I'm going to Europe

[shazza]

Hello friends,

I am going to Europe in late January 2013 until late February 2013. I will be on a Contiki Tour with a group of hometown friends and then staying in London for the last week.

I don't have the details of the itinerary, but who, probably specifically in London/England, wants to catch up with me?

[Heald]

I'd be so up for a beer or two with the shazzmeister.

Let me know the dates and I'll try to be available - I'm sure there are some other TPMers who would be up for it (I'm looking at you Hudd).

[Blademaster]

What's a 'Contiki Tour?' Sounds tropical.

[ChobiChibi]

I'd be so up for a beer or two with the shazzmeister.

Let me know the dates and I'll try to be available - I'm sure there are some other TPMers who would be up for it (I'm looking at you Hudd).

Yes yes yes yes yes yes yes!

I also hope you mean 2014. Cos I'm not really up for time travel...

[Heald]

[Magmar]

Enjoy your traveling adventure! The TPM London crew is pretty awesome

[Mikachu Yukitatsu]

What's a 'Contiki Tour?' Sounds tropical.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contiki_Tours

And welcome to Europe, shazza!

[shazza]

Hi guys!

So, I believe I'll be in London between February 18 and February 25.

I have nothing planned so far.

What do I do?

[Magmar]

Go to Camden Town and go to every free show you can find for at least one pint. That was probably one of the more fun things I did there, and I did it on my own! I saw a grungy punk band, a jazz band, a 70s cover band, and a few random indie bands. Very fun.

[shazza]

I'll look it up. Thanks, Barry!

What would be the best nature gardens for scenery and contemplation?

[Heald]

I'll be honest; despite living 30 mins from London for most of my life I'm utterly useless at naming anything good to do there. Also February in London is usually pretty cold, can be wet and even snow if you're (un)lucky. But then it has snowed in May in recent years so it is a complete lottery.

I agree with Barry though - Camden Town is a cool place to go no matter what time of year it is, and it is pretty accessible on the London Underground too. If you're planning on using the London Underground a lot, you can pick up an Oyster card at most tube stations - it's basically a pass you top up with money and you just check in and out every time you use public transport, and it usually works out cheaper than buying tickets on the day too. It's worth Googling it if you want more info.

Generally London is pretty expensive, even by UK standards. Drinks are usually at least £1-2 more expensive, and meals are £5-15 more expensive than outside the capital. Most places usually do deals though, especially early-bird or Sunday to Thursday. Plenty of drinks places do happy hours as well. A good rule is that anywhere right next to train stations, tourist attractions and theatres will charge premiums, and the further out of the centre you go, the cheaper things tend to get - this is pretty common sense but lots of people don't realise this. There isn't that big a tipping culture in the UK - not many places will charge a mandatory service charge for groups of 6 or less, and no one will be particularly offended if you don't tip, but 10% is the absolute maximum if you've had decent table service. Most pubs expect you to order your food and drinks at the bar and pay there and then.

If you have laptops or smartphones or tablets, most places in the capital have free wi-fi - McDonalds restaurants and Wetherspoons pubs are safe bets if you need wi-fi in a bind, but loads of pubs, cafes and restaurants use 'Cloud wi-fi' - you normally just need to create a free account and you can log in wherever you go.

London has loads of parks and gardens. I couldn't really tell you which are the best ones but I'm pretty sure Google will be your friend again.

What I would do is a few weeks or days prior to arrival, Google for things going on in London on the week of your stay - there's always something going on, a lot of it will be free or good value and you'll be bound to find something you enjoy. If you want to go see a musical or a show, there are stands around the West End that can sell discounted last-minute tickets, sometimes at a 90% discount. If the Book of Mormon is still running and you haven't seen it, I can honestly say it's one of the best shows London's ever put on.

I am in the UK during those dates but due to work commitments will probably only be able to make either the 18th or 19th if you wanted to meet a fellow TPMer. Not sure about Becki, Kirsten or any of the other TPMers.

[Little_Pikachu]

I'm in London on February 18/19th Going down with a couple of friends for my birthday. Probably going to be busy drinking though, maybe I'll run into you in a bar

[shazza]

I'll be honest; despite living 30 mins from London for most of my life I'm utterly useless at naming anything good to do there. Also February in London is usually pretty cold, can be wet and even snow if you're (un)lucky. But then it has snowed in May in recent years so it is a complete lottery.

Thanks for that, Gus. Today I spent some times looking for some winter gear - hoodies, gloves, scarf - but didn't set my sights on anything. I know that only being used to an Australian climate it will be a surprise to me.

I agree with Barry though - Camden Town is a cool place to go no matter what time of year it is, and it is pretty accessible on the London Underground too. If you're planning on using the London Underground a lot, you can pick up an Oyster card at most tube stations - it's basically a pass you top up with money and you just check in and out every time you use public transport, and it usually works out cheaper than buying tickets on the day too. It's worth Googling it if you want more info.

Sounds very similar to the myKi system we have here in Melbourne.

Generally London is pretty expensive, even by UK standards. Drinks are usually at least £1-2 more expensive, and meals are £5-15 more expensive than outside the capital. Most places usually do deals though, especially early-bird or Sunday to Thursday. Plenty of drinks places do happy hours as well. A good rule is that anywhere right next to train stations, tourist attractions and theatres will charge premiums, and the further out of the centre you go, the cheaper things tend to get - this is pretty common sense but lots of people don't realise this. There isn't that big a tipping culture in the UK - not many places will charge a mandatory service charge for groups of 6 or less, and no one will be particularly offended if you don't tip, but 10% is the absolute maximum if you've had decent table service. Most pubs expect you to order your food and drinks at the bar and pay there and then.

How are the prices in regards to winter gear? For example, I pack extremely unprepared and in order to not freeze, I need to find some gear ASAP.

If you have laptops or smartphones or tablets, most places in the capital have free wi-fi - McDonalds restaurants and Wetherspoons pubs are safe bets if you need wi-fi in a bind, but loads of pubs, cafes and restaurants use 'Cloud wi-fi' - you normally just need to create a free account and you can log in wherever you go.

Awesome.

London has loads of parks and gardens. I couldn't really tell you which are the best ones but I'm pretty sure Google will be your friend again.

He certainly will be.

What I would do is a few weeks or days prior to arrival, Google for things going on in London on the week of your stay - there's always something going on, a lot of it will be free or good value and you'll be bound to find something you enjoy. If you want to go see a musical or a show, there are stands around the West End that can sell discounted last-minute tickets, sometimes at a 90% discount. If the Book of Mormon is still running and you haven't seen it, I can honestly say it's one of the best shows London's ever put on.

I've always wanted to see the Book of Mormon. Thanks for all the advise, Gus!

I am in the UK during those dates but due to work commitments will probably only be able to make either the 18th or 19th if you wanted to meet a fellow TPMer. Not sure about Becki, Kirsten or any of the other TPMers.

I'd love to have a beer with you.

[shazza]

I'm in London on February 18/19th Going down with a couple of friends for my birthday. Probably going to be busy drinking though, maybe I'll run into you in a bar

I'd also love to have a beer with you as well, Susie. I've known of your existence for over half my life and you played a significant role in my 12-14 year old period, after all.

[Heald]

How are the prices in regards to winter gear? For example, I pack extremely unprepared and in order to not freeze, I need to find some gear ASAP.

Eh, even though there is seasonal variance it depends where you shop. If you're not fussy, there are cheaper stores that will sell warm clothes (you won't need massive coats or thermals or anything, just a thick jumper and maybe hat, coat/jacket/fleece and gloves), such as Primark & TK Maxx.

I'd love to have a beer with you.

I'm an idiot, got my dates completely wrong. If your original itinerary is correct, I would only be able to have a drink with you on the weekend of 21/2 to 23/2 (Friday to Sunday). I've got a friend's birthday that weekend but I'll be in London on the Sunday anyway (23rd) so that would be my best day for sure.

Chobi and anyone else fancy doing 23rd as well? Could go for lunch and have some drinks afterwards?

[ChobiChibi]

That weekend is probably good for me! I'm moving during the week, but the Sunday is defo the better of the days Will book some train tickets tomorrow and let you know when the train will get in ^^

[Mikachu Yukitatsu]

I'm happy to get physically closer to shazza.

[Magmar]

TK Maxx.

I was so amused in London when I saw TK Maxx! We have TJ Maxx here in the US. Not sure which is the original.

Take lots of photos. I'm afraid I haven't got any photos of #TPMUK12, unless you lot have any

[shazza]

Europe was beautiful.

It was great to see Becki and Gus. Just really fun and awesome people.

I'll post more later on!

Gus, do you want to post the photo?

[Heald]

POW



Best selfie evar, BradCoop don't have shit on Guston

[Mikachu Yukitatsu]

Let's keep the tradition going on! And awesome as you guys are, spell the word occupy correctly unlike I did!

[Heald]

To be fair, that was my third attempt at spelling occupy. The first attempt was occuppy and the second attempt was Gary

[ChobiChibi]

Can't all you TPMers live closer?! I always have good times with you guys <3

Also, on the way back, my coach was full. I sat next to a lady who got frustrated that I was eating so she sat there sighing and tutting and tapping her foot until she eventually told me to stop. Yes, told. I hate rude people.

What happened to all the tube station selfies, Shannon? XD

[Magmar]

<3 it was really quite a great time... two years ago i have to come back soon!! We need more hotel room pokerapping.

[RedStarWarrior]

When you coming to the States?

[Gavin Luper]

Looks like you guys had a blast!

[Mikachu Yukitatsu]

shazza, where u now? Did the rest of the tour go according to the plan?

[shazza]

I'm back in Australia now. I caught up with Becki and Gus on Sunday, February 23 (GMT+0) and departed Heathrow Airport back to Australia on Tuesday, February 25 (GMT+0).

The trip was amazing. There are so many words I wish to write about it.

[Mikachu Yukitatsu]

Well I got some information by reading your Facebook updates. You are quite a prosaist, I'd never extend myself to such rhetorics, not even in Finnish language.

And I'm glad you are back home safe and sound.

[Heald]

Glad you had an amazing time mate. I can testify that Shannon is one of the nicest people I've ever met. Just such a cool guy.

[shazza]

I got my film developed!

Here's a really nice photo of Gus and Becki, if I do say so myself:

[RedStarWarrior]

Come to Virginia next, you bitch.