Although obviously written for an American audience, this easy-to-understand guide is all you need to make the most of an unforgettable trip to, or an extended stay in, London. As someone who has lived in London for a total of eight years, I would recommend this guide not only to tourists but also to foreigners who live in London, including students and businessmen.
This guide is divided into seven parts, each consisting of between three and six chapters. Parts I & II, Getting Started and Ironing Out the Details are really meant to be read before you arrive in London as they deal with the advance planning aspects of your trip; such as booking your flight and hotel, and obtaining your passport.
The other Parts deal with transportation (including how to use London buses and The Tube), accommodation, dining, entertainment, and shopping. My favourite in Chapter 17: More Cool Things to See and Do which will really make your stay in London unforgettable. London has many unique sights and cultural features that are not available elsewhere. While many Londoners take these for granted, foreigners simply do not know that such places exist and tend to go to the usual tourist spots. Chapter 17 will be a real eye-opener to the heart and soul of historical and cultural London. Much of the information in the other chapters may be obtained for free from a number of sources, either on the Internet or tourist brochures but Chapter 17 and Part VII are what really make this guide unique and invaluable.
The final Part, Part VII, consists of various interesting odds and ends that don't fit into the other chapters. Overall, the many maps, addresses and websites make this guide extremely handy indeed.
Reviewed by Azlan Adnan, MA who has lived in lived for a total of eight years, initially as a student at Brunel University, the University of Westminster and the University of London. He has also worked in London as a research officer and university lecturer. Azlan is currently Managing Partner of Azlan & Koh Knowledge and Professional Management, an education and management consulting practice based in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysian Borneo. He may be contacted at Tel: +6088-383 526 E-mail: azlan@azlan.org
