A – Z Guide to Visiting London for Olympics 2012

Yes! The Olympics2012 is getting closer. As I live in London, what better way to prepare, than to write a Guide for all my friends who will be visiting from other countries. Date: 27 July to 12 Aug 2012. So, without further ado, this is what you need to know.

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A - Airports in the London Area are Heathrow Airport / Gatwick Airport / City Airport / Luton Airport and Stansted Airport.

B - Biggest shopping centre in London is Westfield London Shopping Centre, Strafford.

C - Cabs. Taxi’s. There are two types. A Black Cab, which is very obvious or a private licensed one. Ensure you see the sign on the car before getting in, particularly late at night.

D - Docklands Light Rail. DLR trains have no Drivers, No Joke. But don’t worry, you are in safe hands. It runs on electric and I’m sure it’s remotely monitored. Sometimes, a member of staff is on the Train.

E - Emergency Numbers in the UK are 999 or 112 (911 won’t even get you a Pizza delivery)

F - Free Attractions: London is a very expensive city, but you can save money by visiting FREE Attractions.

G - Gaps: Trains play a big role in transport, but are not always able to stop close to platforms, which means people can fall under the trains. Always mind the Gap. It will be announced at the station.

H - “Have to” list on your Itinerary. A visit to london would not be complete, if you don’t visit the O2 (Millenium Dome), The London Eye, Walk round Westminster and see Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament overlooking the river Thames and more.

I – Identification is very important. Always have your passport or alternative ID ready. You will have to produce it for buying alcohol, if you are one of those people with a cute, young looking face - or for other reasons.

J - Jobs. Thousands of vacancies still available. So, if you will be in London before the games. Check “Jobs” on the Website. You can Volunteer too. (Pro-active Recruitment Agency, London is one of the Agencies recruting for Olympic Jobs)

K – Knives. There is an issue over people carrying knives / pen knives in UK. (this was last year). It can be seen as an offence, unless you have good reason to show police you need it.

L – Lingo. There are lots of Slangs used in London – which would be handy for you to know. Something as simple as “a tenner” or “a cuppa” or why we always say “cheers”. Check out some Slangs

M – Maps. Always have a small tube map in your purse. They are free, from any tube/underground station. Pick up a few. You never know when you will need them.

N - Night Time. A personal note – As much as possible, avoid going out at night. 2am/3am/4am. If you have to, be very, careful and never go alone. I love London, but – every country has nutters. Be Safe.

O – Oyster. An Oyster card, is the cheapest way to travel round London. Ensure you get one on arrival. You do not need a photo card for it. Register it, so if it gets lost, you don’t lose the money on it. (They are pre-paid). When you are leaving a station "touch in", placing it flat on the yellow pad. When you arrive your destination do the same "touch out". If you don't, it will charge you double.

P - Pets. Do not leave your Pets in Cars. Summer is very hot and a few pets died last year because they were left in hot cars.

Q - The Queen is renting out St James' Palace for £30,000 a night. So, if you are a Millionaire, Billionaire,Trillionaire or Skillionaire – make the necessary contact.

R - Roads. We drive on the left – be careful when driving and crossing roads. For safety, wait for the “Green man” before crossing.

S - Smoking is very restricted in UK. You are not permitted to smoke in train stations, trains, buses, taxi’s, restaurants, shops, toilets, workplaces, even pubs.

T - Tickets Everything about Tickets for the Olympics.

U - The Uniform below, will be worn by 70,000 volunteers, 6000 staff and 4,000 technical Officials - so you know, who is who.

V - Venues - The Olympic Games will be taken place in different parts of london. For details of venues. Visit: http://www.london2012.com/venues

W - Website for the Olympics is: www.london2012.com

Y - Yell. Yellow pages – Useful for when you need a business telephone number. Go to yell.com or dial 118-247 from a phone.

Z - Zones. London has 9 zones - Zone 1, is the most expensive, as it is the heart of London. The further out you go, the cheaper accommodation, travel and shopping will be. To avoid travel stress, stay within Zones 1-4.

I hope you find the guide helpful. Please share it.

Have a Safe Trip. (◕‿◕)

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^{Published 8 Jan 2012}

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