Fun Things To Do In London

When you're traveling abroad, it's always a good idea to take some time out and have some fun.  So for this Wish List, I decided to search out some things that I thought would be some fun things to do in London.  One of the best ways to find things to do while in a foreign place, is to search the web for things to do.  I found Trip Advisor has a list of 960 Different Attractions.  Try narrowing that down to just a few to put into a blog post.

Hint Hunt
There is no better way to kill an hours time, then to get locked in a room with a group of friends and it's your job to solve a crime in order to get out.  Meet up with a few friends and go have some fun.  Hint Hunt is a Crime Solving Puzzle game for those who love to solve crimes.  It's time to put on your Detective Gear and get to thinking.

Often times, putting two and two together requires a bit of thinking and that's something I'm good at.  I like to think and think a lot is what I do.  We don't want to put the wrong person behind bars now do we?

There are different rooms to solve such as Dr. Monroe's Office and the Zen Room.  It is recommended that you have at least a party of 3 - 4 people to solve the crimes.  However, they will adjust the amount of clues if you have a party of two.  Not a suggested thing to go at alone.  After all, cops often work in pairs/groups don't they?

This photo of HintHunt is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Matilda the Musical

Now, I have personally never been to a Musical, but what better way to experience one than to relive a film that is as heart warming as Matilda?  The Genius Child who can do more than just think for herself.  Bad Parents and an even Worse Principle at school.

Needless to say, there is at least one nice person in the movie, the Teacher.  A Female Teacher who has no kids of her own and ends up falling in love with Matilda, trying to get her into a higher grade and such.  Let's not spoil it too much though.

You can be certain that if Tim Minchin is behind it, this will be high quality stuff.

This photo of Matilda the Musical is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Studios Harry Potter

If you're a fan of Harry Potter like I am, you'll want to go see this place.  Who can resist the lure and legend that is Harry Potter?  Some of the photos show the Gryffindor Common Room, Dumbledore's Office, Costumes Worn by the Cast, The Great Hall, Privet Drive, Diagon Alley, Hogwarts Castle, and much more.

With so many things to see, I'm told that you won't be able to see it all in a days time.  So I just might have to make another trip back or two.  We'll have to wait and see when that time comes.  This is like a kid in a Candy Store, the Theme Park in Orlando, Florida is one I have to go see before I leave here for England though.  Both are sure to be a blast.

I have high expectations for this one.  It's like going to Lego Land in Denmark.  You want to see the Original and it's hard not to be excited.

This photo of Studios Harry Potter is courtesy of TripAdvisor

St. James's Park

A Photographers Heaven.  There is something about being out in the Middle of Nature that is a pleasant thing.  Especially when you have birds and other things to photograph.  It's one thing to see if in a Photo or on Film, it's another to see if in person.

There is a reason why they have Parks in Cities and this 90 Acre Park is no different.  It's a great way to get out there and relax.  This is a definite must see when I'm in London.  This is after all a Wish List.

This photo of St. James's Park is courtesy of TripAdvisor

HMS Belfast

There is something inside of every guy, despite how mellow you might be, that screams Guns, Boats, and War Machines.  So, how could I resist the temptations of the HMS Belfast?  This will be something fun to do as well as write about in future blog post.

When your passion is Writing and Travel, you have to delve into the History of places that you visit.  It's one thing to be a tourist, it's another to be an adventurer.  Get out there and explore, see things that most people would not.  Trust your instincts and go with your gut.

In fact, perhaps it might even be fun to through away the guide book and just do things on your own.  It's a lot more fun that way.  We'll have to wait and see how things turn out.

This photo of HMS Belfast is courtesy of TripAdvisor

There is probably something here for everyone in your crew, which ever crew you decide to take along.  You could of course always stop by some of the local Architectural Attractions if that rocks your boat or even stop by and Grab a Bite to Eat somewhere.

Of course, there are a million other things to do in London, it's just a matter of fishing them out and some things, you just won't find in that "Trusty Guide Book."  I'm not saying don't Trust the Guide Book, just don't Use It All The Time.

Have you been to London?

What are some attractions that you would recommend?

Things That Happened In 20th Century Britain

It's time for a History Lesson.  It's no doubt that there are some impressive things that happened in every century, even the 21st Century.  However, we're going to delve into the 20th Century and see what we can dig up on Britain that is both interesting and entertaining.  Hopefully it is entertaining to you.

Basics of 20th Century
The Basics of the 20th Century History in Britain can be easily found on Wikipedia.

1914 - World War One began.
1981 - World War One ended.
1939 - World War Two began.
1945 - World War Two ended.
1948 - The National Health Service came into being.
1981 - The Mary Rose was raised from the Seabed.
1994 - The Channel Tunnel opened.

There is of course a lot more depth to the 20th Century English History.

More In Depth 20th Century
Most of us know about World War I and World War II, but do you know about these history events?

1906 - Liberal Government was elected and they introduced a number of reforms.
1908 - An act was passed that limited Miners to work an 8 hour day.
1909 - Paved the way for minimum wages.
1911 - Brought about the National Insurance Act.
1912 - Gave shop workers a half day off during the week.
1922 - The BBC began broadcasting radio waves.
1929 - The World was plunged into an economic depression.
1939 - All Employees were entitled to one weeks pay annually.
1940 - London was heavily bombed and 13,000 were killed.

About 1 million houses were destroyed during the war and a total of 40,000 or so were killed during World War I.

1945 - Germany surrendered and a new election took place.  Clement Attlee was elected Prime Minister.
1967 - Abortion was made legal.
1968 - Censorship of Theatre was abolished.
1969 - Divorce was made easier.
1972 - Coal Miners went on strike and won.
1973 - School leaving age was raised to 16.
1973 - Britain joined the EEC.
1980 - Britain suffered a severe depression.
1981 - Industries were privatized.
1982 - Argentinians invaded Falkland Islands, but it was quickly recovered and boosted the popularity of the conservative party.
1990 - A long recession started.
1997 - Labour  Party won another election and Tony Blair became Prime Minister.

There is a general run down of the History of Britain in the 20th century.  If I left out anything important, please let me know and I'll be sure to add it.

What interest you about the British History?
Is History something that you find fascinating?

5 British Bands Worth Listening To

When in another Country, sampling their music is a great way to get involved.  When the locals find out that you like their music, it opens up more opportunities.  Generally speaking, people like you better if you what they do.  So, it's a matter of getting out there and having something in common.

Take That
This is a band that is an All Guy band that is somewhat popular.  Rule the World is a video that has over 14 million views on YouTube.  The is a great Love Song that showcases True Love and what one would do for their Love.  Great sound and great band.

Another great song by Take that is the Greatest Day music video.  Something about Love Songs that draws in a crowd, but only if they're done the right way.  Sometimes you just know how to Sing and others are just left Wishing.  Not these guys, they'll kept their dream alive with practice and practice.  Never give up on your Dream.

Jessie J
Another artist that you may or may not know from England is Jessie J.  Price Tag is about not letting Material things drive your Passion and just follow your Dreams.  Everyone seems to lose track of their Dream at some point or another.  If you follow your Dream/Passion, the money will inevitably follow.  So forget about the Money and Let your Talent Shine.  After all, Money is not what buys Happiness.  281 million plus views and counting.

The next video is one of those Love Song videos with a kick, it's upbeat and has flare.  It's about being Love Struck and it makes you want to Dance.  125 million plus views and counting.

Mumford and Sons
This is a great band that I found out about from one of my Cousins.  Little Lion Man is perhaps one of the more popular of their songs and has almost 42 million views.  A great song about messing things up with a Loved One.  Warning, if you're easily offended, this video does have some mild language, but it is used in context.

Mumford and Sons is one of those bands that you'll want to keep up with.  A mix of various instruments makes up the tangible sounds in this great band.  This one was a tough one for me to decipher, but the common belief is that it is a song about how the people are often bread and encouraged to become narcissist.  Or perhaps a man that is struggling to find identity.  Referring to works of Plato.  It has over 15 million views.

The Zombies
Hey, I know these guys...sort of.  I've heard of this band when I was a kid.  This is one of those classic bands where you'd never know that they were from London.  With songs like She's Not There, that is one of those, you'll never find her kind of songs, because she's gone.  It currently has over 10 million views on YouTube.

Another one of their Popular songs that you might have heard of is Time of the Season.  That's right, this band is from England.  This song takes you back to the 80s and 90s, when Sex, Drugs, and Rock n Roll were Popular.  With almost 4 and a half million views, you can't go wrong.

New Order
How do I not know about this band?  Blue Monday is a track that is lengthy, but has a great Dance Beat and is just that, about Blue Mondays.  It made me think about Mondays and how different people act when going back to work.  One reason why I want to travel, to experience pleasure on almost every single day.  This particular video has over 3 million views.  Give it a try.

Bonus:
Nick Lowe
Since it was kind of hard to find good quality New Order videos, I thought I'd share another that you may or may not have heard of.  Nick Lowe's Cruel to be Kind video on YouTube is awesome.  It's catchy and reminds you of the beautiful 70s.  Cruel to be Kind in a sense is a metaphor.  I guess sometimes cruelness is necessary to make people wake up, but perhaps not.  With over 1.2 million views, this band needs more exposure, despite it being older.  Oldies For The Win.

Half a Boy and Half a Man is one of those tunes that just makes you want to get up and Dance.  Who cares if it's 70s music, some of the Oldies rock and are worth a listen.  It's always great when some of the youngsters find some of the Oldies.

If you're going to go to England, be sure to check out some of the local scenes that are currently hot.  Here is a mixture of some Oldies in with the Newbies.  Regardless of what generation you're in, you're sure to find something for everyone.

Is there anything here that you are familiar with?
Anything that you can introduce to us?

5 Foods To Eat While In London

Every Country has it's own Unique and some not so Unique dishes.  While this is a Wish List Blog, I've decided to include 5 Traditional British Foods that sound very appetizing.

Traditional Fish and Chips...
You can't leave England without first having some Fish and Chips.  Fish and Chips is a relatively simple dish.  Fish, usually in the form of Cod or Haddock, Chips, which Americans call French Fries or Freedom Fries, and English Peas.  I know what you're saying...'but I can get that at home.'

Sure, you can get it at home, but it just doesn't feel right serving a Traditional Fish and Chips meal in America.  It's not...well...American.  Don't forget your Vinegar to sprinkle over the top.

Note...according to Wikipedia, Fish and Chips is often served in Ireland and Scotland as well and England.  So, it's only right to say that it's primarily a United Kingdom dish, not just England.

Spotted Dick
This is one of those names that makes you flinch at the sound of it.  What in the world are people doing eating Spotted Dick?  What animal does that come from anyway?  Needless to say, after doing some research, it doesn't come from an animal at all.  You can rest assured.  Hey, but don't tell your friends that, they might like it.

This is a Pudding that I'd definitely have to try while in London.  Nothing beats winding down the day with a Sponge Pudding that has Sultanas and Raisins in it.  Wait?  What's a Sultana?  That sounds like something that they might use in a torture chamber.  Upon closer inspection, the Sultana is nothing more than a Seedless Grape that originated in the Ottoman Empire region of Asia.

Grapes and Raisins in a Sponge Pudding, I could certainly go for that.  Not to mention that you could tell your friends that you've had Spotted Dick.  Make them wonder...leave them hanging...and just walk out of the room.

For those of you who are curious as to where the name comes from, you may want to check out The Origin of Spotty Dick.  It's also interesting to note, that the dessert is slightly different in Ireland, where they use Soda Bread instead of Yeast Bread.

Bacon Butty
Here we go with another funny named food.  Still, despite its simplicity, it's definitely worth a try.  What do I mean by simplicity?  It's made with only a few things...Bread, usually white bread, Bacon, and a Condiment of your choice, usually English Mustard, HP Sauce, or Ketchup......Wait, did I just see HP Sauce?  Does that stand for Horse Power Sauce?  It must have a kick to it.

Google is my friend...

Apparently, after reading a few things such as discussions and an Article on Huffington Post, I found out that it does have a little more kick than your average A1 Steak Sauce.  A lot of people compare it to A1 Steak Sauce, however, from what I can tell, it is used on a lot more foods than A1 Steak Sauce is.  Foods such as: Potatoes, Steak, Bacon, and even Beef Stews.  Hearty foods that fill you up.  I'll be getting some of this at my local Publix store.

Pie and Mash with Parsley Liquor
Pie and Mash with Parsley Liquor definitely sounds like a meal that I've got to get my hands on.  Especially if I can find the version that is served with Eel in it.  Yep, traditional Pies were made with Eel, however since then, Beef has become cheaper and is now the Staple of the Pie.

Despite the name, Liquor is not even actually in the sauce that comes with the pie.  Also, the sauce is supposed to be more appetizing than it looks.  I just can't resist though, a Meat Pie, with Mashed Potatoes and some sort of Sauce/Gravy has got to be good.

Traditional Full English Breakfast
You can't start your day off without having a proper breakfast now can you?  A Full Breakfast in Britain contains quite a bit to eat actually.  The following things are usually served:

Bacon
Sausage
Black Pudding
Baked Beans
Fried Tomato
Fried Mushrooms
Fried Eggs
Fried Bread

That's just the what comes on the Main Dish.  Usually some extras are served such as:

Juice
Coffee
Toast
Condiments

In America, we often get a Choice of Bacon or Sausage.  Heck, looks like I might have to move to England.  You get Bacon, Sausage, Eggs, and Mushrooms?  I'm sold.  This is a breakfast fit for Champions and I don't plan on being just an ordinary Average Joe.

No matter where you go, there is always something to eat.  When you're traveling abroad, you'll want to try as much food as you can.  You'll get more than just a taste for your time, you can often learn about a Culture and their History by trying different foods.  Don't just eat it, learn about it.  That is the beauty of travel.

What is something that you would like to try in England/London?
Have you been to England/London yet?  Could you make any suggestions?

London, England - 5 Architectural Must Sees

Architectural Designs have always fascinated me from a young youth.  As far back as I can remember, Castles first got my attention, the elegant stories of Kings, Princesses, Wizards, and Dragons...yep all parts to classic Fantasy Tales.  Since then, my tastes have grown into a much larger variety ranging from Castles, to Temples, to Churches.  Other things do of course catch my eye, such as modern engineering marvels.

The UK is one of the first places that I want to go, that and Scandinavia, but we'll leave Scandinavia for another day.  Perhaps the most iconic of all places and perhaps on every travelers list, is England, unless of course you live there.  There are many things to do and see in England, but today, we're going to be focusing on London, England.

Today's list consist of the following Must See Buildings:

Big Ben
British Museum
Tower Bridge
Tower of London
The London Eye

All of these are fascinating in their own right.  I'll try to keep from making this post too long.  First up on the list is Big Ben, often referred to in London as the Four Faced Liar, because all four clocks tell a different time.  Not synchronicity here, nothing but chaos, yet it still has an elegant design and if you're lucky enough, you might be able to climb the tower and get a view of the surrounding area.

The Bell at the top of the Tower weighs over 13 tons and was cast April 10th 1858 on a Saturday.  On October 16th, 1834 a fire raged and burned down much of the Parliament Building.  Yet some of the building, including the Westminster Hall had survived and was incorporated into the new building.  For a more detailed description, visit the link above.

The British Museum has some interesting Architectural Design to it.  Not to mention that the Museum is free to enter and explore.  However, there is a Paid Membership option for those who are going to spend any length of time in England.

There is always some form of lecture going on for Members and they get access to paid exhibits as well.  There is more than just to building to see in this Museum, there are other things of different Architectural Design that may fascinate you.  These objects range through different time periods.

Towers are always fascinating Architectural Designs, let alone Bridges.  Combine the two and who can resist?  The Tower Bridge in London stretches across the River Thames.  Tower Bridge houses four unique venues; the award-winning high level Walkways, the luxurious North Tower Lounge, the majestic Victorian Engine Rooms and the charming Bridge Master’s Dining Room.

While the River itself is a site to see, you'll be able to have a great view of the city from atop this tower, not to mention grab a bite to eat.  When you're done with lunch, climb on down to the River and take a River Cruise.  No better way to see a city than by water, except for maybe by air.

The Tower of London is more or less a Fortress, rather than a Tower.  This fortified structure has been many things in the past ranging from: an armory  a zoo, and a prison.  At one point it even housed Royalty.  Now it houses the Crown Jewels and they're on display for the public to see.  Quite trusting the Queen is.

The Tower itself was built over 900 Years Ago and draws quite a crowd.  Entry to the Tower normally cost £19.50, however, by following the link above, you can get a London Pass that gains you entry to it for free.  Actually, you get the following with the London Pass...

Free entry to over 60 attractions.
Fast track entry at select attractions.
Free 120+ page guide  book.
Over 30 special offers.
Free Public Transport*

Note that free Public Transport is only offered with Passes that have purchased the Travel Option.  Regardless to say, a Pass is worth looking into if you're going to be in London for some time.  Definitely worth your effort.

The London Eye is definitely on my list of to do things while in London.  I know it's not a good idea to act like a tourist, however, some things you just can't pass up.  Champagne on top of the London Eye, peaceful setting overlooking the River Thames, and a view that only those that make a now decision will get to see.  Not to mention, that when you get a view from above, it changes your perspective.  At least that's the thought.

Despite the fact that the London Eye looks a lot like a Ferris Wheel, it's an enclosed environment.  You won't catch me going on a Ferris Wheel.  I wanted off that thing when I was little, my feet dangling over the ground, despite being able to see the St. Johns River from up top.  It just gave me a sense of...'Oh crap, I'm going to fall.'  Yet with two feet planted firmly on the ground....rather bubble...you can be certain that I'll be a lot more at ease.  Not to mention if you take a lady friend along, you'll have something else to occupy your mind.  Oh waiter...where is my Champagne?

Perhaps Christmas is a good time to see it?

Regardless of what you want to do in London or England for that matter, you can be certain that there will be plenty of buildings to see and admire.  Especially considering that many of these date back to the 18th Century and beyond.  England is a land that is as old as Time itself and there are many things to see and do.  Seeing the Past is one way to live in the moment.

How do you like to live in the moment?
What would you like to see in London?

My Travel Goals - What I Want To Learn

Everyone has goals in their life...at least I hope you do.  Notice the motto of this newly started blog?  Because having no goal is just meaningless existence.  That's right, we all need a goal, otherwise you have no purpose in life.  When you have no purpose in life, life becomes boring, you get sucked into the Rat Race, spinning in circles, going no where...fast.

So, in order to compensate that, I decided to do something that I have never done before.  Set goals and reach them.  What is the biggest reason why people don't reach their goals?  Instinct says that it is due perhaps to the lack of motivation.  If you set a goal that you're not excited about, you're not going to succeed.  So, you first need to have a goal that you're excited about.

My goal is to Write five blog post per day, that pertain to travel in some form or another.  After all, this is a wishlist blog, my desire to travel is stronger than ever, to taste the food, experience the culture, and be blown away by the landscape.  Sure, you can sit here plugging away and looking at pictures all day long, but nothing beats seeing it with your own eyes.

What about a secondary goal?  It's always good to have a secondary goal and then increase that goal as you see fit once you've reached your goal.  My secondary goal is to reach 10,000 page views on my blog within a 90 day period.  That's right, three months time period.  If other people can do it, such as people that start a hobby blog for fun, then I can do it too.

Check out How I Got 20,000 Views in Under Four Months on the website Enchanting Beginnings.  If you're curious as to a bit more of what she writes about, check out this post...Kindergarteners Should Rule The World.  We need more children like her, no seriously...we do.

Where was I?  Oh yeah, talking about Travel and Goal setting.  Enough of that though, let's move on to what I really came here to write about.  The Learning Experience.

Traveling the World is really a great opportunity to learn about Countries and their Culture.  If you don't learn anything that you can take away with you from your travels, then you're traveling for the wrong reasons.  I'm not saying that you can't enjoy yourself, by all means, please do.  That is what Travel is all about, enjoying yourself.  But when in Rome...Go for the Pizza.  Or was that a different saying?  Check Please...

Exploring the Culture should be your top priority when you go to another Country.  Culture is a mixed mash of Food, Origins, Architecture, Music, and Fun.  Or at least that's what I'm interested in.  I've always been a big fan of the Old Architecture Designs and you can bet that this blog will have some of them in it.  Old Churches, Castles, and Temples galore.

As Anthony Bourdain from No Reservations would say..."You can learn a lot about a Culture from it's food."  Food says a lot if you listen.  You have Cultures from all over the world that have a mixed mash of different ethnic groups.  You can be certain that there will be a few History Lessons in the mix.

The Origins of how different countries came to be is always intriguing.  Take Iceland for example, a mixture of Vikings and Irish form the base of the group that lives on an Island in the Northern parts of the World.

Music can be a great experience to learn from.  You can learn what types of music the culture listens to and take away a pleasure that few people ever get to experience.  Some music is obviously better than others and no two people are the same.  What one person calls music, another person calls trash.

So, let's delve into the world of Travel together and make it a journey worth working towards.  Again, these are places I would like to visit with my own eyes and doing some research ahead of time, will no doubt give me an edge when I get to the country.  Also, try to learn the language of the country you are going to, it helps.

Do you share similar goals and desire of travel?  If so, share this post with your friends and let the discussion begin.