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London Experience 2003 A weekend of fun in the big smoke January 2003 For the second year in succession, 1st Hersham and Oatlands Scouts descended upon London in an attempt to hit all the places worth hitting on the tourist trail. This time a party of 41 had a great time and it's always nice to do something a bit cultural. We'll be back. Baden-Powell House Once again, our accommodation was the unsurpassable Baden-Powell House - a rather nice hostel owned by the Scout Association in South Kensington. Smart rooms, slap up breakfast and arcade machines win with us. The Science Museum - Bond, James Bond So it's not everyday you get to pretend to be James Bond. The Bond, James Bond exhibition at the Science Museum was excellent, and taught us how the films are made and just how to be a secret agent. We also made the shop run out of stock. If you see anybody wearing a tux and hanging from a helicopter from now on, that's Troop B. The Planetarium Informative and interesting, the Planetarium is quite a cool show about stars, supernovas and the galaxy. Plus the seats are comfier than first class in a really comfortable airline. Madamme Tussauds Don't know what it is, but there's something about hanging round with celebrities made of wax that makes your weekend. Photos with an almost real Sarah Michelle-Geller also work with us. Like Kylie too. B.A. Baracus, not so much. London's Transport Museum Surprisingly good. Tube driving simulators were popular, as was clambering around double deckers, old trains, trams and more. They've done a good job here and we'd recommend it to others. Pizza Express @ The Royal Festival Hall The Savoy Grill was booked, so the kind folk at Pizza Express agreed to cater for a group of 32 ugly scouts, and 9 even uglier leaders. This was quite a posh branch of the chain and the staff were friendly and helpful. Pizzas were tasty and it was actually civilised. We did tip, by the way. Late Night Walk Mike from Oatlands Explorers, joined us on Saturday evening for an interesting walk around the City of London, telling us all sort of stuff about it's past and present. Also had to wander along a dark alley. Tower of London We can see why this is London's No. 1 tourist attraction. It's ace to run about the place and see The Crown Jewels, scaffolds and drawbridges. Plus the tour with the Beefeater was superb. We thank William the Conqueror for building this place and Henry III executing so many folk - it made our afternoon. HMS Belfast Big battle ship in the Thames. Lots to play with. Guns. Ammo. Ladders. Nuff said. McDonalds's There's nothing quite like a lunchtime with Troop B. Enjoy more. Huge thanks go to all the Leaders, tour guides, hostel staff and everyone else who helped make this a fab weekend! Here's looking to the next one...