Global Premises

Criminology is the study of criminal behavior. It is a complex study that will consider the impact of various laws and the way that humans behave to them. It is also the study of crime, why it happens, how it happens and how to stop it from happening again. In criminology, the study is not on the police and corrections systems but more on the scientific understanding of why these things happen.

For those who are considering a degree in this area, it is essential that there be a love of science. An understanding of why is the main research of this study. There are many different fields in which those who study this field will eventually go into. In choosing a college or university in which to attend, students should consider several factors. For example, they should insure that their overall goals in study are available. They should also look at the course of study that is covered to insure that what they want to learn is available and provides the necessary degree to further find employment.

There are a variety of different degrees available to those that are interested including undergraduate and postgraduate criminology studies. There is a large surge in the number of people that are interested in pursuing investigation studies. This is due in part to the wide television coverage of such careers. These television shows have gained acclaim for their ability to portray criminology in its finest which is in that of uncovering crime and understanding it.

Although there are many who enter this field to become something more such as a criminologist or even work in crime scene investigation teams for local, county and federal investigation, most of the study of criminology is that in which individuals will study the behavior of those that break the law and those that have various laws applied to them. The goal is to try and understand just why people act the way that they do is one of the main focuses.

For more information please see http://www.criminology-info.co.uk

Remember how overloaded and exhausted you get at holiday season? It happens every year. It’s no surprise. It begins at Halloween and ends around Valentine’s Day. If you set limits in the following 5 key areas, it will serve you well for the next several months.

Set reasonable limits, plan for them, and share your plan with others who will help keep you on track. If you do, you will find yourself relaxing and enjoying this delightful time of year, rather than being overloaded, stressed out, maxed out, and wishing it would end.

1. Financial Limits:

Limit yourself to a specific amount you will spend for your gifts and don’t give in to temptation, pressure or marketing savvy. Look for creative ways to give meaningful gifts to those you love the most.

If you have large family gatherings, try the group gift swap where each person brings one gift (set a maximum price), everyone draws a number, and you make a fun game out of drawing for gifts. It becomes a social time where everyone is interacting, laughing, and sharing as one gift is opened at a time. Everyone saves money and the focus is on the people you are celebrating with rather than the gifts themselves.

2. Social Limits:

The holidays are the time of year for parties - with family, friends, and co-workers. Every year you get more invitations than you could possibly attend and more than likely you feel guilty saying no to anyone. Set your limits ahead of time by discussing it with your family. There should be a limit on the number of parties your kids, you, your spouse, and your family unit will participate in.

By designating these limits ahead of time, when you begin to get all those invitations you can respond very graciously by saying how you’ve set a limit for your family’s commitments this holiday season, and you can’t attend. Thank them for the invitation. Now you have an evening free to stay home with your family to have a dinner at home together, play games, watch a movie, or any other number of family activities.

3. Work Limits:

Many people find themselves working MORE during the holidays. Some people take on a second, part-time job to earn extra money to pay for all their gifts. (But, now that you have set those limits, you won’t have the financial worries you had in the past!)

If the holiday season is a busy work time for you, whether you take on extra work or not, plan ahead for those weeks when you know you’ll have the biggest demands. Don’t schedule other activities or responsibilities during those days. Plan around that so you don’t create your own tornado of stress. Keep some days aside strictly for rest and family time.

4. Eating Limits:

This is a joyful time of year with lots of celebrations that all seem to involve an abundance of delicious, tempting food. Think this one through ahead of time and set some reasonable limits for yourself. Reasonable is the key word.

If you say boldy that you’ll totally resist Mom’s delicious stuffing and homemade pecan pie, you’re nuts! Plan for when, where and how you will indulge and restrict yourself around those special times and special treats. If you develop the “grazing” habit of eating small amounts all throughout the day, you’ll avoid getting so ravenous that you lose control when a huge meal is spread out before you.

5. Exercise Limits (set a minimum):

You’ve gotten into a good workout routine over the warm weather months. Now is the time to knuckle down and keep a routine. The key to setting limits in this area is to set a minimum amount of exercise that you pledge to maintain.

If you’re used to spending an hour and a half at the gym 6 days a week, allow yourself to lighten up a bit, knowing you will be having other events you want to plan into your life. Don’t just throw it all overboard, completely losing your physical shape!

If you can maintain at least a minimal exercise routine, when New Year’s rolls around, you won’t have the guilty “resolution-setting” syndrome that hits so many people.

By thinking this through ahead of time and setting reasonable limits in these 5 key areas, your holidays will be an enjoyable time rather than a stressful time that you’ll dread next year. Happy Holidays!

Visit LifeHouse Coaching to sign up for “Blueprints for a Dream Life” and receive Edi Sowers’ f*r*e*e* weekly articles, coaching tips, and special offers. Edi works with women business owners who work at home and face the arduous challenge of balancing their personal and professional priorities in order to build their dream life.

Life is short, have you ever heard that saying before? It is short and it moves fast. Time goes by very fast and an excellent way to remember what has happened in your life is to keep a journal. It is as if you are nineteen one day, and then all of the sudden you are fifty two years old. When you are older you can take a look back and go down what is called “memory lane”. There are videos that can be taken and pictures to help document the past, and you don’t want to forget about those. Keeping a daily journal will give you a piece of your own history. If you are ever at a point in your life where you need to solve a problem and don’t know what to do you could flip open your journal and look for similar experiences in your past and see exactly what you were thinking at the time and how you figured it out. Our memories can be great, but sometimes we can forget, and if you write it down in a journal it is there forever. Plus writing it down can help you remember it more without having to read the journal. It is a win-win to have a journal.

Journals are also great to keep if you are losing weight and taking the Acceletrim product. It will help you stick to what you set out to do and when you write down what you did it will make it more real for you. If you are losing weight and you end up eating two full bags of chips, it is going to be tough to write that down in your journal, so you might end up not eating them just so you don’t have to write it in your journal.

A place that has seen political turmoil to the hardest extent but has stood the test of time. A place where mysteries unfold around every corner. Where the nature has bestowed its greatest gifts. Welcome to Romania. Until the modern history was being written Romania was mainly under the influence of the wars. Then it was gripped in the hands of the communist regimen. Despite the wraths of wraths of time the country has stood erect and today it is one of the culturally advanced and educationally pioneering countries of the world.

The historical importance of the country is established by the presence of the numerous castles all over the place. The main attraction of the tourists to this country is its magnificent castle. Build in the ancient times, they still sing the lore of the European grandeur and Romanian past. The atmosphere in them is filled with mysticism and it’s a once in a life experience that every tourists takes back. The Peles, Corvin are two of most famous castles of Romania. Conducted tours take the tourists around the castles giving them information about the historical facts.

As most European nations Romania too has a rich arts and cultural history. The architecture of the country makes it stand out form the lot. The historical curves on the famous buildings give then a unique royalty. Bucharest, the capital city, is also the cultural capital of the country. The village life of Romania is depicted in a museum dedicated to it. The Village museums answer all questions in the minds of the tourists about he rural backdrop of the country. The painted monasteries of Bucovina stand there since the 1500s and are an embodiment of the great architectural history of Romania.

It’s not hard to find great people from this European nation but one prince that has made this country a legend is of Transylvania. The Dracula is a legendry character, which has had a lasting impression on the people of all ages and backgrounds. The castle of the Dracula stands in all its magnificence in Transylvania. Myths apart it has now become one of the most urbanized areas of the country. However the mysterious sensation still keep the tourists dumbfound.

Bucharest, the capital is situated in the Wallachia region in the southern part of Romania. It has got all the political activity. It has gained world repute in the field of education. An international college for medicine is situated in Bucharest, which attracts students from all over the world. The French influence on the city is evident by the architecture on many buildings of the city. It has been christened as ‘little Paris’ due to this very reason. How ever the beauty of the planning of the city has left it look very green and silent. It’s a soothing experience to be in any Romanian city and Bucharest tops the list. One thing seldom found in Europe is found in Bucharest in abundance - legalized gambling. The city offers some of the best casino rooms and coupled with the fact that it is legal makes it a favorite among the tourists. The typical cuisine of Romania is rich with beacon and meat. The desserts also have their distinctive taste.

The country having undergone harsh times in the political oppression could not explore all possibilities of tourism. Now it is coming out with ecotourism programs to attract tourists. Way to go!

Mansi gupta writes about. romanian travel Learn more at www.triptoromania.com

If you’ve been to any store lately you’ve seen that the holiday decorations have hit the stores. It’s the time of year that puts everyone in a good mood until the time that the family arrives on your doorstep. Then of course, the rush is on to get it all done in time. If you’re anything like me and my family, there are always last minute trips to the store to get everything that is needed for the dinner and the delivery of presents.

Now is the time to plan out your whole event. You should know now whether you are traveling to a relatives’ for the holiday or even just for dinner. It’s a good time to start planning your menu’s and your presents for the people on your list.

Here are a few things to make your holidays run a bit smoother:

1. Write a list of each person who is to receive a present. If you need to draw names, make it happen via email this week. Then select a budget for each person and draw the cash out and put it in envelopes. Make a vow to stay within the budget you’ve set.

2. Start by perusing the catalogs. It’s an easier way to shop. There are so many catalogs on line now so shopping on line will help you stay away from that crazy holiday rush.

3. Shopping in one place certainly saves time, and places like TJ MAX and Marshalls are old favorites and do carry affordable items for the whole family.

4. Once you’ve gotten the shopping done, it’s time to start the decorating. I usually purchase a few magazines specifically for the holidays and do one art project that will last. It’s been fun to see my projects through the years that took a day to make, but have been in our family for years. If you’re “crafty” enough, then these items make excellent gifts for your friends and neighbors. Presents like pinecone wreaths or candle covers are easy, fun to make and last for years.

5. Next, comes the cooking! This is the one that seems like it should wait, but in realty it’s a great time to start right now! We still have a few weekends before Thanksgiving and those early Saturday mornings are a great time to bake up and decorate holiday cookies and bars. In addition, homemade jellies and jams make excellent holiday gifts to share. My personal favorite is Hot Jezabel. I make it with pineapple and apricot jelly, horseradish, dry mustard and black pepper. It is delicious on top of cream cheese with crackers. Put in a cute jar, with a box of crackers, the recipe in a basket makes an affordable and delicious gift.

6. Get your kids dressed and head to the nearest hotel lobby for a beautiful holiday picture! Sure, you can go to a studio and spend upwards of $100, or you can get dressed and go to a nice hotel where you can take a picture that is classy and will impress your friends! Get them printed at Walmart and you’re good to go for your holiday newsletter and card!

7. Last but not least, understand that the holidays are some of the most stressful times of the year. If you have a family and are traveling or entertaining, you need to schedule some time for relaxing without doing anything. Book your manicure ahead of time or a fun cookie exchange evening out with the gals in advance.

Then kick back and enjoy the time this year. If you plan ahead this year, like you SAID you would last year, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy the holidays creating memories, instead of stress!

Mary Gardner is a Lifestyles Consultant and Coach and can be reached at www.marygardner.com

The moment you pack your luggage for a trip it becomes an inconvenience. In fact, the word “luggage” comes from the Scandinavian word “lug” which the English Oxford Dictionary defines as “carry or drag with great effort”. That pretty much sums it up - nobody likes lugging their baggage to and from the airport. The problems associated with luggage don’t end when you get to the airport; actually that’s where most of the problems begin. Long check-in lines, hassles at security checkpoints, and lost luggage anxiety at the baggage claim are common occurrences these days.

Carrying luggage with you is no longer an efficient way to travel and now it is becoming a thing of the past thanks to the niche industry of luggage forwarding companies. The days of FedEx’ing your golf clubs to Florida are over as well because luggage forwarding companies have better rates, better customer service, and better reliability and some even have better insurance. These door-to-door luggage shipping companies are making a name for themselves with on-time delivery guarantees and top notch customer service.

Ship Luggage when Airlines Charge
Airlines are under tremendous pressure to cut costs and since they are actually in the business of shipping people it is no surprise that they are looking to baggage as a relief valve. The heavier the plan, the more fuel it consumes and as fuel costs increase the airlines have imposed stringent baggage restrictions. The days of checking three bags are over. So avoid excess baggage fees next time you travel and forward your luggage to your destination.

Ship Golf Bags to the Old Course in Scotland
There is nothing worse than lugging your golf clubs to the airport except playing a round with rented clubs. Now there’s a solution for international travelers to send their clubs ahead when they’re planning a round of golf abroad. Three days to Scotland means you can play one weekend in New York and the next in Yorkshire without the hassle and cost of checking them with the Airlines.

Ship Skis and Snowboard to the Lodge in Aspen
The family ski trip can easily turn into a nightmare when you realize that you’ve got to get 5 pairs of skis and 6 duffel bags to and from the airport. Imagine showing up at the lodge to find you skis waxed and ready to go. Some luggage shipping companies go above and beyond to provide their clients with first class service extras. Forwarding luggage truly provides total travel convenience.

Ship Family Items to your Summer House on Nantucket
If you’re trying to figure out how to get your summer gear to the beach for the season then look no more. Luggage shipping services handle strollers, cribs, beach umbrellas, bikes, wheel chairs and of curse they also ship luggage. Some of the forwarding companies will even arrange to have you fridge stocked with groceries when you arrive so you don’t need to waste precious beach time at the grocery store.

So consider the affordable luxury of shipping luggage. Next time you plan a trip, take your travel to a new level and experience total travel convenience with a luggage forwarding company. Happy travels.

You’ve worked hard all year and you finally have time to rest. Treat yourself to a piece of paradise by going on a trip to the Caribbean! Snorkel, go boating, hike, or just relax in the sprawling beaches - you can do absolutely anything you want.

The Caribbean has been a favorite vacation spot of tourists from the world over. In fact, millions of people visit the islands from the United States alone. The charm of the Caribbean lies not just on its beautiful beaches and romantic sunsets - it also has a rich history and a colorful culture that truly makes it addictive.

Also known as the West Indies, the Caribbean group of islands is actually located in the perimeter of the Caribbean Sea, very near the South American countries of Mexico and Venezuela. The Caribbean is composed of about 7,000 islands, each differing in size. The islands are grouped into the Greater Antilles, Lesser Antilles, and the Bahamas.

Christopher Columbus discovered the Caribbean centuries ago by accident, as he was trying to reach Southeast Asia (that’s how the Caribbean got its West Indies name). It was then occupied by an Amerindian group called the “Carib”; this the name “Caribbean.” The region was once very famous for its legendary sea pirates.

Now, most of the different Caribbean islands belong to the independent South American countries, but some are still part of the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, France, or the United States.

Caribbean hotels and resorts are usually fully booked during peak season, so it is advisable to take care of your accommodations at least three months in advance. If you want more privacy, visit the less popular islands that offer the same first-rate accommodations. It’s not a good idea to visit the Caribbean from April to December, though, as these are hurricane months. If you still want to go during this period, always check for weather updates.

Caribbean provides detailed information on Caribbean, Caribbean Islands, Caribbean Cruises, Caribbean Vacation and more. Caribbean is affiliated with All Inclusive Caribbean Vacations.

Christmas ornaments may have had humble beginnings however this much loved and popular tradition of hanging Christmas ornaments has made people into multi millionairs today!

In the early 1800’s fruit (particularly apples) and nuts were the first Christmas ornaments used to decorate Christmas trees. Soon to follow Christmas ornaments of foil and paper streamers cut and made from the hands of family and friends were added. Among German families (who popularized the Christmas tree) they made Christmas ornaments out of gingerbread and other hard home-made cookies baked in the shape of fruit, stars, bells, angels and hearts. In other countries such as America, their first lot of Christmas ornament additions were long strands of cranberries or popcorn to circle their trees! They also added small intricately woven baskets that they nestled in the crooks of boughs. In the UK people started to show off their talents making creative Christmas ornaments from lace, paper and other materials. With all the Christmas ornaments displayed it was often noted that the Christmas trees themselves could be hardly seen!

It was not until the latter part of the 19th century that we saw mass produced Christmas ornaments being developed and sold which started in Germany. Particularly in Lauscha, Germany known for its glass making, they started by replicating fruit, nuts and other food items followed later by the manufacture of hearts, stars and popular shapes that came from the traditional cookie baked ornaments. Much later the glass blowers created moulds of saints, famous people and animals. The beautiful colored glass ornaments were adopted quickly and became a popular favorite for the Christmas tree. They became so popular that nearly everyone in the town was in some way involved in the creation of Christmas ornaments. All the ornaments were handmade by people who followed in the glassmaking traditions of generations of their families before them. Each ornament had a touch of individual craftsmanship and became unique and highly prized.

By the late 1800’s they were exported around the world. The famous Mr Woolworth is credited with part of his fortune being made from the importation and sales of German glass Christmas ornaments around the 1880’s to 1890’s when he sold more than $25 million worth of ornaments in his Five and Dime Stores.

The Famous Pickle Ornament!

There is a folk story that says for generations people were hiding a glass ornament (most likely from Lauscha) in the shape of a green pickle. The legend says that German parents started this tradition. The first one to spot the pickle ornament hidden in the Christmas tree got an extra present from St Nicholas at Christmas and were blessed with good luck!

Not far from the famous Christmas ornament glass blowers in Lauscha were the artisans in Dresden who introduced pressed and embossed paper ornaments featuring bright colors. They introduced new Christmas ornament shapes including birds and fish.

From the late 19th century the appearance of pressed tin with brightly colored lithographic surfaces appeared as ornaments. Thin foil strips were soon introduced (tinsel) and the German creators called it “angels’ hair”. Then came an abundance of varying materials including lace, wire and bead work which was often all used together to make one ornament.

After the war when American’s were coming out of the great depression the German ornament trade feared hostilities and so searched for a manufacturer who could make the ornaments in America itself. They got together with the Corning Company in New York who were then manufactures of light bulbs. By 1940 this company was making 300,000 ornaments a day compared to 600 for a skilled German glass blower. These ornaments were lacquered by machine and hand decorated.

Wonderful childhood memories of Christmas often revolve not only around presents but around the Christmas tree and its ornaments and other decorations. It was often a great event to dress in your best clothes and take the family to the big department stores to see the “Big Tree” with hundreds of fascinating ornaments on display. Highly reflective materials were most popular for ornaments and complexity and variety of ornaments were the driving factors for ornament sales. A popular legend said if you placed a reflective ornament on your tree it would repel an evil spirit trying to enter your home - they would see their reflection, then terrified they would withdraw! Later on electric trains and small villages were placed under the tree and miniature churches, stores and homes were the new ornaments placed on trees.

With the introduction of aluminum trees manufactures made special ornaments they assured us were fire proof and just as safe as the newly produced trees themselves. By the 1970’s there was the occasional popular culture figure, radio serial star or comic book hero, or even an occasional product ornament such as a Swift’s Premium Ham ornament. Then came the personalized ornament which became popular in modern times. Check out OrnamentShop.com a highly popular website for personalized and creative ornaments which are often purchased as a unique and personal Christmas gifts today.

Visit http://www.HoHoHoChristmas.com for gifts, tips and tools for reviving the fun, magic and spirit of Christmas every day of the year. You can also subscribe to our f*r*e*e 10 day e-course with audio on how to enrich your Christmas experience today! Plus sign up for our sensational f*r*e*e Newsletter and become part of our world-wide Christmas family. Our Newsletter is fun and has great tips, tools and resources you’ll love throughout the year! By The HoHoHo Expert, Bernadette Dimitrov, author of The HoHoHo Factor! & Bluey, Santa’s New Recruit (ebooks and audio books).

If you will be visiting the Denver area, you might want to get down under our mountains. You see, more and more Denver visitors are electing to have a fun adventure via a guided mine tour. There are several to choose from that are all within a 60-90 minute drive from Denver.

Three tours I think you’d enjoy are:

Argo Gold Mine. The Argo is located near Idaho Springs, making it about a 35-45 minute drive from downtown Denver. The Argo mine tour features an experienced guide who will tell you the history of the Argo tunnel, the mine itself and the mill which processed over 100 million dollars of gold ore in its day. The guide will also give a live demonstration of the crushing, milling and rock drilling. You can walk through the mine and down through the mill, reading and observing the equipment, tools and the process used to extract the gold.

To reach this mine, take I-70 West to Exit 241A, which is Colorado Blvd. Turn right off Colorado Blvd. at Gilson Ave .and then take a hard left at Riverside Drive.

Argo Gold Mine Tour
303-567-2421

Country Boy Mine Tour. A bit further up I-70, near Breckenridge, about 90 minutes west of Denver, is the Country Boy Mine. The tour of this mine takes you 1,000 feet in to the a century old, authentic gold mine. You’ll wear a hard hat, hear the drills and learn about Colorado’s glorious mining history. After your tour, your guide will teach you how to pan for gold in Eureka Creek You can even take your riches home with you- -a great Colorado souvenir.

To reach the Country Boy Mine, take I-70 West to Exit 203 (Colorado 9 South) towards Frisco/Breckenridge. At the traffic circle, take the 4th exit onto N Summit Blvd. Continue on CO-9 S . Turn left at Huron Rd. Bear right at Reiling Road then turn left at French Gulch Rd.

Country Boy Mine Tour
970-453-4405

Lebanon Silver Mine Tour. You can enjoy a guided tour of this mine as part of a ride on the Georgetown Loop Railroad (which is a neat trip all by itself). The mine is located at the halfway point on the railroad. The tour takes you 500 feet into a mine tunnel bored in the 1870s. Your guide will point out rich veins of silver and tell you about early-day mining. The temperature inside the mine is a constant 44 degrees Fahrenheit, so bring a jacket. The tour also includes visits to the manager’s office, the miners’ change room and the tool shed. The mine tour is only available on departures from the Silver Plume Depot.

Georgetown Loop RR and Lebanon Silver Mine Tour
888-456-6777.

Touring any of these mines is a fun and interesting side trip. Plus, as you drive to the mine, you get to see some of our most beautiful mountain scenery and, if you’re lucky, our buffalo herd in Genesee Park.

Here’s another good tip. Denver is a great place to vacation because it offers the best of two worlds — the fun things to do and see that you find only in a big, sophisticated city, plus the breathtaking scenery, unforgettable vistas and amazing wildlife you find in our nearby Rocky Mountains. To learn more about the best Denver vacation, just go to Just go to http://www.best-denver-vacation.com Douglas Hanna has lived in the Denver area for nearly 35 years and is an expert on both Denver and Colorado. He is also the author of more than 120 articles on Denver and Internet marketing.

London is more than 2000 years old, and has been a vibrant, active city for its entire history. Today, it’s the home of over seven million people, with several million more living near its outskirts, and has relatively easy access to the Continent via the Chunnel, the tunnel from France to England. Although England itself makes for an exciting and interesting travel experience, just going to London can fill months of travel time, and still not exhaust your interest.

Just people-watching in London can keep you occupied for days. London is no longer only British; instead, it’s one of the most vibrantly multicultural cities in the world. The area north of Hyde Park is largely owned by Arabs now, and outlying suburbs are homes to entire neighborhoods of people of Indian and Pakistani descent. You can go to many neighborhoods in the city and not hear a word of English.

Of course, sometimes you might not recognize English as English. There are twenty or more distinct dialects just in London, some more mainstream than others. About half the English dialects in Britain have their roots in London, a 600-square-mile patch of land. It’s an amazing city filled with textures and cultures you didn’t even know existed. Most of the tourist section of London can be found between the Tower of London and Hyde park, a three-mile walk.

Museums

London has countless museums, large and small, old and new, classy and kitschy. Museums with free admission include the British Museum, the British Library, National Gallery, the National Portrait Gallery, and the Tate Gallery. After a certain time in the afternoon until closing (call to get exact times), the Imperial War Museum, the Museum of London, the Natural History Museum, and the Victoria and Albert Museums are also free.

In the Victoria and Albert, you can find excellent collections like the Medieval Treasury art gallery; the Dress Gallery, 400 years of English dress; and many famous works of art including reliefs by Donatello. In the National Gallery, you can find art by grand masters ranging from Da Vinci to Rubens, Botticelli to Monet and other French impressionists. If you’re interested in more peculiar exhibits, the famous Madame Tussaud’s Waxworks contains wax representations of people throughout history, and more modern works. It’s an incredible and historic museum.

Architectural Treasures

London is crammed with architecture from most stages in its history, some of it historic, much of it remarkable in design and beauty. For starters, the Tower of London covers several hundred years of architectural history, as well as a millennium of British history. Here, Lady Jane Grey and Anne Boleyn lost their heads; here, the Princes in the Tower vanished. The oldest part is the White Tower, built by William the Conquerer in 1077; the rest has been built around it.

More recently, St. Paul’s Cathedral is only a few hundred years old; it’s a symbol of British pride since World War II, when every German air raid on London failed to blow it up. In the crypt, you’ll find famous graves like Lord Nelson, or the quietly anonymous dead. London Bridge, where once shopkeepers held business, is an architectural marvel; for a special look at it, try a boat trip up the Thames.

For less-authentic but still delightful fun, try attending a performance at Shakespeare’s New Globe Theater, an exact reproduction of Shakespeare’s Globe, which was destroyed long ago; you can experience theatre not as it’s done today, but as it was acted in Shakespeare’s time, roaming the lower gallery and even interacting with the actors. Or you can visit the Royal Shakespeare Company, a not to be missed Shakespearean company.

Walking Tours and Getting Around Time

There are dozens of walking tours available; visit the Tourist Information Centers off Piccadilly Circus or in Heathrow Airport. Good walking tours will take you to sights like Westminster Bridge, the Jubilee Promenade, and then across the bridge to stand beneath the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. For a perfect view and to take great pictures, walk to about the halfway point on the bridge. Nearby is Westminster Abbey, overlooking the great statue of Churchill, pigeon-free because he’s electrified. Trafalgar Square is the heart of British government; you’ll see the Queen’s Life Guard nearby. And there are dozens of places to eat in the area.

Getting around London isn’t difficult. Driving is not a great idea; you’ll wind up sitting in traffic most of the time, and parking is horribly expensive. Instead, use the buses, the Tube (London’s subway), or taxis to get from place to place. Or just walk; if you walk, you won’t pass up the really interesting spots. You can get maps of bus and Tube routes at a TI or Tube station; you should also be able to find them at the Tourist Information Centers. If you ride the bus, get on, and the conductor will sell you a ticket. Or you can purchase a transit pass - ask at the Tourist Information Center. To ride the Tube, purchase tickets at the coin operated machines, not the booths; this way, you’ll avoid lines. Tickets are valid only on the day of purchase, so don’t pre-purchase tickets.

Shopping

Everywhere you can find neat little shops. For the best, try Harrods of London and Harvey Nichols. For a shopping neighborhood, try the Oxford Circus/Regent Street/Piccadilly Circus shopping walk. If you see a royal seal on a shop, stop in; this denotes it as a favorite of someone in the Royal Family. Sotheby’s Auctions are also great, though they can get expensive quickly; call them for schedules. London is also famous for great street markets, which are like huge flea markets; for a schedule and locations, speak to your handy Tourist Information Center.

This is nothing more than a taste of what London has available to visitors. There are thousands of things to do and see.
For more information on London, please visit http://www.uk-web-index.co.uk/counties/London/

P Edwards works in central London and is a freelance writer for UK Website Directory, Diamonds and Jewelry and also for House and Home DIY Advice