Gone Fishing!!!! Well not really but sort of. I am on vacation from my day job. I will be spending the next few days in Las Vegas. Contrary to what the commercials say, what happens in Vegas will not be staying in Vegas this time. Why? Because I will be attending Blogalicious 2012, and you know I will be writing a post or a series of post to fill you in on all that I learn about blogging. If you don't believe me check out the series I wrote last year after Blogalicious 11. I will also be spending some time living it up with a couple of girlfriends, hitting the strip, gambling, and doing whatever else tickles our fancies. Unfortunately for you, the traditional What Happens in Vegas stays in Vegas rule will apply to those activities :-)
In the mean time I have not left you stranded. Today, please enjoy a guest post from Amanda Rodrigues of Show and Stay. If the resent Olympic Games did not make you want to go across the Pond to London her guest post certainly will.
Top Ten Ways to Chase Joy in London
photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/criminalintent/3867913283/
- Second Hand Shopping - Retail therapy is a great way to chase joy in the capital, and nothing makes you smile like finding a bargain! London has a wealth of excellent vintage stores and thrift shopping options where you can find cheap, unique and pre-loved items to liven up your wardrobe. Brick Lane, Portobello Road, Covent Garden, Shoreditch and Camden are all rich in retro boutiques, or head to a vintage fair like Alfie's Antique Market in Bermondsey.
- Take in a London Show - There's plenty of joy to be found in the glitzy West End, where there's a London show for every taste, whether you're a lover of colourful musicals or heavyweight plays. Jazz up your London break with a visit to Theatreland and bring some added joy to any visit to the capital. From the heartwarming smash-hit Shrek the Musical to the cheery and uplifting Matilda, there are so many lively productions to choose from, the hardest part will be picking which one to see!
- A Walk in the Park - Brighten up your day with a brisk walk or a leisurely stroll through one of London's many green areas. Explore the huge and sprawling Royal Parks — spot free-roaming deer in Richmond Park, pelicans in St James's Park or enjoy the far-stretching views of the Thames in Greenwich — or head to one of the many commons or heaths across the capital for a slice of tranquility in this busy city.
- Discover some Street Art - Seeking out some of London's hidden art is bound to bring a little joy to an otherwise dull day. Street art tours run three days a week in Shoreditch and Brick Lane, taking in some of the capital's freshest and most exceptional street pieces. It's a wonderful way of acquainting yourself with the urban landscape and the street art scene, as well as discovering parts of London you wouldn't ordinarily see.
- Rediscover your Inner Child - Taking a trip down memory lane is a great way to chase joy in the capital, and there's no better place to do this than the V&A Museum of Childhood. Home to a huge collection of children's paraphernalia, from hand-crafted rocking horses to Meccano building kits and puzzles to puppets, you're sure to recognize something from your own early years that will make you smile.
- Tea and Cake - It really is the simple pleasures that bring the most joy, and it doesn't get much simpler than this. Whether it's a fancy afternoon tea at the Ritz complete with cucumber sandwiches and a glass of bubbly, or pastries at your local patisserie, or even a cup of builders and a slab of Victoria sponge in the corner cafe, there are very few things that tea and cake can't solve!
- Make Something - Drink, Shop & Do is a cafe on the Caledonian Road; a little haven of joy in an otherwise rather seedy area near King's Cross. Here you can enjoy a refreshing cocktail, afternoon tea or a glass of wine while learning a new skill, such as Playing with Clay 80s Style, Robot Lego, Vintage Hair and Make-up, or Rude Scrabble. Great on your own or with friends, this kitsch cafe is packed full of craftsy charm, which is certain to instill a little happiness.
- Have a Sing-Song - Nothing says 'joy' like belting out your favorite tune at the top of your voice, and the capital has tons of places to burst into song. Whether it's a Cockney Sing-Song at the Brick Lane Music Hall, a solo in a Japanese-style karaoke lounge or a bit of KaraUke (karaoke accompanied by a ukelele band), you'll find plenty of ways to unleash your inner diva in the capital.
- Cuddle a Piglet or Little Lamb - Feeling glum? Baby animals are bound to bring a smile to your face, and London's city farms are the perfect place for you to hug a cute and cuddly creature. Escape the urban jungle by visiting a rural retreat in the heart of the city. From geese to goats and wallabies to alpacas, there are all sorts of animals to meet and greet. Some city farms like Deen City and Freightliners are even free to enter!
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Here is a picture of Tree Abseiling, from sciencephoto.com
Climb a Tree Relive those carefree childhood days by partaking in one of the UK's fastest-growing adventure pursuits. The Big Tree Climbing Company offers experiences at Highgate Woods, where you can get back to nature in the most thrilling way possible. You'll get training before your climb and then you'll abseil down again for an added rush.
in case you were like me, and did not know what it was.
Have you participated in any of these activities in London? Which of these activities would bring Joy to your city?
