Success Abroad » Activities

Christmas Markets are back on London streets

Zuzanna — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 18:00:41 +0000

The festive season is now upon us. The decorative lights on main streets are shining (so pretty on Oxford Street!), long shelves in every shop are full of Christmas puddings, shopping fever has begun. This is the time of year that the Christmas Markets are being opened. Some of them just for a certain day of a week, some are known just to locals, some have a long tradition and are well-known across London.

Southbank Centre is a host to the popular Cologne Market with 60 beautifully lit wooden huts, full of traditional German-style food, mulled wine, hand-crafted gifts and Christmas decorations.

For those who are more picky and conscious about what and how they eat, there is a Christmas Slow Food market from 19 December. There you can buy carefully selected food, but also learn how to prepare vegetarian Christmas dinner, take part in a butchery workshop or try some tasty mulled wines.

Going along the Thames a little further, there is the Dazzle exhibition at the London National Theatre with contemporary designer jewellery and prints. Whether your favourite material for a necklass is silver, gold, precious stone or even wood or recycled paper anyone can find a special gift for a loved one here.

Not a big fan of following the crowd? Why not to try something local. There is the Hidden Art – Christmas Design Fair at the Old Truman Brewery in East London where you can find unique gifts from a selection of fashion, jewellery, interior products and ceramics.

If shopping for you needs to be a part of Christmas fun, not a purpose in itself then the Portobello Winter Festival is for you. There, you can enjoy food tasting, free gin cocktails, dance workshops, free film screenings and street performers. If you bring a flyover, which you can print out on their website, you will get some special offers from local designer shops and cafes.

Search for more local Christmas Markets at www.viewlondon.co.uk .

Enjoy the festive season!

Photo from Flickr by renaissancechambara's

Winter sports in London? Yes, you can

Zuzanna — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 09:51:40 +0000

Maybe it’s not freezing cold over here in London yet but even now we can get a substitute (feeling) for a proper winter.

The season for ice skating has begun. A few days ago Somerset House and Natural History Museum opened its ice rink and others will follow from this weekend and run through ’till January. The prices are reasonable and equipment on site to hire. With all the colourful lights around, an ice rink looks magical!

If you’re more into snowboarding or skiing you can prepare for the season at the indoor snow slopes in Xscape in Milton Keynes. You can find there fresh snow and minus temperatures so wrap up warmly.

Participating in all sorts of winter sports makes the dark months more bearable. And it’s fun!

Find the nearest ice rink:

www.viewlondon.co.uk

Photo from Flick by iJammin

Help others by giving your time – volunteer

Zuzanna — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 21:45:45 +0000

Londoners love giving their spare time. Volunteering is a big part of London’s life. There are lots of one-off and annual events, short and long term commitments which you can join. To help others and engage in a good-cause you do not necessarily need to give money. Sometimes your time is more valuable.

If you want to volunteer, London offers hundreds of opportunities. You can choose the time and day, you can develop your hobby and do what you really like, you can get highly valued experience and meet amazing people. I’m sure you would feel great knowing that there is someone whose life you changed for better.

If you love photography and want to develop your skills you can take part in an event and take photos for publicity. It’s very flexible, you just need to book yourself at an event that suits you. You can find more details on Virgin Unite website.

If you are interested in personal development there are plenty of opportunities to become a career mentor. You need be able to inspire those struggling with motivation while looking for a job. Support and help with overcoming personal barriers is what unemployed people need most during the hard times.

For those who need to plan ahead, they can join a charity and commit themselves to a whole year’s work, for just a couple of hours a week. Your community may need mentors – people to act as a role model for kids and young people who lack input from adults in their own family. You will get training and support, also you will have a Criminal Records Borough (CRB) check. This is a unique opportunity to impact the life of youngsters in a positive way.

On the other hand, volunteer travel may be the best option for those who can’t stay in one place for too long. You can go to beautiful places such as Costa Rica, Kenya or Honduras and help underprivileged families in the most basic and beneficial way, to build homes. All you need is enthusiasm and a desire to make a difference.

For those who are really lazy, how about raising money to help street children in Brazil while you sleep? Join ABC’s Big City Sleep, and spend a night under the stars at Old Spitalfield Market.

Invest in yourself, get involved and make a difference for others.

More volunteering opportunities:

Do-It – volunteer job search

Kids Company

Volunteering England with young people

Cross-Cultural Solutions

Photo from Flick by Focx