"A Rainy Day (make that week) in London Town" London by littlesam1

London Travel Guide: 26,554 reviews and 43,845 photos

My youngest daughter graduated from high school in 2002. For her graduation gift from Dad she wanted a trip to England. So, on August 4 we set off for our trip to the U.K. Liverpool was our first stop. She wanted to see Anfield Stadium and I wanted to see Matthew Street where The Beatles played at the Cavern Club.

After two days in Liverpool we traveled to London. However we arrived with one of the worst rainfalls of the year. Our first evening in the city almost turned to disaster as we found several tunnels in the Underground had been closed down due to flooding from the storm. We had to re direct our route three different times due to flooding. But we still had a great time in London, rain and all.

I returned to London in January 2006 for a big VT meeting. January is a wonderful to visit London. There are no large tourist crowds. The weather was mild. Hotels are priced at off season rates. Tickets are readily available for most of the West End theaters. And I was there with over 70 VTer's. What more could you ask for?

Just to update this page a little. I returned to London for a third time in January 2007. This time I brought my oldest daughter for a college graduation gift.

Cheers!

Different Generations...Different Experiences

Crossing Abbey Road

Visiting London had different meanings for my daughter and I. We both wanted to see all of the historical buildings, Buckingham Palace and all of the other tourists sites. But I also wanted to explore the places I remembered from the London of the swinging 60's. While she wanted to visit sites she had seen in the movie Spice World.

Here I am crossing the famous crosswalk the Beatles crossed on the album cover of Abbey Road. I asked Danielle if she wanted a picture in cross walk also. She just said "No Dad. Thats your memory." She did want to see the location of the Abbey Road Recording Studio though because the Spice Girls made their records also.

Danielle's Special Moment

Danielle in a Spice Girls moment

So I had my Abbey Road moment and had my picture taken in the crosswalk. This was Danielle's moment.

We were at the Prince Albert Memorial. She had asked me several times to make sure we took time to find the memorial. I did not know her reasoning but should have guessed it had some Spice Girl connection. We found the memorial and she sat down on the steps and asked me to take her picture. Then she asked for a second picture in case the first one was not a good one. Finally I had to ask what the big deal was about sitting on the steps and getting her picture taken. Well it seems the Spice Girls sat on these very steps in the movie Spice World before running across the street to the Albert Hall for a concert.

I had my moment and now she had hers. I guess thats what our trip was all about.

Last visit to London: Jan 2006
Intro Updated Jul 24, 2008
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Reviews (37)

Danger Danger ...Oncoming Traffic Warnings Or Dangers (1)

London has to paint directional signs on their streets so that stupid American tourists, like myself, do not get hit by... more travel advice

The Key Word Here is Wine Nightlife (1)

Gordons Wine bar is hidden behind a black door on a small side street just off of the Strand in London. I would never... more travel advice

Strand Palace Hotel Hotels (1)

The Strand Palace Hotel is a great choice for location, price, and comfort. I traveled to London and booked the hotel... more travel advice

Larry and Danielle have a disagreement - London

Beware the Photographer Tourist Traps (3)

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Comments (88)

hunterV Mar 7, 2009 at 9:04 AM Report Abuse

Hi, Larry! Thanks a lot for your great story...
Gillybob Jul 29, 2008 at 1:27 PM Report Abuse

Marrakech is really nice and well worth a visit - we were there for 3 nights (if I remember rightly) and we got to see everything we wanted, including a trip to the mountains. Gillybob greetings
Tourtech Jul 24, 2008 at 12:47 PM Report Abuse

Great london pages, keep up the good tips. All the best from traveling Canadians!
volopolo Apr 27, 2008 at 9:49 AM Report Abuse

Useful tips in your London page
Bwana_Brown Jan 19, 2007 at 1:09 PM Report Abuse

Wow, you really made the rounds of London! Quite an array of attractions, many of which I have yet to visit. That Prince Albert Memorial IS very impressive!
kit_mc Dec 27, 2006 at 6:11 PM Report Abuse

A few more tips coming up soon eh? I've a rather good central London pub tip for you, but it's top secret!!
RickinDutch Nov 19, 2006 at 5:27 PM Report Abuse

Great London page Larry. And I agree with your highs (Tower) and lows (The Dungeon)! Birthday greetings from Alaska!
TheLongTone Oct 23, 2006 at 11:15 AM Report Abuse

Re: 'Look Right' We don't do this for tourists, us or otherwise. You'll see signs saying look left. It's to do with crossings onone way streets
Fergie01 Aug 3, 2006 at 6:18 AM Report Abuse

Hi Ya Larry- 007! Thanks for the kind comments on my Port Hope page, I see U have been to London....your daughter must have loved her graduation pressie - in the UK! greetings from Port Hope - Deana
Waalewiener Feb 17, 2006 at 9:48 AM Report Abuse

Hey Larry ,that is a great start Now if I only could get going myself .Filing pictures is my first thing but I do so many that I take way to long We had a great time eh Larry We need to do this again and I thenk we will Hansi