A Bookish Event

George Bernard Shaw observed, “People get nothing out of books but what they bring to them.” Now through 22 April, the organizers of London’s annual Book Fair at Earls Court hope you bring a fervent interest in the book trade. You’ll have over 130 seminars to choose from, including topics on selling and marketing digitized works and children’s fiction. What better way to network than with 25,000 of your industry colleagues all under one roof. And each year a different country is highlighted to spur international dealings; this year’s focus is India. If you can’t make it, not to worry. You can download the podcasts and stay in the loop.

Ox Meets Dragon

Here’s one New Year’s celebration that doesn’t end the morning after. Chinese New Year is a fifteen-day event (having begun this year on 26 January), culminating with the Lantern Festival, when brilliantly decorated paper lanterns are strung and parades mark the end of the New Year festivities. On 1 February you’ll get to start at the top in London’s Chinatown and surrounding areas, where lion and dragon dances, music, arts, fireworks and food await you. This year marks the Year of the Ox. Legend has it that Buddha invited all the animals to meet him on New Year’s Day. Of the twelve that arrived, Buddha named a year after each one. The other animals are rat, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and boar. The ox is denoted as hardworking and dependable, marking a characteristic of those born every twelve years under its influence. As an English proverb says, “The old ox plows a straight furrow.” May your path be long and prosperous.

The Pudding Flies This Weekend

Covent Garden hosts the 28th Great Christmas Pudding Race at 11:30 tomorrow. Benefitting Cancer Research UK, teams will negotiate an obstacle course whilst balancing a tray of Christmas pudding. Team entrants pay a minimum 500 pounds; individual entrants (who will be placed on a team), 100 pounds. To the winning team goes the trophy. If speed is not your forte, not to worry. Dress fancifully and you could win the best costume prize instead.

An Icy Reception

“Put it on ice” takes on a whole new meaning at London’s Ice Bar in the heart of Mayfair. As the city’s first permanent watering hole made of ice, it’s outfitted with tables, seats, wall hangings and drinking glasses made of pure ice. Of course it’s cold, kept at minus 5. The thermal cape and hood ensemble helps block the freeze, but the gloves aren’t enough to keep your hands from numbing after about a half hour. Good thing visits are limited to 45 minutes. Find your inner polar bear and give it a try.

Believe It or Not, It’s Open

In September Ripley’s Believe or Not Museum finally opened in the heart of Piccadilly Circus.  Given its bohemian nature, the location is quite fitting for the self-described odditorium.  Where else can you see shrunken heads, crystal cars and a portrait of Diana made of laundry lint all under one roof?  Open every day, now you have something to do on Sunday.

Stansted to Share No. 2 Spot

Despite some opposition from environmentalists, Stansted’s airport expansion is set to move forward, making it Britain’s second largest airport along with Gatwick.  The move means an increase in passenger travel from 23 million to 35 million.  The number of planes allowed to fly in and out will increase from 241,000 to 264,000.  Currently, 184,000 planes use the airport.  The expansion follows a study showing a shortage of runways in the Southeast.  Whether the move will mean a shift in passengers’ airport of choice remains to be seen.

Get Ready for the Prom

The BBC Proms at Royal Albert Hall, held from July through 13 September this year, are one of the most beloved classical musical events in the world.  No less so for the Last Night, beginning with the singing of old English folk songs.  In addition to the usual festivities for the masses in Hyde Park, the season’s swan song will be concelebrated in Glasgow, Belfast and Swansea with a mix of Scottish, Irish and Neopolitan ensembles.  Come on and join the party.

Treetop Sightseeing

By Linda Tancs

If you’ve always fancied treetop living the likes of Swiss Family Robinson, then be sure to visit Kew Gardens’ new treetop walkway attraction.  Situated about 60 feet above the ground, the walkway will give you a bird’s eye view of the city.  Not surprisingly, the structure is brought to you by the same folks responsible for the London Eye.  Enjoy the view, sans capsule.

Stansted Loses Airline Partner

The fallout from the demise of luxe liners Eos and Maxjet continues as American Airlines jilts Stansted in favor of Heathrow beginning on 2 July.  Too bad, considering American was offering 12.000 round-trip bonus miles for full-fare flights through 31 January to London’s alter ego.  All good things, as they say, must come to an end.

Jack in the Green Arrives

It’s May, it’s May, the lusty month of May, as the song from that venerable musical Camelot proclaims.  Lusty?  Perhaps.  Certainly “green”–and how appropriate, especially these days.  Follow the merrymakers sporting treetop headgear or bushes with legs throughout this weekend, ending with Bank Holiday on Monday.  Enjoy the fairs on Monday in London at Old Royal Naval College (traditional highlights include Jack in the Green and the Maypole) and Alexandra Palace.  This weekend, why not take a sojourn outside the Capital and enjoy Morris Dancing at venues in Sussex, Kent, Oxford, Bristol or Somerset.  Time to celebrate winter’s slumber.