Before I came I wondered, guessed and even fantasised about Los Angeles, Hollywood and surounding areas and I thought you might like to know a thing or two; that's all it will be a thing or two.

Now why should I know so much about LA - as we got to call it -and why should I be setting myself up as some kind of expert? Well I'm not an expert but I still see things here like a child as I am relatively new to the place and I've been here long enough to know it very well.

Los Angeles has more theatres per capita than anywhere I know, more book shops, coffee shops and is the capital of world cinema.

Because it is the cinema capital - not counting Bollywood of course - there are many great movie houses with the latest screens and sound systems; you usually see movies here before anyone else on earth.

My favourite cinemas are the ArcLight on Sunset Boulevard at Vine and Laemmle's Sunset 5 which is an "art house" - you will see British movies like "Layer Cake" and "Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels" there and the latest blockbusters at the aforementiioned ArcLight.

Weekend conversations and news bulletins report the movie box office like the football results would be reported in Britain and there are many programmes on the radio about money; the stock market, insurance and "nine eleven" - but that's only on National Public Radio which is the equivalent to the BBC - except it's not run by licence fees; they have fund drives twice a year and if you are ever subject to a fund drive you would beg for the BBC and the licence system.

On the TV News nearly every day in Los Angeles they mention some murder - most of them are gang related so the best thing you can do is not go to South Central LA or even East LA; stay on the west side; it's safer.

But there are lots of guns here so don't be too complacent.

Apart from the police, who carry holstered pistols and some security guards at stores who sometimes carry guns, I have seen one gun in 13 years; that was shown to me by a fellow immigrant in the privacy of a house - oh yes there was that time when I was driving up Fairfax Avenue and I saw someone lying in the gutter with a policeman standing over him with a rifle - but I'd nearly forgotten about that!

I compare gun incidents to roads accidents in the UK; they are on the news, in the newspapers and you hear about them all the time but most of them are over by the time you arrive.

Los Angeles is full of crazy people - crazy in the nicest possible way; there is the guy who runs backwards everywhere: one day it rained so he called his run off but instead of going home forwards to get out of the rain quicker he ran backwards; now that's dedication; there are people who like their coffee half caffeine and half decaff with a dash of mocha and a dash of vanilla - coffee is important to them and is a way of life.

I go to the Farmer's Market most days; the wonderful Farmer's Market on the corner of Third and Fairfax for my large decaff and a doughnut from Bob's - right next to Patsy's Pizza where James Dean took his last bite before heading off to become a legend on September 30th 1955; there are loads of places like that where something famous and infamous happened years ago. I live around the corner from the hotel where Janis Joplin died from an overdose, I viewed an apartment where Devine died - Devine from the John Waters films - in fact you will see mock hearses driving the tourists around showing them where so and so died.

Of course because I have that doughnut most days I have to go to the gym and there are plenty of those - only here you are not allowed to use mobile (cell) phones in the changing rooms; with so many celebrities around you never know who is in there getting changed and what part of their anatomy might be getting photographed or filmed and ending up on YouTube.

The petrol station.

This is our nearest petrol station situated at a busy crossroads where Tonge Moor Road and Crompton Way meet. The pub on the opposite corner is the Bolton Castle. It used to be a smart pub but now has a clientele who are very well known to the local police.

Too many cars.

This is Tonge Moor Road looking in the opposite direction ( my street is off to the left just before the traffic lights). The hills you can see are the West Pennine Moors and provide a nice contrast to all the traffic. They'll still be there when we and all our cars have long gone from the planet. They give me a lot of comfort and its great living so close to such wild beauty. The houses on both sides of the road were built around 1890 and housed workers from nearby cotton mills. The mills have long gone though. In their heyday Bolton was a thriving cotton town. Samuel Crompton was born about five minutes walk from here in a quaint little backwater called Firwood Fold, just behind Crompton Way.

Samuel Crompton's birthplace, Firwood Fold, Bolton.

Samuel Crompton was the inventor of the Mule which helped to bring steam power to the budding cotton industry and paved the way for the weaving and spinning of cotton cloth in a factory setting. Before this cotton was weaved in Bolton by handloom weavers in their own homes. As the factories took over the handloom weavers suffered great hardship but many were too proud to go into the factories until starvation forced them to give in.

Back to the present day…

Pensioner walking his dogs.

Here we see the other side of the junction across from the petrol station. This old man can often be seen with his dogs.

Castle Hill Post Office.

Just down the road, towards the town centre, is our local Post Office. Nowadays it's mainly used by people collecting their social security payments or their old age pensions. There are a lot of local people on welfare benefits around here. Many people are struggling financially in Britain today. More people than ever before are in debt and repossession of houses is becoming commonplace. Pensioners in Britain have never been as badly off and during the winter a lot of them have to choose between eating or heating. The amount of money made available from central government to local authorities to provide home care for the very sick and disabled is being cut every year. Britain is no longer a society that cares, despite what politicians would have us believe.

Shops on Tonge Moor Road.

Lower down the road there are quite a number of shops. Many of the buildings are run down and some are boarded up. There's been a recent attempt by the local authority to smarten up the area by laying new pavements but it hasn't done much for the businesses around here.

Stopping for a chat.

This shot was taken in the nearby village of Horwich. Its about 6 miles away from where I live and has old fashioned High Street shopping. The pace of life here seems much slower and everyone knows each other. You often see scenes like this. Its nice to see that people have time for each other.

The church at Belmont, Bolton

Not all that far from where those ladies were standing is another section of the moors. In fact wherever you go in Bolton the moors are not far away. This church at Belmont village stands on the opposite hillside to Horwich.

I may have started out the day feeling down and depressed, and some of these photos have given a dismal picture of Bolton; but when I see sights like this one I realise that there's also beauty in the world, as well as squalor.

There is something special about Painswick. The scenery and views are typical of this part of Gloucestershire, yes, but there is definitely something different about that particular village. Well, I say village but actually it is a town. Yes, it is definitely a town, just a very small one. There aren't many shops in Painswick. Just a few essential places, like a convenience store, a post office, a tea shop, a chemist, and some antique shops. However, Painswick's close proximity to the somewhat larger town of Stroud somehow makes this unimportant.

Why Painswick?

Years ago, when I was a teenager, I had a college friend who lived in Painswick, in a lovely big old terraced house built from Cotswold Stone; and also my ex-girlfriend lived nearby in another nearby village; to me, this made it romantic somehow, and ever since then I've always loved the area.

Old Buildings

Painswick has a very old feel to it. It lays spread up a hillside, with its church spire pointing upwards; you can see it for many miles away, and it has a great character. I've often thought that the houses there must cost a lot, as the buildings are made of Cotswold stone. There has been some more building work going on lately, in keeping with the style of the other buildings. After a while, when they are more weather-beaten they will certainly look good and fit in very well with the overall Cotswold stone appearance of Painswick. However, apart from this latest development, Painswick hasn't grown much over the years.

The Scenery

The scenery surrounding Painswick is very beautiful, and is part of what I consider Gloucestershire scenery at its best. Famous author Laurie Lee lived nearby in the village of Slad, which is down another nearby valley. By the way: the town of Stroud is surrounded by five valleys; these are: Painswick Valley, Slad Valley, Toadsmoor Valley, Nailsworth Valley and last but definitely not least, the Golden Valley.

From various hilltops around the nearby (and much larger) town of Stroud, Painswick stands out due to its tall church spire.

Painswick Beacon

If you walk out of Painswick in a northerly direction, you come to Painswick Hill, upon which there is a golf course. Once you reach Painswick Beacon on the top, which contains a triangulation point and a very clear view of the City of Gloucester. This is quite a high point, and you can see for miles around. On a windy day it really does get quite windy up there, and I once stood right up on top of the triangulation point on a very windy day.

There is something very atmospheric up on Painswick Beacon, whether it is on a sunny day or on a cloudy, windy day. Whatever the weather, Painswick Beacon is a very nice place to go. I have been on several walks up there with my walking groups, and also with friends and family, and by myself. It is a very peaceful place to be. Well, it would be if it wasn't for all the golfers, but live and let live is what I say. After all, who am I to go starting arguments with people who carry metal bars around as part of their leisure time?!

The best way to approach your trip is to start by picking out the things that interest you most and then fitting in as many of the other attractions as possible around that.

A ride on The London Eye is probably the best way to achieve an over view of the city and get a feel for the layout. As it takes its tranquil journey in an arc over the land you can sit back, relax and pick out the buildings and landmarks you hope to visit. The other way to do this is by taking a cruise down The River Thames. This has the added bonus of being accompanied by a guide who will point out anything of interest and answer any questions you might have.

Staying in London can be expensive, not only for the accommodation itself, but for the sightseeing and attractions you'll want to experience while there. To keep the costs down it's perfectly possible to book a cheaper hotel, leaving you more of your hard earned money to spend on enjoying yourself. Choose carefully. Check the standards of the hotel by reading up on what previous guests have to say about it. You can do this by visiting the hotel's website itself or by browsing various travel websites that list customer reviews.

Probably at the top of most people's list of must dos while in the city is The Tower of London and Buckingham Palace. You can't visit London without seeing these most famous attractions, but there are plenty of other, less popular things you might want to experience to give you more of a balance. Some of these are also inexpensive and even free to attend.

Speakers Corner, for example, is a fascinating place to visit. Even if you have nothing to say for yourself once there, it can be riveting to simply stand and listen to the other speakers. Camden Markets attract 500,000 visitors per week and specialise in vintage clothing as well as up and coming young designers, thus offering an insight into the possible trends and fashions of tomorrow. You don't have to buy anything if you don't want to, but it's certainly worth a look.

Something else you can view for free that you should make sure you visit while in London is The Diana, Princess of Wales' Memorial Fountain in Hyde Park. There's much emotion attached to this $6.5 million memorial, and nobody goes away unmoved.

Whatever you decide to do while in London, from the many museums and art galleries and taking afternoon tea at the Ritz, to browsing the shops and soaking up the atmosphere, you don't have to spend a fortune. Strike the right balance between the must do attractions and the less popular free sights and experiences, and you'll have a trip you'll never forget.

Most hotels offer the chance to take a look at the rooms, dining room etc on their website so you'll feel more comfortable about what you are booking. It's important, also, to be familiar with the location of your accommodation. If you are visiting London to see the sights, then you'll probably want a hotel in the centre of London, rather than on the outskirts or in the suburbs.

If you just want somewhere to lay your head that's comfortable and functional then you'll find a wide choice at reasonable prices, but it's always possible to book something a little nicer for almost the same price if you are prepared to shop around.

The best way to get a good deal on a hotel in London is to go for one with a good reputation that is offering either a discount at that time or a booking which combines itself with show tickets. Most visitors will want to take a trip to the theatre while in London anyway, so this can be an ideal way to keep the costs down.

Theatre in London has everything from musicals like Cats and Joseph and his Technicolor Dream Coat, to Shakespeare and contemporary plays. It's not unusual to see famous British actors, as well as some from abroad, on the stage in London, so these shows do get booked up quite quickly.

Make sure you have your tickets for any shows you want to see before you travel to avoid disappointment, and check the location of the theatre and the distance from your hotel. Taxis are always easy to come by in London, but it's worth having an idea of your bearings before you get there.

Public transport in London is very good and the use of it is to be advised when attempting to get from one place to another. Make sure you have your taxis planned, and sometimes even booked, before your evening out and be aware that driving yourself in the centre of London is both discouraged and notoriously difficult.

For the perfect evening out, combine the theatre with an evening meal. London has every type of Restaurant and bar you could think of, including an impressive selection of world foods, as well as traditional English pub food. The surroundings are usually interesting, the décor beautiful and tasteful and you never know, you may even have the chance to do a bit of star spotting while you dine!

The city center of Dunfermline is a small, intimate place and the sights are easily explored on foot.

Abbot House is the oldest house in Dunfermline. It is ideally situated in the center of the attractions and a good place to start, as it outlines the history of Dunfermline and will point you in the directions you wish to take from there. Painted bright pink to indicate the importance of the building, Abbot House was once the administrative headquarters of the first Benedictine abbey in Scotland. Today a small group of volunteers act as guides and take visitors from room to room where hardly a moment in Scottish history is not touched upon, from the time of the Picts to spotting the Luftwaffe in world war II.

From Lady Anne Halkett's garden at the rear of Abbot House, a gate will take you directly into the grounds of the abbey, where Braveheart William Wallace's mother is buried beneath a thorn tree. Entrance to the abbey if free, although a donation is much appreciated and an entrance fee will need to be paid to gain access to the ruined palace situated alongside the abbey.

Once inside the abbey it is the final resting place of Robert the Bruce which beckons. Lying beneath the pulpit, Robert the Bruce's outline in Gold follows the exact measurements of his body when it was found. As visitors stand and view the place where he rests, it's worth remembering that his body was actually found beneath the magnificent stained glass window, where he had been for around 600 years, before he was preserved in tar and laid beneath the pulpit.

From the abbey you can walk to the Carnegie museum. The museum is inside the cottage where Andrew Carnegie was born. Carnegie was born to a relatively poor family, but through his determination and entrepreneurial skills he became the steel king of America, making his fortune in the steel furnaces of Pittsburgh. He went on to establish over 20 charities and has had more set up in his name since his death, including the Carnegie trust which supports many of the attractions seen in Dunfermline today.

Andrew Carnegie also gifted Pittencrieff Park, which he loved as a child, to the people of Dunfermline. The greenhouses here are open all year and there's a children's play area.

Dunfermline's only underground attraction is St Margaret's Cave. This was once the sanctuary of Scotland's unfortunate, royal saint, Margaret. An impressive replica of the silver bust and crown of St Margaret which was lost in Europe can be viewed in Abbot's House.

Dunfermline is a quiet place today with hardly any nightlife and just a few shops, but the sights and sounds of history are all around you. Little Dunfermline was once the capital of Scotland and the home of kings.

Festivals aside, Edinburgh is a diverse, exciting place to visit. The museums and art galleries here can take up a day's visiting alone. The national gallery of Scotland Complex is free to enter and shows works by Monet, Van Gogh, Gauguin and many others. The Queens' Gallery on the Royal Mile has changing exhibitions, including a wide range of art and treasures held in trust by The Queen. Then there's the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. This is also free to enter and includes works by Dali, Warhol and Hirst.

If you're looking for more of an experience The Real Mary King's Close is a guided tour of Edinburgh's famous underground streets, showing what life was like in the city in the 17th century. Later in the evening the Edinburgh literary pub tour begins at the Beehive Inn.

Shopping can also be a bit of an experience in Edinburgh. The Edinburgh Old Town Weaving company shows tartan being woven on the premises. Upstairs there's an information point where you can find the tartan for any clan, as well as other information on Scottish names and history. In the Scotch Whisky Experience by the castle not only can you buy your favourite single malt, but there's a tour which lasts about an hour revealing the mysteries of whisky and offering free tastings.

When it comes to eating out in Edinburgh there's a wide choice, ranging from lunch time cafes, Indian restaurants, Thai, Italian and many bistros. The Rhubarb restaurant on Prestonfield Road recently won Best Hotel Restaurant 2007 and is the latest restaurant from James Thomson whose other Restaurant, The Witchery By The Castle is already Scotland's most famous place to dine out.

Walk the streets of Edinburgh and you'll notice many pubs and bars. The Golf tavern overlooks Bruntsfield Links and is a unique place to enjoy a drink. The Bollinger Bar at Palm Court is Scotland's only Bollinger Champagne bar. The Prestoungrange Gothenburg on the High Street brew their own real ales on the premises. And The Jam House on Queen Street is Edinburgh's newest Live music venue, also offering fine dining in this old Georgian town house.

If you want something a little more lively The Stand Comedy Club has the best in Scottish and international stand-up comedy. There are many theatres and playhouses such as the Edinburgh Festival Theater on Nicolson Street and the Ross Open Air Theatre in Princes Street Gardens. But if you want something more authentic The Thistle on Leith Street boasts the best traditional Scottish entertainment the city has to offer.

Nottingham Castle

If you have seen Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves then you have been misled in more ways than one. For one thing, you do not have to cross Hadrian's Wall to get from Nottingham to the south and, for another, the castle doesn't look the same as the film. The original castle was destroyed during the civil war and a ducal palace stands in its place. The castle contains a museum that has held prestigious collections. A few years ago it was the only place in Britain to hold a prominent collection of pre-Raphaelite art. The grounds are also worth a wander. After this it is just a short walk along the walls to

Ye Olde Trip To Jerusalem Inn

The Trip is the oldest inn in the world. It is built right into the walls of the cliff the castle stands on. After a refreshing drink you can continue on to the Brewhouse Yard, which contains a museum of an authentically furnished house and school from various periods in Nottingham history. From here you can also pop to the Nottingham Lace Centre, as all are based in the same area. The Salutation Inn, also nearby, is a lovely spot to eat.

Shopping

Nottingham is the third best city in Britain for shopping. There are the shopping centres, Broadmarsh and Victoria, for high street shops. There are also the boutiques along the Hockley area. While in Hockley stop for a cup of tea at Lee Rosy's Tea Shop. A great selection of teas, smoothies, coffee, sandwiches and cakes surrounded by the work of local artists. Atmospheric and also very tasty!

Sherwood Forest

Sherwood Forest is a bus ride or a drive from the city. You can see the Major Oak, where Robin and his Merry Men spent their time hiding out. Interestingly, there is still a Sheriff of Nottingham. You will recognise his car from its NTV2 number plate, NTV1 belonging to the Mayor. Resist the urge to throw rotten fruit at his car, he's far nicer nowadays!

The Caves

Caves run under much of Nottingham. These were used for smuggling, for storage and other exciting subterranean activity. You can access the caves from the basement of the Trip, organised tours from the castle or from the entrance in the Broadmarsh shopping centre. No, really you can. The shopping centre entrance will be the most worthwhile tour, and while you are there you can head down the road to the Galleries of Justice, a museum of crime and punishment.

The Tales Of Robin Hood

This is more aimed at children, or the young at heart. You go on a cable car journey through “Sherwood Forest”. It is handily placed between Market Square and the Castle.

The World's Smallest Cinema

Rather cheekily placed across the road from the Arts Cinema, Broadway, is the Screen Room. This is officially the world's smallest cinema. It shows mostly indie films, and serves the best vegan cake around. It's in the Hockley area, so you can combine your trip with some shopping.

Music

There are endless music venues in Nottingham. There's the Arena for all your skating and large band needs, as well as the world famous Rock City, the Rescue Rooms, Stealth, Junktion 7, The Maze, The Theatre Royal, The Social… chances are you will find the sort of music you like.

Sports

For Soccer fans the Notts County and Nottingham Forest ground are handily placed next to Trent Bridge Cricket Ground. There is also the Tennis Centre and the National Water Sports Centre, for all you active types.

Enjoy your trip to Nottingham!