longer-term travel plans - nice ones

[sistawendy]

The Tickler informed me that her other girlfriend S won't be able to make the Folsom Street Fair because it falls on the Jewish High Holidays this year, and S is an observant Jew. I feel a little sorry for S, who's pretty cool, but I may get a windfall: depending on the other folks the Tickler knows in the area, she may need me to change my reservation to two (2) freaks and stay with me. Regardless, I'll be seeing more of her than I'd expected.

Also from the Tickler: she hasn't been to London in twenty years. I haven't been there at all, and it's number one on my international travel bucket list. (I've flown over it four times thinking, 'Aw, mayunn.') The Tickler has proposed going there early next year. Yes, the weather will suck, but it won't suck much more than Seattle that time of year. I must tell you, I'm pretty psyched at this prospect, and will eventually be hitting you all up for tips on things to see and people to do. And yes, London has much to offer those with interests that the Tickler and I share. Ahem.

Number two and three on my international bucket list? Melbourne because I have friends there and love Australia, and Tokyo because how can you not?

Comments

[teazle]

I’m a Brit. The weather won’t be that bad, is likely to just be windy and rainy (our standard). But may also be either freezing cold or like a spring day! Our weather changes A LOT. We had 50mph winds yesterday with rain and still, sunny day today.

Main tips - get an Oyster card for London public transport. Public transport is excellent but crowded. Buses are cheaper than the tube but can be hard to navigate. Boris bikes are everywhere in the centre. London is BIG and sprawling - some places are walkable, others not so much. Go to the British Museum and the Tate Modern. Enjoy the parks - Regent, Hyde and Richmond are all lovely. Touristy places (tower of London etc) are good but expensive. You can get discounts with packages - eg the dungeons, Tower of London, madam tussauds all rolled into one. You only need to tip 10% and that’s only if it’s good service - our wait staff get paid proper wages. The South Bank has a great vibe - Borough Market for food, bars all along, down into Southwark is fantastic, very chilled out and interesting.

Consider a day trip by train to Brighton (or an overnight stay, lots of nice places) LGBTQ central, loads of things to see and do, good clubs.

[sistawendy]

Thanks! I'm filing all this away for future re-reading.