I went to London and all I got was …
Apr 16th 2008
Karen RoseOn Writing!
Hey all - I’m in London this week! I’m here for the London Book Fair and to meet with global representatives of my UK publisher. Today I signed 1000 books for a distributor (in less than 2 hours!) and tonight was a big dinner for the global reps.
Tomorrow is a full day with stock signings and the Book Fair and tomorrow night is the Crime Party - for all my publisher’s crime writers. I’m hoping to get some special handcuff earrings for the occasion. (Just for kicks, you understand.)
While I’m shopping, I must pick up something for youngest child. When asked what she wanted, she first replied, “A prince - either Harry or William will do.” 
The crown jewels was her second choice and “something cool” was her third. I have been instructed not to pick up “just anything” but instead I’m to watch the “cool kids” and see what they are wearing.
LIke I’d know a cool kid from a hole in the head. I’ll find something, and hopefully she’ll like it!
Which brings me to my question - when you go away, do you bring home souvenirs or gifts? What kind of things have you brought home for others? For yourself? What’s the worst souvenir you’ve ever received? The best?
From London, Ta ta for now!
66 Comments »
66 Responses to “I went to London and all I got was …”
Judy F on 16 Apr 2008 at 6:14 am #
Oh I am so jealous… Say hi to Chuck for me. LOL. Seriously my old friend Jane in High school was in love with him. we had a whole royal court thing going on for fun.
When I used to travel I would bring stuff home. Nothing really stands out. I usually get the t-shirt thing from people.
My sil brought home the bestest fudge from disney world once. yummy
Kerri on 16 Apr 2008 at 6:38 am #
Whenever my husband is in England, we request that he bring back plenty of English toffee - you have not lived until you have tasted it! It is much softer than the toffee we seem to have in the U.S. - kind of like caramel. I highly recommend it!
Buffie on 16 Apr 2008 at 6:42 am #
Hope you are having a great time in England, Karen! And I’m with your daughter — bring home Harry!
Whenever the dh and I travel, we try to get a souvenir that represents the place we are visiting. In Jamaica, I bought a handcarved walking stick. In Israel, it was carvings made of Olive bark. A friend of mine just returned from Ecuador and brought back some coffee for my dh.
Best of luck on finding something “cool”.
Karen Hawkins on 16 Apr 2008 at 6:50 am #
Hey Karen! Sounds like you’re having a BLAST! I truly feel sorry for you for being forced to go to London to sign books and be wined and dined by the UK publishers. All of the goddesses send you their deepest sympathies. Hope you little hand isn’t tired from all of that ‘work.’
I LOVE kitchy gifts! The best one I ever received was a tiny red phone booth that my brother bought me from a London street vendor. It made me yearn to go to London and, eventually, I did! The worst gift I ever got was a horrid pink t-shirt from an aunt who went on a cruise. I won’t describe the porpoise picture on the front but he had an evil grin. It was hideous!
Ka-Ro, have a great trip! And BRING BACK PICS! If you’re little hand isn’t too tired to take some, that is. Poor woman!
Margaret Garland on 16 Apr 2008 at 6:51 am #
LOL, Karen R. Your youngest sure sounds like she has her eye on the prize. Maybe she’ll snag on of those billionaires romance authors are always writing about and take care of you in your old age.
I can’t remember anything other than t-shrts and, way back, pillows. My best gift was a sweet little rocking chair my parents brought me from Mexico when I was about 3. I had it for years. My kids even used it. Somewhere along the way, it fell apart and couldn’t be saved. RIP little rocking chair.
I don’t think I’ve ever had a worst. I figured the giver was thinking of me on their trip and that’s what really counts.
Margaret Garland on 16 Apr 2008 at 6:55 am #
After signing 1000 books in 2 hours, I wonderthat she could even pick up her fork at the dinner because of hand cramps. How do you authors do it?
Seriously. Do you pace yourselves. How does book signing go? I know you sign books at book stores for the purchaser, but what is this 1000 that Karen R is talking about? And what are stock signings? The same thing? Different?
Fascinating.
elsiehogarth on 16 Apr 2008 at 7:45 am #
Karen, go to LUSH. It’s all about soaps, shampoos, lotions, fragrances etc. It’s a very cool place.
My souvenirs for the family are always t-shirts and for myself a piece of jewelry to remember my trip.
Gannon on 16 Apr 2008 at 8:05 am #
Oh, Karen, I love London!!! I wish I was there–one of my favorite cities!
I’m with Elsie, LUSH is divine! Now you can find stores in the U.S., but the first time I went, they were exclusive to the UK. There is always something yummy there. My daughter loves their products, especially the bath bombs.
English chocolates are super good. I’ve bought them for gifts before, and no one was ever disappointed. When we travel, we always buy a Christmas ornament. When I decorate our tree, it makes for lots of nice memories.
Have a lovely time!
amy on 16 Apr 2008 at 8:08 am #
I love souvenir shopping! When I’m in a different country, I always bring my kids the country’s flag to hang in their bedroom and the kind of currency they use there. They generally get a souvenir T-shirt and some type of animal, stuffed or statue, that is known in that particular area (they are animal lovers), and a book, generally informational, that they have used for school reports from time to time. My mom gets the soaps and perfumes of the locale and my dh gets booze and a T. My best souvenir was an ankle bracelet my girlfriend brought me from Maui and a music cd from Scotland that I got myself. My worst…a gaudy T from Vegas. I wear it to do barn chores.
DebMarlowe on 16 Apr 2008 at 8:14 am #
Ooohh, so jealous, Karen! I love London.
Last time I bought myself BOOKS! Lots of research books. I bought my kids wooden swords from Apsley House that they still use frequently. (Swords and light sabers…it’s a boy thing.)
What they really love is when my cp goes on research trips–she goes much more frequently than I do and she always brings them back something cool. Come to think of it, she usually brings me back something cool too! Hey Liz, if you are out there, isn’t it time for another trip? Hee hee.
My mother in law gave me one of those printer’s boxes that you hang on the wall, so I usually try to find something tiny and representative that I can put in that.
SuzyQ on 16 Apr 2008 at 8:31 am #
How cool to be in London! Have a fabulous time Karen and happy gift hunting!!!
I used to bring back larger souvenirs (a sombrero from Mexico, a wood carved idol from Hawaii) but I just don’t have anyplace to put them anymore. So I’ve scaled down. I now try to get a charm for my charm bracelet from everywhere I go. Also, we always save some currency, and pick up pins, magnets, or Christmas ornaments. Of course the best remembrance is always in the photographs.
Two of my favorite gifts were given to me by each of my parents. The first was a wooden carved streetcar ornament from San Francisco from my Mom. The second is an interesting rock my Dad picked up from Mt. Olympus. Yeah, I don’t think he was supposed to take that.
limecello on 16 Apr 2008 at 8:40 am #
Hi Karen,
I’m not that big on souvenirs, actually - I think the worst one I got was a key chain that had nothing to do with the place my friends went to. Wow - 1000 books? You need an autopen!
Karen Rose on 16 Apr 2008 at 8:50 am #
Hi all! I’m on break and its half two here. That’s 2:30 for you American blokes.
I am having a TOTAL ball! This morning I was picked up by my publicity manager, Emily, who is very sweet. She took me to this web TV studio and I was interviewed for their webtv show. But before that, I got a free makeover! Very cool
Then we went to the book fair to walk around. Not as huge as BEA was in NY, but very well represented. Interesting to see the different book covers for books sold in the UK and the rest of the world.
doglady on 16 Apr 2008 at 8:52 am #
London, Karen! I am so jealous! I am definitely a book buyer when it comes to souvenirs. If a place has something that it is really known for I will try to get a representative of that as well. I love my little carved rhino from Africa (a favorite teacher brought that back for me) and I also have a coqui from Guatemala (that’s a little frog) that my brother brought back from one of his mission trips.
My late DH collected chess sets and I used to buy one from each of the places I visited. Now they are a lovely display in my writing studio. They remind me of my dear Roger and of all the places I have been.
I am also a big t-shirt buyer. Eventually they are turned into a quilt to keep me warm with memories of my travels.
Karen Rose on 16 Apr 2008 at 8:54 am #
Margaret, what I did yesterday was a mass signing for a distributor. The books don’t cost any more for the customer, but it’s a good kind of PR for the distributor to be able to offer their accounts signed books. Then the customer comes into the store and sees the signed book and it is more special.
So yesterday I went to the distibutor’s warehouse. They had me in one of the front rooms and we had a system. The books were all stacked on the table, and the sales rep, Tony, opened them, I signed them, then Jennie, the distributor boxed them.
I took some ibuprofin before signing and I could have signed 1000 more! Not a hand cramp in sight. We chatted the whole time and Tony and Jennie were lovely, so the time went quickly.
A “stock signing” is when you go into a store and sign what they have in stock, ususally what you see on the shelf.
Store signings are different and tend to be much more sparsely attended. (Sometimes there are crickets…)
Margaret on 16 Apr 2008 at 9:00 am #
LOL, Karen. Thanks for clearing that up for me. Crickets? Too funny. I’d be a nervous wreck that nobody would bother to come have me sign any book I ever wrote. It must be a scary thing to do. Especially when first starting out. Talk about stepping out of your comfort zone!
BTW, how’s the weather there? Are you wearing your rubbers and carrying your brolly? See? I can speak the Queen’s English sometimes.
Karen Rose on 16 Apr 2008 at 9:06 am #
My favorite souvenir I bought for myself - I have a tie. The reproduction of a Venezuelan fertility goddess (she has a goofy grin) and the serape I brought back from Ediburgh years ago.
The favorite I received? Oldest child brought me back some chocolate from NYC when she went on her trip last year. I was so impressed that she remembered me! It was definitely the thought that counted.
Karen Rose on 16 Apr 2008 at 9:09 am #
Weather is a bit chilly and we’ve had a tiny sprinkle. Yesterday was sunny. Today is cloudy, but sometimes the sun pokes out. No rubbers or brolly needed.
Now I’m fading fast. I have a big party tonight - the Crime Party - and I’m going to have a bit of a lie-down.
Claudia Dain on 16 Apr 2008 at 9:15 am #
Oooh, London! Why didn’t we all go? The Goddesses Take London…maybe have sold the concept to the BBC?
When I was in London, I found myself walking down Leather Lane and a street vendor was selling those long pashmina scarves that I saw every fashionista in London wearing wrapped around their throats. I bought my daughter one and she wears it proudly all winter, and looks very chic doing so! But, really, just having bought something on a twisty little street called Leather Lane was half the thrill, for both of us.
Margaret on 16 Apr 2008 at 9:20 am #
One of my favorite Disney movies is “Bedknobs & Broomsticks”. Since the first time I ever saw it, I’ve always wanted to go to Portobello Road. Preferably on a magic flying bed.
Karen Hawkins on 16 Apr 2008 at 9:37 am #
Karen, you certainly have picked up the Brit-Speak! Lol!
Enjoy your lie-down. (Why do I think she’ll be talking that way for MONTHS after she gets back?)
SheridanLA on 16 Apr 2008 at 9:37 am #
Have fun in London!
I bring back things for friends that are made in that country. Silk scarf from Thailand, Inca calendar from Machu Picchu, the “eye” from Greece (for protection) and the like. For myself, I try to find a small piece of “art” for my walls. Either a drawing, small painting, textile, etc. Then I make a website with the narrative of my trip - they have become popular with my friends and family.. and is the easy way for me to share my trips.
Worst thing someone brought me? From Jamaica, a little resin rastafarian with a huge banana over his large, protruding..er..uh…”manhood” Lovely, eh? (the banana came off so you could see the rasta man in full “glory”
Best? a friend had her brother smuggle back in some pork jerkey from Singapore. I bought it back to her when I was there, she returned the favor. SO good and you can’t get it here at all. Silly, but it brought back memories.
SheridanLA on 16 Apr 2008 at 9:41 am #
Oh.. can I come with you on the flying bed???? I love that movie
ct009ct on 16 Apr 2008 at 9:50 am #
You Lucky Goddess! Sounds like your having a wonderful time.
I went to London once, a long, long, long time ago, in my teens - all I remember is we stayed in a youth hostel and went to Madame Tousants Wax Museum.
I don’t go away as much as I used to, at least not here in the Real World. In my mind, I go away alot! Reading takes me away!!
My favorite souvenir: My husband brought me a puzzle ring from Kuwait.
Don’t have a least favorite, like you, I’m just happy that they remember me.
Have a good time at your Crime Party!!
Sabrina Jeffries on 16 Apr 2008 at 10:25 am #
I hate you! Oh, wait, did I say that aloud? Oops! *EG*
Okay, so I don’t really hate you, but I do wish I were in England right now. At the very least, I could run over to Richmond and do some research.
What we were talking about? Oh, yeah, souvenirs. Love them. Try to get them at least for immediate family. Love getting them. Hint, hint, a few research books available only in England would make such a lovely gift for me–in case you were thinking of getting me anything.
Failing that, I would take Colin Firth or Richard Armitage. If you happen to run into them, and they don’t mind the whole stalker/kidnapper thing.
One souvenir I’ve never forgotten was when some friends brought me Mardi Gras throws when I was in college. I looked at the cheap fake pearls and plastic beads and went, “huh?” Then I moved to New Orleans and understood what they’d gone through to get them (that was back when krewes didn’t throw quite as much). I realized, too late, it was the best souvenir ever!
PJ on 16 Apr 2008 at 11:03 am #
Karen, you lucky girl! Sounds like you’re having a fabulous time in London. How much longer will you be there?
When I travel to other countries I try to bring back souvenirs that are made there. On my last trip to Italy I brought back pashminas, leather purses, Murano jewelry, and books about the history, art and culture of the various regions I visited. For my Catholic friends and relatives I bought medals and had them blessed at the Vatican.
Best souvenir I received was a delicate, spun gold bracelet and earrings from the Yucatan. My dad brought it back from a business trip. My parents went to Hawaii when I was 16 and my mom brought me a bottle of Wicked Wahine perfume. Didn’t really matter what the stuff smelled like, though I did like it. I just thought it was so cool that my mom would bring me something with “wicked” in the title!
Suzanne Enoch on 16 Apr 2008 at 11:08 am #
Ka-Ro, you should always use rubbers. *g*
I like getting myself a T-shirt from wherever I go, but I try to find gifts particular to the place for my family. And yes, definitely local research books. When I went to England I spent a fortune on the guide books to the various houses we visited. Those little details are the hardest to find elsewhere, and they’re just priceless to me.
Emmiebee on 16 Apr 2008 at 11:23 am #
GRRREEEENNNNN with London-Envy! I keep saying that the next time we visit my parents in Galicia (Northern Spain), we should have a very long stop-over in London. Say, a week? HA! I try to bring back local artwork from places I visit, for myself and friends. My husband asks everyone he knows who is traveling to bring him back a chocolate bar made in that country! A no-clutter solution.
-Emmiebee, Brit-In-Waiting
Margaret on 16 Apr 2008 at 11:41 am #
Alright, Suzanne. NOW you have me wondering. What do they call condoms in Brit speak? Do you suppose Karen could ask someone? Maybe Charles? I hear he once wanted to be a tampon. Urk
It’s lovely reading all the places that some of you have been. I would love to travel far and wide but, unfortunately, most of these places require money. No swapping of beads and such.
Sheridan, come fly with me. We’ll swoop by to pick up Karen and she can snooze while we hit the stalls in Portobello Road. We might even get to see the ever adorable Paul Hayes.
anneriailin on 16 Apr 2008 at 12:08 pm #
I am SO envious. I would absolutely love to go to London…or well, just about anyplace these days! lol Hope you are having a fantabulous time Karen.
Let’s see….the best present I got from a trip. Oh yes, my son was traveling back from his visit with his father and had a layover in Chicago. He got me a Wrigley Field keychain. He was about 12 at the time, I think. I still use it as the keychain for my house key. I was thrilled that he’d thought to get something for me.
Sheridan LA on 16 Apr 2008 at 12:24 pm #
Deal… and I have been humming Beautiful Briny and Substitutiary Locomotion all morning.. the bed trip to portobello road would be PERFECT
Bobbing along.. on the bottom of the beautiful Briiiiiny sea…. what a chance.. to get a better glance.. at the plants and creatures of the deep.
Freshechelle on 16 Apr 2008 at 12:27 pm #
Worst (re: oddest) souvenir was the Totem Pole toothpick holder from North Pole, Alaska. I love all it’s tackiness. I’ve also got a weird plaque from Transylvania that I thought “Really?, Nothing would have been a good gift too.” Thought it, didn’t say it.
I’ve given some junky stuff too ‘coz my friends like to hand each other gifts that leave you dumbfounded thinking “is this a joke? or is he serious?”. like the $5 they put in a card for my college graduation gift and signed it from friends who weren’t at the party, friends who I had spend a lot more than $5 on for their wedding present…
colinfirthfan on 16 Apr 2008 at 12:29 pm #
We always get magnets as souvenirs. They are small and not heavy. Mugs also if we have place. My favourite is the GRUMPY mug I got from DisneyWorld.
The best souvenir I have received - opal earrings, pearl earring, sandstone earrings all from my DH’s recent trip to “Down Under”. He also got the magnet and the mug and a boomerang. Kids got hats and t-shirts as well. I was very impressed with his shopping (normally he avoids stores).
Karen, please bring back Colin Firth for me - I will (reluctantly) share him with Sabrina.
Sheridan LA on 16 Apr 2008 at 12:42 pm #
I dig the tackiness thing, fresh… my friend asks for us to find her the most tacky gifts while on trip, then she puts them on the “shrine” as they have called it. It has a light-up Eiffel Tower, a squeeky rubber chicken, a Marie Antionette doll who’s head pops off and my contribution last year, a Popener (bottle opener with a photo of the Pope) among may other random things from all over - it is all laid out on silver sparkly fabric.. it is so wonderful and FUNNY.
Kim on 16 Apr 2008 at 1:22 pm #
K-Rock–certainly you could have used a handmaiden to take care of you! geez. Maybe next time, right??
Have a great time and definitely hit up LUSH. I’ve never been but I’ve heard lots of gushing.
The bestest souvenir was a gorgeous pink sil scarf from Paris and a beaded necklace from Florence. I loves them.
I’ve only traveled once and my family got silly stuff from the airport gift shop. A little armadillo for my kiddo, keychain for the dh and deck of cards for my sil. Yeah, I suck. But in my defense I never left the hotel.
Sheridan LA on 16 Apr 2008 at 3:06 pm #
Am I wrong for still ogling the rowing team photo from yesterday?
Leah Braemel on 16 Apr 2008 at 3:14 pm #
My parents gave me a plastic keychain when they returned from Hawaii - and when I looked at it, I realized it had been a ‘complimentary’ one they’d received from some tour they’d been on.
rachelg on 16 Apr 2008 at 3:19 pm #
Besides the truly ugly t-shirts my husband used to bring us when he traveled, was the garlic press someone brought me back from somewhere. It wasn’t even a cool garlic press and I don’t like to cook.
rachelg
Paula on 16 Apr 2008 at 4:04 pm #
Hey Karen I didn’t know that you are in London now. It is only about 45 mins on the train from me. Are you just visiting london or are you travelling else where in the UK?
As a child we always brought material badges of the places we had visited and Mum would sew them onto our sleeping bags, now my sons do the same it is also a good reminder for them of all their holidays.
My SIL once brought me back a brass jelly mould as a wall decoration?!!
My DH and I look for and try to bring back a wooden plate or wall decoration, we have quite a collection and they hang on the wall on the stairway.
My Mum always brings the boys back a t-shirt from her travels, they have quite a collection from around the world.
Sheridan LA on 16 Apr 2008 at 4:17 pm #
Paula, I do something similar, but with stickers. I buy one from whatever country I am in and stick it on my suitcase… like the old travel trunks. It is pretty fun and there is not a lot of mistaking my bag for someone else’s.
I wish I had thought of it earlier, I missed some countries (including England) before I started it. I suppose it gives me an excuse to go back.
Jane on 16 Apr 2008 at 4:51 pm #
My usual souvenirs include coffee mugs, shot glasses, magnets, key chains and food items. Oh, I forgot about t-shirts. I like receiving post cards, too.
Karen Rose on 16 Apr 2008 at 5:34 pm #
Dang, my post disappeared.
Yaya (Yasmin) on 16 Apr 2008 at 5:51 pm #
i am a Big postcard person. i get postcards every where I go and put up on my wall or in a photo album. I also like to look for anything that has turtles
anneriailin on 16 Apr 2008 at 5:58 pm #
I’m a postcard person also. Love to get them wherever I go. And magnets. My refrigerator is covered with them. Even the flying pig from Cincinnati!!
–dorothy
Yaya (Yasmin) on 16 Apr 2008 at 6:00 pm #
This guy I know brought me a magnet the indigenous people in Honduras. It was a turtle and another a flower. They were made out of hide with some stitching and colored with natural rocks and minerals that were pounded down to a powder and mixed with a little bit of water. Two years ago he brought me a little glass ball that had mud attached to it to make a fish. The whole thing is baked off to let it set kinda like clay and then painted. One i use as a bookend and the other small one is a key chain.
Margaret on 16 Apr 2008 at 6:03 pm #
Sheridan, if you’re going to sing the whole way over, I’m going to have to re-think this trip. I now have Beautiful Briny stuck in my head and I have to put on a bra and shoes so I can go somewhere and act like an adult. You are not helping!
Karen Rose, I hope you had a great nap and that you have a swell time tonight. Your time sounds better than mine. I’m keeping score at a volleyball game.
Some people have all the luck!
Karen Rose on 16 Apr 2008 at 6:19 pm #
Hi everybody - internet issues. Ack! But fixed now.
Sabrina, I love you even if you hate me. Sob.
Thanks to everybody for the good wishes in London. I’m having a great time and being treated like the Queen. Woot!
Tonight was the Crime Party and it rocked. I met pub people and booksellers and it was so very nice. I drank water like a fish - as I talked for hours, but no wine. No sir. As jetlagged as I am, I’d be hanging from the chandeliers.
KHawk, yes, I do believe I’ll talk British a while longer
Must find out the answer to the rubber question though!
Paula, I’m leaving for Leeds on the train tomorrow to visit with more accounts (booksellers) and when I come back Friday I’m renting a car to go to Wales for the weekend. I have friends outside of Cardiff. But I’ll be back in two months for a family holiday. perhaps we can meet up then!
Karen Rose on 16 Apr 2008 at 6:23 pm #
And don’t hate me for the family holiday, Sabrina. We have been saving for oldest’s 18th birthday trip for a long time. Perhaps I can root about for some books for you when I return!
I remembered another cool souvenir - my karate teacher brought me back a cool necklace and a dragon keychain from Poland last summer. The dragon has replaced Eeyore as my primary keychain. I love the necklace, too. It’s so nice to be remembered when people go away on holiday!
My battery is seriously low, so I’m signing off for now. It’s after midnight here and I’m knackered. (Tired, but “knackered” sounds so much better, don’t you think?)
Oh, and I was on PORTABELLO ROAD yesterday!!! From the window of the restaurant where we had supper was the famous scene from Notting Hill!
SO FREAKING COOL!!! I love London
See y’all soon!
Yaya (Yasmin) on 16 Apr 2008 at 6:28 pm #
Mmmm I was thinking Harry or William? I am a fan of Prince William . Maybe you can get your daughter a mini replica (if available) of Prince Harry or William and still get her 1st choice.
TinaLouiseF on 16 Apr 2008 at 7:43 pm #
I like to get post cards and magnets usually, sometimes get t-shirts.
A friend of mine collects thimbles, so I try to find her some while I’m on vacation.
In 2006, while vacationing in Arizona, my friends took me to Mexico. I got small sombreros for family and friends.
When my parents went to Sweden, mom got bookmarks, post cards, books, knick-knacks, scatterrugs, shot glasses and keychains.
anneriailin on 16 Apr 2008 at 7:46 pm #
Now I’m REALLY envious. You’re going to Wales!! I would love to go to Wales. *sigh* I’ll get there someday though. I just have to keep thinking that.
Glad to hear you’re having a good time, Karen.
–dorothy
Michelle B. on 16 Apr 2008 at 8:11 pm #
Hi Karen, London sounds fabulous! My DH was there on a military trip 20 years ago and brought me a teapot in the shape and image of King Henry the VIII. He brought our daughter Molly, 2 years old at the time, a teddy bear that was dressed like the London Guards. Being the Historical Romance fan that I am, I would love a trip to England to see in person what I have been reading for half of my life. Some day…
Julia London on 16 Apr 2008 at 8:22 pm #
I bring a pig home from every place I go. I have a very artsy collection of pigs, but there is a point where you really don’t have room for moe pigs, and it starts to look a little tacky, but I keep bringing them.
Kay on 16 Apr 2008 at 9:55 pm #
Karen, do they still have the chocolate vending machines that have cool chocolate? I love that.
I wish I could have fit in your bag for the trip. I haven’t been to London since BC (before children) and I loved it sooooo much when DH & I went. Wales sounds wonderful, too.
I bring home BOOKS whenever I travel & postcards to use as book markers. DH & I hit the used book stores and find amazing things. We also try to buy a small piece of local art–a sketch, pottery, fabric, something for the house.
DH & I try to find a silly Christmas ornament on each trip–the stranger the better. We set up a tree just for our “atrocities” and it’s cool. I love remembering where we got each one.
My kids like a tee shirt from every place we go, or a mug. Of course, they’re boys, so they aren’t looking for a prince.
Have fun–it sounds like you’re having a great time.
J Perry Stone on 16 Apr 2008 at 9:57 pm #
Karen R,
Cydwoq shoes. I’m just saying. I have a sister in the fashion biz, and she says everyone in London is going ape for Cydwoq shoes.
(Hint: they’re made near San Fran. Maybe wait till RWA this summer).
They’re so cute, it hurts, because they are also pricey as hell.
Salute the Serpentine for me.
And drink a pint.
J
J Perry Stone on 16 Apr 2008 at 9:58 pm #
Oooo. Also, if there’s a London H & M store, you must go. It’s hip and cheap (my two favorite things).
J Perry Stone on 16 Apr 2008 at 10:02 pm #
Okay, I just looked.
H & M:
1) 101-111 Kensington High St, London, W8 5SA
2) 481-483 Oxford St, London,W1C 2QD,
3) 261-271 Regent St, London, W1B 2ES,
J Perry Stone on 16 Apr 2008 at 10:16 pm #
Last year, I brought home dried leaves from Hyde Park.
I’ve also brought home those toe-curled slippers from Dubai, hand-made shoes from Turkish shepherds, and lotion from Germany.
I like what I can’t normally get, and things that are evocative of the place.
My lfavorite souvenir was from Dubai and it didn’t last more than 2 weeks. I got my hand hennaed by an Arabian lady in the dessert and while I looked exotic in the Arabian Peninsula, I appeared positively savage when I got to England. I actually have a pic of me taking the waters in Bath, with savage Arabian swirls snaking up my fingers. My six yr. old had the same.
On the other side, my husband buys the worst souvenirs. They’re so obvious they’re great. He got a Borat T-shirt in London (he’s not allowed to wear in public), and a replica of the Burge al Arib (that sail hotel in UAE) from Dubai. Dork, yes, but we still like crap. We also have genie lamps, a belly dancer outfit for the kid, a Big Ben pencil
J Perry Stone on 16 Apr 2008 at 10:16 pm #
sharpener, and Union Jack T-shirt I got from some Ukranian on Parliament Bridge.
Get what you can’t normally get.
Sheila in england on 17 Apr 2008 at 3:01 am #
Hey Karen, Colin Firth’s wife has an eco-shop (no, I don’t know, either) at 213 Chiswick High Road, W4. He has been known to serve in the shop. If I were you I would get in a taxi asap.
I live in Kent - could you pop in for coffee and afterwards I could show you around our three castles (Dover, Walmer & Deal). You might be able to get some ideas for future books!!
Re souvenirs, Covent Garden market has some good artesan jewellery etc although because of the location, it can be pricey. I’d get your pressies in Leeds or Wales.
Sheila.
Paula on 17 Apr 2008 at 4:33 am #
J Perry Stone In Basingstoke where I live we have a H&M it is a fab shop I buy a lot of clothes for the boys from there and mine too.
Karen Ro I have cousins in Wales they live in a place called Llanthony they have a farm and a B&B there it is up in the Black Mountains.
To answer the question about condoms they are called rubbers, johnnies, and other names that I’m not sure of!!
Sheila in england on 17 Apr 2008 at 6:06 am #
Oh wow, Paula, I have been to Llanthony Abbey a few times - we used to live in Hereford. The scenery around the Abbey is amazing.
Karen, I hope you have a great time in Leeds and Wales - be sure to take your pac-a-mac, it’s going to be a rainy weekend.
Sheila.
Paula on 17 Apr 2008 at 6:26 am #
Shiela, I’ve never been there but as far as I know it is right next door to the Abbey.
Yeah Karen you’ll definately need your wet weather gear this weekend as it’s going to be wet wet wet!!
PJ on 17 Apr 2008 at 7:27 am #
Dorothy and Julia, I have a 10 year old granddaughter of the heart who adores pigs, so much so that about a year ago she gave up eating all pork products. Seriously.
For the past year I’ve been bringing her a stuffed pig, pig key ring, etc. from every place I’ve visited. I had a layover in Cincinnati in October and bought her an adorable stuffed flying pig. I’d flown through Cincy many times but never had time to visit the gift shops. I had no idea they were known as the city of the flying pig!
Karen Rose on 17 Apr 2008 at 9:43 am #
PJ - add to that - Cinci was actually “Porkopolis” because of all the pig butchering that went on there. It was the start of P&G actually - all that fat from the pigs went into tallow, and one of P&G’s earliest products was candles.
Thanks for the warning on the weather! i don’t know what a pac-a-mac is (assuming a raincoat - macintosh), but I have an umbrella.
And if I brought C Firth back, everyone would fight over him, so he stays where he is. Sheila - I’ll find out from DH if we’re going to be near Kent on our holiday!
anneriailin on 17 Apr 2008 at 12:18 pm #
PJ, I’m from Cincy, originally, and went back a few years ago. That’s when I got the flying pig magnet. I would LOVE to have a stuffed flying pig! My brother still lives there, maybe I’ll put in a hint for a birthday present. lol If you should ever get back to Cincy for more than a layover at the airport (which is in KY actually) you should go down to the park on the river. They have the actual pigs with wings down there! I love going home!!
–dorothy