Everything I Wish I’d Known About London

I recently wrote this post for PinkPangea, one of the blogs I was fortunate enough to write for while studying abroad in London last semester.

“Everything I Wish I’d Known About London”

Christine Fisher, March 07, 2011

Earlier this year I was fortunate enough to live, work, study and play in London through a university study abroad program. Though I read my fair share of guidebooks before moving to the city, there were a few things that I learned firsthand when I got there. Whether you’re worried about the rain, the cost, or simply seeing all the sites, I hope these lessons will help make your stay in London more enjoyable and help fill in the gaps your guidebooks may leave.

The Many Uses of Newspapers

Two days before I left for a semester in London I got a terrible case of cold feet. Fortunately I got over it and made my way to the amazing city that awaited me. Unfortunately, a few days later I experienced another type of cold feet – the literal kind of cold feet.

London lived up to its reputation for being rainy and within a few days I experienced what it feels like to have your feet soaked and cold in ballet flats. Unlike in the U.S. where -at least in the region I’m from- you pretty much know if it is going to rain before you leave the house and can incorporate rain boots into your outfit accordingly, there is always a chance it will rain in London. Not willing to clomp around in rain boots everyday, I learned the hard way that if you stuff newspaper into wet shoes they dry out much faster than they normally would. While I was happy to learn this, I would have been happier knowing it when I went into the experience.

On the issue of rain in London, I would also recommend you carry a small umbrella in your purse at all times. One sunny day, I went to a job interview in a white shirt. Before I got there I was down poured on. Fortunately I had my umbrella.

Triangle Sandwiches and Samosas

Within the first couple hours of arriving at my flat, I found myself wandering around the grocery store. I was jet lagged and attempting to process the different brands and foods available, not to mention the currency difference. Buying groceries continued to intimidate me for a few weeks, but I soon discovered a few go-to lunch items that were a big help during my stay.

… Read the rest at PinkPangea.com http://www.pinkpangea.com/post/everything-i-wish-id-known-about-london

Keep Your Friends Close and Your Passport Closer

Originally published on Do It While You’re Young

The first rule of international travel I learned? Never let go of your passport. After a semester in living in London and travelling in Europe, I’ve learned to keep my friends close and my passport closer.

The night before I left for my semester in London, my dad insisted we go on a last minute shopping trip in search of a passport pouch – something I could wear around my neck to make sure my passport was not stolen. Horrified at the thought of wearing any tourist emblem (camera, passport, you name it) around my neck, I was able to convince him that I would be careful and just fine without a tacky passport pouch strapped to my neck – I have to admit there are some more stylish passport wallets but none of these were what my dad had in mind, probably something neon with Velcro closures.

Though I managed to leave the country passport necklace free, the lesson to always keep an eye on my passport stuck with me, so when, on my second European excursion, the security agent at one of London’s airports told me to place my passport in the security bin, I hesitated. Without another option, I did as he said and proceeded through the metal detector. On the other side, I gathered my belongings and waited for my friend.

With a look of panic on her face, that friend rushed away from the security belt. “I can’t find my passport!” she said, her expression dropping.

What we went through in the next hour and a half is still a blur. Her passport had come through the scanner in one of the grey plastic bins. She put her coat on, and when she looked back the passport was missing. We asked the security agent to see if it fell. The agent suggested someone picked it up by accident (or intentionally) and directed us to a security desk. Somewhat helplessly, the agents made an announcement over the PA and sent us to another security desk. Finally someone came to help us, but instead she led us to customs agents who told us there was little they could do and directed us to the front entrance of the airport.

Now on the wrong side of security and down a passport, my friend could not get back to the gate. Panicked and fearing our weeklong backpacking trip was shot, she stayed in the main lobby while I went through to the first security desk. They had me check my bag while they reviewed CCTV (London’s security camera system) footage, and as they did, someone ran over, passport in hand. The passport had fallen onto the rollers of the metal detector and gotten stuck in the machine. My friend was rushed through security and we, emotionally drained and exhausted, made our 6am flight.

At first we put the experience behind us, but when other friends also went through passport turmoil, I realized that maybe there was more validity in my dad’s worry that I might lose my passport than I wished to admit.

On the day two of my friends were to fly from Barcelona to London, one realized her purse had been swiped from her chair at a small café. Passport, credit card, driver’s licence – all gone. Because it was Sunday and the embassies were closed, the pair missed their flight, booked another and stayed in a hostel an extra night. Despite these additional costs, they found the US consulate helpful and were able to get the passport and travel documents replaced the next day.

While the nerdy tourist look may cancel out the benefits of wearing a neon, Velcro passport pouch around your neck, it is certainly important to keep your passport close and carefully guarded. My friends and I may have learned this lesson the hard way, but hopefully you can learn from our mistakes and travel with ease.

Keeping your passport close:

• Losing your passport or having it stolen is a possibility, but it is not the end of the world. It is certainly inconvenient and it will most likely cost you more than you would like, but with today’s technology and communication it is not too complicated to get your passport replaced.

• Depending on how expensive your plane, train or bus tickets are, you may want to purchase travel insurance just in case something does go differently than you plan.

• Now when I go to a bar, restaurant or café, I’m careful to keep my purse, whether or not it has my passport in it, hooked over my knee.

• Many people recommend you carry copies of your travel documents in a separate bag. For my friend in Barcelona, having photocopies of her passport helped speed up the process of getting a replacement.

• It may also help to keep your bank’s telephone number with you so that, if your credit or debit cards are stolen, you can notify them immediately.

• If something like this happens it is important to stay as calm as possible. No matter how difficult the situation, it is something you have to handle and staying calm will make doing so much easier.

No matter what happens, travelling is about the memories you make, and whether you return home with positive or slightly complicated memories, you will certainly return with stories to share.

-Christine Fisher

Christine Fisher is a freelance journalist and contributing editor at World Reviewer. Normally based in Philadelphia, Christine is currently working and living in London.

London: The Blizzard of ’10

It snowed in London and the city is absolutely beautiful!

I’m glad I get to see the city snow-covered before I leave, but as a New England native I have to laugh a little bit at the fact that after two days the barely 2-inch snowfall is causing such chaos and headache for the city.

The snow and delays/flight cancelations it’s brought about inspired this post:

Snowed-In Cities: Love Them or Leave Them?

You cannot always predict the weather, but you can often predict people’s reactions to the weather. If it snows, they dream of sun, and if it is too sunny they long for snow. A few lucky, content soles embrace what they have, when they have it. Fortunately with so many holiday destinations, you can choose your surroundings and find the snow or sun you seek, no matter which it may be.

When it comes to snow do you love it or leave it?

If you had to choose, which holiday destination would you pick for a snowy vacation? Let us know and take our poll here!

-Originally published on World Reviewer

Is Internet Access a Fundamental Human Right?

Originally published on World Reviewer

“Life, liberty and security of person,” are among the fundamental human rights protected by the United Nations. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the same document that states these rights, protects the universal human right to education as well as other freedoms. For a long time, debate questioned if access to clean water could be considered a fundamental human right. Then in July the UN declared that it is indeed a fundamental human right.

Now we ask, is internet access a fundamental right?

Five countries (Finland, Estonia, France, Greece and Costa Rica) believe it is. Some argue that internet access is central to education and communication and that internet should be regarded as infrastructure. By 2015, the UN aims to provide access to communication as part of its Millenium Development Goals to reduce global poverty and improve living standards. Still, exactly how this could be funded or implemented is not yet clear.

What do you think? Should internet access be recognized as a fundamental human right?

Join our conversation and voice your opinion in our online poll.

Holiday Inspiration: A Rejuvenating Jaunt Down California’s Costal Highway 1

Originally Published on Spunky Girl Monologues

Holiday Inspiration: A Rejuvenating Jaunt Down California’s Costal Highway 1

Christine Fisher is a contributing editor at World Reviewer, an online source for travel inspiration and holiday guides. Normally based in Philadelphia, PA, Christine is journalist currently living in London and trying her hand at European city travel in Edinburgh, Berlin, Prague, Amsterdam, Paris and Istanbul.

According to family folklore, a great-great-uncle of mine, upon being diagnosed with cancer and given just a few months to live, decided to walk the length of California’s coast. Not only did he complete this journey, but he went on to live in good health for many years. I can’t promise driving the length of California will provide any miracle cures you may be looking for, but I can promise a road trip along California’s Big Sur coastal highway will provide a stirring, rejuvenating and inspiring holiday.

The Big Sur region spans California’s central Pacific Coast and is home to some of the state’s (not to mention the country’s) most outstanding natural beauty. Countless artists have been inspired by the unique vistas and made their homes in the charming California towns that dot the region. California Highway 1 traverses much of Big Sur and passes between rolling mountains, rocky coastal precipices and majestic forests. Residents and visitors alike agree, though, the only way to truly understand the area’s charm and natural beauty, is to see it for yourself.

A. The ideal road trip along the Big Sur region starts in Monterey. Both historically and environmentally significant, Monterey is an ideal vacation spot. The city, situated in a protected bay approximately 120 miles south of San Francisco, has been home to Native Americans, Spanish, Chinese, Portuguese, Japanese and Italian settlers and now benefits from this rich cultural history. Monterey’s coastal locale helped it become the center of the pre-World War fishing boom, and today that same local provides the city with vast, rare natural beauty.

Start your California coastal adventure in Monterey and be sure to visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium (the nation’s premier aquarium), sample fresh seafood or take a whale watching cruise from Fisherman’s Wharf, stroll down Cannery Row (the street John Steinbeck captured so magnificently in his novel Cannery Row), and walk, bike or kayak along the rocky Pacific Coast.

B. From Monterey, cruise 17-Mile Drive – one of the nation’s most prized scenic routes. The path connects Monterey’s neighbor Pacific Grove with Carmel-by-the-Sea and winds along the beautiful, rocky coast, through majestic Pacific forests and past famed locals like Pebble Beach – home to one of the nation’s most premier golf courses. Spend your afternoon in Carmel, the ritzy town known for its unique combination of Hollywood glamour, San Francisco sophistication and European charm. Choose between spending time on the beach, visiting the second oldest mission in California, touring former Carmel Mayor Clint Eastwood’s Mission or simply shopping and dining in Carmel’s four-star shops and fine dining.

C. While the coastal towns you will have passed through by now are certainly worth seeing, the true coastal tour begins when you start driving south from Carmel along California Highway 1. The region has inspired the likes of Henry Miller, Jack Kerouac, Ansel Adams, Edward Weston, Robinson Jeffers and the Beach Boys. As you twist along the winding highway you will pass between rolling hills, forests and rocky ocean ridges. Feel free to stop along the highway at whatever catches your eye as you will find coastal outlooks and attractions like Bixby Bridge – one of the largest single-arch concrete bridges in the world at its completion in 1932.

D. At the end of your Big Sur road trip, you will find yourself in San Simeon, California – another local of natural beauty and California glamour. Take some time to explore Hearst Castle, the lavish 90,000 square foot estate of William Randolph Hearst and former weekend getaway of early Hollywood elite. After some time on the road, you may want to stretch your legs. San Simeon offers several recreation options and outdoor attractions including Piedras Blancas Lighthouse, W.R. Memorial State Beach and San Simeon State Park.

E. If you have more time on either end of your relaxed, rejuvenating journey, you may want to visit San Francisco (120 miles north of Monterey) or Los Angeles (approximately 240 miles south of San Simeon).

Happy Travels!

Why Visiti Sri Lanka

Originally published on Traveldudes.org

Why Visit Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon, is not the most popular tourist destination in Asia, but this tropical island tucked away in the Indian Ocean has unique, beautiful sites and culture you would be mistaken to overlook.

From the hustle and bustle of Colombo, the island’s capital, to ancient temples in Kandy and rolling hills in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka has something to suit metropolitan, cultural and environmental interests.

For a country as culturally and environmentally rich as Sri Lanka, a two week tour is a great option.

Highlights:

- Kandy is where you’ll see the temple of Sri Dhalada Maligawa and the Peradeniya Gardens

- Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa – Here you’ll find old temples which are very beautiful

- Nuwara Eliya you should visit to see beautiful villages which look a bit like in England. There are nice tea estates and hakgala gardens, too

- Unawatuna Galle and north areas have beautiful beaches

- Mirissa and Kalpitiya are great places to watch whales

- Yala and Wilpattu you should go to, to see wildlife

- Udawalawe is the right spot to see elephants

- Kumana is the location for birdwatching

Climate:

Since Sri Lanka is a tropical country, you can expect the rain anytime of the year in most parts. However, the two major rainy seasons are North-East monsoon (October to January) and South-West monsoon (May to July).

Being an island, the climate of Sri Lanka changes dramatically from one part of the country to another. For example at Nuwara Eliya, in the hills of Central Province, has a temperature around -5-20 C throughout the year, whereas Hambanthota, located in the dry zone, has a temperature consistently around 30-35 C.

Written and contributed by Christine Fisher

Photo Credit: sybarite48

Expat Thanksgiving in London

Happy Thanksgiving!

I had to work today, but my job was nice enough to let me blog about one Thanksgiving tradition. Click here for my “Black Friday Shopping” clip on World Reviewer.

This year I’m thankful for 1. Gmail letting me call my family for free 2. My experience in London 3. My friends (especially those visiting from Rome) and 4. The new friends here who put together such a nice (vegetarian friendly) Thanksgiving dinner here in London

Conquering London One Tube Stop at a Time

Originally published on Pink Pangea

By Christine from United Kingdom on 2010 November 23

Little else gives me a sense of independence, pride and safety like grasping a city’s public transportation. When I conquer a city’s public transit system, I know I can conquer the city. Even better, I can do so without relying on anyone else and the sooner I can explore a city, the sooner I can learn to love the city.When I moved to London for a semester abroad the Tube map looked like little more than an overwhelming, jumble of intertwined, bending lines and colours. During my first nights in the city, navigating the Tube, getting lost and finding my way again consumed hours of my time.

To help you safely explore, conquer and fall in love with London without the hassle and potential danger of getting lost, I put together some helpful public transportation pointers.

The Tube: The Tube is London’s underground system and a hugely popular form of public transportation with over 3.5 million journeys per week. While the Tube will get you nearly anywhere you want to go, it has eleven main lines and can get a bit confusing. Before riding the tube, try to get a small map of the system – available in most stations and large transportation hubs.

Buses: London buses go hand in hand with the Tube. Though the Tube closes around midnight, many buses run 24 hours. Bus lines weave throughout the city, which is great for accessibility, but I have yet to find a coherent, comprehensive bus map so it can be difficult to find which bus is best for you.

Transportation for London: Luckily London is serviced by the Transportation for London website, tfl.gov.uk. Transportation for London can help you plan your journey utilizing all forms of public transit and ensuring the most efficient route. It is helpful to check the website before any journey because it will post any delays or construction, both of which are especially common on the weekends. The site includes information on walking, bus, tram and rail routes as well.

It is important to plan your journey before you leave to make sure you do not end up lost or stranded in a “dodgy” neighbourhood. Transportation for London is the best resource for thinking ahead.

Cabs: When the Tube or Buses do not suit you, black cabs and mini cabs can take you from point A to B (or points C through Z for that matter). All licensed taxi drivers in London must pass the Knowledge, an extensive examination of all routes and destinations in the city. Some drivers study for up to three years for the Knowledge, and as a result, taxis are a reliable way of getting around the city.

Black cabs are the traditional London taxis, and though their drivers are knowledgeable, they are metered cabs and can be quite pricey. Another option is minicabs. While black cabs can be hailed on the streets, minicabs must be ordered at an office or by phone. Throughout the city you will find storefronts with signs for minicabs and a flashing light. Minicabs can be called from these stations or ordered over the phone. These cabs quote you a price at the start of your journey so you do not have to worry about watching the meter.

For another perspective on using cabs in London read fellow Pink Pangea contributor Rachel’s post “Hailing a Cab in London.”

No matter how you travel through London, travelling to London is an incredibly rewarding experience, and learning to navigate the city on your own can make your trip all the more fulfilling.

Christine Fisher is normally based in the United States but is currently studying abroad in London where she works as a contributing editor for World Reviewer and freelance journalist.

Tags – black-cabs, buses, cabs, dodgy, london, minicabs, public-transit, study-abroad, the-tube, transportation, world-reviewer

“A Cheap Weekend Break in Edinburgh”

I had another guest blog published! This one on Cheap Weekend Breaks

A Cheap Weekend Break in Edinburgh

 

Edinburgh’s Royal Mile – by N.Hewson

A truly outstanding city, Edinburgh weaves narrow cobble stoned alleyways, spires and picturesque landscapes together to balance its historic, old-town feel with its vibrant, modern urbanity.

Impressive medieval architecture, panoramic vistas, shops and dining, make Edinburgh – the capital city of Scotland – a perfect destination for a cheap weekend getaway.

Things to See in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle – Jordan S Hatcher 

Sitting atop the city’s high, volcanic hill, Edinburgh Castle was built in the late 11^th Century. The site of various conquests, the castle has functioned as a royal residence (where Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to Prince James, who later became both King James IV of Scotland and James I of England) as well as a prison, military barracks and now a tourist attraction.Admission to the castle is affordable but not free.

Check the website ahead of time for online discounts.

Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh

Arthur’s Seat is regarded as the best outlook point for bird’s-eye views of the city. At 250m, though, getting to the top of  requires a bit of physical effort.

Royal Mile, Edinburgh

This route, running from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace – the Queen’s Scottish residence, winds along Castle Esplanade, Castlehill, Lawnmarket Street, High Street, Cannongate and Abbey Strand. The streets are home to both culturally significant buildings like St. Giles Cathedral and the Scottish Supreme Court as well as a busy mix of pubs, cafes and local charm.

Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh

Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh 

Tour the Royal Botanic Garden for free and you’ll find nearly 34,000 plant varieties. The garden –originally a medicinal garden – offers a sampling of local landscape as well as the largest collection of Chinese plants outside of China.

Travel Tips for a Weekend in Edinburgh

Eating out in Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s dining scene certainly benefits from pub culture. Countless pubs serve local ales and dram (Scottish whiskey) in traditional style and offer an authentic Scottish experience.

The food in Edinburgh, that once had a less than flattering reputation, has certainly disproved any such claims. Cullen skink (traditional Scottish soup) or haggis (sheep’s heart, liver and lungs minced with onion, oatmeal, suet, spices and salt) with neeps and tatties (mashed turnip or rutabaga and potatoes) are a must, and fresh seafood, lam and Aberdeen Angus beef are favored by a growing, international foodie fan base.

Getting to Edinburgh

Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh – by gray_um 

Edinburgh airport, although international, is relatively small and easy to navigate. Airlink buses provide quick, convenient transportation into the city for less than £5.

Busses and trains into and out of the city also offer affordable transit options, connecting to various points in the UK.

When to Visit Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s Fringe Festival, regarded as the biggest arts festival in the world, takes places every August. Now a 50-year-old tradition, the festival attracts visitors from around the world. The original Edinburgh Festival itself features classical music and dance while the all encompassing Fringe Festival also includes music, drama, comedians, literature, TV and more.

If you opt not to go for the festival, then the cheapest time to visit Edinburgh is between November and Easter, which is considered the city’s off season (with the exception of Hogmany or New Year’s Eve.)

-A Guest Post from Christine Fisher

Christine Fisher is a contributing editor for WorldReviewer.com and a freelance journalist currently based in London.

The Four Stages of Living Abroad

I’ve just had my first guest post published on the site Twenty-Something Travel! Look for a future guest post on the partner site Pink Pangea.

Originally posted on http://twenty-somethingtravel.com/2010/10/stages-living/

The Four Stages of Living Abroad

Posted on 31. Oct, 2010 by Steph in Advice, Guest posts

Anyone who has spent a lot of time abroad knows that living abroad is so very different from backpacking, with it’s own joys, opportunities and challenges. Christine Fisher explains:

When I prepared for my first extended stay abroad, I daydreamed about all the travel and exploration opportunities ahead of me. I planned the logistics, arranged housing and budgeted my finances. With my sights set on London, I studied British culture and hoped for positive experiences. What I failed to prepare for, though, was the culture shock living abroad would bring. From the honeymoon stage to frustration or ‘rage state,’ to understanding and integration, life abroad certainly has its ups but at times also has a few downs. While in the moment they may not always seem positive, each stage can add a true richness to your expatriate life.

Honeymoon Stage:

photo credit: anamobe

 

Honeymoon stage sets in early on in your time abroad. It is the time of excitement and intrigue when everything new and different is appreciated. During honeymoon phase you will be eager to learn about and experience all your new location has to offer. You will see with your own eyes the iconic landmarks or events you have seen only through another’s lens in photographs and guidebooks. Enjoy honeymoon stage while it lasts. Like your entire trip it will come with the benefits of new acquaintances and memories to last a life time.

Frustration or Rage Stage:

photo credit: Ed.ward

 

When the honeymoon is over, you may find yourself shaken. Perhaps knowing what is ahead, though, will lessen the blow of the most trying stage of life abroad. The frustration stage or rage stage sets in when the cultural differences, the language barriers, the fatigue and other tribulations unnerve you. You may offend someone or be embarrassed yourself, but no matter what the trigger, your entry into this second stage will be clear. The most consistent advice experienced expatriates offer is to remain positive. They warn to not reject differences but to adapt to them.

During my first extended jaunt abroad, frustration stage hit early. I was overly conscious of my actions, fearful of offending anyone or committing any cultural faux pas. Constantly monitoring my actions got to be too much. What really put me over the edge seems silly but was the confusing tangle of streets with cars zipping in the “wrong” direction and the seeming lack of pedestrian rights. Fortunately I did not have much of a language barrier to overcome, and with time I began to accept both myself and my new home hoping to find the best of both worlds.

Understanding Stage:

photo credit: hawken king

 

If you can get past it, rage stage will be just a minor glitch in your time abroad, a glitch that makes everything from there on out seem great in comparison. After frustration you will find understanding, the stage when you become familiar with local people and customs and homesickness wears away. You will probably still make mistakes and find yourself confused, but you will be able to take these things lightly, finding the humor in them. Some even go as far as to call this third stage the humor stage. Laughing at yourself and learning from your mistakes will help you advance from understanding to true acclimation.

Acclimation Stage:

² – Immortal Lens -( Youssef Hanna )”]

photo credit: [JO

 

Acclimation stage is all about acceptance – accepting your personal background and accepting life and culture in your new location. You no longer feel isolated, but rather you have begun to assimilate. While some people get stuck in earlier stages, if you can make it to acclimation stage, you will get the most rewarding travel experience possible. Then, just when you feel truly settled in, it will probably be time to go home.

Christine Fisher is a Contributing Editor for World Reviewer and a freelance journalist. Normally based in Philadelphia, Christine is now living in London and traveling through Europe.