As a former tour guide, I got used to people asking me for recommendations. Where to go for lunch, the quickest way to get across downtown – that kind of thing. I’m no longer guiding, but I still love talking about things that impress me. So they’re going here.
Here are a few recommendations:
Businesses & Services
- Skype is a cheap (or free) online telephone service. Fantastically useful for internationally calling (it manages country codes for you.)
- Car sharing. Save money and the planet, get access to wheels when you need them. In Ottawa, I use Vrtucar. Amazing. In Oxford, Goliath Streetcar competes with tiny social enterprise Commonwheels. (I haven’t picked sides here, yet)
- I’m a big fan of Groupon. Through them, I’ve found excellent food and glasses (different providers…) super-cheap. Recommended.
Food
- I like to bake. This recipe, slightly adapted from a kids’ cookbook, is my fave.
- every time i’m in Toronto, I hit up theseguys. it’s true… they broke up, but they’re still making miracles happen.
- Ethopian food in London: go to Merkato. They’re reasonably priced, friendly and accomodating of basic questions, and walkable distance from King’s Cross station. Also, the food is really good.
In Oxford
- The Pitt Rivers Museum is too good to miss.
- The Cherwell Boathouse is there for punting or dining, and away from the touristy hoards. It’s where I’d take my family if the weather was nice.
- Posh Fish has the best fish n chips.
