Euro-politics for tourists

[Bill McBlueState]

The Mrs. and I are going on our (slightly delayed) honeymoon to Europe in a couple weeks. It's the first time for both of us.

What sort of things do you recommend for politics dorks -- is it possible for non-citizens to see Parliament or the French Assembly in action? That would be cool.

[historian]

1. some political things you can do

You can sit in the gallery of the house of parliament during session - think you have to ask persmission before - not sure about that though. If you go to fleet street at lunchtime you will find all the reporters there (real reporters as opposed to the illiterate clowns we have here) and can hear some very interesting points of view. Cant of more at the moment but those two should keep your ears ringing for awhile.

[muriel_volestrangler]

4. UK Parliament is difficult

Foreign and Commonwealth visitors can apply to their Embassy or High Commission in the UK for a card of introduction, which will normally permit entry during the early afternoon. Embassies and High Commissions may issue no more than four cards on any day, so visitors from certain countries may find cards are booked for several weeks ahead.

http://www.parliament.uk/directories/hcio/gallery.cfm

Fleet Street might not be too impressive these days - with all the newspapers now moved out to new premises, there's probably not many working reporters left in the bars.

It's easy to visit the Banqueting House in Whitehall, where Charles I was executed. Impressive ceiling painting too.

[DemBones DemBones]

2. London has great museums, too, if you also like museums.

The British Museum is the best but I also like the Natural History Museum and the V& A (Victoria and Albert Museum. Never did the really touristy things.

Are you Going anywhere in the UK besides London? Visiting any countries besides London and France?

[gator_in_Ontario]

3. Interesting site...

http://shakti.trincoll.edu/~awertz/philosopher/london/londonguide.html