PHILIAS FOGG REPORTS

Jun 13

Just to get the travel conversation segment started, here are a few thoughts about London, our go-to European destination at least once a year for our fill of live theatre and culture.

 

First, as of this year, be aware that YOU CANNOT ENTER GREAT BRITAIN WITHOUT AN ELECTRONIC TRAVEL AUTHORIZATION (ETA). It is unclear what might happen if you get to the gates without an ETA -- either turned away with no travel refunds or required to go through a very lengthy immigration process which might or might not result in entry -- so get your ETA online, either using your computer or -- they will keep prompting you over and over again -- using the app downloaded to your tablet or cell phone, before departure. You can apply for yourself and other people who will accompany you but not for anyone who won't be physically present when you enter England. The instructions say it could take three days to process your application, and I caution you that the application process is the very definition of kludgy and unduly complex.

I couldn't get the phone app to work: it absolutely would not take the required self-photo and the instruction to scan the embedded chip in the U.S. electronically-enabled passport only worked half the time. As a result I completed the process by desktop computer; along the way it told me it didn't like the photos I uploaded of either our passports or our faces, but it permitted me to pursue the application and pay the non-refundable fees with a stern warning that the application could be rejected. If we hadn't already prepaid some expenses and purchased London theatre tickets, the thought did cross my mind to cross London off the visit list for this year, but I suppressed my frustration and anger and persisted -- and the ETA was granted for both of us only one day later.

 

London theatres are an absolute treat. Mostly centrally located and easily reached by the London Underground, with generally smaller more intimate venues, we've come to enjoy live theater in London much more than New York -- and often before newer productions even reach the NY stage. You can purchase theatre tickets online conveniently at London Theatre Box Office (https://www.londontheatreboxoffice.com/).

 

We also love and are members of the British Natural History Museum (https://www.londontheatreboxoffice.com/), conveniently located in South Kensington. It also happens to be just across the road from our favorite small London hotel, The Ampersand (https://ampersandhotel.com/, yes, it is named after the & typgraphical symbol).

 

I am often asked about the reputed lower quality of restaurant food in London compared in general to other international destinations. This is an outdated and fortunately completely wrong idea: London is now definitely a major player on the international food scene. In particular, the wide variety of international cuisine available in London is amazing, from some of the best Indian food restaurants, fine Chinese restaurants, and Turkish mangals (barbecue restaurants), food grilled over an open galvanized fire pit, which I've never seen anywhere else outside of Türkiye and which are a unique experience and an absolute delight. Fortunately there are now ample fine choices for fresh fish (with chips, of course, if you like) as well as hearty English fare like classic roast beef or chops.

 

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I want to participate in Zoom group chats with the Not Just Another Book Club Travel Conversation Circle (before and hereinafter, the NJABCTCC) if they can be organized. Please send me e-mail notices of meetings.

 

This is the site for travel conversations with Arne and Ruth and friends. Comments welcome at njabctcc@gmail.com