Witnessing a 350-Year Old Royal Tradition.

The United Kingdom's royalty remain - even today - a huge part of British culture.

One of the best ways to witness a traditional ceremony is to attend the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. This ceremony takes place everyday at 11:30AM during the summer, and on alternating days throughout the rest of the year. Crowds start to form quickly after 10:30AM, so if you want a good view, it's best to arrive early.

The British Army's Household Calvary Regiment, the Queen's Guard, and the band perform a half-hour long ceremony to change the guards in front of the palace. The Queen's Guard are the most recognizable because of their red jackets and tall black fur hats. These are the foot guards who march from the St. James Palace to Buckingham Palace.

The soldiers will either be the Blues and Royals or Life Guards, depending on their schedule.

The band performs several songs, some of which are from musicals. Others are pop songs.

- Text and image by Leah Williams.

Foxtrots, Quick Steps and Cha Chas next to Handbags, Hot Sandwiches and Vegetables.

The Covent Garden Dance Orchestra sporting tuxedos during a Tea Dance performance today at the Spitalfields Market.

The Tea Dances are held once a month throughout the summer, making the elite musicians accessible to market shoppers.

- Text and images by Christie Francis.

Be Aware: Driving in Central London Will Cost you £8 Per Day. Or More.

Transporting around London usually involves utilizing the tube, bus or taxi at some point in the journey. A hefty price haunts any consumer who chooses to avoid public transportation by opting for a personal car.

Currently, any driver in Central London must pay a “congestion fee” which amounts to £8 (about $12) per day, Monday through Friday. Late payments incur steep penalties. A yearly pass costs £1696 (about $2544).

Although London's seven million residents are urged by the government to utilize public transportation to conserve energy and prevent congestion, there are many people who opt to travel by car.

Those who choose to drive are urged to find ways to minimize commuter congestion, which they can do by driving tiny Smart cars (like in the image above). The Smart electric car, which was introduced in London on June 29th, is the perfect city car - you can park it almost anywhere and it has zero-emissions.

But despite being smaller than traditional cars, Smart car drivers still pay the same congestion fee.

- Text and image by Lisa Aprile.

Borough Market: A Cornucopia of, Well, Everything.

Picture a market that has at least three or four stands of every kind of food you could possibly want to eat.

A market with 130 stalls displaying various foods from around the world.

A market where you could rid your tummy of hunger from cheese samples alone.

A market where you can find the hottest chili peppers known to man, the most exotic mushrooms you could consume without tripping, hundreds of freshly ground spices, the rarest of berries, and multiple types of chocolate (plus chocolate) samples that are to die for.

Where cheese is melted by the block and ostrich meat and kangaroo burgers are cooked up like they’re no big deal.

Where a whole stand is dedicated to flax seed creations, another to freshly churned butter, one to balsamic vinegar, and one to rapidly shucking oysters.

Oh, and among all of these items, you can still get your basic apples, broccoli, and bread, all at its freshest for a rather cheap rate.

This is Borough Market, one of the largest market you'll ever experience in your life.

You'll love it. Who wouldn’t?

Open Thursdays 11-5, Fridays 12-6, Saturdays 8-6. Located near the London Bridge.

- Text and images by Grace Dickinson.

Rainy Day or Not: London Museums Are Always Free.

If ever you come across a rainy day in London (it will happen), do not sit around, twiddling your thumbs. Many of London’s best rainy day activities are the least expensive attractions in town.

Aside from certain exhibits the may charge a fee, the majority of London's museums are free to the public. London is a city rich in history and culture. You should leave yourself a good couple hours for each museum as many, such as The Victoria and Albert Museum and The Natural History Museum, can be quite extensive.

Don’t feel rushed - you may have enough rainy days to fill up. Even when it's not raining, London museums have fascinating works to offer.

Here are a few current interesting exhibits and displays:

The Victoria and Albert Museum
My Generation: The Glory Years of British Rock
Peter Rabbit: The Tale of a Tale

The Natural History Museum
The new Darwin Centre, which opened in September 2009.
Life in the Sea.
The dinosaurs gallery.

The National Gallery contains paintings by artist like Rembrandt, Michelangelo, Monet and Van Gogh, as well as rotating special exhibitions. For example, from October through January 2011, they will exhibit the works of Canaletto and his rivals.

- Text and image by Robin Tarleton.

Millennium Bridge: Modern Architecture in an Ancient City.

Contrasts between old and new London can be seen on every street corner while walking through the city. Modern architecture can be seen standing next to buildings that were built many centuries ago.

The Millennium Bridge, only one example of modern architecture, stands 325 meters long across the River Thames, offering a walkway to pedestrians. From the bridge, which connects St Paul's Cathedral and the Tate Modern, pedestrians can view the Tower Bridge and the London Bridge, both significantly different in style from the Millennium.

The bridge was designed for an international competition that was held in 1996. It provides a footbridge to pedestrians without obstructing views of the city. Opening in June 2000, the bridge raised concerns when it started to sway with large crowds walking across.

When walking across the bridge today, pedestrians will not feel a sway in the bridge. Some talk of the sway, hoping that they will be able to feel it but changes have been made to the bridge since 2000, preventing the sway that once occurred. Other pedestrians who walk across the bridge may not have heard stories about the sway but have seen the bridge in modern entertainment, most notably the beginning of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. With the high amounts of foot traffic on the bridge, some vendors have even set up stands, selling snacks like hot dogs and nuts.

For whatever reason you may decide to walk across this bridge, it’s an interesting piece of architecture in the center of a city made up of a mix of historic and modern places and it’s worth seeing simply for the amazing view.

- Text and image by Christie Francis.

Covent Garden: Neon Lights, Bustling Crowds and Rockaoke.

The Roadhouse in Covent Garden offers a casual atmosphere with drinks and entertainment.

After walking down a flight of stairs to the basement, the room opens up into a retro scene illuminated by flashing neon lights. People sit around the edges of the room in booths and tables sipping drinks or snacking on something from the extensive food menu.

A large bar sits in the center of the room with a smaller bar on one wall. Bustling crowds surround both bars during happy hour. Once or twice a bartender might flick a glass into the air to entertain the customers but anyone behind the bar is mainly concerned with moving traffic, letting people return to their seats or back to the dance floor.

The music coming from the speakers is loud enough to enjoy but still quiet enough to hear the person across the table. When it gets closer to 10 p.m., a band starts to assemble on stage. Not only does the band play covers of once popular American hits, on Wednesday nights it accompanies singers during Rockaoke, the Roadhouse’s own karaoke competition. The band manages to keep all entertained while listening to the occasional horrid rendition of a classic song by someone who had a few too many drinks.

If customers arrive early enough, entrance to the Roadhouse is free. On most nights, an entrance fee between £5-12 is required after 9 or 10 p.m. Even with this fee, however, most people arrive later in the night just in time for the band to go on stage when the dance party begins.

- Text and images by Christie Francis.

A Southall Barbershop Experience.

There are plenty of places around London to get a haircut. So when it came to getting a fresh look, I decided to go a little off the beaten path. Southall, a predominantly Indian community, was my destination.

With no specific place in mind, I suddenly found myself at the doorstep of Bittu’s
Hairdressers. Upon walking into the shop, I told the receptionist that I needed a haircut. He looked at me funny and simply pointed to a bench with a few waiting customers. As I sat waiting, I soon realized how long this experience was going to take. The stylists, while diligently working, constantly stopped to converse with one another.

When my time to shine finally came about, I stepped up to the leather chair. The stylist could only speak a few licks of English, so I did much of my communicating with my hands.

I was shaved, squared up, and received one of the most traditional barbershop experiences. The back and forth banter between the stylists wasn’t in English, yet something about it made me feel at home.

Getting a fresh cut was the best decision I made all day. And it only ran me six quid.

- Text by Luke Bilek. Image of Bilek sporting his fresh cut by George Miller.

The British Pub Experience.

If you are looking to avoid the hustle and bustle of a harried Central London environment, the Lord Moon of the Mall is the place to go.

A quaint pub near Trafalgar Square, this eatery is the epitome of what Londoners are all about.

Many Londoners enjoy a private and low key atmosphere when it comes to eating out. Many tourists who are unfamiliar with this way of life may be surprised or even confused about what they encounter. This seat-yourself pub allows you to experience the scene at your own pace, with minimal assistance.

The menus are conveniently placed on tables for customers. Once a decision has been made, it is the customer’s responsibility to communicate to the bartender the food and drink order for the table. A transaction is immediately made. An employee will serve the food once the entire table’s order is prepared. A small table of condiments, napkins and other necessities are found in the middle of the restaurant.

When customers have finished their meal as well as their time at the restaurant, they are free to leave. No additional service, plate clearing or employee tipping is necessary.

- Text and image by Lisa Aprile.

Dial 999 to Get the Police (and Keep Your Goodies Hidden).

I woke up and found my wallet missing from my purse.

The night before, I was in Brixton to see a reggae/ska show at Hootananny's. I left my purse unattended at one point in the night, not thinking of the consequences that might bring.

I called my mom. She canceled my credit cards for me while I proceeded to find nearest police station in my South Kensington neighborhood. I walked in 90 degree weather for about an hour before I finally located the station.

I filed a report and the officer instructed me to call the Brixton police station in a few days to see if my wallet "turned up." I knew the chances of that were slim.

Along with credit cards, my social security card was in the wallet so I was concerned my identity could be stolen. Unfortunately, the police officer said nothing could be done about that unless there was indication or evidence that my social security number was being used by another person.

This wasn't the best news to hear but at least I had done everything I could.

I was lucky I kept my license, bank card, and tube pass in another pocket in my purse. I would have spent a lot of money for replacements if those had been taken as well.

My advice to travelers: if you plan on carrying around all your important information with you, DON'T. Save yourself a hassle. Always keep your purse/ wallet with you at all times. You can't trust anyone you don't know.

I was warned several times about the pickpockets in London but of course I never thought it'd happen to me.

I thought wrong.

- Text and image by Leah Williams.

Chewable Toothbrush? Fresh Breath for £1.

Chewable toothbrushes are small, disposable, plastic toothbrushes that can be used without water. They are found in vending machines located in restaurant restrooms throughout London as well as around Europe. They are mint in flavor and are perfect to use on-the-go. One can be bought for £1 and is easily disposed after use.

- Text by Erica Vines.

Camden Town: Shopping, Eating and Fish Massages.

Camden Town's 'Camden Lock Village' is a great open market with several stalls selling unique clothing, jewelry, art and souvenirs.

A variety of food and drink are also available. The village is one of the smaller markets and it can be tough to walk around when busy. They provide seating surrounding the market, which can fill up quickly. There are rows of seats created from mopeds that overlook the Regents Canal - as well as benches, a dock and grass further down. Not only is the view great, the atmosphere is laid back as well.

Treat your feet to a special Fish Massage, offered in one of the stalls in this village. This village is just one of the many markets in Camden Town, all of which have their own unique feel.

- Text and images by Leah Williams.

Brick Lane: Meet Musician/ Artist Lewis Floyd Henry.

On Brick Lane in East London, local resident Lewis Floyd Henry, 33, wears his best pin-striped suit and tie, plays a Fender Stratocaster and pounds a custom foot drum.

Crowds surround the one-man band to listen and take photographs. They admire his man-made stage, with his amp bungee-tied to a hand truck. Henry, who bears an uncanny resemblance to Jimi Hendrix, puts on a Hendrix show by covering songs likes Purple Haze and All Along the Watchtower.

“Watch this,” Henry says as he uses the top of his drum to open a bottle of beer.

Henry is not all gimmicks though. He just recorded his first original demo.

Street music is not the only form of public art that Henry performs. His graffiti tag “Kn0wn” can be seen throughout London on everything from the Underground to trash cans. The tag is even featured in “Time Out London Short Stories” in a personal essay about graffiti art in London.

When Henry isn’t tagging the streets of London or playing music along Brick Lane, he can be seen playing at festivals such as The Jazz n’ Blues, The Big Chill and Leeds Festival.

- Text and bottom image by Meghan Agnew. Top image by Grace Dickinson.

Hyde Park: A Great Spot for Adventure and/ or Relaxation.

London's famous Hyde Park has been under the care of the royal family since King Henry VIII's reign in 1536.

The park contains miles of walking paths lined with gardens, and lawns great for picnics, playing sports or just laying out.

While walking through the park, stop by and see some of its main attractions such as Diana’s Fountain, the July 7th Memorial or near by Kensington Palace.

There are several restaurants and cafes throughout the park, along with numerous ice cream stands. The park is a great place for children - there's a pool and playground, as well as acres of open space to frolic. There are also tennis courts and boat rentals.

Whether you’re in the mood to be active, learn some history or just sit back and relax, Hyde Park is a great place to visit.
- Text by Robin Tarleton. Top two images by Christie Francis. Bottom image by Chris Diehl.

Spitalfields Market: Vintage Thursdays, Fashion Fridays and Food Every Day of the Week.

Located just blocks away from the Liverpool Street Station, Spitalfields Market houses rows upon rows of eclectic sales ranging from clothing to food to vintage items. Every aisle is a tribute to the style of local establishments. Close to Brick Lane, the bustling weekend crowd weaves in and out of the market and surrounding streets, toting shopping bags and other recent purchases.

With employees willing to help find whatever the shopper is looking for, Spitalfields Market boasts a friendly atmosphere. While some may be encouraging impulse buys, the knowledge they offer about their products is often helpful. Many of the pieces are handmade, including guitar-string jewelry and framed prints. New sizes, colors, and pieces are readily at their fingertips, waiting for you to try on, inspect, or admire.

For the hungry shoppers, hot sandwiches and iced treats are sold in multiple places throughout the market. Mostly foods to eat on the go, Spitalfields Market caters to many taste buds.

The market holds different sales every day, with Sunday being the busiest. During the week, shoppers can find antiques and vintage on Thursdays or fashion and art on Fridays. Even late on a busy Sunday, the stalls seem fully stocked with product, though sizes may already have been swiped earlier in the day. An earlier arrival times allows for a full day of shopping but any time of day, Spitalfields Market is a great place to look for unique buys.

- Text and bottom image by Christie Francis. Top image by Grace Dickinson.

Southall: Bright Colors and Bouncy Beats.

When visiting Southall in West London, you quickly take notice of the many bright color fabric shops and sounds of bhangra music. Southall is also known as Little India because of the variety of South Indian and Sri Lankan cuisine and colorful saris. These particular photos were captured in one of the many fabric shops located up and down Uxbridge Road.

- Text and bottom image by Erica Vines. Top image by Leah Williams.