THINGS TO DO – Page 4

November 22, 2016 by: Sunny London

What British People Eat for Christmas

Before my first holiday trip to London, my family asked what British people eat for Christmas. I arrived in the beginning of January the first time I lived in London and didn’t stay an entire calendar year. So, I wasn’t actually sure how to answer everyone.

Would it be just like how it was depicted in ‘A Christmas Carol’? Do they really eat pheasant or goose now? Was that just the Victorian era or true English tradition?

I relied heavily on my English husband (London born) for ideas to share with you, as well as a little research. After living here four years, what British people eat for Christmas still has me curious. I enjoy some of their holiday foods and drinks. Others- not so much!

You can see which British Christmas season drink has me plugging my nose and running the other direction here…

While no person’s Christmas dinner plate is ever the same, there are some general items that you see at a British holiday meal. If you’re British, be sure to add your additions and thoughts to what British people eat for Christmas in the comments below or on the YouTube video. American friends, what other things about living in London as an American expat would you like to know?

If you’re visiting London for the holidays, the blog has tons of things to do for Christmas. There is also a very popular feature about Christmas Differences Between the UK and USA. Be sure to subscribe to the blog’s newsletter so you don’t miss any fun events in London or expat advice too!

What’s on your Christmas dinner plate this year? Do you eat a meal at home or book a table at a restaurant? Do you have the same selection annually or does it depend on how your family is traveling?

November 17, 2016 by: Sunny London

Star Wars Identities at The O2

Thinking of visiting London’s Star Wars Identities exhibit at The O2? If you’re a passionate Star Wars fan, this is one you can not miss. It features costumes, production materials and mdels from the most epic films of all time.

Star Wars Identities creatively appeals to those who are more scientifically inclined too. For insight on what the experience involves, advice for a visit, an activity suggestion to pair with your trip to The O2 and a fun look at the ‘stars’, make sure you read all the way until the end!

Star Wars Identities: The Show

This is a two-minute highlight reel of who and what you’ll see in London at the Star Wars Identities exhibit at The O2:

https://youtu.be/O120bjCjRso

Star Wars Identities- What You’ll See

Mr Sunny and I went to see the costumes and props. He’s a huge Star Wars fan. I have always liked the films. As a former film student in the US, I also have deep appreciation for how they’ve affected pop culture.

My eyes were on the infamous gold bikini.

After seeing it, I actually don’t believe Carrie Fisher, or any human being for that matter, actually wore it. That thing is small!

Star Wars Identities: What You’ll Hear

Our expectations were set on seeing the stuff above, so Mr Sunny and I didn’t care much about the audio adventure. That was a good thing because that part of the exhibit gets a two thumbs down.

You receive a lanyard to wear around your neck that has a circular device in the centre. It’s supposed to track your journey. You’re also given a rubber bracelet that you tap to certain areas to register your character choices. Finally, you have an earpiece that goes over one ear. I understand that the premise of exhibit is scientific and psychological exploration. But, that was way too much stuff to keep track of when you’re also trying to upload pictures to Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. AND collect images for a video and blog review!

My devices for the exhibit didn’t work. Between the static and random sound bytes fizzing in my ear, that part of the experience was more annoying than useful.

Star Wars Identities- What You Do

You visit 10 different stations. At each location there is information about human psychology and character development. It’s billed as a character driven adventure into identity.

As you read about the journeys of Luke and Anakin Skywalker, you make selections about items like what you want your guiding trait or value, origin for your character to be. At the last station, you see a picture of your character projected in the ‘universe.’ Then, you have the option to receive the description via email.

I received mine within a minute after entering my address. If you’d like to see who I would be in the Star Wars Identities galaxy and a sample of what you’d receive, this is some of the email’s text and link they sent:

You can view your Hero’s full identity profile, and even share it with your friends here:

sw-id.com/582a00259c6bb

Star Wars Identities: Advice

Choose your first character carefully. It’s the physical appearance you’ll see at the end of your journey. Girls, you don’t have many options if you’re seeking female physical representation. Book tickets in advance and arrive early. The O2 is ginormous and the exhibit took us about 10 minutes to find once we arrived inside the building.

There are plenty of places to eat and drink at The O2, if you’ve never been there before. I’ve reviewed plenty of other restaurants that are there, including Cabana.

Plan on at least 75 minutes for the exhibit, if you’re like us and just want to see costumes and spaceships. For those more scientifically focused, you could be there several hours. After the Star Wars Identities experience we also jumped on the Emirates Cable Car ride for our third time. It has amazing views of London at night, but here you can see more about the daytrip views.

If you’re traveling a bit of a distance to The O2, book the Climb the O2 experience also. I did it over the summer and loved it. It’s one of the most open places you can get to ‘under the stars’ in London. It could be a really fun adrenaline filled activity to test out your newly acquired hero identity! Read my review or watch the video here…

We purchased our tickets through a deal notice I received via my email subscription with Timeout. This allowed us to preview the exhibit four days before it opened at a discounted rate.

The Star Wars Identities exhibit runs from November 18 2016- September 3, 2017. So you don’t miss the Sunny News about London, like fun things to do and advice for visiting, subscribe to the YouTube channel and email! Leave your thoughts and questions about the Star Wars Identities exhibit in the comments below. I’d love to know what else you would like to learn about London too!

November 13, 2016 by: Sunny London

Christmas in London- What You Can’t Do in NYC

What’s the difference between Christmas in London or Christmas in NYC? I’m sure there are plenty of things that are the same. However, after living as an American expat in London for several years and being married to a British bloke, I’ve learned some fun things to do for the holidays in London that you can’t find anywhere else. From Christmas markets to drinks that the English love, I share a bit about the London holiday season life below.

Of course there is great shopping in London and New York City. That’s not something I show in the video. Both cities also have great deals after Christmas too. In fact, just two years ago London really starting getting in to the Black Friday spirit. Now, for whatever reason they justify here, there are some serious deals the day after Thanksgiving. Why retailers have tried to copy the massive shopping crowd hysteria that happens on this day in the US makes no sense to me.

Take a few minutes to see what makes London unique during the Christmas holiday.

The Sunny News YouTube channel, shares even more advice for things to do and what you’ll need to know about London. This includes safety tips, pub advice, and a shopping guide. The blog also has a Guide for Americans Visiting London which is a collection of the top experiences I recommend. You’ll definitely want to bookmark it and visit the Pinterest boards created to help trip planning too.

It would be great if you were able to add your ideas about unique activities in London that I didn’t include in the video. Also, make sure to leave your ideas about Christmas things to do in New York City that you can’t do in London in the comments below. For more cultural differences, I’ve also written a blog feature on ‘Christmas Differences Between the US and UK.’

October 18, 2016 by: Sunny London

Scary Things to Do in London

Haunted pubs. Haunted Hotels. London sure has its hands full when it comes to scary things to do! If you’re looking for fun attractions to fall in to the holiday spirit, this city has no shortage of options. I mean, let’s consider some of the scariest events in history took place in the town.

The Bubonic Plague

The Great London Fire

Jack the Ripper

Pretty impressive list, eh?

For Halloween, the scary things to do really kick in to high gear here. Whether you are on holiday or live in London as an expat like me, this list of the top scary things to do.

https://youtu.be/jrR_yvlCq74

If you’re visiting London, make sure you pin this feature and the Guide to Visiting London for the First Time. Of course, you can always subscribe to emails to learn more as it happens too!

September 30, 2016 by: Sunny London

Things To Do in London for Thrill Seekers

When you’re looking at lists of things to do in London, you generally see the same things. Ride the London Eye, see Big Ben, visit the Tower of London, blah, blah, blah. It’s not that I haven’t written tons of reviews on London attractions and find value in visiting them. But, sometimes you just want to kick it up a notch. Or maybe several hundred feet 😉

In this video you’ll learn my top things to do in London for thrill-seekers. Take a few minutes to watch the fun activities available for those who have a truly adventurous spirit.

Don’t miss the challenge I offer at the end! And be sure to list anything you think I’ve missed in the comments on YouTube or below.

https://youtu.be/q4uRFxWzre4

Things To Do in London: What’s Next

If you’re visiting London, make sure you pin this feature and the Guide to Visiting London for the First Time. Of course, you can always subscribe to emails to learn more as it happens too!

September 25, 2016 by: Sunny London

10 Harry Potter Things to Do in London

Are you planning a trip to London and need a list of Harry Potter Things to Do? As an American expat living in London, I frequently receive questions on social media and on the Sunny in London blog from Americans visiting London who love Harry Potter. They’re always wondering what they should do if they have a limited amount of time in town.

Aside from several specific reviews of Harry Potter activities, you’ll find differences between the Universal Studios Wizarding World of Harry Potter attraction and the Warner Bros Studio Tour and suggestions for how to get to the studio in London in the blog too. The most recent blog article is a Potions Class that is the closest thing to a Harry Potter Afternoon Tea that you will find in London.

However, if you want a list of 10 Harry Potter Things To Do in London, then take less than four minutes to watch what’s available in this YouTube video. The end features a sneaky tip for how to never miss notification about the best Harry Potter news in London.

Be sure to leave questions you have about the activities and general London trip planning in the comments below.

I also put together some questions to ask yourself if you’re not sure about whether or not to go to the Warner Bros Studio Tour. I’ve had quite a few emails from people who are overwhelmed with all the choices they have for what to see the first time they visit London and specifically ask about the Harry Potter Studio Tour. If that’s you too, then this is for you…

The Sunny News YouTube channel, shares even more advice for things to do and what you’ll need to know about London. This includes safety tips, pub advice, and a shopping guide. There is also a comparison on Things to Do in London for Christmas That You Can’t Do In NYC…

The blog also has a Guide for Americans Visiting London which is a collection of the top experiences I recommend. You’ll definitely want to bookmark it and visit the Pinterest boards created to help trip planning too.

September 23, 2016 by: Sunny London

Jamie Oliver Cookery School Review

I was a little embarrassed when our class at the Jamie Oliver Cookery School started. Mr. Sunny started answering all the Chef’s questions, without giving anyone else there a chance first. However, I tried to be patient and understand it’s just because my husband was so excited about the opportunity.

When the email asking if we’d be interested in taking a class at the Jamie Oliver Cookery School came through, I knew it was my ticket to winning ‘Wife of the Year’ with Mr. Sunny. We both love cooking, so we thought the opportunity to go to one of the most famous British chef’s cooking school was super cool. We carefully studied all of the options on the website and picked the Taste of Japan class.

Because we did so much research, it was easy for Mr. Sunny to yell, ‘pork gyoza, green vegetable and brown rice stir-fry, chicken teriyaki with
homemade sauce, gomadare sauce and miso dofu’ when the Chef kicked off class by asking, ‘Who knows what we’re making tonight.’

He had studied in advance and was ready to learn. He’s an over-achiever when it comes to food 😉

The Chef started the cooking lesson by throwing pork belly, chili, cabbage, garlic and ginger in a food processor for the gyoza filling.

This immediately solved the question I had about being able to make and eat all the menu items during the two-hour session. Mr. Sunny was a bit disappointed because he really wanted to do everything himself and have guidance from a professional chef. After very fast directions and demonstrations, we were left to assemble the pork gyoza with our cooking partners.

Mr. Sunny and I each took turns rolling the dough and making our pork gyoza. We did ok on our own, and the Chef only had to help us a bit.

Next, we came back to the same side of the table as everyone else and received instruction on how to make chicken teryiaki and green vegetable and brown rice stir-fry . At this point it was becoming a little hard for us to follow the Chef. Aside from Mr. Sunny and I in the cooking class, there was a very affectionate couple and a party of six colleagues celebrating one’s birthday. The office group was a bit rowdy and continued to order bottles of prosecco throughout the class.

Mr. Sunny was a little disheartened because he really came to learn as much as possible. The Chef did his best to keep the group focussed and moving forward.

Mr. Sunny and I prepared our chicken teriyaki together and soon enough, it was time to eat everything. It was amazing. We’d like to take credit for being able to cook such food fantastic but much of it was prepared in advance.

Jamie Oliver Cookery School Review: Final Thoughts

Taking a class at the Jamie Oliver Cookery School is a good idea for people who want to do something fun in London and don’t expect to leave feeling like they could win Master Chef. We learned that it’s more about the kitchen experience as a social activity or date night, rather than the educational value. The biggest tip Mr. Sunny discovered in the Taste of Japan class was that you actually don’t need to cook chicken in oil for it to turn out well.

I would return to take classes at the Jamie Oliver Cookery School and be excited. They offer a huge selection, including North Indian Thali, Mexican Street Food Feast, Fragrant Thai Green Curry, and Unbeatable Filled Pasta. They range in price, so if you think you might be put off with being in a class with many other people you don’t know, you may wish to take one of the cheaper classes like Pizza and Prosecco for £35. The Taste of Japan course that we took as a complimentary experience via the blog is normally £55 per person.

Secretly, I am hoping Mr. Sunny reads this and buys the Sharpen Your Knife Skills: The Essentials class for me for Christmas. It’s something I really need!

The Jamie Oliver Cookery School is located in the Westfield London shopping centre in Shepherd’s Bush. We received an email the next day with all of the recipes and steps to make the meal. It’s something Mr. Sunny and I will try soon on our own, and of course share with you on social media! In the meantime, you can catch the Jamie Oliver Cooker School on Twitter and Facebook.

For more about what Mr. Sunny and I like to do and share in the kitchen, be sure to read the blog’s Recipes section which includes Mr Sunny’s Easy Toad in the Hole and my How to Make Homemade Pasta from Scratch! What cooking classes have you taken?

September 12, 2016 by: Sunny London

Lord’s Cricket Ground Tour in London

If you’re looking for a fun British sports activity in London, then consider a Lord’s Cricket Ground Tour. When I was invited to this special opportunity just before the Royal London One-Day Cup Final returned to the famous location, I was super excited.

It’s not because I have been a lifelong cricket fan. I actually still don’t get the allure. However, I do know that a private tour of the home of cricket with a former player and captain is a once in a lifetime opportunity. In preparation, I messaged my husband’s British colleagues and friends for their help, and off I went.

Unlike other blogger and press events, I was the only female who rocked up for the Lord’s Cricket Ground Tour. I’d say it was awkward, but I actually thought it was kind of cool. What was awkward, however, was realising that I probably shouldn’t have run straight from work in a dress. My wardrobe didn’t give me an opportunity to play ball with the famous Nasser Hussain.

He graciously met with our press group and then gave us secret stories about his career as an English cricketer who captained England’s team from 1999 to 2003. The boys even got to suit up and bat around a bit. (Is that what you say?)

We had opportunities to ask him questions before our official tour. I waited until the blokes were done and approached Nasser with questions from my friend Gav, an avid cricket player and fan, sent me the day before.

‘How would you explain cricket to an American?’

‘What’s the best sledge you’ve had or given?’

For the first question, he said cricket was like a really slow baseball game that lasts five days and might not have a winner.

Ouch. At least he was honest.

He also answered the second question, just after he laughed a bit when reflecting on the memory. Nasser graciously acknowledged my complete lack of what cricket involves when he noticed the blank expression on my face. Since I didn’t have a clue what he meant, he then volunteered to type the answer in to my phone. What a cool dude!

Out of respect for the fact that it was an insult (which actually wasn’t too mean), I am going to honour the sport and gentleman and not print it here. My friend Gav, however, will get a text sharing the answer.

We then met our official guide for the Lord’s Cricket Ground Tour and headed up to the Long Room, which you aren’t allowed to photograph. The PR company sent the pictures below to me the next day. This room represents the sports world’s most celebrated interiors.

We also were able to go to the MCC Museum and see the iconic Ashes Urn.

We received this extraordinary opportunity in anticipation of the last major cricket final of the county season which takes place on Saturday September 17, 2016. It’s when Warwickshire takes on Surrey. Lord’s Cricket Ground has many activities planned for people taking in a match at the iconic sports venue. Visitors will be able to take part in a range of activities, from picknicking by the pavilion to batting competitions.

They’ll also have free taster sessions with MCC coaches for children. You might even have a chance to see some of the stars of the England men’s and women’s teams!

The Chief Operating Officer at the England and Wales Cricket Board, Gordon Hollins, stated that the ‘Royal London One Day Cup Final is a milestone in the sporting calendar and provides county cricket supporters with the opportunity to watch their team…’

The one-day game will take the spotlight as the nation prepares itself for hosting both the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy and 2019 Cricket World Cup respectively on home soil. Apparently, this competition has widely been considered an opportunity for upcoming players to stake their claim for an England cap. Tickets are priced at £30 for adults and only £5 for children 16 and under. You can get them online.

If you aren’t able to enjoy the Cup Final Cricket at Lord’s this year, doing a tour like I did is a fun way to learn more about this very British sport and venue. I want to thank Lord’s Cricket Ground for the fun tour and dinner at the Lord’s Tavern. Of course, a special note of gratitude to Nasser Hussain for his interest in sharing his cricket tips and stories with our group. He’s truly a star for many reasons.

You can visit the Lord’s Cricket Ground Tour on a London Pass or visit the Tours of Lords website directly. Do you have any cricket tips to share? What would you have asked Nasser Hussain if you had the chance?

A Lord’s Cricket Ground Tour includes:

Admiring legends past and present on the famous Honours Boards
Sitting in their seats in the Dressing Rooms
Following in the footsteps of past players through the Long Room
Seeing the famous Ashes Urn and Prudential Trophy in the MCC Museum
Browsing current Museum exhibitions – Wounded Tiger, a History of Pakistan Cricket and Cricketers of the Year

September 9, 2016 by: Sunny London

ArcelorMittal Orbit Slide Review and Video

Why is the ArcelorMittal Orbit Slide the #1 thing to do in London this year?

That’s exactly the question I went to answer this week as I headed out to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford, London.

Two years ago I had the opportunity to attend a press trip in the area and saw the spectacular views from the top of the attraction. Naturally, when I was invited to descend the world’s highest and longest tunnel slide down this public artwork, I quickly grabbed all my gear to go!

ArcelorMittal Orbit Slide: What’s Involved

For the 40-second trip, you circle around the ArcelorMittal Orbit 12 times. While you weave your way through the loops and curves of the iconic structure, you pass through light and dark sections with London’s dramatic skyscape whizzing around! Finally, you end with a 50m straight run.

ArcelorMittal Orbit Slide: Guidelines

To take this daring challenge down the art installation, there are a few things you to know. You must be 1.3m in height and at least 8 years old. Obviously, you can’t have any medical conditions or be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Other important questions you might need answered are:

You cannot ride with anyone else.
You should wear comfortable clothes and shoes. It’s suggested you have on long sleeves.
At the time of this blog, you cannot film the event on your own.

arcelormittal-orbit-slide-olympic-park-london-review

Photo courtesy of AttractionTix

ArcelorMittal Orbit Slide Review London Attraction review

Photo courtesy of AttractionTix

ArcelorMittal Orbit Slide: How Scary Is It?

In one review I saw the person said it was scarier than skydiving. I’ll let you be the judge as you watch my experience here…

The Sunny News YouTube channel, shares even more advice for things to do and what you’ll need to know about London. This includes safety tips, pub advice and a shopping guide. The blog also has a Guide for Americans Visiting London which is a collection of the top experiences I recommend. You’ll definitely want to bookmark it and visit the Pinterest boards created to help trip London planning too. Please leave any questions/ideas you have about things to do in London and how to plan your trip below. Would you Ride the Slide?

My experience at the ArcelorMittal Orbit was complimentary courtesy of AttractionTix. I went on the slide twice because I loved it so much and would highly recommend it to thrill-seekers visiting London or living in London. You can read other people’s reviews on TripAdvisor too.

Photo courtesy of AttractionTix

September 7, 2016 by: Sunny London

Where to Eat in London- 5 Foodie Streets!

Feeling overwhelmed about where to eat in London? If you’re planning on visiting London, deciding which attractions to see in a limited amount of time is tough enough. If you layer in the problem of researching restaurants and pubs to visit, you will be overwhelmed with too many options.

To help you plan your trip, I created a list of five streets for foodies that will help you. In fact, it’s also a great resource for American expats who have just moved to London and want to start becoming familiar with London’s restaurant scene.

If you’re a super foodie like me (yes, I’m actually ranked as one on Zomato, which is one of London’s most popular food review websites), you can make life easy and follow the advice in the YouTube video at the end. It will give you details and a tour of each street. The streets have a range of cuisine types and prices. Hints of a few are in these pictures:

The best way to find where to eat in London is to know what streets offer great selections of restaurants, pubs and cafes. This way, you don’t waste time wandering around. You can focus on choosing what cuisine and price range you feel like at the moment. Watch here to see where to eat in London and make sure to print the maps next too!

These are the maps mentioned in the video:

Please leave any questions/ideas you have about where to eat in London and how to plan your trip below.

Want a Food Freebie in London?

Subscribe to the Sunny in London weekly email and immediately get the ‘Local’s Pocket Restaurant Guide to London.’ It’s the ultimate free travel accessory for your London trip. The Guide has top recommended restaurants from a local, organised by neighbourhood. With it you can easily find a place to eat when you’re on a London street. Downloading the file to your phone means skipping Wi-fi and finding a fab foodie place- fast!

As part of the welcome, you will also receive several other free downloads that will guide you through trip planning, plus a weekly edition of the hottest happenings in London.