| The Academic Traveler Newsletter
September/October 2008 |
|
Tea and Crumpets for Kids
by Jennifer Angle
 London with your children is one of the greatest trips a family can take. I've had the joy of traveling with my daughter to London at ages 7, 8, and 9, but there is so much to do that we still haven't exhausted all our possibilities!
Traveling with children is so much fun, but, parents, you have to be game to jump-in with both feet. Children will always climb to the top of anything. They're willing to try the food and keen to embrace the customs of the locals. Children are thrilled to meet others their own age, and they love to travel like the locals--tubes, trains, buses, carriages-bring it on! Jumping full speed ahead into the culture is a blast! After all, isn't that why we travel?
And London is vibrant and exciting. From the moment you and your children "mind your step" off the plane, you are immersed in the British culture. You might be directed to "queue up" in customs or to find a "trolly" in baggage-and what a heady experience it is to ride in your first taxi or bus and realize that everything is just the opposite-literally!
March in London can be blustery, but there is an old saying that there is no bad weather, just bad clothing, so get out your "windcheaters," "Wellies," and "brollies," put on your plimsolls, and be prepared to walk. After all, if you stay inside waiting on the weather to improve, you may never see anything at all. Be assured, after a meal of fish and chips or bubble and squeak, you'll be ready for anything.
Royal Highlights
 .Everyone is thrilled when the drums are heard as the Queen's soldiers arrive for The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. Just around the corner is one of my daughter's favorite places: The Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace. Children of all ages will enjoy seeing the real working stables of the Queen. There are horses, carriages, and the Queen's cars.
You'll truly feel like Cinderella as you walk up from the train station to Windsor Castle. I guarantee that it's a sight you will never forget. We'll step back in time as well when we visit Hampton Court, the castle that was once Henry VIII's playground. Costumed guides will truly excite your senses and give you and your family a real experience of the taste, smell, sights, and sounds of the castle.
Finally, we'll check out Diana's royal dress collection at Kensington Palace. While visiting KP, we'll also take tea at The Orangery.
Other Highlights
On the banks of the River Thames we'll explore. The Tower of London and see the Crown Jewels of England. From the top of Tower Bridge we look over the Thames. Then, it's on to the Thames itself for a complete water tour of London.
 For a bird's-eye view we'll ride the London Eye where we can see The Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey-all at the same time. Tired yet? We're just getting  started! Trafalagar Square, Piccadilly Circus, museums, #10 Downing Street, 221-B Baker Street-the list goes on and on. Don't worry, though. We'll leave you time to ride horses in Hyde Park (one of our personal favorites) or get hopelessly lost in Harrods!
Entertainment
No matter what kind of "nosh" you're hungry for, you'll find it in this international city, but don't eat too much because you want to save time to see a musical or play at London's famous West End. We'll celebrate our travel successes and laugh about unexpected adventures over our farewell dinner at Gerrard's Corner in China Town.
So grab your kids and pack for the weather. We're going to have a jolly good time in ol' London!
Give us a bell if you'd like more information at 662.915.6511 or e-mail antonow@olemiss.edu. Click here to visit the City Kids: London website. |
