London Expat | Singaporean in London

Best short stay in London - where, what and why go for homestay

noreply@blogger.com (London Chow) — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 23:26:00 +0000

Despite falling to the 18th down the list of the most expensive cities to live in 2011, London remains expensive for tourists. While there are ways of stretching your pound when looking for budget travelling in London, the main cost of accommodation remains. Unless you don't mind splashing out a bit, you are easily looking at over £200 per night in a hotel in Central London. For that, you get a tiny room, with breakfast thrown in if you are lucky.

If you are planning on a trip to London, why not forgo the deary hotels and take the less trodden path - live like the locals do, opt for a homestay instead. Now, get the image of the creepy host out of your mind, we are talking about people with rooms or even an entire property to spare for a limited period of time, and don't mind having a few quid for renting them out.

Like all things, there are pros and cons of homestays, and more importantly what to look out for.

Pros of homestay

Photo by squishband

1. Cheaper

This cannot be denied, pound for pound, homestay gives you more bang for your buck. Instead of being at the mercy of the hotel restaurant or having to hunt for a local diner, you have access to a kitchen. A simple meal or a full three course dinner - it's entirely up to you.

2. Own time own target

How many times have you deliberately wake up, drag yourself out of the bed only to find out that you've missed out on the hotel's breakfast timing? What about having to get out of the room in a hurry before the chambermaids arrive to clean up your room? True, a do-not-disturb sign would probably do the trick but you have already paid for that service and you do not really feel like losing out, do you? Having a place of your own rules all that out. You set your own schedule.

3. Lived in conditions

A number of the homestay properties are lived in - the owners actually live there themselves, only to vacate it for a couple of weeks when they have to do some travelling themselves. You would trust that you would be able to find what you need in the property. It's literally someone else's home.

4. The local feel

Live like the locals do! That is something that most tourists who chose to stay in a hotel will never get to experience. Most homestay properties are tucked in the heart of London's residential areas. If you are staying over for a couple of days, get acquainted with the people behind the tills at the local grocer and convenient store, which makes the travelling much more interesting.

Also, if you are just renting a room from the host, they are likely to invite you to dine with them. I'm sure you would be entertained by the dinner table conversations. Take the chance to ask them about local amenities, that beats hunting for the tourist information counter. Some kinder ones would even prepare something special - a family in Wales baked a small cake just for us when we were there.

5. Less tourists, less hustle and bustle

The only thing that tourists hate more than being stuck behind a long ticket queue is other tourists. Staying in a hotel right smack in the city central means that you would step right right out into the hustle and bustle, not to mention sharing the lobby with loads of weary looking tourists who are determined to cover more than what they did yesterday. It does takes the fun out of travelling and gets a bit draining after some time.

A homestay on the other hand is different ball game altogether. Most people don't live in the same area where the tourists do. That's a fact.

Cons of homestay

Photo by jojo 77

1. Host can be tiresome

It is a double edged sword really. A overly friendly host can be overbearing. Instead of merely pointing out where you should visit, they can 'insist' on bring you there. They are not content with small talk over dinner and prefer to revel you in their life stories, which in all honestly, isn't very interesting. But then again, this happens only when the hosts are around in the first place - in most cases, they aren't.

2. No one to complain to

What happens when the water heater isn't working very well? You would call the front desk at a hotel to demand a room change. You can't very well do the same in a homestay, can you? While some hosts would probably boil some water for you, it does feel a bit awkward. That said, if you got your homestay properties through a website portal, there is usually a number to call. The more established ones have a team of plumbers and electricians on standby for this sort of things.

3. Lack of transport links

Being away from the hustle and bustle of the city is all fine provided that the place that you are staying in is well connected by public transport to the main attractions, which is the main point really. The last thing you need is having to switch three buses every single time you visit the city centre. This is particularly true in London where the main tourist attractions are mostly congregated in central London.

4. Worn out furnishings

A home away from a home is taken to extreme when you have tears in the sofa or your sleep disrupted by a bed spring that went awry. As mentioned earlier, homestay properties are more likely to be lived in than not. If the owner chooses to live 'simply', tough luck. That is where the reviews come in handy.

5. No information desk

While some hosts would kindly leave brochures or local maps on the table for you, others would leave you to your own devices. Unlike in hotels where they have people employed just to answer your questions, the host is all you got, and that is if they are present in the first place. Sure, there's internet access but popping a question would be so much easier, wouldn't it?

What to look out when homestaying

Fine, homestaying isn't all hunky-dory but there are ways to ensure that your stay would be a pleasant one. Here're some.

Photo by gerlos

1. Reviews, reviews, reviews

If you are going for the cheaper option, do your due research at least. More so if you are getting only a room from the host. Check out the house rules if any. Given a choice between price and good reviews, always opt for the latter. If you are going to travel, make sure it's an enjoyable experience.

2. Got a question? Ask the host

Most homestay portals do a fair job describing the properties. However, you might have some concerns that are not addressed on the website. Fine, get the information directly from the horse's mouth - post a question to the host directly. Not all homestay websites have this option though. Otherwise, contact the website directly and they would route the question to the host. While you are at it, ask for any specific house rules (alcohol, curfew timings etc.).

Go to another site if they don't get back to you within a few days.

3. Check transport links

Having to travel a bit isn't a great problem if the public transport links to the central London is good. It's straightforward for the case of London - the best option would be to live near a London Underground (or Tube) station or at least a bus stop along the main service lines. To be sure, ask for the postal code of the property and check out how long it would take you to get to Westminster Tube station and Covent Garden Tube station using the Journey Planner at Transport for London.

4. Crime rates

This is one thing that is often neglected. Living in a residential area is fine, living in a dodgy one isn't. London, like any other major cities, has its fair share of petty crimes. One site that I rely on is Police.uk, another would be the site run by Metropolitan Police. Don't get too worried about the statistics though, most are anti-social behaviour, which can be something really trivial. Regardless, check out the area before committing to your stay.

Which homestay portal to go for?

Short of contacting the host directly through Gumtree, I recommend that you head to the following homestay specialist portals. Well, some are better than the others but take some time to go through them.

Photo by utnapistim

1. Wimdu

Wimdu prides itself for being all over the place. With 35,000 properties in 103 countries, it has good reason to. From single beds to entire properties, Wimdu has it all. If you can't find it here, you would be hardpressed to find it anywhere else. What makes Wimdu stand among competition is its clearly laid out property photos, availability by means of a calender, location on Google Map, list of amenities and House Rules.

The best thing of all, you can just type in your question to the host directly on the property page itself and click on the Contact Me button. Presto! It's that easy.

2. Crashpadder

While the layout is a tad less appealing than Wimdu, Crashpadder has thousands of "pads" in London. Unless I'm missing something, I can't seem to find means of contacting the hosts on Crashpadder's website though. That said, a quick search for London accommodation Crashpadder has no shortage of rooms that goes for less than £50 per night.

Right now, it even has an entire section dedicated to London Olympics 2012. Now we are talking!

3. One Fine Stay

As the name suggests, One Fine Stay is for those who prefer to live in style. The word "Class" screams out loud as I surf through One Fine Stay website. A four bedroom Georgian Townhouse in the middle of Marylebone, a pied-a-terre in Mayfair or a designer one bedroom above the clubs in Leicester Square. Well, you get the idea.

4. Roomomara

Two things stand out for Roomomara: it allows express booking (immediate confirmation) for most properties and a long list of perks that Roomorama's members enjoy. These include handy discounts such as 10% off London Pass and 20% off The Original London Sightseeing Tour among others.

5. Couch Surfing

This is the one to go for if you are really looking to stretch your budget. You can't go cheaper than this 'cause it's free. Think of it as the Linux of the homestay universe - it's all about exchange of cultures, experiences and perspectives. You have hosts all over the whole who open up their house asking for nothing in return other than for the opportunity to meeting someone new.

However, while it sounds like a whole lot of fun, Couch Surfing also carries a certain element of risk. Just searching online for "Couch Surfing horror stories" for more on that.

Regardless of which option you go for, I'm almost certain that you would be in for quite an experience. If all goes well, homestaying can be rather addicting. Enjoy!

Did I miss out anything? I would love to hear your homestaying experiences!

7 Things to do in London if you have a wee bit more time

noreply@blogger.com (London Chow) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 23:35:00 +0000

Photo by bixentro

London's boring. You've been there, done that. Cathedrals all look the same after the first few. Museums? Blah, who'd fancy spending hours at one place? 10 things to do in London? Checked. Now what?

Cheer up, mate! There're loads more to do and here are a list of 7 things to do in London if you have a bit more time.

1. The Ghost Bus Tour

While you can still see some Routemaster plying the number 9 route across London, all have been replaced by larger and wider buses. The only reminder of the Routemaster's legacy is the trademark red colour. Even that, I suspect is more of a necessity (you can see red from a further distance) than not.

Regardless, Londoners will always have a soft spot for The Routemaster and everyone loves a good ghost story, so why not marry those two and give yourself a good scare on the o' bus while travelling around London when the night falls?

Photo by kenjonbro

The Ghost Bus Tours starts off near Trafalgar Square, go round City of London before heading to the West End and then south of Thames, and back again. Operating four days a week for most weeks, early bookings is advisable. That said, starting out at 7.30pm means that it would run right smack into London's peak night traffic. Expect some delays but rest assured that the bus crew have something up their sleeves.

2. Ripley's Believe It or Not

When you're tired of having scones and tea, and would like something more outlandish, check out Ripley's Believe It or Not. This global highly successful oddity franchise is filled with displays that dominate the Guinness Book of Records and much more. Think the world's tallest man, American Idol's Swarvoski crystals covered Mini Cooper, replica of Tower Bridge made of over 200,000 matchsticks, shrunken heads, well, you get the idea.

Photo by Cecil Lee

Located right at the heart of Piccadilly Circus, Ripley's Believe It or Not is one destination you can easily pack in if you're in London for only awhile.

3. Jack the Ripper Tour

The entrance of Tower Hill Tube station is always teeming with tourists in the evenings and with good reason too. That's when Jack the Ripper, the murderer that terrorised London in the late 1880s, comes alive again. Be led through the narrow streets of East London where the the women were slaughtered and then mutilated.

London Walk's Donald Rumbelow (author of The Complete Jack the Ripper) will thrill you with tales of the London in the late 19th century, much of it the Victorian England would prefer to forget. Expect blow by blow accounts of the Ripper going about his gruesome crimes, often within yards of unsuspecting passerby.

4. Underground Restaurant dining

Londoner just love eating out and the capital has got no lack of brilliant restaurants (see Top 10 Restaurants in London). But to be honest, restaurant dining does get a bit impersonal and monotonous at times.

Photo by Mark & Andrea Busse

In recent years, a host of underground kitchens have taken London by storm. There are test platforms for up and coming chefs (see The Loft Project), food writers who decided to put their money where their mouth are (see The Secret Larder) and food bloggers have joined in the fray (see Ms. Marmite Lover, author of the widely acclaimed Recipes and Notes from the Underground Restaurant), not to mention those who simply adore their food (see Plusixfive).

Expect great conversations and company. Great food pipping hot from the kitchen, friendly hosts, chatty fellow diners, cosy environment, what there not to love? This is something that a 12.5% service charge can't buy.

5. Thames RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) ride

Ever seen those large passenger ships plying up and down the Thames blaring introductions that goes "on your right is the Tower of London and you would see the Mayor's office on the left"? Those are fine if it's your first time in London and it's all clean fun, plus you do get quite a bit of information from those hilarious commentaries.

Photo by kenjonbro

But if you're gunning for something more exciting, Thames RIB Experience is the one to go for. Imagine cutting the waves down the Thames in a high powered speedboat with James Bond music pumping in the background. Get your discounted tickets from Lastminute.com. Expect to get very wet.

6. London City Farms

Fancy some quiet farm life but would irk to go too far out? Not to fret for there are a number of little farms (some just over a hectare) sprinkled all over London. It's almost intriguing how many farm animals can be packed into these minuscule "city farms" and yet have place to roam about.

Most of these farms come with lovely little cafes raise some much needed income for the farms' daily operations. Essential to the parents, they allow for the brief respite after running around with their little ones around the farm.

Set aside some time for a trip down one of the city farm if possible. It'd be perfect for the kids. Here are some of the London City Farms:

Freightliners City Farm - Islington
Surrey Dock City Farm - South Wharf
Mudchute Farm and Park - Isle of Dogs

7. Secret Cinema

I'm still fascinated about how much a movie ticket costs in central London these days. You're looking at more than a tenner, which is a small fortune considering that you can watch a full production play for a few quid more.

Launched in 2007, Secret Cinema has a following in the thousands, which is kind of odd considering that press reviews can't divulge which movies have been screened and more importantly where they were screened. Small wonder that Secret Cinema's tagline is Tell No One.

The tickets for the once a month screening are snapped up almost the moment they are released. The only way of knowing the next screening's location and time is through registering at its website. And you don't even know which movie would be playing till it is actually screened. I'm sure you'd agree that this is far more thrilling than going to the theatre.

This are just a couple of things that you can do if you've a bit of time on your hands. Have you been to any of these? How were they? Have you got any to add to the list?

A Century of Olympic Posters exhibition (Canary Wharf) - a picture is worth a thousand words

noreply@blogger.com (London Chow) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 07:53:00 +0000

A Century of Olympic Posters
till 2 Mar 2012
One Canada Square
Nearest Tube and DLR station: Canary Wharf
With Olympics 2012 less than 200 days away, Victoria and Albert (V&A) Museum is holding A Century of Olympic Posters at Canary Wharf. This exhibition that will go on till 2 Mar 2012 is held at One Canada Square (the main building where Motor Expo was held last year).

While nations are transfix on the medal tally in the once every four year sporting event, it struck me that the Olympic posters themselves tell a more enduring story. Let's be honest, how many of us can remember how many medals (if at all) your country got in the 1992 Olympics held in Barcelona? One look at the Barcelona 1992 poster (symbol of a person leaping over the Olympic rings) brought me back to the time when I was fixed on the telly as a teenager, following the various sporting events that were held halfway across the planet.

One would expect V&A to line the posters according to their year of publication. Instead, they are categorised according to specific themes that include contemporary art, symbols, diversity and regeneration. In this exhibition, you would witness the different stories that the hosting cities were trying to convey, their aspirations and hopes for the future. Do drop by if you're in the area. Definitely a worthy lunchtime pursuit.

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Top 5 Casino Venues in London

noreply@blogger.com (London Chow) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 08:19:00 +0000

Photo by Jessie Hodge

Rebecca Bryant, a part time travel photographer and a casino gamer, shares her best pick of casinos on her travel to London.

There’s a long tradition of gambling in London (home to many of the top UK casinos so you won’t have any trouble finding a seat at the table, whether your game is blackjack, baccarat, or poker. Several of the top casinos are also located in entertainment districts such as Piccadilly Circus, giving you easy access to plenty of other entertainment and nightlife options if things don’t go so well at the tables.

Victoria Casino

Most gamblers simply call it “the Vic”, and the London Vic casino operates one of the best known and popular card rooms in town. The Vic has plenty of standard casino games but is better known for its poker, hosting some of the UK’s biggest cash games, which run from £1-£1 up to £10-£25 (and sometimes as high as £25-£50). Other gambling options include casino games such as slots, roulette, blackjack, and craps.

Playboy Club London

The Playboy Club London brings the world-famous Playboy brand to one of the world’s great cities, offering an intimate, private atmosphere in which to enjoy a wide range of games. This one is a private member’s club so you’ll need to fork over some cash (currently £1,300 for a one-year membership) if you want to step foot inside and get a taste. While the price of admission may be high it truly is a unique experience you can only find at a Playboy Club casino.

Casino at the Empire

Located in Leicester Square, Casino at the Empire is open 24/7 and offers a wide range of casino games as well as numerous daily poker tournaments and cash games (including some large international poker events). With the action spread out over 50,000 sq. ft. of gaming space over two levels you’ll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy games such as slots, craps, blackjack, and roulette.

The Sportsmen

This West End casino offers a mix of classic casino style with a modern vibe, giving players a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy a wide range of games. The Sportsmen also offers quality restaurants and bars for when it’s time to take a break from the tables, giving players a little bit of everything to enjoy.

The Golden Nugget

The Golden Nugget is located in the heart of London’s entertainment district at Piccadilly Circus, serving up plenty of favorite casino games such as slots, roulette, blackjack, Punto Banco, and craps.

Have you checked out any of these venues before? How did you find them?

Chinese New Year 2012 - things to do in London

noreply@blogger.com (London Chow) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 01:00:00 +0000

Image by vpickering

Chinese New Year celebration, which is just round the corner, is always a busy affair. The entire preparation starts way before the actual day itself. As a kid, I was roped in at least two weeks before to do my share of 'spring cleaning', which is essentially tidying up the house and clearing out any unsightly clutter that has accumulated over the year. It's the thing about going into the new year with a fresh start. Given the state of my bedroom (one can hardly see the floor), it usually took me quite a while.

There was no let up when that was done for it's time to put up the decorations. Red stripes of auspicious couplets printed on them in gold paint were purchased from Chinatown and pasted all over the house together with knick knacks (usually small lanterns, mock firecrackers and gold painted plastic coins) hung around them. From a young age and after tagging along with Dad, I've learnt two things about buying these Chinese New Year decorations: never buy from the first stall on the street (they're usually the most expensive) and always wait till the last possible moment (usually on Chinese New Year's eve) to buy them at rock bottom prices. These might seem like common sense but to a seven year old, it was a revelation.

Mum will usually get down to preparing the Chinese New Year eve's dinner a week before. It is usually a mad rush for fresh groceries during then. Fish and pork is always in short supplies during then. It is almost mandatory to have a fish for dinner on the eve. Interestingly, no matter how small the fish is, Mum would always forbade us to finish it. Should leave some for the new year, she would say as she kept the leftover in the fridge. The Chinese know this as 年年有余 (nian nian you yu), literally translating to "having surpluses every year". By playing on the rhyme between 鱼 (fish) and 余 (surplus), the fish usually gets only half eaten.

There is usually a huge hotpot in the middle of the table for the Chinese New Year eve's dinner. Hotpots are handy in the sense that minimal cooking beforehand is required. For some, the preparation of the soup base is a tricky affair, which requires hours of boiling pork or chicken bones. For us, it was usually boiling water; the sliced meat, seafood and vegetables that we would chuck into the pot later on will take care of its taste. Even now, I would do the same in London though getting a portable hob is a bit tricky over here. In many ways, having a hotpot in the midst of winter makes more sense than doing the same in the hot tropical heat back home. Although some would prefer to eat out these days (see recommended Chinese restaurants in London), but nothing beats having a quiet dinner with your family in the comforts of your home. Incidentally, this dinner is also known as 团员饭 (tuan yuan fan) or Reunion Dinner , would see scores of Chinese rushing back to their families just so that they can spend some time together.

For the rest of us, there are tons to do in London to usher in the Year of the Dragon in 2012. Here are five things to do to usher in the Chinese New Year.

Image by DG Jones

1. Chinese New Year celebrations on Trafalgar Square

Chinese New Year celebration seldom gets any noisier than this. The main celebrations in London usually takes place the first Sunday after the Chinese New Year day itself (23rd Jan for 2012). The main show is going to be held in Trafalgar Square on 29th Jan. Expect lion and dragon dances, firecrackers and dance displays and loads of food stalls (also check out London Chinatown cheap eats).

2. Chinese film screenings at BFI Southbank

This is a lifeline for the movie buffs. In conjunction of the Chinese New Year, BFI Southbank in London is screening four notable Chinese movies and documentaries from 4th Feb till 25th Feb. Confucius, A Simple Life, Unseen China and Woman Basketball Player No. 5.

3. Lion dances while you feast

Lion and dragon dances are certainly the crowd pleasers during Chinese New Year celebrations. Instantly recognisable, the clanging of cymbals and thumping of drums usher in the new year with a bang. Traditionally, these dances are to ward off evil and bring in the luck, and businesses will bring in dance troupes to give them an auspicious start to the new year.

While most dance troupes would be travelling along streets at Chinatown and Bayswater, and would be invited for impromptu performances, some Chinese restaurants would schedule lion dance performances. Bookings for these time slots are usually snapped up pretty fast. Here are some scheduled performances (list to be updated as more information become available, please drop me a comment if there is any listing that I have missed)

Shanghai Blues
23rd Jan 8.30pm
Read review

Phoenix Palace
22nd Jan 7.30pm
Read review

4. Family activities at Museum of London Docklands

The Museum of London Docklands in my opinion is one of the most underrated museum in London. Tucked in the heart of Canary Wharf, its main visitors are groups of schoolchildren and the occasional tourists who got lost. The galleries in the Museum include exhibits on the stories of Docklands and the role it played in making Britain's trading empire. It also include the award winning London Sugar Slavery Gallery.

Children are not left out at the Chinese New Year celebrations at Museum of London Docklands, which will host a whole series of activities that include mask making, storytelling and watercolour painting on 21st and 22nd Jan. For more details, refer to its website.

Since you are there, why not complete the experience by having a sumptuous dim sum lunch at Royal China and Lotus?

5. Workshops at National Maritime Museum

This gem at Greenwich is not letting up on the festival. This year, it's hosting a giant dragon installation, a flag making workshop, a tea accessories appreciate workshop and a film screening of The Chinese Feast. For more details, refer to the official website.

How will you be celebrating Chinese New Year? Did I miss anything other events in London during this festival? I would love to hear from you.

Charing Cross Chinese Library - largest Chinese books collection in London

noreply@blogger.com (London Chow) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 07:17:00 +0000

Charing Cross Library
4 Charing Cross Road
London WC2H 0HF
Nearest Tube station: Leicester Square
Tel: 020 7641 1300If you find yourself hanging around Leicester Square with some time to spare, instead of languishing in a cafe, why not check out the Westminster's Charing Cross Library?

It's probably one of the few public libraries in London that is open seven days a week (other than Bank Holidays of course). More importantly, it houses one of the largest Chinese book collection in London alongside a healthy English catalog.

You would be glad to know that membership is open for anyone who has a permanent address in the UK. Also, with a team of Chinese speaking staff, help is at hand if you require any translation whatsoever.

In case you're looking for a read on your commute back home, there's also a small room on the first floor selling excess library stock with paperbacks going for 30p each.

Opening Hours

Monday 9.30 - 8
Tuesday 9.30 - 7
Wednesday 10 - 7
Thursday 9.30 - 7
Friday 9.30 - 7
Saturday 10.30 - 2
Sunday 11 - 5

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British Museum top ten exhibits - the must see items if you are in a hurry

noreply@blogger.com (London Chow) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 00:33:00 +0000

British Museum
Great Russell Street
London WC1B 3DG
Nearest Tube station:
Russell Square, Tottenham Court Road
British Museum, in my opinion, is one of the most misunderstood attractions in London. If you are into history of London, it's clearly isn't the best place to go and you would have more luck at the Museum of London. Neither does it have any direct ties to the Royalty (check out Clarence House, Buckingham Palace or Tower of London for that). Neither is it instantly recognisable like the Tower Bridge and Westminster. The tourists will head straight to the mummies in the Museum after having their photos taken in front of the main stairs, while the Greeks will probably never going to step into it unless the Parthenon sculptures are returned to Athens.

Despite visiting it countless times over the last couple of years, I was never able to properly cover the entire exhibit floor - I was either mesmerised by the majestic Egyptian sculptures, the intricate china cherished by the Chinese courts centuries ago or even the Assyrian reliefs. Time flashes past whenever I'm at the British Museum.

This time round, I decided to be a bit more disciplined. Instead of wandering around aimlessly, I'll seek out the most notable items in the Museum. Thankfully, there is already a prepared list of must see exhibits on the British Museum brochure with their locations mapped out. If you are in a bit of a hurry, these are the 10 must see items at the British Museum.

1. The Lewis Chessmen

In Room 40 (level 3) lie the most famous chess set in the world. Discovered on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland (thus their name) in 1831, these 12th century chess pieces are thought to be made in Norway. Carved from walrus ivory and whale teeth, they were in surprisingly good condition when found. All in all, 78 pieces which include 8 kings, 8 queens, 16 bishops, 15 knights, 12 rooks and 19 pawns were found - more than enough for just one chess set. Because of their good condition and odd numbers, they are thought to be stock pieces for replacing those lost or broken.

Check out the famed Beserkers (the rook piece) with his teeth on his shield as well as the forlorn Queen with her hand on the face tilting to her side.

2. Oxus Treasure

In Room 50 (level 3) is a hoard of gold and silver metalwork (dating back to the 5th century B.C.) found by the the Oxus River in the 19th century. Their makers, the Persians, were known to be skillful metalworkers.

The main pieces on the display include a griffin headed bracelet and a horse chariot complete with riders.

3. The Royal Game of Ur

Photo by Julio Marteniz

In Room 56 (level 3) is an popular pastime in ancient Sumer. The game (also known as the Game of Twenty Squares) that dates back to 2600 B.C. is apparently still being played in present day Iraq. Interestingly, the game, which is played with two sets of markers and a tetrahedral dice, can be seen scratched out on the base of one of the Assyrian guardian figure (presumably by bored Assyrian guards) in the British Museum.

4. The Portland Vase

In Room 70 (level 3) is a fine example of a Roman cameo glass vase. Made by etching into several layers of glass fused together, the vase dates back back to 5 A.D. The piece on display in the British Museum was there since 1810 and is claimed to be the original inspiration to the many Wedgewood design.

Note that the vase was smashed onto the floor by a drunken student in 1845 and was severely damaged as a result. Proper piecing it back began only in 1987 when a suitable epoxy resin was found. To be honest, you can't really see where the cracks are - a proof that the restorers have done an excellent job.

5. Samurai armour

Few ventured up to level 5 of the Museum and if you do, you would be rewarded with an extensive display of samurai armour (in Room 93) - a raw display of the military might in medieval Japan. Even after centuries, the armour (with its whiskers and all) still looks rather intimidating. Check out for the accompanying samurai swords and daggers, as well as the history behind the making of the weapons.

6. Cloisonné jars

Head down to level 1 (Room 33) for some marvelous porcelain pieces that once resided in the Chinese imperial courts. The Chinese having mastered the cloisonné enamel in the 15th century adorned the jars, pots and vases with auspicious objects and figurines. The many pieces on display include motifs of dragons, kirins and lotuses.

7. Easter Island statue Hao Hakabanai'a

You can't possibly miss this colossal figure (Room 24 on Ground floor) from a lost Polynesian civilisation. Dating back to 1250, this imposing monolithic human figure (or moai) is one of 887 found. It was said that the obsession to produce them is one of reason for the depletion of much needed resources, which led to the eventual demise of their creators.

8. The Rosetta Stone

Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs has always baffled scholars with its pictorial characters. Like all languages, there is certainly a pattern behind it but the key to that is only fully unlocked with the discovery of the Rosetta Stone (Room 4 on Ground floor) in 1799 in the French expedition to Egypt. It was then brought under British possession when they defeated the French in Egypt in 1801 and brought to the British Museum in 1802.

Inscribed on the stone is the decree issued by King Ptolemy V in 196 B.C. But the fascinating thing is that the decree was inscribed in three languages - ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs, Demotic script and ancient Greek. Call it a tri-language dictionary if you will, the link proves to be the key to unlock our understanding of the Egyptian hieroglyphs.

There is a constant crowd around this exhibit. For some reason, the light around the dark coloured stone is dimmer than I would prefer so you might have to squint your eyes a bit to catch the inscriptions.

9. Assyrian Lion Hunt reliefs

On the way to the Parthenon sculptures, you'll pass by the two intimidating Assyrian guardian figures (depicted with a bull or lion's body, eagle's wings, and human's head) on your left. Just behind these figures in Room 10 (Ground floor) lie reliefs of Assyrian Lion Hunts featuring hunts led by King Assurbanipal, one of the last great neo-Assyrian kings of the 6th century B.C. These reliefs, excavated from Nineveh, show the King triumphing over lions - a symbol of the King's ability to guard the nation.

10. Parthenon sculptures

One of the most controversial exhibits in the British Museum tucks right at its western end. In Room 18 (Ground floor) lie the Parthenon sculptures, which once adorned the Parthenon in Athens, a temple built nearly 2,500 years ago for the Greek goddess Athena. The sculptures were damaged over years of neglect as the temple was converted to other uses. The final straw came in 1687 when the former temple was used as a gunpowder storage as city was besieged by the Venetian - it blew up, bringing the entire roof down.

Lord Elgin, the British ambassador to the Ottoman Empire brought part of the surviving sculptures back to Britain in 1801 and sold it to the British Museum in 1816. These sculptures have been in the public view ever since.

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If you have only an hour or so to spend at the British Museum, be sure not to miss out on the above must see exhibits as recommended by the British Museum. The Museum also run some special exhibition in its Reading Room (check) all year round. They can get rather popular and most operate on a timed entry basis so do book your tickets online to beat the queue and avoid disappointment.

You might like to check out the Museum shop for some souvenirs (your Lewis Chess set etc.) on your way out. Otherwise, there's always the British Museum online shop if you missed out anything.

Like most other established museums in London, the British Museum does not charge an entrance fee. Although the institution receives funding from the government, it still requires additional funds for its daily operations, maintaining its exhibits while acquiring new items and visitors' (that means you) donations would go into this. If you like what you've seen, do contribute a bit in any of the various donation bins around the Museum. Every bit helps!

What's your favourite exhibit?

Which exhibit created an impression on you the last time you visited the British Museum? Are they one of the above? If not, I would love hear from you.

Goodbye 2011 - 8 things that I have come to appreciate

noreply@blogger.com (London Chow) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 08:03:00 +0000

With 2011 coming to an end, it's the usual time for repentance for the past year and resolutions for the year ahead. I shan't do that for this time round. After spending the last couple of years in London, it's easy to overlook the things that I have come to appreciate. After much pondering, here's the list of top eight things that thankful for.

1. Mr Brown

Mr Brown, the public persona of Lee Kim Mun (or Kim-Mun Lee in this part of the world) first achieve mainstream recognition when his column on Today, the equivalent of London's Evening Standard, was taken off (by Today's editoral) after he publicly criticised a government healthcare policy. There was widespread sympathy among Singaporean netizens. The irony is that he was able to capitalise on this and relaunched MrBrown.com, a social and political satirical site.

Perhaps what he didn't expect is that MrBrown.com has become rather popular to overseas Singaporeans and it is the first site I turn to whenever I miss home and would like some cheering up.

2. The NHS

I've never heard of the National Health Service (NHS) until our former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew was furious that his wife wasn't able to jump the queue (read article). It was big news in Singapore back then - mainly pointing out the deficiencies of the NHS. The common consensus is that if you don't have to pay for something (like the NHS), it can't be good.

The truth is that we have to pay for the NHS - a sizable chunk of the taxes that we pay on a monthly basis goes into funding the system and that's true whether you use it or not. Truth to be told, other than its maternity wards, I have quite a fair experience with the NHS thus far. The best thing about the NHS is that they give priority to young children and you are almost certain to get same day appointment if your child is ill. While there are complaints about how level of service depends on where you live (i.e. postcode lottery), we've had a rather good experience with our local GP. For that, I'm willing to pay into the NHS.

3. Cooking

Perhaps one of the best thing that happened to us when we came over to London is that we learn how to cook. Instant noodles, which was all what I did back home, doesn't count. That's merely boiling. For starters, I now know the difference between rosemary and thyme (go on, laugh).

Once cheap hawker fare is taken out of the equation, we are forced to experiment with new recipes. We realise that there is a recipe for anything and everything online. Some of which that we always refer to include the BBC Food Recipes, Rasa Malaysia and fellow food blogger Ann's Pig Pig's Corner.

However, our best recipes actually come from books. Markus Warering's How to Cook Perfect and Heston Blumenthal at Home. The best of the lot have to be Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's River Cottage Everyday, which recipes consistently turns out quite well (his baked chicken curry is foolproof and to die for).

Also, for all those salted duck eggs lovers out there, preparing them on your own is much simpler than you think. Just immerse fresh duck eggs in saturated salt solution for three weeks before hardboiling them. Can get simpler than that, can it?

4. Blogging and Social Media

Prior to coming to London, I've always viewed blogging as a frivolous pastime and a poor substitute for mainstream media. London Expat was started to document what I have experienced in London and was meant to be a pseudo diary when we return to Singapore (I originally plan to stay just for six months).

One thing led to another, we stayed on and I just kept writing. A year on, the food posts spun (check) off into London Chow, which name was chosen because LondonRestaurantReviews.com was already taken and I wasn't able to come up with a better name at 3am in the morning (I'm the impatient sort).

Besides blogging, I can also be found on Twitter, Flickr, Instagram and Facebook. So do drop me a message every now and then, will you?

5. The greatest attractions on Earth

You would be surprised at how many Londoners have yet to visit Westminster, Westminster Abbey, St Paul's Cathedral, Tower of London and Buckingham Palace - all steeped in history and monuments in their own right. Living in central London also means that these attractions are either within walking distance or a short bus ride away. That immediately gives me an edge over the throngs of tourists who fly halfway across the world just for that.

Recently, I've just gotten Christopher Winn's I Never Knew that About London. I'm a sucker for trivia. Which is the oldest church in London? Britain's first paid police force? The first yacht race the world had ever witnessed? This hardcover will be my constant companion well into the new year. Hmm...

6. Lying on open grass

Be it on the slopes of Primrose Hill, Greenwich Park or Hampstead Heath, just lying there on your back with a pair of shades staring at the clouds above is probably one of the most therapeutic activities I can think of. This is one thing that I look forward to every summer (spring and autumn too if I'm dressed warmly enough).

7. Having Europe at my doorstep

With most of Europe within two hours flight from London's airports, I can easily do a weekend trip to any European cities in short notice. With Eurostar, one can dine at the quaint little cafes at the foot of Paris' Sacre Coeur (see tips on travelling from London to Paris) or take boat ride around the heart of Bruges and be back in time for dinner. How about that?

8. West End and the Museums

An abundant of plays in London also mean that a discounted theatre ticket is often cheaper than a trip to the cinema (which a ticket cost £13 upwards at Leicester Square) for the latest blockbuster. If you are fortunate enough to have a local theatre, you're in for a treat. The Almeida Theatre, which is a mere five minutes walk from Angel Tube station, routinely offers £8 tickets for high quality production. Try beating that.

The best things in life is free and by that I mean the museums and galleries in London. My favourite among these being The National Gallery and British Museum. Just the other day, I was on my way to Chinatown to pick up some roast meats for dinner. It turned out that they were still being prepared. No worries, I popped into The National Gallery for some Rembrandt and van Gogh in the meantime. That's something that I can get used to.

Wherever you are, take a look around you, is there something that you are thankful for?

London Boxing Day Sales survival tips - keeping a sane mind and enjoying it

noreply@blogger.com (London Chow) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 05:28:00 +0000

It's time of the year again. Just after we are being stuffed of turkey and nursing a severe hangover, London's high street shops open in full force for the Boxing Day sales. This is the one day when madness descended on Oxford Street, Regent Street and Knightsbridge - traffic come to a standstill with throngs of shoppers literally raiding the stores. It's not uncommon that some retail shops actually do not make any profits for the entire year until after Boxing Day.

But for the rest of us who would prefer to feel our stuff before making that purchase instead of shopping online, braving the crowds is a necessary evil. Here are 5 tips on surviving Boxing Day sales in one piece.

1. Plan your route

It's a cruel joke that the biggest sale of the year falls on one of the days with the shortest daylight (probably by design too), so it's prudent to cover as much as possible when the sun is up. We tend to be more calm and prudent when there's ample sunlight - the last thing you want is to go on a irrational spending spree during a sale.

Planning your route is the key. Instead of going by the map, plan your route using the tube lines instead. Cutting down travelling times is the priority here - take the tube even if it's just a single stop. Instead of spending your time on the streets, spend that in the shops instead. To find out the best route to the shops just enter your start point and destination at Transport for London (TFL).

Of course, London's Tube system isn't as reliable as before. Other than frequent service disruptions in the aging network, it has to contend with drivers' strikes. Make sure you check out TFL's website for the most updated news at least a week before and make adjustments to your route.

2. Keep up the calorie intake

All that running around takes quite a bit out of you. With the pumped up adrenaline, you probably wouldn't notice. But once fatigue sets in, it will hit you hard. It's not just about getting the best bargains here but also to make the process enjoyable, there's really not much point of going through the day combatting both the madding crowds and hunger pangs, is there?

Pack a light sandwich, a couple of fruits (marathon runners start the run with bananas so go figure) and a small 500ml bottle with water for the day. Don't worry about the weight, it'll diminish as they are being consumed throughout the day.

3. Don't hesitate

This advice came from a seasoned Boxing Day shopper. Being a prudent shopper, you are likely to put purchases on hold in view that you may come across a better deal in the next shop. His advice? When you come across something that catches your fancy, buy it or at least hang on to it. Otherwise, there's a good chance it will no longer be there when you come round again later on that day.

4. Go minimal

Wear sensibly. The temperature during Boxing Day is likely to drop below 10C if not lower. That said, you are likely to spend most of the time indoors so leave that thick coat at home. Lighter clothing also makes it easier if you are looking to try out that shirt, which you have been eyeing for some time.

Bring a brolly if you really have to but it's unlikely to make a difference if the wind acts up. Last of all, leave your huge purses or wallets at home as pickpockets is known to prowl the streets looking for easy targets during Boxing Day sales. Besides, you would probably only need two cards on that day - your Oyster card and a credit card (maybe two).

5. Claim VAT whenever possible

London's Boxing Day sales is known for having some of the best deals around and people are known to fly into London just for this. Other than capitalizing on the weak pound, you can save considerably on VAT refund (up to 20%) if you are from outside the EU or planning to leave the EU within twelve months from the time of purchase.

To claim VAT refund, look out for the "Tax Free Shopping" label on the store front before making the purchase. The store would hand over a refund form upon request at the counter. I know that Selfridges has a department that would help you fill it up as well. You'd need to submit that form to the customs officials at the airport to claim VAT refund. For more, refer to HMRC's site on How to Claim your VAT refund in UK.

Have a great time shopping! Let me know if I've missed anything. Also, check out 5 best online shopping websites

London Olympics 2012 Opening Ceremony - making Britain great again?

noreply@blogger.com (London Chow) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 19:37:00 +0000

There was a huge uproar about a shortfall of £40 million pounds announced by the London 2012 Olympics organizing committee. And that's on the opening and closing ceremonies alone. Sports Minister Hugh Robertson justifies that by promising to show the "best of Britain" in the "once-in-a-generation" opportunity.

I'm more sanguine about that. Even though a recent poll shows 80% of its inhabitants say that they are proud to be a Londoner, Londoners are notorious for putting their city down. Tube is horrible especially during peak hours, the weather's bleak and costs of living is skyrocketing. But deep down, we love the city for its quirks and all, we know that, given a choice, we rather be here than anywhere else in the world.

I can still remember the furor when Mayor Boris Johnson stumbled his way through Beijing 2008 Olympics Closing Ceremony. But that was precisely why Londoners voted him into the office in the first place. If Londoners want a no nonsense person, Putin would be asked to lead London instead - a proposition he might just take up as his presidency is in doubt.

A word of caution for the people behind London 2012. Don't even attempt to emulate Beijing because there is absolutely no way London can match up to that spectacle of 2008. Also, there is no fun having 10,000 men of exactly the same height donning the same costume doing a massive display formation. Londoners (or Brits for that matter) come in all shapes and sizes. Celebrate that instead.

The greatness of a city (fine, the country as well) isn't really about how steep in history or the size of its monuments. It's the people from all walks of life that make up the city's soul. A simple smile, a helpful gesture extended from each Londoner to a foreign visitor come summer next year would do what the £40 million can't - to make Britain great. Enjoy the Games, my friends! Well, I'm counting down to it.

London guide for international students - having a good time on a budget

noreply@blogger.com (London Chow) — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000

This article is provided by Steve Harris on behalf of Middlesex University, which teach 35,000 students worldwide in locations including London, Dubai and Mauritius.

Whether you’re new to our country’s capital or an expat returning to undertake postgrad courses, London can seem an intimidating place, especially to students. First and foremost there’s the tube to deal with or if you’re feeling especially brave the buses. Then there’s the cost of living. It’s no secret London is an expensive place to stay, and when trying to do that on a student budget the task can seem nigh on impossible. Luckily we’re here to give you some tips on the most cost effective places to eat, shop and party.

Museum

Photo by MarineBugs

Science Museum
Where – South Kensington, London
Cost - Free
First opened in 1857, the Science Museum has 40 galleries for visitors to experience some of science’s biggest breakthroughs over the past 300 years. These include Glimpses of Medical History, Exploring Space, Psychology: Mind Your Head and Who Am I? A unique chance to explore the science behind who you are. The Science Museum also has its very own IMAX Cinema but viewing the films cost extra, however they are well worth seeing, especially Hubble 3D - a fascinating look at distant galaxies as the Hubble telescope is serviced.

Eating

Photo by Kake Pugh

M Manze
Where – Bermondsey
London has got plenty of good-value places to eat, but as you’re new to London we though it’d be ideal for you to get acquainted with some good old English food! M.Manze on Tower Bridge Road is London’s oldest pie and mash shop (jellied eels are also available if you’re feeling really adventurous). It’s rare that you’ll be spending less than a fiver on food with such great surroundings as here, so get on it.

Shopping

Photo by Timeout

The Pattern Market
Where - Kingsland Road
Tucked away on the corner of Kingsland Road, this vintage store is a joint collective of vendors peddling everything from furniture to books to bags to art. And rails and rails of clothes of course. You’re bound to grab a bargain here and don’t be afraid to barter!

Nightlife

Photo by Ewan-M

The Old Blue Last
Where – Great Eastern Street
This venue is owned by Vice magazine and has a nice bar, decent sound system and plenty of space. The pub regularly has live music upstairs (much of it free) and has even been known to have the occasional secret shows from high profile acts as diverse as Arctic Monkeys and Steel Panther. You never know, you might get lucky when you check it out!

Have you got any more suggestions on where to have a good time without burning a hole in your pocket?

Winter Wonderland Hyde Park - the biggest Christmas Market in London

noreply@blogger.com (London Chow) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 06:00:00 +0000

Christmas is just round the corner and it's the perfect excuse to fly to continental Europe for their Christmas markets especially with the cheap flights available. I can't help but notice that the vast majority of the European Christmas markets are about Christmas decorations, crafts, beer and warm hearty food. But if you would rather stay closer to home, there's a huge Christmas market right at your doorstep.

Forget about crafts at the biggest Christmas market in London, it's a big excuse for having fun, stuffing your face with bratwursts and downing that with gallons of mull wine. The Winter Wonderland at London's Hyde Park has become a great affair to the build up of Christmas.

Someone told me that he has totally forgotten about it until he saw a huge part of Hyde Park being lit up in the middle of the night while his plane was approaching Heathrow Airport. So it's not my imagination that Hyde Park's Christmas fair is getting bigger by the year.

A couple of years' back, it mostly about the ice skating rink. Back then, the rectangular rink was kind of awkward as people don't tend to skate in rectangles, do they? This time round, the rink is a huge squarish one with a live band in the centre stage. So you can be excused for thinking that the crowds surrounding the rink was actually watching the band and not waiting for you to fall on your butt.

While there is the Haunted House and House of Mirrors, the thrill rides are clearly the main deal at Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland. Expect rides that would spin you round right up to 60 metres in the sky before dropping you right back to the ground, not something that you would like to try immediately after a heavy meal. There's even one entire section (bouncy castle, carousel, train ride, the whole works) dedicated for kids, tamer but by no means less fun.

If you are flying into London for its Boxing Day sales, Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland, which is right smacked between Oxford Street (Selfridges, Primark, John Lewis etc.) and Harrods at Knightsbridge, is the perfect place to chill out and take a breather. Check out easytobook.com for some great deals for London hotels.

How to get to Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland

The best way would be to approach from Hyde Park Corner Tube station (exit to Hyde Park) on the Piccadilly Line. You can just about see the main entrance to Winter Wonderland when you come to the surface.

View Larger Map

Have you been to Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland? How did you find it?

How to get to Bicester Village outlet - it's closer to London than you think

noreply@blogger.com (London Chow) — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 22:00:00 +0000

Photo by babasteve

Unlike most major cities in United States, there seem to be a dearth of discount outlet stores in London. Other than the smaller discount outlets that is found dotted all around London (see Paul Smith discount outlet), the only major one that comes to mind is the Burberry discount outlet at Hackney Central (more on that later). But there's nothing like the ones that often boost more than fifty major brands found in the States. When it comes to shopping on the cheap, no one beats the Americans.

Enter Bicester Village

That said, if you are in London and have some time to spare, you can take a trip out of London to the designer discount outlet at Bicester in Oxfordshire. This 'village' has over 130 stores that include the likes of Ralph Lauren, Gucci, Dior, Prada, Bally, Acquascutum, Armani, Superdry, Thomas Pink, the list just go on and on.

Unlike the ones at States, the mandatory huge car park (free parking) is on one end of the village and the shops are lined along both sides of a pedestrian path, thus the village feel. For those who would like to catch a breather before carrying on to spur the economy, there are cafes and eateries at both ends of the village, even Jamie Oliver has joined the fray with his Fabulous Feast.

Opening hours are from 10am - 8pm everyday (except on Sundays, till 7pm) so you can shop to your heart's content.

Photo by Lloyd-Davis

How to get to Bicester Villlage

There are two main ways to get there from London: by train or a luxury coach.

Getting there by coach

The full size coach (£23 per adult return) picks you up at Marble Arch and Victoria. Tickets have to be bought 24hrs in advance online here. Alternatively, if you would prefer to be picked up directly from your hotel (check out available pick up points here), you would have to get the tickets directly from Golden Tour's office at Golden Tours Office, 156 Cromwell Rd, Kensington, SW7 or 4 Fountain Square, 123 - 151 Buckingham Palace Road, SW1.

The entire roundabout (you know how it works with coaches) will take you just under 2hrs to get to Bicester Village. Frankly, I wouldn't recommend that.

Getting there by train

What's better to start off your shopping spree with a ride on the great British railway? Bicester Village is served by the Bicester North Station, which is just under a 45min train ride (frequency of around 15min) from London's Marylebone Station (linked to Marylebone Tube Station on the Bakerloo line), followed by a 10min shuttle bus service (regular intervals).

Tickets can be obtained directly from Marylebone train station. Tell the ticket counter that you are heading to Bicester Village and the shuttle bus ticket would be included. It should cost around £30 for a return trip. Alternatively, you can get the tickets online at MyTrainTicket (from £25 return - search from London to Bicester North) and pay for the shuttle only when you get to Bicester North Station at £2.20 each way.

You don't really need a number of outlet malls, just one good one will do. I'm sure you'd find what you're looking for at Bicester Village. With the cheap flights to London, why not? Enjoy the shopping!

Have you been to Bicester Village? How did you find it?

Duke of York Column - the unloved statue

noreply@blogger.com (London Chow) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 05:55:00 +0000

During a recent stroll along The Mall, I realised that I have missed a statue (or should I say monument) in my 5 statues to note in the Royal Wedding Procession Route post. Other than Victoria Memorial, Prince Frederick, Duke of York's memorial, just off The Mall or the southern end of Lower Regent Street is easily the most prominent one. It is definitely the most interesting one though.

One thing is for sure, you can't miss the Duke of York column (as it is commonly known). For one, the 124 feet column gives Lord Nelson column at Trafalgar Square (170 feet) and the Monument (202 feet) at Monument Tube station a run for their money. Though it is shorter, by the virtue of locating at the top of a wide stairway, it appears to be the tallest for some.

The monument, completed in 1834, is mired in controversy. According to London's Strangest Tales, Prince Frederick was so widely detested when he died that no one was willing to fork out a penny for anything to commemorate him. In the end, a single day's pay was docked from every soldier in the army to pay for the £25,000 monument.

The man, who was remembered as the Duke in the popular nursery rhyme The Grand Old Duke of York, was known for his unsuccessful campaign against the French at Flanders and mounting debts at the time of his death. The joke goes that his 14 feet statue needed to be place high enough to avoid his creditors.

On a morbid note, the base stones of the Duke of York column where tourists and Londoners love to rest upon was also where many poor souls' bodies smashed to bits in the 19th century. For there is a hollow stairway up the column leading to a view gallery right at the top and it was opened to the public back then (admission cost 6d each). After the suicide of a French musician in 1850, the authorities finally had enough and encased the gallery in an iron caging. Even so, the viewing gallery has been closed to the public for decades.

Standing high and dry, I guess the Duke's having the last laugh afterall.

Best Independent Bookshops in London

noreply@blogger.com (London Chow) — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 23:07:00 +0000

Photo by RachelH

This is a guest post from Preeti Vadgama from Hostelbookers. Despite the gaining popularity of Kindle, Kobo and a whole host of e-book readers, physical books still hold a special place in our hearts. Nothing beats browsing entire shelves of books and finding one that catches your fancy. Here's one for the book lovers.

London’s top independent bookshops cultivate a dedicated following of bookworms who want something more from their book buying experience than just the cheapest price. Reading is incredibly popular among Londoners; of course there are plenty of big-chain bookshops across the capital, but for a more unique experience check out the independent bookshops available. And for all you travellers, with cheap London hotels all over the capital –why not indulge in a few days of bliss to focus on your reading passion.

Camden Lock Books
So called because it was the place of inception, Camden Lock Books is now actually in Old Street Station. As one of London’s most iconic book shops Camden Lock Books specialises in photography books, local history and books on contemporary music. The shop has been running since 1984 and now has a wide stock of exclusively new books, including out of print books from Amazon Marketplace. They also have regular signings – most recently with Phil Jupitus and John Hegley.
Old Street Station, EC1Y 1BE
Mon-Fri 8:30am-7pm
Sat 12noon-5:30pm

Arthur Probsthain
This Oriental and African Bookseller has been trading for more than 100 years. The family-run bookshop stocks both great classics and modern novels from China, Japan, South-East Asia, South Asia, Africa, India and the Middle East. Just around the corner from the British Museum Arthur Probsthain’s has a full catalogue of out-of-print and antiquarian books as well as an on-site tea shop, Tea and Tattle.
41 Great Russell Street, WC1B 3PE
Mon-Fri 9:30am-5:30pm
Sat 12noon-4pm

John Sandoe
This Sloane Square independent book shop was once a poodle parlour, but now the 18th century building proudly serves its loyal book-reading customers. Around 25,000 books are crammed into every nook and cranny throughout the three floors so you’re sure to find something to interest you. The knowledgeable and dedicated staff will try their hardest to get their hands on any book you request – even if out of print – to satisfy orders sent by fax, email and phone.
10 Blacklands Terrace, SW3 2SR
Mon-Sat 9:30am-5:30pm
Wed 9:30am-7:30pm
Sun 12-6pm

Nomad Books
A real community bookshop with a café and a book club, Nomad Books’ big, comfy sofas are perfect to slip into while you sample the books on offer. The staff are integral to the shop and will be happy to give you a personalised recommendation. Published authors regularly come in for talks and signings – most recently they’ve had Mary Berry come in for a chat with the customers and some yummy cakes.
779-781 Fulham Road, SW6 5HA
Mon-Fri 9am-7pm
Sat 10am-6pm
Sun 11am-5pm

Brick Lane Bookshop
Once known as Eastside Books, the Brick Lane Bookshop on Brick Lane has been providing the East End with books for more than 30 years. Not only do they have an excellent range of fiction, travel, classics and poetry, the Brick Lane Bookshop also plays host to some of the biggest names in literature, including most recently Michael Rosen, the poet, scriptwriter and broadcaster. There’s also a whole section dedicated to cards, wrapping and gifts.
166 Brick Lane, E1 6RU
Mon-Sun 11am-6:30pm

Koenig Books
Located in the Serpentine Gallery Koenig Books is the main London branch of Europe’s largest independent bookshop Walther Koening Books Ltd. They have a wide stock international stock of books on modern and contemporary art, photography and architecture. It also specialises in artists’ books, monographs and catalogues.
The Serpentine Gallery, Kensington Gardens, W2 3XA
Mon-Sun 10am-6pm

Slightly Foxed
Filled with carefully selected old books Slightly Foxed prides itself on its excellent selection of new and classic reprint books from unique and small publishers. The shop is also a launch pad for their Slightly Foxed: The Real Reader’s Quarterly publication and their successful limited edition pocket hardback series Slightly Foxed Editions. Tony Smith runs the shop along with his well-informed helpful staff. They welcome any ‘weird and wonderful request’ and even offer a monthly book club for customers to join.
123 Gloucester Road, SW7 4TE
Mon-Sat 10-7pm
Sun 11-5pm

Southbank Book Market
Open rain or shine this book market under the Waterloo Bridge is one of South Bank’s top attractions. Browse the titles in the joy of the fresh air with the London Eye and Big Ben in the background. Great for random rare editions of classics and manuscripts you never thought you’d see again. You’re sure to come across some literary rare treasure here, at a fraction of the price you’d pay in the shops too.
Under Waterloo Bridge, Queen’s Walk, SE1 7GA
Mon-Sun 11-7pm

Have you come across any other independent bookshops that left an impression?

Best baby friendly restaurant in Islington - The Blue Legume

noreply@blogger.com (London Chow) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 22:40:00 +0000

The Blue Legume
177 Upper Street
London N1 1RG
Tel: 020 7851 7051
Nearest Tube station: Highbury & IslingtonIt has been sometime since I've written about child friendly restaurant in Islington. Since then Ambassador at Exmouth Market has closed down; the shop's windows were boarded up when I went by Santore for its marvelous pizza a couple of weeks back.

Sunday breakfast is always a tricky issue. Even though I'm all for lying in bed and contemplating life, LO would have none of that. She'd sit on my chest and do her 'bouncy, bouncy' routine and that's on a good day. Five minutes of that is all I can take before I realise that breaking my ribs isn't worth the extra lie in.

Dragging our feet to The Blue Legume for a late Sunday brunch is now a weekly routine. Even though Giraffe is only a stone's throw away and LO loves their helium balloons, we would rather take a slow stroll to The Blue Legume along Upper Street instead.

Why? Simple. Because the staff at The Blue Legume go all out to make your little ones feel at home. Expect crayons, drawing papers and stickers to begin with. For those a bit older, their drawings would promptly be displayed on wall just behind the coffee counter's - much to the children's delight.

This time round, a staff promptly placed two die cast vehicles on the baby highchair after it has been set up. But what LO really loves is The Blue Legume's babycino. While The Blue Legume's babycino comes complementary (a pal's kid gulped down three), Giraffe charges £1.20 for each serving. Thickly foamy milk with a dusting of chocolate power and colourful sprinkle at the top - I would have gulp that down in an instant should LO show the slightest hint of disinterest in it. Not a chance - it was gone under two minutes. "Milk!" she demanded for a second helping immediately, making clear her intention.

The Blue Legume has recently introduced a kids' menu. Printed on a white sheet of paper with tracings of pictures yelling to be coloured, it kills two birds with one stone. Parents can get their toddlers a fuss free meal and the menu doubled up as a colouring sheet too. Genius.

Sometimes, hassled parents would just like to have semblance of a meal with their kids in tow (see tips on bring young children to restaurants). If a restaurant can do whatever it takes to placate the children, it would command a loyal following among parents with young kids. The Blue Legume does that brilliantly. Take that from a dad with bruised ribs.

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Hummingbird Bakery Spitalfields Market - cupcakes to die for

noreply@blogger.com (London Chow) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 22:51:00 +0000

Hummingbird Bakery (Spitalfields)
11 Frying Pan Alley
London E1 7HS
Tel: 020 7851 1795
Nearest Tube station: Liverpool StreetWife sounded pretty excited over the phone. "Guess what?". I can hardly wait to find out. "Can you believe it? Hummingbird Bakery has opened up a store in Spitalfields!". Well, I can't blame her really. Ever since we chanced upon the Hummingbird Bakery at Notting Hill's Portobello Market, she has fell head over heels for its cupcakes.

Hummingbird Bakery branch at Soho

Then another branch opened up along Soho's Wardour Street, right opposite Inamo. We spent quite a bit of time just standing outside gawking at the display and would probably join the queue if not for the heavy meal at Inamo.

And now Hummingbird Bakery's newest branch at Spitalfields' Frying Pan Alley (don't you just love London's street names - I can imagine flipping pancakes along the alley during Shrove Tuesday). Wife brought back a couple the very same day. As she laid the cupcakes on the dining table, she was telling me of another lady just behind her ordering more than twenty "for her workmates". Looks like a sugar rush is exactly what city workers need. One thing's for sure though - diets will be ruin, happily I suspect.

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Where to get Chinese herbs in London - New Loon Moon rides to the rescue

noreply@blogger.com (London Chow) — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 21:55:00 +0000

New Loon Moon Supermarket
9A Gerrard Street
London W1D 5PN
Tel: 020 7734 3887
Nearest Tube station: Leicester SquareWhen we first came to London, Singapore Airlines (read also how to get cheap Singapore Airline tickets) kindly agreed to our requests to increase our luggage limit to 30kg per person in view of our relocation. Even then, we exceeded our new limits by nearly 30kg. I am often intrigued about what people bring along when relocating to halfway across the world. I had attempted to lug along our 5 cups capacity Toshiba rice cooker and Xbox 360 and a ton of Chinese herbs among other things.

After failing to charm the airline's counter staff to allow a further 30kg luggage allowance increase (one should always endeavour), we decided to leave some thing behind. It was like deciding which child to die. In the end, it was the rice cooker (how we replace is a story left for another day), an elaborate condiment set, a Samsonite hardcase as well as our entire crockery set. No one can seperate me and my Xbox. Under our folks' watchful eyes, there was no way we could have chuck those herbs away. "You'll never get these over there. Also you'll need these to boost your immune system given the weather over there," they cautioned.

Truth to be told, we didn't touch these herbs a single bit. Well, we did break a packet of red dates and longan for some soothing drink but nothing else. We even left the rest, which include gou qi zi, dang shen, bai cao, overpriced dried scallops and mushrooms, not to mention the rest with names I couldn't even recall, untouched. There are still in their original packaging after all these years.

Our folks weren't exactly wrong either. These Chinese herbs and provisions were nowhere to be found in the Chinese grocery stores at Chinatown. Either that or we were simply not looking hard enough. Then New Loon Moon Supermarket came along and set up shop opposite Loon Fung Supermarket on Gerrard Street. Initially, it didn't boost a large variety but a first floor was added after a major revamp and an entire section was dedicated to Chinese herbs on that floor. I took a cursory glance at the prices and found them rather reasonable.

Not that I use them anyway but it's good to know that there's absolutely no need for you to lug those vacuum packed Chinese herbs through the customs at Heathrow. London's Chinatown has them. Not only that, it might be cheaper too.

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10 Reasons Why London is the New Center of Art

noreply@blogger.com (London Chow) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 23:03:00 +0000

This is a guest post from Brianna Davis of Bachelor of Arts.

While the basis for English speaking society, London is far more than a historical location. It is and continues to be a hub for all sorts of art, both new and old. If you need more convincing, check out these ten reasons why London is the place for art.

1. The Galleries – With entries for everything from modern contemporary to classics, there is no lack of places to visit or a variety of art to see. Galleries can range from muti-million dollar arenas to the corner shop variety.

2. The Museums – There are tons of museums in London that display everything from classical works to modern masterpieces. The world famous British Museum is just one, and it even offers free entry to everything but special exhibitions. Must sees include the Rosetta Stone and Parthenon sculptures.

3. The Moderns – But classical works aren’t the only reason to visit. The Tate Gallery of Art is one of the best known museums of modern art. It was transformed by famous architects at a cost of 130 million pounds from an old power station, and the outside is reason enough to check it out.

4. Sotheby’s – Check out what the rich folks are buying with a look to Sotheby’s of London. Little seen works of art are commonly put up for display before auction, as well as many other rarities.

5. Street Art – Can’t afford a ticket to all the art galleries? Then check out the tons of artwork located all over the streets of the city at no charge. The Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square alone is worth the look for the three statues and the missing fourth one that local artists often use to display their own works.

6. Art Installations – In keeping with the above, you can see works of art for free in many
art installations across the city. One of the most famous is Spitalfields. It has been home to everything from oversized white rabbits to Wild System No. 18.

7. Public Art – This is another art collection with special appeal for those light on the wallet. The borough of Lewisham alone has 60 works of art from the Thames river to Beckenham in the south. There are murals, statues, and much more for the viewing.

8. For Sale – You don’t have to leave your trip to view art in London empty-handed. There are many places where artists sell their works of art for reasonable prices. One of the best known is Bayswater Road. Artists gather here every week to display paintings, drawings, sculptures, and much more.

9. The Schools – In addition to creating art, London is also a hub of teaching art. There are
many schools where students learn and share their artwork in an academic setting. One such school is the Royal Academy of Arts that is often host to exhibitions.

10. And the Rest – In addition to visual art, London is also home to some of the world’s best
theater companies. See everything from Shakespeare as it used to be done to modern works and even musicals.

Brianna Davis keeps up the site Bachelor of Arts. Her site helps students find the right college to get a degree in the arts.

Giffgaff - mobile plans with unlimited data for only £10 per month!

noreply@blogger.com (London Chow) — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 00:01:00 +0000

My old O2 sim card abandoned...

I am a bit nervous. But I have to do this. I picked out my O2 sim card from my ancient iPhone, remove the new sim card from its card jacket before popping it into the phone. Reset the phone and the familiar apple logo lit up moments later. I hold my breath... the phone registers the mobile signal... 3G signal comes shortly thereafter. Whew, this is easier than I thought. I call Wife's number just to be sure that the line is working fine. Yep, it went through. I breath easy again.

Like my broadband, I try not to mess around with my phone's mobile plan. Being one of those phone junkies, I use my phone for checking emails, make reservations at restaurants, play games on it, Facebook, Twitter, Skype, I even rely on it for Google map. In short, I'd be gutted should my phone stops working.

But I just couldn't resist the cheap phone tariff when I see one. Whoever who says that there is no mobile plans that offers unlimited data just hasn't look far enough. Enter Giffgaff. Yes, it's not the most elegant of names but apparently giffgaff is an ancient Scottish term that means "mutual giving". If you are still with me, check this out. Giffgaff has the only mobile plans that offers unlimited data at rock bottom prices.

Also, you'll automatically receive a £5 top-up when you sign up (I'll tell you how later on). If I've gotten your attention, there are a whole lot more reasons why you should switch to giffgaff and here are five of them.

1. It is the cheapest plan around

I did a comparison between giffgaff and the big four mobile phone service providers on similar sim card only, no contract plans

Minutes Text Data Monthly cost
O2: 100 |Unlimited | 100Mb | £13.50
Three: 300 | 3000 | 1Gb | £10
Orange: 100 | Unlimited | 250Mb | £10.50
Vodafone: £10 worth | 300 | 500Mb | £10
Giffgaff: 250 |Unlimited | Unlimited | £10 (need I say more?)

2. Excellent support provided by existing users

Still not convinced by hard figures? Unlike other phone operators, Giffgaff users are actually supported by other Giffgaff users (yes, you'd probably find me among them if you switch over). More on the motivation later on. But rest assured that you won't get route to a call centre with the dreaded "press 1 for ..., press 2 for...." holding message. Instead, Giffgaff maintains a lively forum where every question is bombarded with answers and workaround solutions by those who have been there and done that.

3. Great coverage

Giffgaff is not some dodgy service provider. If it is of any comfort to you, Giffgaff hooks onto O2 network. Once you have switched over, your phone will be on O2 network and there's no difference between you or any other people who are currently on O2, other than them paying more and receiving less that is.

4. Easy to switch over

You could literally pop out your old sim card and insert Giffgaff's in without any issue. I did mine in under a minute and only because I stopped to wipe off some accumulated dirt. Changing the phone settings can be done in another two minutes, depending on how fast you type. All procedure will be sent to you via email once you have activated your Giffgaff sim card. Yes, it's that easy.

Like all service providers, if you would like to retain your mobile number, you'll have to request for your existing PAC code from your current service provider and input it when activating your GiffGaff card. Not to fret, again the exact procedure is all online. Just head to the Giffgaff forum if you have any problem and fellow Giffgaff users will be tripping over each other to help you.

5. It's Payback time

There is a reason why Giffgaff is able to offer such a fabulous package at a pittance. It functions on a skeletal crew that comes into the picture only when required, like when you accidentally cut your Giffgaff sim card into two.

Giffgaff's Payback scheme attributes cookie points to any existing Giffgaff users who helps out other users in its forum. These points can then be converted into cash to be paid out twice per year (June and December). That explains the enthusiasm of Giffgaff users in the forum.

Here's the clincher: existing Giffgaff users can get a Payback of £5 whenever a new user signs up for a new sim card under them. To sweeten the deal, the new user who signs up through a referral gets a £5 credit too. :)

Sounds good to you? Just sign up here to get a £5 auto top up (and buy me a mocha in return).

Phantom of the Opera review (London Majesty's Theatre) - familiar tunes amid brilliant props

noreply@blogger.com (London Chow) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 23:00:00 +0000

Photo by vitorihirota

Phantom of the Opera
Her Majesty's Theatre
57 Haymarket
London SW1Y 4QL
Box Office: 0844 412 4653
Book your tickets hereThis is a guest post from TT. A food lover, a theatre goer - all the good things in life.

I was talking to a friend the other day who had family visiting. When asked what was on their itinerary, she responded with "Phantom of the Opera of course." I have to agree with her choice. For the first time visitor to London, I would recommend Phantom as a must watch and it seems from the crowds of tourists you see outside Her Majestey's Theatre, Phantom's London home, that they agree with me!

Phantom has always held a special place in my heart for as long as I could remember. I had watched Phantom the movie but in my mind nothing could quite compare with the magic of the theatre.I watched Phantom when it toured Singapore some years back and when I arrived in London Phantom was one of the first plays that I watched. It was everything I thought it would be and more. From the very first scene where you caught your first glimpse of the clapping monkey I was mesmerised, transported in time and space to a bygone era where romance and fantasy still existed.

The sets and costumes were spectacular. The production crew did a wonderful job of bringing the scenes to life. You could almost feel the chill in the air in the graveyard scene when Christine was at her father's tomb and the raw despair of the Phantom as he rowed along the canal leading to his hiding place. My personal favourite was the masquerade scene with its riot of colours. However the real draw of this play is of course the music. Who has not heard of Think of Me and All I Ask of You? Lush and operatic, the music draws you into the story and is probably why the show is now in its 25th year.

Perhaps I should watch the Phantom's prequel, Love Never Dies too...

Birley Salt Beef at Canary Wharf - crackling roast pork to die for

noreply@blogger.com (London Chow) — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 06:56:00 +0000

My bad. P has been asking me to check out Birley Salt Beef at Canary Wharf during lunch for the longest of time but I was always waylaid by Wasabi. I know its chicken katsu curry isn't exactly the healthiest but I'd slog it out at the gym afterwards (nope, that never happens).

So P had to physically drag me away from the long queue at Wasabi yesterday to join another at Birley. Located at the basement of One Canada Square (the pyramid top building ever so prominent at the centre of Canary Wharf), there's always a queue at Birley during lunches. I can think of only two reasons when a queue starts to build up - either the service is slow or the food is darn good. With six counters serving customers simultaneously at Birley, it has to be the latter.

I didn't go for the salt beef or the roast beef that P recommended. I was mersmerised by the huge slab of roast pork lying on the counter. More precisely, my eyes were on the crackling on top. My salivary glands started working overtime and I was having trouble hiding that. "Next!" shouted a counter staff and off I was beaming in front of him in an instant, jabbing at the roast pork (through the glass display of course). "Do you want the crackling by the side?" he asked. I gave him my best impression of the nodding toy (yep, the same one you have on your car's dashboard). The glee on my face when I handed over £5.25 at the payment counter was utterly embarrassing (they don't seem to take cards). I couldn't hardly wait to sink my teeth into the thick sandwich.

I took a huge bite, chewed it a bit and then nibble the accompanying crackling, fully savouring the fats and all. And gave P a wide grin. "Boy, it's good..." I acknowledged. No answer came for he was slowly working through his roast beef. For me, I'm just glad to find another place to eat in Canary Wharf.

Thai-An Chapel Market Chinese grocery store - a mini Chinatown in the heart of Angel Islington

noreply@blogger.com (London Chow) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 23:50:00 +0000

Thai-An
23 White Conduit Street
London N1 9HA
Tel: 020 7833 1797
Nearest Tube station: Angel ‎
A confession to make here: I can't do without my instant noodles. There's a real comfort factor here - springy noodles in hot piping soup (albeit MSG laden) is a must when the weather turns chilly. Not just any instant noodles though, definitely not the 10p generic brands packets that supermarket stocks. I'm referring to Nong Shim and Chu Qian Yi Ding.

The mere thought that I have to trek all the way down to Leicester Square to get them despairs me. Other than instant noodles, I would need to head to Chinatown just to stock up on Thai fragrant rice even my favorite brands of sauces and condiments.

That is if not for Thai-An, the Chinese (Oriental) grocery store that has opened since 2007 at Chapel Market's White Conduit Street. Yes, compared to the larger Chinese supermarkets at Chinatown, the variety of stocks at Thai-An is pathetic but the basic range is there and would more than satisfy the casual shopper. Unlike those stores at Chinatown, you feel less harried (not that there's lots to browse anyway, but you get the idea), there's no queuing to speak of with the layout's cleaner and better organised to boot. Perhaps the best of all, Thai-An opens till 7pm so there's a good chance that it still would be when you return for work.

I'd probably check out its smallish fridge for some sliced meats, tofu and dumplings during the coming winter. Just the thing I need for a hot broth when it gets colder. Hmm...

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New River Walk - Canonbury's (Islington) secret walk

noreply@blogger.com (London Chow) — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 22:25:00 +0000

Recently, I had a bit of time on my hands and I took the opportunity to walk around the neighborhood. As I turned into the more residential part of Canonbury, I stumbled across the New River Walk.

That's one thing I really appreciate about London. There're still pockets all over the city that dated way back. According to an information board strategically installed at its entrance, New River Walk goes all the way back to 1613. The brainchild of Sir Hugh Myddelton, whose stone statue now stands at the southern tip of Islington Green (the green patch in front of Waterstone). The waterway was constructed to bring fresh drinking water from River Lea from Amwell Springs into London itself.

Centuries later, even though the river lies unused, parts of it have been covered over by roads and pavements while portions of it still lay bare and have been converted to public walkways. New River Walk is just one of the many. Algae now covered almos the entire length of New River Walk, which shows how stagnant the water is. A small raft of ducks calls it home and can be seen wading up and down the stretch of water, occasionally standing on a submerged pipe that runs along the riverbed.

But it's not just the river itself for Canonbury itself makes for a pleasant walk when weather permits. Starting from Canonbury Park, the curiously spilt garden square, you can walk towards Estorick Collection of Modern Italian Art and The Canonbury and make a right onto Alwyne Place where a line of houses sheltered with thick foliage awaits. Make a left along Alwyne Road before hitting onto New River Walk itself on the right along Willow Bridge Road. Emerge at St Paul's Road and then turn back on to Canonbury Park South.

Set aside an hour for the walk. Better still, do that on a late cool crisp Sunday morning before pampering yourself with a Sunday roast at The Canonbury. It seldom gets better than that.

Tips for Flying with Young Children - make it bearable

noreply@blogger.com (London Chow) — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 22:03:00 +0000

Photo by StubbyFingers

I had a chat with a pal when he visited London early. He flies rather frequently for work but because of company's cost cutting measures, have been relegated to the economy section of the plane. "I hate children," he snorted before tucking into his phad thai. I shot him a look. "No, I mean I really hate flying with children, especially if they aren't mine," he corrected himself. He then went on and on about how parents should make sure that their children would not end up screaming the entire flight.

I was quite like him back then, always dreading and expecting the worse whenever I noticed young children seating nearby on my flights. Ever since LO came along, switching camps is inevitable - we are now officially those people. I have since mastered the apologetic yet resigned look, which is probably the only reason why I'm not dismembered by the mob after each disastrous flight. Granted that flying with young children isn't easy but there are some ways to ease it and here are 5 tips when flying with children.

1. Book early and choose your seats

Needless to say, having a kid with you means that you would want to minimise uncertainty. No more flying on impulse. Most airlines accept online check-in only 48hrs prior to the flight while some allows selection of seats the moment you pay for your tickets.

As far as possible, go for somewhere that's near the front entrance so that you'll be the first to leave the plane when it landed (mainly to avoid the murderous stares of your fellow passengers who were kept awake the entire flight by your child's screams).

While most parents with very young children would prefer the seat with bassinet, which most full service flights would provide, avoid them if your baby doesn't even sleep in cots. These bassinet seats are usually placed in pairs - another baby will be sleeping right next to yours. Woe betide if their sleeping patterns aren't synchronise; they will end up not sleeping at all and fussing throughout the flight.

2. Packing tidbits, books, toys

As a parent, you know what would placate your child. An odd treat might just keep the tantrums at bay. Yes, you might be rewarding bad behaviour but really, young children's ability to manipulate is overrated. Remember that it's not them who wants to fly - they would rather not. Just note that sugary tidbits would end up energising the child instead. The last thing you want is to have a Tasmanian monster pottering up and down the aisle. Go for savoury ones instead.

Activity books and toys would come in handy too. Some airlines have special child packs, I know Singapore Airlines has them. Avoid bringing toys or books with sounds - substituting a child's fussing with repetitive tunes or sounds is not a good idea at all.

One thing to note, regardless of what you end up bringing, just have them in your hand carry luggage and don't stow them in the overhead compartments. Have them within easy reach for obvious reasons.

3. Drive to the airport

Really, public transport to the airport, especially London's is overrated. If it can be avoided, all the better. Delays attributed to a variety of reasons (person on track is a popular one - read Quirks of London Underground) and extra planning required for train scheduling (a missed train may very well mean a missed flight) is inevitable. If possible, drive to the airport.

With quite a number of airport parking services available at competitive prices, you don't have to fork out a small fortune to leave your car in the airport's carpark. Some of them include BCP, which offers Heathrow Airport parking and Manchester Airport parking, and Holiday Extras that offers Stansted Airport parking as well as Stansted Airport hotel if you would like a rest for an early flight.

While most airport parking located a distance away from the airport (thus cheaper) operate shuttle services to and fro the airport, you can definitely go for the meet and greet option with a reasonable surcharge. Essentially a valet will collect your car from you at the airport and bring it back to you at the airport when you return. Perfect way to start and end a vacation, eh?

4. Strap your child on

Heathrow airport is looking at requiring all strollers over 5kg to be checked in at the check-in counter itself - no more strapping your child to it till the gate. The weight restriction effectively ruled out all strollers on the market right now. Unless you plan to remove the stroller's canvas itself, you would need to carry your little one all the way to the flight gate.

For very young children, I recommend using a baby carrier (I use Bjorn's). It frees up both my hands and give my arms a rest. The only catch to this is that you would have to remove your child from the baby carrier at the security checks. If you think that it would hurt your back, what makes you think that carrying your child on your arms wouldn't? At least using a reliable baby carrier would distribute the weight more evenly.

5. Earn goodwill early and rely on fellow passengers

Once you are on the plane, get your child acquainted with the passengers around your seat. Having your child flash them a smile when she is still fresh might just gain her some cookie points that will certainly come in handy when she starts fussing later on. For the same reason, say hi to the air stewardess serving your area.

You should never belittle the power of the flight's toilet. There are enough gadgets and accessories in the plane's toilet to amuse your child for quite awhile. Disposable cups, running taps, air vents and even flushes can easily occupy them. Just make sure that there isn't a queue forming outside while you are placating your child. Personally, I find just hanging out with LO around the toilet helpful. There are bound to be fellow passengers hanging out there stretching their legs and what not. Strike a conversation with one and they will be fussing over your child in no time, which is a useful distraction.

***

Gone are the days when you could squeeze in as many inflight movies as possible for the flight time. Just make sure you catch a wink whenever your child is sleeping - that gives you the energy to deal with her when she's awake later on. How do you cope with flying with a young child?