sprinkled around the world run under the Red Carnation Flag. Their staff is utterly committed to attentive service and to make your stay very enjoyable. All of the Red Carnation hotels were thrilled to receive the Greater London Training Award for outstanding achievements in training and personal development.

They have a Library, the Butlers Restaurant, an airy Conservatory and an intimate bar. The food is excellent and the staff superb. They are in an excellent location that is just minutes from Bond Street, the perfect location to experience London. They do not have a spa so this may be a deterrent if you are looking for that kind of facility.

Any one of these three hotels will be a pleasing experience for those that enjoy quality and excellent service.

Copyright © Mary Hanna, All Rights Reserved.

This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.


About The Author

Mary Hanna has traveled the world by Air and Ship while writing eBooks, Software Reviews and Practical Articles on Internet Marketing, Cruising, Gardening and Travel. Visit her websites at: http://www.cruisetraveldirectory.com/ and http://www.cruisegold.com/ You can read more of her articles at http://www.articlebazaar.net/

London: Party Capital of Europe For Weekenders - With London being the party capital of the united Kingdom, there is so much to do and so many places

London: Party Capital of Europe For Weekenders
by: Erika Lindberg


With London being the party capital of the united Kingdom, there is so much to do and so many places to see and an ideal place for any hen or stag party group. Home to our Royal Family, this historical capital is filled with culture, architecture and endless hours of entertainment.

If you are on thinking of booking a Hen or Stag weekend, then London is the place to visit! This party city has everything you could possibly need for an entertaining, hot rocking weekend! Wall to wall Restaurants, and some of the best clubs in Europe exist in this city.

The End club is one of London's favourite nightlife venues featuring music from hard hitting drum and bass nights to sexy, funky house and there is also the AKA bar upstairs. For the more refined party goer, there is Ronnie Scotts Jazz Club.

Established in 1959, Ronnie Scott's Club is a world famous venue and the home of British Jazz. Originally based in nearby Gerrard Street, the club moved to its current location in 1965. The roll call of legendary names who have appeared at Ronnie Scott's is almost endless, including Bill Evans, Stan Getz, Wes Montgomery, Buddy Rich and Donald Byrd. The club remains a vibrant jazz venue, with nightly gigs suitable for stag and hens or any mixed groups. Also available at the club, a selection of modern English cuisine.

Whatever you are looking for in a weekend break or hen and stag weekend, London has it all! Wall to wall theatres, the home of west end productions is right on your doorstep. The Adelphi, The Dominion and The Lyceum are all but a few to visit if you are looking for a cultured evening of entertainment.

Daytime events are equally as entertaining offering a wide selection of activities for hens and stags. For the ladies, pampering at a luxury hotel is a wonderful way to unwind and take the weight off your feet and for the stags, a full day of karting and paintball is just what you need to get the adrenaline pumping!

For a full range of activities and more information on hen and stag weekends, please go to www.betterweekends.com .



About The Author

My name is Erika Lindberg and I have worked in PR for the last 10 years. I am currently working for http://www.betterweekends.com/ and numerous other agencies analysing the travel and tourism industry, in particular, the hen and stag market and the festive industry of culture analysing celebrations of life.

British Museum, A Major London Tourist Attraction - The British Museum is one of the biggest tourist attractions in London. It is also one of the

British Museum, A Major London Tourist Attraction
by: Timothy Tye


The British Museum is one of the biggest tourist attractions in London. It is also one of the oldest and biggest museums in London. The British Museum has over 13 million objects, making it one of the largest and most comprehensive collection on human history and culture in the world. The objects come from all continents of the world. They showcase and documenting the story of humankind from the earliest beginnings to the present age.

The British Museum was founded in 1753. It was based on the collection of Sir Hans Sloane, a physician and scientist. Sir Hans Sloane had been an avid collector of curiosities. When he died in 1753, he bequethed his collection to King George II. Within his collection are 71,000 objects of all kinds, including 40,000 printed books, 7,000 manuscripts, 337 volumes of dried plants, prints, drawings, and antiquities from Egypt, Greece, Rome, the Ancient Near and Far East, and the Americas.

The British Museum first opened to the public on 15 January 1759 in Montagu House, in Bloomsbury. It is still located at Bloomsbury, although Montagu House has seen much changes since then. The expansion of the British Museum over the centuries resulted in the opening of branch institutions, including the British Museum (Natural History) in 1887, now called the Natural History Museum. The British Library spinned off into a separate entity in 1997. Today both the Natural History Museum and the British Library are major London tourist attractions in their own right. As with all national museums and art galleries in Britain, the British Museum does not charge an admission fee except for charges levied for temporary special exhibitions.

The British Museum got off the ground when King George II gave his formal assent to establish the it on 7 June 1753. Two other libraries were added to the Sloane collection. They are the Cottonian Library, assembled by Sir Robert Cotton and the Harleian Library, collected by the Earls of Oxford. The Royal Library, assembled by various British kings, were added in 1757. This comes from King George II himself. With it comes also the right to every book published in Great Britain, ensuring that the Museum's collection will grow indefinitely. Within these four "foundation collections" are some of the treasured books of the British Museum, now within its spin-off, the British Library. They include the Lindisfarne Gospels and the sole surviving copy of Beowulf.

At the time of its creation, British Museum was a pioneer of sorts. Being a national institution, it belongs neither to the church or the king. Like a sponge, it opens itself freely to the public with the aim of collecting everything of value. Sloane's collection, although encompassing a diversity of objects, tended to reflect his scientific interest. The Cotton and Harley manuscripts introduced a literary and antiquarian element to the collection, so that the British Museum is both a national museum and a national library.

To house the British Museum, the Board of Trustees bought Montagu House from the Montagu Family for 20,000 pounds. This 17-century mansion was preferred over Buckingham House (which today is Buckingham Palace) because the latter was simply too expensive.

The first exhibition galleries and reading room for scholars opened on 15 January 1757. In 1772 the Museum acquired its first antiquities of significance, a collection of Greek vases from Sir William Hamilton. The Thomason Library and David Garrick's Library were added to its collection. At that time, the British Museum has not yet acquired the ancient relics that visitors see today.

The voyages of Captain James Cook resulted in a whole batch of South Sea objects added to the British Museum collection. By 1800, Montagu House has become very crowded and decrepit, and it was clear that space was running out. By the beginning of the 19th century (1800-1825), the antiquities of Greece, Rome and Egypt have be added to the British Museum. The Rosetta Stone - key to deciphering hieroglyphs - was added in 1802. The Colossal bust of Ramesses II came in 1818, laying the foundation for the Egyptian Monumental Sculpture collection. The marble sculptures of the Parthenon, on the Acropolis in Athens, were moved to Britain in 1806, and in 1816 were acquired by The British Museum by Act of Parliament.

In 1802, a Buildings Committee was set up to plan for the expansion of the British Museum. The old Montagu House was demolished in 1823. Sir Robert Smirke designed a grand neoclassical building for it. Part by part was completed, with the King's Library on the East Wind ready in 1827, but was only opened to the public in 1857. By then, the collection was growing faster than the building can be expanded. In 1852, the forecourt was opened, in accordance to Robert Smirke's 1923 design. Sydney Smirke's Round Reading Room, with space for one million books, was opened in 1857. Because the British Museum was still pressed for space, the natural history section was moved to a new building in South Kensington, and it became known later as the British Museum (Natural History), now the Natural History Museum. 1884 saw the completion of the White Wing, allowing space for more antiquities and ethnography.

By the last years of the 19th century, The British Museum has once again outgrown the space. The Trustees in 1895 purchased 69 houses surrounding the Museum, with the intention of demolishing them and building the West, North and East sides to the Museum. The first phase of construction of the north wing began in 1906.

In 1918, due to threat of wartime bombing, some of the objects were stored away at the Portal Tube Railway at Holborn, at the National Library of Wales, and at a country house near Malvern. Some of these objects were damaged in transition, necessitating the creation of a conservation laboratory to restore them. This took place in 1920, and became a permanent department in 1931.

In August 1939, with the Second World War looming, the most valuable and portable objects were evacuated. No wonder, for the museum was bombed in 1941. The years following was spent rebuilding the damaged building and returning the stored items.

The British Museum celebrated its bicentennial in 1953. In 1963 the Natural History Museum became a fully independent entity. The Coins and Medals collection, damaged during the war, reopened in 1959. Following that, the Parthenon Sculptures were back on display in 1962, with the restoration of the Duveen Gallery.

1972 saw 1,694,117 visitors coming to see the "Treasures of Tutankhamun", the most successful exhibition in the British Museum history. That same year saw another Act of Parliament separating the British Library's collection of manuscripts and printed books from the Britsh Museum. The growing books collection required a new home, but that was not to happen until another 25 years have passed, when the British Library moves to its new home at St Pancras.

The departure of the British Library fees up the vacant space in the 19th century central quadrangle. It was redeveloped into the Queen Elizabeth II Great Court - the largest covered square in Europe, opened in 2000.

The British Museum was set up 250 years ago as an encyclopedia of nature and of art. Today, it no longer houses collections of natural history. Even the books and manuscripts that were its foundation collection now belongs to the independent British Library. Nevertheless the British Museum maintains its universality in its collection of artefacts representing the cultures of the world.



About The Author

Timothy Tye explores and documents the tourist attractions of the world in EarthDocumentary. Go to http://www.earthdocumentary.com/london.htm to learn about the tourist attractions of London.

London Tourist Attractions around Trafalgar Square

London Tourist Attractions around Trafalgar Square
by: Timothy Tye

Trafalgar Square is a famous public square and tourist attraction in the centre of London. It was created to commemorate the Battle of Trafalgar, a British naval victory in the Napoleonic Wars in 1805.

Trafalgar Square was originally intended to be called the King William VI Square. However architect George Ledwell Taylor suggested the name Trafalgar Square.

The architecture around Trafalgar Square dates to between 1820 and 1845, when the Prince Region engaged John Nash, the imminent landscape architect, to redevelop the area. The project became known as the Charing Cross Improvement Scheme. The architecture of the square was the work of Sir Charles Barry, and was completed in 1845.

Trafalgar Square consists of a big public area bordered by roads. The roads that lead into Trafalgar Square or are within its vicinity include Whitehall, Northumberland Avenue, The Strand, Charing Cross Road, Haymarket, Pall Mall and The Mall. Also within the area are Trafalgar Square road and Cockspur Street.

The point where the Strand meets Whitehall was the original location of the Charing Cross. This is where the City of London meets the City of Westminster, and is accepted as the very heart of London. From here all distances are measured.

Exploring Trafalgar Square in clockwise fashion beginning from the north, we see the stairs that lead up to the National Gallery. The National Gallery began when the British government bought 36 paintings from banker John Julius Angerstain in 1824. From that minuscule collection, the National Gallery today houses over 2,300 paintings dating from the mid-13th century to 1900. Two thirds of the collection comes from donation. The collect is small compared to national galleries of continental Europe, however, it has important works with a broad historical representation, covering Early Renaissance to Post-Impressionism.

The present structure at Trafalgar Square was built in 1832-8. However only the facade is recognizable from the original, with much of the inside having been renovated and expanded. This is the third building to house the National Gallery, and despite the many expansions, is still inadequate.

The site at Trafalgar Square made creating an impressive gallery a challenging task. It cannot be extended in further than one room, as there was a workhouse and a barracks immediately behind. The architect whose design was chosen, William Wilkins, also had to comply to several stipulations, among them, he has to used columns from the demolished Carlton House, and sculptures which were intended for John Nash's Marble Arch. As a result, the National Gallery opened to much public ridicule.

To the east of Trafalgar Square is the St Martin-in-the-Fields Church, an Anglican church dedicated to Saint Martin of Tours.

A burial dating back to Roman times was discovered here during an excavation in 2006. It led to a reappraisal of the importance of Westminster during Roman times. The reason is, although the Romans usually bury their dead outside city limits, the site of St Martin was way outside the Roman city limits, so it surprised archaeologists to find a burial spot so far out of the city.

The earliest documentation of St Martin-in-the-Fields Church was found in 1222, where a dispute between the Abbot of Westminster and the Bishop of London over who had control over St Martin was recorded. King Henry VIII rebuilt the church in 1542, so that plague victims do not have to pass by his residence at the Palace of Whitehall. At that time, the church was literally "in the fields", isolated and away from the cities of Westminster and London.

Although the old St Martin-in-the-Fields building was not destroyed by the Great London Fire of 1666, it was nevertheless replaced with a new building, by James Gibbs, in 1726. Though the new design was greeted with much criticism, it eventually found favor and became famous, leading to many similar copies built in the United States.

Due to its strategic location, St Martin-in-the-Fields is one of the most famous non-cathedral churches in London. It is famous for the social work done for the homeless. It is also a regular venue for lunchtime and evening concerts. A 36 million pound renewal project began in January 2006 is scheduled to be fully completed by early 2008.

At little to the south of the St Martin's church, past South Africa House, still to the east, is the Strand, towards the present location of Charing Cross and the Charing Cross station. To the south is Whitehall, towards the direction of the Palace of Westminster. To the southwest is the Admiralty Arch with The Mall passing through it towards Buckingham Palace. Finally, to the west is Cockspur Street in the direction towards the Haymarket.

There are several statues at Trafalgar Square, the most prominent of which is Nelson's Column. It commemorates the death of Admiral Horatio Nelson in the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. The entire monument is 50 metres (169 ft 5 in) from the bottom first step to the tip of Nelson's hat, according to laser survey done during restoration in 2006. It includes the 5.5m (18 ft) statue of Nelson facing in the direction of the Palace of Westminster and along Pall Mall. Nelson stands on top of a Corinthian column based on one from the Temple of Mars Ultor in Rome. At the top of the column are bronze acanthus leaves cast from British cannons. Below the column is a square pedestal, and on each face is a bronze panel cast from captured French guns. Each panel depicts one of Nelson's four great victories.

Nelson's Column was made in 1838. It was designed by William Railton. The sandstone statue of Nelson was sculptured by E.H. Baily. The four bronze panels were done by sculptors Musgrave Watson, John Ternouth, William F Woodington and John Edward Carew. The whole monument costs 47,500 pounds, equivalent to 3.5 million pounds in 2004 terms. Four lions, by Sir Edwin Landseer, were added in 1867.

Nelson’s Column is surrounded by four huge bronze lions cast from cannons of the French fleet. At the four corners of the square are plinths. Three of these have statues on them: King George IV on the northeast plinth, cast in the 1840s; Henry Havelock on the southeast plinth, cast in 1861; Sir Charles James Napier on the southwest plinth, cast in 1855. The fourth plinth remains without a permanent statue on it. Initially it was intended for a statue of King William IV, but there was insufficient funds to complete it. As of now, the plinth continues to be used for temporary works of art.

On the lawn in front of the National Gallery are two more statues: King James II to the west of the entrance portico, and George Washington to the east. The Washington statue was a gift from the state of Virginia in US. It stands on soil brought over from the United States, in honour of Washington's declaration that he would never again set foot on British soil.

To the south of Nelson’s statue is the roundabout where the original Eleanor Cross stood. There’s a statue of Charles I there. It is the only English king to ever be beheaded.

To the southwest of the round about is Admiralty Arch. It is an office building facing Trafalgar Square. It incorporates an archway for road and pedestrian access between The Mall and Trafalgar Square. The Admiralty Arch was built in 1912, and adjoins the Old Admiralty Building. The Admiralty Arch was commissioned by King Edward VII, in memory of his mother, Queen Victoria, though he died before it was completed.

These are just some of the sights around Trafalgar Square. There is indeed a lot to see at every corner, and for that reason, it is still one of the main attractions in London.




About The Author

Timothy Tye explores and documents the tourist attractions of the world in EarthDocumentary. Go to http://www.earthdocumentary.com/london.htm to learn about the tourist attractions of London.

London Restaurant Review - There are now so many restaurants in London, that this is just a cross section of those available but everybody should find

The Great London Restaurant Review
by: Dominique Ballada


The list includes some very modest eateries where you will not spend a fortune but will still eat well.

There are now so many restaurants in London, that this is just a cross section of those available but everybody should find something that will appeal to their tastebuds and pockets.

Michelin Star Restaurants

Le Gavroche

43 Upper Brook Street, W1K 7QR (020 7408 0881)

Albert and Michael Roux set the benchmark for Haute Cuisine for London restaurants many years ago and son Michael Roux Jnr is now doing the same. Elegant dining such as this does not come cheap, a minimum price of £60 each, but with 2 Michelin stars over the door you just know it is money well pent.

Gordon Ramsay On Royal Hospital Road

68 Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea, London, SW3 4HP (020 7352 4441)

Lunch Menu £40 7 Course Dinner Menu £110

With a 2 month waiting list you will have to plan ahead if you want to eat here and with three Michelin stars, you just know the food will be out of this world. Any serious foodie would kill his own Mother to get a seat here to sample the French and Mediterranean dishes. It is a credit to Gordon Ramsay that despite being listed in the top five restaurants in the world, the house wine is only £15 although the extensive wine list contains some fine wines at a lot more than that.

Petrus

The Berkeley, Wilton Place, Knightbridge, London, SW1X 7RL (020 7235 1200)

Chef, Marcus Wareing has earned his two Michelin stars by serving up some of the finest French cuisine available and that includes in France. The restaurant, situated in the Berkley Hotel a known haunt of the Queen, is named after one of the finest red wines in the world. You can enjoy a bottle with your meal but with prices starting at over £300 and ending in a wallet busting £12,300, you may wish to try the house red at around £15 per bottle, although this may be an insult to the magnificent food.

Locanda Locatelli

8 Seymour Street, London, W1H 7HT, (020 7935 9088)

Although I have not eaten there yet, I must admit this is my favourite celebrity chef. He always comes across a passionate believer in the quality of his ingredients and the joy of cooking them. I am sure his two Michelin stars are an understatement. If Italian food is your passion this is the temple where you can worship it in.

The amazing thing is that you can dine here for about £30 each and you will find many good wines at under £20 per bottle.

Nobu

Metropolitan Hotel, 19 Old Park Lane, London, W1 Y4LB (020 7447 4747)

This 2 Michelin star restaurant was the haunt of both pop and movie stars where the tempura is sublime. Japanese cuisine is always expensive so the £60 per person will not phases the Japanese affictionados.

Other Great Restaurants

Texture

34 Portman Square, W1H 7BY (020 7224 0028)

The nearest tube is Marble Arch but if you can afford to eat here you will not be travelling by public transport. Dinner for two with wine and service costs around £150. Has a Champagne bar that is worth a visit.

This restaurant is the brainchild of Agnar Sverisson, the Icelandic former head chef at Le Manoir aux Quatre Saisons, (Raymond Blanc's flagship restaurant) and Xavier Rousset who was the Head sommelier there. One can only wonder at the day they both decided to leave!

The decor could be described as Icelandic cool, the cuisine in the nouvelle style and the ingredients are the best. A great introduction is the started menu which will give you a pointer to your next visit. Don't leave it too long as a Michelin star or two cannot be far away and you know what that can do to the prices and the waiting list.

Daphne's

112 Draycott Avenue, SW3 3AE (020 7589 4257)

Price £48.00

Another Italian restaurant that has been favoured by stars, particularly for the lunch time crowd and why not, the food is excellent and the service attentive without being over-bearing. At least it was when I ate there a couple of years ago. It has a novel open space that makes summer dining a real pleasure. Even though they take great pride in sourcing as much of their produce from caring British producers, their risottos and pasta dishes are second to none and are complimented by a fine selection of Italian wines.

Cantina del Ponte

36C Shad Thames, Butler's Wharf, SE1 2YE

Price £25

This is the cheaper version of Sir Terrance Conrans restaurant La Ponte de la Tour, right on the river, overlooking Tower Bridge with spectacular views of the river Thames which make it an excellent summer dining establishment. The menu is traditional Italian fare cooked to perfection. I had a pizza which, having come from their wood fired oven was just sublime and the Tiramisu to follow did not disappoint. The food is well complimented by an extensive wine list.

Bibendum

Michelin House, 81 Fulham Road, SW3 6RD (020 7581 5817)

If seafood is your passion, this is the place for you. Opened by Sir Terrance Conran twenty years ago in the old Michelin Tyre Depot, you will think you are in Paris as you feast on superb fish dishes amid the splendour of the art deco features like the huge stained glass windows. Before you ask, there are also some fine meat dishes that are also cooked to perfection.

Lindsay House

21 Romilly Street, W1D 5AF (020 7439 0450)

If you wish to dine like a Georgian English gentleman with an British menu then you will do no better than Lindsay House where Richard Corrigan, a rising TV star, serves a wonderful menu sourced from the best providers. Pigs trotters or smoked eel salad served in a genteel 18th century drawing room may have you thinking that you will be able to get a sedan chair home. The 21st century will hit you at the end when the espresso is served at nearly £5 per cup which would make even the aristocracy reach for their smelling salts. That said, for those who can afford it, it will remain a unique experience.

Rules

35 Maiden Lane, WC2E 7LB (020 7836 5314)

Price £49.00

Rules has been serving traditional British food for over 200 years and the decor reflects this. To some it is elegant dining, to others it is a bit like an Olde England theme park either way it is a great way to sample some of the finest British cuisine and that includes those glorious English puddings. The only problem is you will need to have the wherewithal of at least a minor member of the aristocracy to pay for the meal.

If you go to the Tate Modern to feed your artistic soul, you will have the choice of two fine restaurants.

Tate Modern Restaurant: Level 7

7th Floor, Tate Modern, Sumner St, SE1 9TG (020 7401 5014 )

Whilst in the Tate Modern, you should take the lift to the 7th floor where, if you can get a window table, you will get some stunning views of the river to accompany your stunning food which luckily is not named after any types of art. The cuisine is modern European and sourced from both Britain and the continent. Views and foods this good do not come cheap so if you are on a modest budget, you might like to try the cafe on the 2nd floor where children are very well catered for.

If you are not too tired then try:-

Northbank

One Paul’s Walk, EC4V 2EH (020 7329 9299)

Just a quick stroll across the bridge and you will find this cathedral to the finest provender the South-west of England can supply, cooked to perfection. It doesn't come cheap but after such a meal you will be more than happy to pay. Summer visitors will enjoy the outdoors tables and if you get there sooner you will still be able to marvel at the 'Glass Gherkin' building. Don't forget to take a closer look at the wall paper, it is a modern toile that reflects the City of London surroundings.

Red Fort

77 Dean Street, W1D 3SH (020 7437 2115)

The authentic cuisine of North India has made the Red Fort a focal point for the Indian food afficionados. It is the exquisite cuisine and stylish surroundings that have attracted the good and the great. A definite must for any visitor but beware, you will never quite enjoy your own local take away again.

Myung Ga

1 Kingly Street, W1B 5PA (020 7734 8220)

This Korean restaurant is a haven for basic Korean food as the number of Koreans, Chinese and Japanese eating there will demonstrate. This bustling restaurant would be a great place for the novice to be introduced to the tastes of Korea.

Wahaca

66 Chandos Place, London, WC2N 4HG

Average Price: £50

This is a real Mexican restaurant that specialises in street food with ingredients that are ethical and traceable. Authentic is the keyword so be prepared to be surprised if you are used to the usual old tex-mex that has been touted around for years. The sample menu is a good place to start, just be careful of the freshly prepared hot sauces.

Dining On A Budget

Stockpot

18 Old Compton Street, Soho, W1D 4TN

273 Kings Road, London, SW3 5EN

38 Panton Street, London, SW1Y 4EA

Opened in 1958 this small chain of inexpensive restaurants are still providing the capital with nourishing food at affordable prices. The menu is simple British and continental with generous portions. For those on a limited budget this cannot be topped. I have eaten at all these locations and can attest to the quality as does the number of people who you will find eating there.

Yo! Sushi

MyHotel, 11-13 Bayley Street, Bedford Square, WC1B 3HD also at Harrods, Harvey Nichols, Selfridges and many other places.

A fun way to eat sushi that will not break the bank. As you sit, the different sushi goes around on a conveyor belt so you can help yourself from the cooked and raw dishes. A nice, if expensive twist is the water pump at each table.

Rootmaster

Old Truman Brewery, Brick Lane, E1 6QL

If you are looking around the City of London and want something different then this is the place for you, especially if you are a vegetarian and if you are not, then this would be a great introduction to the cuisine. The bonus is that you get to eat on one of what used to be, London landmarks, a big red Routemaster Bus, hence the name pun. Fantastic noodles and falafel made in the shape of burgers make this a truly unique eating experience.

Sticky Fingers' Cafe

1a Phillimore Gardens, Kensington, W8 7EG

When Bill Wyman wasn't Rolling with the Stones he started this restaurant which serves burgers, ribs and tex-mex. The food must be good as it still going strong after many years. Situated in a side street off the High Street Kensington makes it a perfect mid shopping break.

Hard Rock Cafe

150 Old Park La, W1K 1QR, (020 76290382)

The daddy of them all, they set the standard for burgers in London long before any of the chains opened up London. I would tell you when I first went there but I am afraid I might show my age. They have gone global but the ethics are still the same, good food in great surroundings and reasonable prices and you can get the t-shirt.

Pizza Express

Although the Pizza Express is a chain, you will not be disappointed by the quality of the pizzas unless you only like yours made in the deep pan style because they only make the traditional thin crust style. They do have a selection of other dishes available as well. Some of the restaurants have live jazz so you can make an evening of it.

You are now ready to venture out and sample the culinary delights of London, whether it is a fine British menu or something from further afield and you won't necessarily need a bank balance the size of Fort Knox to enjoy them.

The top restaurants, especially those with Michelin stars, may need to be pre-booked so it may be advisable to check before you travel, it would be so disappointing to miss them.



About The Author

Dominique Richards is the webmaster of

http://imagewizard.biz/ and
http://yourpower2be.com/ Womens'website that men love to browse http://www.yourpower2be.com/
http://www.graphics.imagewizard.biz/

New Year Celebrations on a London Party Boat - Searching for a unique venue to celebrate Christmas and New Year in London, be it a company Christmas

Christmas and New Year Celebrations on a London Party Boat on the River Thames
by: Keith McGregor

Searching for a unique venue to celebrate Christmas and New Year in London, be it a company Christmas party or group of friends or family, you will find a Thames boat hire an exciting and different venue.

With festively decorated boats cruising the Thames you and your guests will get to take in London’s most famous landmarks lit up in all their splendour. The size of your group and type of Thmaes boat party you want to have will guide your choice of vessel. The Thames in London has many different boats of different shapes and sizes. Options include:

An exclusive meal for 2 on your own private luxury power boat
Company Christmas party for 20 – 300 guests on a Thames party boat
Tickets to join New Years Eve celebrations on a London Party boat
Scheduled Riverboat Disco Cruises for small and large groups

Land venues simply cannot compete, the Thames offers views of the most famous of London’s landmarks, viewed through unique and exciting venues of every style and price range imaginable. Funky contemporary party boats such as the Erasmus or Silver Barracuda contrast with the traditional Elizabethan replica paddle steamer or Edwardian replica steam ship. For smaller parties, a Sunseeker charter provides a luxury or a traditional wooden speed boat for the ultimate in exclusivity. All are fully heated and comply with the most rigorous of Europe’s safety standards – the strictest in the World.

When researching which boat is best for your Christmas or New Year celebrations I strongly recommend you view the boats that match your requirements. You will get a better idea of the size and quality of the boat and straight away see the level of service you can expect when onboard. Generally you get what you pay for, but there are exceptions – London Party Boats that do not present the quality the price they are charging suggests they should.

Once you have chosen the boat make sure you provisionally hold the date and times you would like. Friday and Saturday evenings are very popular so I would highly recommend booking several months in advance if you are after a key date. For example New Years Eve tickets are usually sold out by the beginning of December.

Once booked the operator will take you through the process of designing your boat party. Be aware you will need to pay in advance, often in full.

Boat hire in London is truly a fantastic and memorable way to celebrate this Christmas and New Year.



About The Author

Keith McGregor is a partner of Strawberrysoup, a web design agency with offices in Chichester and Bournemouth. Strawberrysoup specialise in creative web design, content managed websites, search engine optimisation, search engine marketing and graphic design

http://www.strawberrysoup.co.uk/

Top Tourist Sites In London - You have booked a hard-earned week's holiday in London and are now wondering how to plan the itinerary. But the problem

London Apartments: Top 10 Tourist Sites In London
by: Binh Zientek


You have booked a hard-earned week's holiday in London and are now wondering how to plan the itinerary. But the problem is what to see? And how to cram in as much as possible? The answer is not really quantity, but quality because in London you can never have enough time or money to see absolutely everything. To be frank, some of the attractions are not worth the journey anyway, so you need to prioritize your time and resources. So with this in mind we have drawn up a list of the best of tourist sites in London.

Buckingham Palace

Home to Queen Elizabeth II when she is resident in the city. Hundreds of years of Royal heritage all under one roof.

London Eye

Surprisingly new to London, but the London Eye has rapidly become a major London icon. It is a great way to see and rejoice at the beautiful city.

Tower of London

One of the oldest relics from London's history. Harking back to William the Conqueror's invasion in 1066, this very famous tower has seen many executions, including Anne Boleyn (second wife of King Henry VIII).

Covent Garden

A really vibrant square with a great collection of shops offering tea, clothes, jewelery. There has been a market here for the last 500+ years, and sometimes it is as though the past echoes of traders past are still around! If you are lucky, you can catch a live performance of opera, music or jugglers.

Trafalgar Square

Since the pigeons have been banned from the square, it has lost some of its grubby character. But the gleaming, pigeon-free square has Nelson's column, and of course the water fountains. The National Gallery, Chinatown and St James' Park are all a short walk away.

Hyde Park

One of the biggest in London with a lake for a leisurely boating experience. Go for a jog, relaxing stroll or bird watching (of the winged kind!)

Oxford Street

Even though some parts of this famous street need a lick of paint, it is still a huge attraction for the sheer variety of shops. A favourite is Selfridges, on the marble arch side.

St Paul's cathedral

Designed by Sir Christopher Wren but had to be partly rebuilt after World War II, it is a stunning piece of architectural genius.

Houses of Parliament

If you wan to see the epicenter of British politics, the Houses of Parliament is the ideal place to see the policy-making centre. Not to forget the machinations, back biting and power games played within these walls.

Modern Tate

Cutting edge art exhibitions ensure the Modern Tate's place in London's icon of cool!

To be honest, you will probably need 2 weeks in London to see all of these iconic tourist sites. A tip: check out http://www.londonpass.co.uk/ and buy a family pass which will give you discounts to over 100 attractions and also include transport cost as well if required. London can be very expensive and any way to save money whilst enjoying your holidays is welcomed.



About The Author

Binh Zientek Accommodation Specialist

Tel: +44 (0)20 7476 7963

sales@qualitylondonapartments.co.uk

http://www.qualitylondonapartments.co.uk/ -London http://www.qualitycityapartments.com/ - UK & European cities

Basques And Bustiers - With markets flooded with sexy lingerie and all sorts of additions to the bedroom wardrobe, it's easy to feel anxious and want

Basques And Bustiers: More Than Just Bust
by: Amanda Cotterill


With markets flooded with sexy lingerie and all sorts of additions to the bedroom wardrobe, it's easy to feel anxious and want to stay away from the whole confusion altogether. Many women often feel inadequate in the face of lingerie models, but it doesn't have to be that way. Instead of trying to look like someone else, a self-assured woman blazes her own trails and does what feels right. With sexy lingerie, this means fitting into a variety of sensual ideas and trying them out to see what fits perfectly.

Bustier or Basque?

Most women know what a bustier is, but they may not be familiar with the basque. A basque is a type of tight fitting bodice made to wear as an undergarment. It usually consists of "boning" meant to support and flatter the lines of your torso. In the Victorian era, a basque was a long form-fitting jacket. This type of jacket had a low U or V shaped waist (also known as a "drop waist"), designed to make the body look longer and slimmer. Today's basques follow this same pattern. They cling to the body, uplift the bust line and usually have thin straps.

Bustiers are a fashionable option because they are more comfy and helpful than the basque. Most bustiers are strapless, but some include removable straps. Bustiers provide a fuller figure on most women and improve the bust line through a method that enhances the support given by cinching in the waist.

Beauty and Function

Sexy lingerie is more than just for playtime. Lingerie that fits well will improve everything else you wear with it. A bustier that fits your body appropriately will give you that much sought after hourglass figure - but make sure it fits right! You don't want a bustier so tight you look like a sausage squeezing out at the top and bottom. A fit like that completely defeats the purpose.

Consider the type of material you're buying, too. You want a fabric that feels good against your skin, with seams and boning that won't chaff. Many of today's bustiers are made from soft flexible fabrics like Lycra. The materials for boning have changed a lot too. The stiff rods of support that run vertically through some bustiers and basques were, at one time, made from real whalebone. You can imagine how uncomfortable that must have been! Today, the boning is made from flexible plastics that offer plenty of support without sacrificing comfort.

Bustiers will likely always be favourite options in terms of sensual, alluring lingerie. For that special striking touch or for practical purposes, the bustier is the perfect option for any state of affairs in the wide world of lingerie. The bustier still impresses, too, and will continue to provoke and excite.

You can always be sure that a sexy lingerie bustier is exactly what the doctor ordered and will make you look and feel fabulous. There are so many different types of sexy bustiers hopefully after reading this article you will know exactly what type of basque or bustier is perfect for you.



About The Author

Amanda Cotterill has been involved in the erotic lingerie uk market for many years. This article outlines the benefits of women wearing sexy costumes of the type shown on http://www.maryjanelingerie.co.uk/basques_bustiers/. Please include this credit if you use this article.

Parenting and Webkinz - I can't remember the first time I remember seeing a Webkinz. I vaguely remember hearing talk about them between my daughter

Parenting and Webkinz
by: Steve Cantellini

I can't remember the first time I remember seeing a Webkinz. I vaguely remember hearing talk about them between my daughter and a few of her friends. I recall not really paying attention to it until I heard one of Marisa's friends mention she had 12 out of the 18 Webkinz that were out. One of the other girls said she had 8, another 6 and my daughter said she had 1 that she received for a birthday gift. I thought to myself that this was crazy and these girls must be a bit more then a little spoiled. As time went on, all I heard from Marisa was talk about her Golden Retriever Webkinz that she named Barkley. She constantly carried "him" around or was constantly on the Webkinz web site. Finally I figured that after hearing all the hype I would check this out. I bought Marisa a new Spotted Frog and off to Webkinz World I went. I wasn’t expecting much, but I figured I would at least have some quality time with my daughter.

In spite of my skepticism, I was very happily surprised. I couldn’t believe everything that was involved. First we had to register our new family member. We decided to name him Henry. We bought Henry food and clothes and furniture for his room. Most of all, we had to play with him and give him attention so he knew he was loved. I couldn't imagine that a toy like this would be able to teach a child such responsibility. Furthermore, some of the games on the Webkinz website were very educational. They were not typical Internet or video games, but actually made Marisa think and learn. Two hours had passed and it seemed to fly by. Webkinz had a new fan and he was well into his thirties.

I can now tell you my daughter is one of those kids who owns an extensive collection of Webkinz. Each one of them has given Marisa much joy and entertainment. Because of the Webkinz she has a much better understanding of responsibility and a better appreciation for education. Today, when I hear Marisa and her friends talking about their Webkinz, I smile to myself. I know she is in a world that makes her feel good about herself. I also know the Webkinz world teaches her responsibility in its own way while keeping her happy. What more could a parent what?



About The Author

Steve Cantellini is an executive moonlighting as a writer on various topics concerning parenting and how children benefit from leisure activities and relationships including Webkinz. For more information on Webkinz please go http://majestic-webkinz.ecrater.com/

or http://www.majestichousewares.com/majestic-housewares-webkinz-store.html.

Pedophiles / Ephebophiles and Sexual Child Abuse - Dorothy M. Neddermeyer, PhD, author, If I’d Only Known...Sexual Abuse in or out of the Family:

Pedophiles / Ephebophiles and Sexual Child Abuse
by: Dorothy M. Neddermeyer, PhD

The media reported the Michael Jackson case incessantly for the duration of his trial. What was tragically lacking are the facts regarding pedophiles/ephebophiles and sexual child abuse.

Studies reveal 62% of girls and 31% of boys will be sexually abused by age 18—considered low based on health services.

— 80% are sexually abused by a family member
— 19% are abused by someone the child knows and trusts
— 1% according to government statistics are abused by strangers

The unbelievable truth: Pedophiles/Ephebophiles conduct themselves as average and ordinary to the world. He or she may be a leader in the church; the community; or business. Pedophiles/ephebophiles seldom fit a classic stereotype—education, socioeconomic status, career or culture.

Furthermore, sexual abuse/incest is more difficult to believe or accept when the person we like, admire, love, and/or marry is the perpetrator. This is precisely why Jackson’s family, fans and the uninformed can unequivocally believe he could not possibly be an Ephebophile—sexual attraction to adolescents.

Pedophiles/Ephebophiles are cunning predators with a honed mode of operation. They are experts at manipulation, thus escaping adult reality. They feel entitled, justifying their actions as loving; not harming the child. They expend considerable energy maintaining this illusion to themselves and others. They create a persona of goodness beyond reproach. They go to great lengths to present themselves as exemplary people, who love children. Jackson’s defense attorney, Mesereau, invoked this convoluted tactic in response to the judge’s ruling that previous accounts of sexual abuse claims, which were settled, was admissible. Mesereau countered, "He [Jackson] also has spent millions on children with AIDS. We can drown them with examples of where Mr. Jackson has been so benevolent, so generous, so charitable, so giving for good causes, that it will make their theory look silly."

Mesereau’s statement exemplifies, anyone who sees through the perpetrator’s façade is met with admonishment and rebuke for being critical, irrational, racist, out-to-get the person, and/or jealous. The perpetrator is the family emperor with no clothes. "I know my son, and this is ridiculous," Jackson’s mother, Katherine Jackson, said in an interview on CBS "The Early Show." She said people who believe Michael is guilty "don't know him." Jackson's father, said his son was beloved around the world but had trouble in the United States because of racism. He said the accuser's motives were clear: "It's about money."

Even more frightening Pedophiles/Ephebophiles do not hold beliefs reflecting society’s moral and ethical values. Therefore, coupled with the child’s innocence and trust of the abuser usually pressure or violence is seldom required. Thus, the perpetrator can unequivocally state, “I love children. Never-ever. I could never harm a child or anyone. It’s not in my heart. It’s not who I am.” --Michael Jackson, 1993.

There is another insidious aspect to Jackson’s contact with adolescents—he flaunts the relationship as ‘sweet and innocent’ admonishing anyone for believing it is sexual. Using the definition of sexual abuse, Jackson’s befriending adolescent boys under the guise of helping them with a life threatening illness and/or sleeping with them, albeit, he slept on the floor and the child slept in his bed, is in and of itself sexual abuse.

"Incest is both sexual abuse and an abuse of power. It is violence that does not require force. Another is using the victim, treating them in a way that they do not want or in a way that is not appropriate by a person with whom a different relationship is required. It is abuse because it does not take into consideration the needs or wishes of the child; rather, it meets the needs of the other person at the child's expense. If the experience has sexual meaning for another person, in lieu of a nurturing purpose for the benefit of the child, it is abuse. If it is unwanted or inappropriate for her age or the relationship, it is abuse. Incest [sexual abuse] can occur through words, sounds, or even exposure of the child to sights or acts that are sexual but do not involve her. If she is forced to see what she does not want to see, for instance, by an exhibitionist, it is abuse. If a child is forced into an experience that is sexual in content or overtone that is abuse.

As long as the child is induced into sexual activity with someone who is in a position of greater power, whether that power is derived through the perpetrator’s age, size, status, or relationship, the act is abusive. A child who cannot refuse, or who believes she or he cannot refuse, is a child who has been violated." (E. Sue Blume, Secret Survivors).



About The Author

Dorothy M. Neddermeyer, PhD, author, If I’d Only Known...Sexual Abuse in or out of the Family: A Guide to Prevention, speaker/seminar leader has over twenty years experience in Personal/Professional Development. She is noted for her pioneering work in Emotional, Physical and Sexual Abuse Prevention and Recovery. http://www.gen-assist.com/store.html

Educational Toys: Making Kids Smart By Having Fun - Kids are like sponges. They absorb. But the similarity ends there. While sponges absorb, they

Educational Toys: Making Kids Smart By Having Fun
by: Rony Pollock

Kids are like sponges. They absorb. But the similarity ends there. While sponges absorb, they shrink and disintegrate before long. Kids, on the other hand, soak up day to day experiences and when the right mindsets are instilled, they continually thrive. That’s why it’s important for parents like you to carefully select the toys they play with. Associating fun and play with learning is a fundamental aspect of every child’s growth. And one of the best ways to make this happen is through educational toys.

It All Starts at Home

The home front is crucial to a child’s development. This is where curiosity is first explored. This is where a child learns about colors, shapes, and sounds, what Yes and No mean, and that asking “why” can almost always generate an explanation. The first lessons brought about by childhood generally come from the people around the household. That’s why all activities of your kid should be carefully selected. The right books, appropriate TV programs, and educational toys can supplement and enhance your child’s learning process, making the early stages of learning easier and enjoyable.

Lessons of Playtime

Playing is every child’s first priority. Playtime may only seem to provide pure entertainment, but it is also an integral part of your child’s mental and emotional growth. While it’s good to provide children opportunities for skill formation, such as music or art classes, it’s also ideal to give them ample time to play. Doing so, would provide the following benefits:

- Personality development
- Awareness of their potentials
- Promote independent thinking
- An avenue for creative thinking and problem solving
- Improvement their motor skills
- Enhance their ability to think and communicate
- Value-formation

Guidance is essential to bring out the best in children. But it doesn’t mean that you should totally organize the whole experience for your child. The important thing is to provide supervision and the appropriate tools for play and let your child take it from there.

Toys that Fit

Giving your child high-quality educational toys will liven up and enhance the process of sensory and learning development. The right toys for the right age needs to be considered too. A rattle wouldn’t capture the interest a five-year-old kid. Here’s a quick guide on what educational toys children may enjoy at a certain age:

Infants – The keywords are soft, safe, and colorful. Vividly colored rattles and squeaky toys will stimulate their sense of touch, sight, and hearing.

1 to 2 years – This is a stage where children start learning how to maneuver the things in their hands. They are also beginning to discover that some things are paired together. Toddlers will enjoy building blocks and toys that will allow them to identify and match shapes.

2 to 3 years – Children are beginning to get more creative at this age. They like role playing with other kids or by themselves. Puzzles, Play Cubes, and educational toys that stir their imagination are the best options.

4 to 5 years – Kids are into creative thinking and decision-making by this age. Educational toys that can help enhance these developments include puzzle games and constructions toys.

As children grow older, they become more independent in their choices of what toys to play with. They usually forego free play for games that involve rules and friends. They learn to be competitive. This is the time where parents’ guidance is most crucial. But if you’ve established the foundation by providing your child with educational toys early on, then you may have a child who’s well-developed emotionally and smart to boot.



About The Author

Rony Pollock

Make your kid’s journey to smartness fun with educational toys (http://www.ronjuneshop.com/childrenstoys.html)! Enhance your child’s learning with play kitchens (http://www.ronjuneshop.com/kidstoys-pretendplay.html) and toy pianos (http://www.ronjuneshop.com/childrenstoypiano.html). These and more only at http://ronjuneshop.com/

New Baby, Blogging, and Motherhood - I put mothers on a very high pedestal. Even though I am a father and a grandfather, I really have no clue just

New Baby, Blogging, and Motherhood
by: Jim DeSantis

Blogging with a new baby sounds a little nuts and is likely to be the last thing on your mind but it may just be the relief valve you need.

I put mothers on a very high pedestal. Even though I am a father and a grandfather, I really have no clue just how tough it is taking care of an infant. I know it's an almost incredible amount of work, and between changing diapers and keeping the nursery squared away it seems unrealistic to imagine that there would be time left over for any mother to blog. However, a growing number of moms are joining the blogosphere to share their experiences during this exciting and challenging time of life. There are a whole range of benefits that mothers can gain from blogging, and the spectrum covers everything from getting through the night to helping distant relatives feel closer, not to mention maintaining your sanity.

What is a blog and why is blogging such a great idea? A blog is nothing more than a daily journal, diary, if you will, of your thoughts and experiences. You write about them, in your own words, and post them online in your blog. Your readers then can comment and start a communication link with you. Best of all, blogging is free.

I run multiple free blogs and can tell you that blogging is a tremendous way to relieve stress and interact with others. It focuses me away from my daily routine and stresses. See my Author Box below for the link to my blog on Family Life to get an idea of what I am talking about. That blog is free on Blogger.com. There are other sources for free blogs but that's getting ahead of ourselves for this article.

For a mom dealing with the hassles and triumphs of a baby, blogging about your motherhood is a great way to blow off some steam or just to share some of the joys of motherhood. Your blogging may even help new mothers get through the trials and tribulations of their first infant.

If your baby often has very erratic sleep patterns that leave you up at odd hours of the night, blogging may just be the best way to fill those hours. Many moms turn to television to help them weather these dawn vigils but, by blogging through the night, moms can turn what feels like a somewhat depressing situation into an actively positive and productive one through blogging.

Another reason why moms often find blogging very satisfying is that it helps them to be a part of a community. For moms who are unable to successfully juggle a full social life with the very tough demands of taking care of a new baby, blogging can be a great way to stave off the isolation that sometimes comes during this stage of life.

A baby requires constant attention, and it can be difficult to attend social gatherings or events when you are responsible for an infant. Luckily, the internet is full of other moms in the same situation, and by chatting with them it is possible to overcome

some of the loneliness that many new mothers are surprised to encounter. If you are a new mother, you can learn from experienced mothers. If you are experienced, you can pass along your wisdom to the new mothers. In that process of exchange you all break the patterns of stress and isolation.

Of course, for a mom with an adorable new baby, blogging can be as much about celebration as it is about necessity. Having a blog about living with a new child can give mothers the chance to reflect on how powerful and warm the sensation of motherhood is, and sometimes sharing the triumphs of this unique time can make them even sweeter.

A blog is a great way to keep friends and family updated with news about your baby's first words or first steps, and with new technology it is easier than ever to make photos and video clips a part of your blog, so you can give far-away relatives the chance to feel much more involved in your child's life. Many email services now have the ability to email videos. You simply load the video onto your computer, attach it electronically, and your relatives get to see your baby is live action.

Blogging, at first, may seem a bit intimidating. Look for someone, a close relative who is computer savvy, to teach you the ins and outs or spend some time online in those wee hours surfing the internet for information about blogging. There is a ton a free tutorials online that will cut your learning curve and soon you can be a blogging whiz!

Jim DeSantis
Proud father and grandfather



About The Author

Jim DeSantis

For more free tips like this go to Jim's Family Life blog at http://on-line-tribune-family-life.blogspot.com/. For ebooks on this subject, visit Jim's http://libraryfordummys.jdanswers.com/

eBooks website!