2. The Pubs

Nothing quite says London like dark wood, warm pints, and hanging signs. London's pubs are fascinating places, each a different and unique experience all its own. Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese is a pub in the City of London that we'll have lunch at before touring St. Paul's. Dickens and Dr. Samuel Johnson drank here. In Dickens case... he pretty much drank everywhere.

But the pubs of London are about more than just drinking. In many ways they are a congregation point for people who live in that neighborhood. It's a place people come together to discuss their shared experiences, and what's going on in their life.

Part of this class is about you folks experiencing London, the city and the people. Pubs are a great way to meet interesting characters who can tell you what the city is like. This class is also about exploring places that may seem a bit outside your comfort zone. Pubs are a great place to do that.

Some of my favorites? Here they are in no particular order:

The Churchill Arms on Kensington Church Street for it's decor, and flowers.
The Founders Arms near the Tate Modern for it's view of St. Paul's and the city.
The George Inn for it's history and links to Chaucer and Shakespeare.
And pretty much any pub in the Highlands of Scotland, like Saucy Mary's (on the Isle of Skye)
These are just a few of my favorites. I know you'll find your own. There are some very close to you in Chelsea right down near the Thames on Cheyne Walk that are very nice.

If you want to know the United Kingdom -- know it's pubs.