Notes to self about surviving sightseeing in London

1. Training regime:
Forget the walking miles at a time to get yourself fit for London sightseeing.
What's needed is a training program that consists of taking a few steps, stopping looking at something for a few seconds and then proceeding slowly over  a few kilometres (this will equip you for any Gallery or Museum).

 This exercise should be interspersed with mad dashes (so you can catch the Tube train that has just arrived and is on the verge of leaving again without you aboard).
The program should also include the 'looking upwards neck stretch' so you can try and work out who the hell is on top of the many columns with statues of famous people attached at a dizzying height,

Depending on your accommodation and the Tube stations you frequent you may also need the stair climbing endurance exercises as well. Our accommodation is on the 4th floor of an old building with steep irregular and almost spiral stairs.At the end of a big day sightseeing the sight of these stairs is daunting , although we have managed to make it up them without stopping every time. Our room is the last attic window on the right hand side of the smaller building. Great location but no lift!

And finally there is the queuing exercise - standing on the spot without significant progress at all.
This is the one I sadly lacked after getting fit in Bali, and it has caused me a lot of pain!

So forget the usual gym programs and stick to these exercises and you will be fine.

2. Opening times and managing frustration
After considerable travel one learns to consult Lonely Planet, websites or any other sources of information to be absolutely positive that a specific attraction is open on a particular day. But  'the best laid plans of mice and men etc etc ..... '  Yesterday we headed for Westminster Abbey to be told there was a 'spontaneous' closure for two days as there was a special event the following day and it takes the BBC a day to set up cameras to film the said event. Oh well, ten deep breaths and on to the next attraction!

3. Learn to love a devonshire tea
In order to make the most of London regular sustenance is required and a scone with strawberry jam and a large dollop of clotted cream does the  trick every time. Of course you need a pot of tea to wash it sown and then you will feel ready to attack the next sight on your list! Mind you I have just re-read that last sentence and realised I am getting very old.
Of course a good cup of coffee will do the same but it's a bit harder to find in London..

4. Perfect your Oyster card technique
In order to look like the experienced Tube traveller you have to ensure that you can locate your Oyster card (same as a Myki or other travel cards), get it into the right position in your hand , swipe the pad on the gate and walk through all without changing your pace. Any hesitation means you are in danger of being run over by those who have perfected the process! And let's face it - you are trying to not look as if you're a tourist!

your expert tourist correspondent,

Dianne