Danielle Goldstein

Sometimes you just have to pack your suitcase and head off on a break for a few days. You know, to 'find yourself' or at least avoid daily chores. So, why not take a day trip from Chicago and check out easy-to-reach Airbnbs just over the border in Wisconsin and Michigan, or even staycation closer to home? Both options provide ample possibilities for intimate evenings with loved ones or by yourself—no judgment. Find your new favorite hideout and reconnect with yourself and nature at one of the most cozy Airbnbs near Chicago. The hard part will be choosing just one. Updated December 2024: This list was already good but now it's pretty amazing since we've added the two affordable romantic getaways: a cottage hideaway in Sawyer and a quaint cottage in New Buffalo. RECOMMENDED: The most lavish Airbnbs in ChicagoThe best Airbnb tiny houses near Chicago Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every Airbnb featured, we've based our list on our expert knowledge of the destination covered, editorial reviews, user reviews, hotel amenities and in-depth research to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

Romance doesn't have to be dead, all it takes is a change in scenery. Venture out of your tiny apartment or noisy neighborhood and explore what the wonderful world has to offer. Hit the road for an intimate weekend away near Chicago. Find yourselves and reconnect with each other. We've got the best bunch of romantic Airbnbs in the Midwest with amenities like hot tubs, fireplaces, and luxurious beds you'll be hard-pushed to get out of. There's something for every couple, too, whether your idea of romance is rustic and remote or sleek and stylish. Browse the most romantic Airbnb properties in the Midwest and prepare to request that time off work. RECOMMENDED: The best secluded Airbnbs near Chicago Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every Airbnb featured, we've based our list on top reviews, hosts, and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

So you’re planning a Midwest vacation – may we suggest booking a teeny tiny home? Mini manors aren’t just the manifestation of HGTV-induced hallucinations. They’re a great option for vacationers who want their own rental for less dough. These adorable pocket-sized abodes maximize limited space to make an inviting home out of less than 200 square feet. Plus, they’re super cute. From woodland weekends to beachfront getaways, we've found the most delightful tiny homes for all your getaway needs. Who needs a huge mansion with ten-plus bedrooms? Not us! Updated November 2024: To bring you the freshest holiday rentals, we're always on the lookout for guest favorites and rare stays that are normally booked out like the A-frame cabin or the tiny riverside home.RECOMMENDED: 🏠Check out the coziest Airbnbs near Chicago💕stay at the most romantic Airbnbs near Chicago🌇 Find the best Airbnb lofts in Chicago Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every Airbnb featured, we've based our list on top reviews, hosts and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

A dream destination for sun-seekers, history lovers and culture vultures alike, the city of Buenos Aires is an exciting blend of European style and South American glamour. Doesn't that sound divine? With beautiful architecture, world-class restaurants, vibrant markets and plenty of amazing things to do, it's easy to get swept away in the cosmopolitan magic. But when scrolling Pinterest isn't enough to satisfy your Argentina-based wanderlust, it's time to turn those pins into reality. Luckily, there's a whole host of Airbnbs all over the capital to help make that holiday happen (and at an affordable rate, too). So pack your bags, people, because you're about to book one of the best Airbnbs in Buenos Aires. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Buenos AiresThe best restaurants in Buenos Aires Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every Airbnb featured, we've based our list on top reviews, hosts and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 

In a city full of magical things to see and do, few activities can be more enchanting than a trip along the Seine. To sail down the river in the City of Love is to dip under narrow bridges, pass tree-lined boulevards and spot iconic landmark after iconic landmark. The trips on offer don’t stop at the Seine either, and there are plenty of other canals and lakes to explore either as part of an organised tour or on your own steam. Ready to hit the water? Here’s our pick of Paris’s best river-based tours, trips and activities. Bon voyage! This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here. RECOMMENDED:🎭 See the best attractions in Paris🏡Enjoy a stay at the best Airbnbs in Paris🏨 Or head to the best hotels in Paris

Lisbon has risen in popularity in recent years, and it's not surprising really. The Portuguese capital is cool, timeless, and beautiful, plus it's packed with plenty of stuff to see and do. From castles and churches to art galleries and beaches, it's no wonder people flock from all over to get a taste of the city's culture. And of course, the characterful bars and scrummy restaurants make the trip special, too.  To keep up with the city's vibrant vibes, it makes sense to stay at one of the many Airbnbs in the city to complete the experience. From gorgeous apartment lofts with skyline terraces to designer flats, there's a huge choice of Airbnbs for all sorts of personalities, budgets, and needs. We've picked our favourite Lisbon Airbnbs for you to take a peek at. Updated November 2024: When in Lisbon, you're really spoilt for choice when it comes to finding affordable and authentic rentals. We've decided to spoil you a little more with this mezzanine apartment and this bright, contemporary pad right by the cathedral. RECOMMENDED:🛍 The best things to do in Lisbon🛏 The best hotels in Lisbon🎺 The best jazz bars in Lisbon Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every Airbnb featured, we've based our list on top reviews, hosts and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 

France is the world’s most famous producer of wine. It’s not hard to see why either, thanks to 17 different regions that produce everything from sparkling Champagne to deep, intense Burgundies. Today, France is still the leading exporter, but for those who aren’t connoisseurs, it can all be a tad intimidating. Luckily, vin-curious visitors to the capital can take their pick from our list of wine tours and tasting sessions in Paris, where expert guidance is on hand. We’ll drink to that! RECOMMENDED: The best cafes in Paris This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here. 

Often considered less cosmopolitan than Berlin and much more chilled than Hamburg, some would (unjustly) disregard Munich as a worthwhile destination. How wrong they are! Germany’s third-biggest city has a lot going for it, and we don't just mean the annual Oktoberfest (although that is a right laugh). The city is, in fact, filled to the brim with lovely parks, beautiful riverside walks, top attractions, remarkable restaurants, a highly reputable art scene and, at Christmas, charming markets. In other words, thoroughly worth a visit (or a few). If you’re after an affordable place to stay while you're here, an Airbnb should stand you in better stead than a hotel or B&B. And lucky for you, we’ve done the traipsing already. Check out our faves from the amongst the best Airbnbs Munich has to offer. Updated November 2024: As Munich's popularity as a short-city-break destination continues to grow, we thought it would be wise to add a few more properties for you to choose from. Check out our choices of an eco-friendly tiny house in the 'burbs and a side-wing apartment in an authentic manor house. RECOMMENDED: Best things to do in MunichBest hotels in Munich Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every Airbnb featured, we've based our list on our expert knowledge of the destination covered, editorial reviews, user reviews, amenities and in-depth research to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial

Move over Lisbon, you've had your time. It's Porto's moment to shine. Like the larger capital, Porto is coastal, has its fair share of hills and awe-inspiring architecture, and must-see attractions. The city's modest size makes it easy to navigate, which, in turn, means you can easily visit more than one of our top ten attractions in one day. Take a dip in an azure ocean-front pool, get snap happy in a nineteenth-century station or simply get your fill of the gorgeous Duoro River and the megalithic Dom Luis I iron bridge crosses it, connecting Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia. And don't forget to try a tipple (or two) of port – this is the drink's hometown after all. Cheers! Recommended: 🍳See the best places to enjoy brunch in Porto🛏Stay at the best Airbnbs in Porto🏨Or book a stay at the best hotels in Porto This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

It seems obvious to state that Toronto, Canada’s largest city, is brimming with fantastic things to do. We're talking amazing museums, exquisite cuisine and some of the best nightlife in the entire Great White North. Not to mention the nature walks, which you can find right in the heart of the city (hello Balfour Park loop). There’s nowhere else quite like it. Toronto is a city that manages to both preserve its areas of cultural importance and expand at a break-neck pace. Get ready to explore both the city’s rich heritage and its exciting future – here are our top picks of Toronto’s best attractions. RECOMMENDED: Best things to do in Toronto This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

Modern apartments aren't for everyone. Gray rugs, silver furnishings, matching furniture… It's nice, but not as nice as something with charm and character. Think apartments with antique vibes, vintage light fixtures, real fireplaces and maybe, just maybe, original stained-glass windows. Sound like a dream? Then consider one of these historic homes near Chicago for your next trip. Whether you're looking for a smaller property on a budget or you want to go all out and splurge, this is the list for you. We can't forget that mainline Chicago is stunning and well worth a visit. But sometimes, it's good to have a change—a bit of peace and quiet. So read on for our top recommendations of historic Airbnbs near Chicago. Updated December 2024: We've mixed it up a little with this stunning renovated Victorian property in Wicker Park. It's high-style and cozy all at once.  RECOMMENDED: The best boutique hotels in ChicagoThe best weekend getaways from ChicagoThe best lakeside Airbnbs near Chicago Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every Airbnb featured, we've based our list on top reviews, hosts and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 

Considering that this part of the world birthed Cubism, Impressionism, Modernism, Post-Modernism and then some, it's no surprise that the museums and galleries would be second to none. When it comes to big buildings filled with pretty things, Barcelona does not disappoint. The museums in the Catalan capital are one big love letter to art, with legendary permanent exhibitions and a conveyor belt of temporary ones that deserve all the attention in the world. Hopping from one treasure trove of visual gems to another is one of the best things to do in Barcelona, especially when followed by a visit to a rooftop bar to consider all the magic you’ve devoured. For our budget-savvy travellers, you'll be glad to know it's free entry on the first Sunday of the month for many of the museums across this incredible city. Now, what are you waiting for? Chuck a dart at our list of the best museums in Barcelona and start exploring! RECOMMENDED: See our pick of the best Airbnbs in BarcelonaRECOMMENDED: Plan your next trip with the best hotels in Barcelona This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

There’s a reason these guys are dubbed The Original Tour and that’s because they were the first to run such an operation in London back in 1951. As the Festival of Britain got underway that year, an earlier form of TfL introduced a double-decker bus running ‘Service J’ to take visitors on a tour of the capital. Service J was such a success that it has remained in action to this day. By 1991 the service adopted the hop-on, hop-off mentality and in 1992 the company rebranded from Service J to The Original London Sightseeing Tour. Their reasonably priced tickets allow access to all six of their bus routes and include a Thames River Cruise day-pass, as well as a Changing of the Guard walking tour. What’s more, all tickets are valid for either 24, 48 or 72 hours, and commentary is available in 11 different languages. Some buses on the main yellow route even have real-life guides delivering the fun facts in an entertaining manner. If you're after something a little more specific, say with young ones in mind, you're in luck. The Original Tour has branched out into specialised walks and rides, including the Christmas Lights Tour, London Bar Bus (where you can drink on-board) and the 45-minute Original Kids Tour.

For a sporting venue known for its strict adherence to tradition, the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum is impressively futuristic. Not only is there a 3D cinema explaining the science of the game, but a holographic ‘ghost’ of former tennis world champion John McEnroe roaming the dressing room (yes, seriously), even though he’s still very much alive and volleying. Interviews with players are broadcast on TV screens and an interactive area allows visitors to handle racquets, feel the weight of a trophy and test their reaction skills in simulation games.  Tracing the history of lawn tennis, there is memorabilia dating as far back as 1555, while new additions to the collection include Andy Murray’s outfit from the London 2012 Olympics, when he took home the gold medal, and a series of tennis posters from 1893 to 2015. You can also go on behind-the-scenes tours of the grounds and facilities – including Centre Court – and get a 360-degree view of the arena from a special viewing platform.

Ever wondered what London looks like from 53 metres above North Greenwich? No? Bet you’re wondering now! You can find out with a ticket for Up at The O2, which is the ultimate AAA pass and gains you access to the roof. From there you’ll be able see across the capital, spotting famous sites like the Olympic Park, Thames Barrier, The Shard and Canary Wharf. You’re probably raring to get up there now, but hold your horses because, well, safety first. There will be a couple of videos you need to sit down and take in beforehand, but don’t sigh just yet because they’re genuinely entertaining. After that you’ll strap on the relevant gear: boots, suit and harness, all of which is supplied. Then – and only then – you can begin your ascent. One of The O2’s guides will lead you along the springy walkway all the way to the top, where you can breathe in the fresh air, take a selfie or two and discover some facts about London’s landmarks before heading back down. It’s worth noting that the descent is much steeper than the climb up, so if you’ve got bad knees this isn’t the attraction for you. Up at The O2 is suitable for ages 10+ and at least 1.2 metres tall; and accessible tours for those with disabilities, including wheelchair-users, are also available. Oh, and one piece of advice? Don’t forget socks! VIDEO: Here's what it's like to tackle the climb

Down a cobbled street banked by estate agents, a petrol station and a wall of graffiti, the approach to Sager + Wilde’s second branch hardly screams fine dining. But that’s the charm of London. The crummy can sit with the flash, so you never know when you’re going to stumble upon a real gem. Paradise Row is one of those: a place where railway arches house a bevy of trendy bar-restaurants, one of which was taken over back in 2014 by Michael Sager (now the sole owner) and Charlotte Wilde. The duo, who spent much of their lives visiting vineyards around the world, put together an intimidatingly vast wine list that, thankfully, the staff know as well as the owners. My barrage of questions about the best white to pair with pork were met confidently – a fresh, pear-hinting Saladini Pilastri Falerio from Marche, Italy, if you’re wondering. Abundant beverages aside, this Sager + Wilde is very much about the food. Having enlisted the talents of Sebastian Myers (formerly of Chiltern Firehouse), the menu comprises British dishes with European flourishes. The grilled cut of Iberico pork was a particular highlight; teamed with black trompettes and hispi cabbage, each mouthful popped with salty-sour flavourings, levelled off beautifully by the sweetness of the red apple jus. Despite the industrial setting, the vibe is inviting. Neatly lined-up wooden tables are lit by candlelight and a few low-hanging bulbs. Service was impeccable – our waitress happily (and patiently) explained the sizing

Please note, Hops & Glory is now closed. Time Out Editors, February 2018. Given Britain’s propensity for cold weather, this wood-clad watering hole, flushed with amber lighting, makes for an inviting prospect. But even in warmer weeks, with its glass double-doors thrown open and beautiful brass fans spinning from the burgundy ceiling, there should be a pleasing breeze. The offer of homely winter warmers – think beef dripping, chips and Welsh rarebit – would do for most evenings. Watch out for the crust on that rarebit though, mine was tough and difficult to chew. The menu promises ‘British country-style cooking,’ which evidently means meat-centric mains, with grouse, beef and only one option for fish-fanciers or veggies. My wild bream fillet was great, the flesh tender beneath a crisped skin, its saltiness superbly complemented by sweet red peppers and a lumpy (in a good way) Cypriot potato mash. It may be perched on the edge of busy Essex Road, but The Hops & Glory brings an enjoyable slice of country pub living to Zone One.

Californian ray of sunshine Margaret Glaspy is beaming over with her cream-coloured telecaster and modest (but punch-packing) band of a drummer and bassist. Having recently released her debut album 'Emotions and Math', Glaspy will be promoting the record, which is a mixture of fun, flippant lyrics that fans of Courtney Barnett would appreciate and flexing folky guitar licks. Vocally Glaspy is also a delight, managing to combine the cutesy, indie quirk of Joanna Newsom with the gut-wrenching sincerity that Laura Marling's tonality holds.

Highly articulate and discerning London rapper and political activist Lowkey makes a long awaited return. In 2012 he took a musical hiatus to concentrate on his studies, as he told his Facebook fans, but this July Lowkey (real name Kareem Dennis) reappeared with the single 'Ahmed'. Accompanied by a lo-fi lyric video, 'Ahmed' expresses Lowkey's gut-wrenching take on the current refugee crisis, focusing in particular on the photo of the little Syrian boy washed up dead on a Turkish beach last year.

What better way to spend a Friday night than getting sweaty with Toronto's latest export, Weaves? Having just dropped their eponymous debut LP, Weaves combine all the swagger of Yeah Yeah Yeahs with raucous garage rock riffs and eminently danceable beats. Tonight the four-piece show us Brits how the Canadians do it.

What better way to spend a Friday night than getting sweaty with Toronto's latest export, Weaves? Having just dropped their eponymous debut LP, Weaves combine all the swagger of Yeah Yeah Yeahs with raucous garage rock riffs and eminently danceable beats. Tonight the four-piece show us Brits how the Canadians do it.

All aboard the bus of nightmares for a journey to hel… er, we mean Houses of Parliament and other well known London landmarks. With a lick of black paint, an old-school Routemaster has been given a suitably ghoulish makeover for the Ghost Bus Tour, which will whisk you around the capital on a whistle-stop adventure of London’s most malevolent spots. The tours feature half-factual, half-fictional tales about the demon barber of Fleet Street, Southwark’s Cross Bones Graveyard, the elusive black dog that haunts Newgate Prison and more, all delivered on, and sometimes off, the bus by a troupe of actors, stand-up comics and cabaret performers. Booking recommended.

All aboard the bus of nightmares for a journey to hel… er, we mean Houses of Parliament and other well known London landmarks. With a lick of black paint, an old-school Routemaster has been given a suitably ghoulish makeover for the Ghost Bus Tour, which will whisk you around the capital on a whistle-stop adventure of London’s most malevolent spots. The tours feature half-factual, half-fictional tales about the demon barber of Fleet Street, Southwark’s Cross Bones Graveyard, the elusive black dog that haunts Newgate Prison and more, all delivered on, and sometimes off, the bus by a troupe of actors, stand-up comics and cabaret performers. Booking recommended.

The great thing about reality TV shows is that all the locations exist. IRL. So you can go and, say, sup a lemongrass vodka and strawberry purée cocktail (the 'MIC' special) at Bluebird Café in the exact spot Binky parked her pert tushy in such-a-such episode of the series. This two-hour walking tour will treat fans of the posho programme to a glimpse at more than 20 hotspots frequented by the ‘Made in Chelsea’ cast, including Sloane Square, Upper Cheyne Row, date spot Benihana and Bluebird. Walkers will also get the opportunity for a quick bit of shopping en route.

In the ongoing battle to save our favourite bits of London, we're now rooting for the The George Tavern in Shadwell to triumph in their fight against developers. Eight years ago the grand old pub was informed that Stepney's Nightclub next door would be demolished to make way for six luxury flats, which means The George would inevitably lose its live music and late (ie. fun) license. They've been fighting the decision ever since by hosting fundraisers to cover their legal costs, but now they need your help.  The 600-year-old boozer has launched a crowd funding campaign so they can continue their crusade, offering everything from shout outs and t-shirts to signed memorabilia in exchange for your donations. And if you send them a snap of yourself wearing your 'Save The George Tavern' tee, they'll add you to their gallery alongside the likes of Kate Moss, Sir Ian McKellen and Georgia May Jagger. Donate at The George's IndieGoGo page and find out more information about the campaign at savethegeorgetavern.com.  

…according to Pinakin Patel, 43. The most sensitive issues are the ones that need to be talked about ‘I work on Prevent, which is part of the Government’s counterterrorism strategy. We run events with different communities and invite debate on hard topics, like foreign policy in Afghanistan and women in Islam. The key thing is to not shut down debate. You need a thick skin.’ The internet is the most common pathway to radicalisation ‘These days, we see more risk coming from people engaging with extremism via online groups and social media than face-to-face. So we work with students and parents’ groups to increase people’s resilience, critical thinking and online safety, and also deliver training in schools on how to spot concerns and pass those on to social services and the council.’ Right-wing extremism is the fastest-growing threat ‘We definitely don’t only tackle extremism in Islamic communities. I would love to dispel that myth. In fact, we’re getting more and more far-right cases – groups like National Action, or Holocaust denial and Islamophobia.’ Even the most suspicious people can be won over ‘In 2011 I set up an advisory body of faith groups and key members of the community. At the first meeting I was accused of being a spy for the government and of targeting Muslims. Not long ago, that same group threw me a surprise fortieth birthday party.  They were quite hostile in the beginning – cynical, perhaps. But we listened to them and now they’re our biggest champions.’ F

Returning this summer to Ealing’s Gunnersbury Park is Citadel Festival, the Sunday one-dayer that acts as Lovebox’s laidback little sibling. Taking over Lovebox’s sprawling site the day after it ends, Citadel has tons of music to choose from, plus an array of family-friendly activities. Welsh titans Catfish And The Bottlemen will work their magic in the headline slot. With new LP ‘The Balance’ dropping in April, the Llandudno lads will have three albums’ worth of angsty indie rock to plunder. Joining them on the main stage is Rag’n’Bone Man – the voice behind 2016’s massive earworm ‘Human’ and Calvin Harris’s current banger ‘Giant’. Even if you’ve never ventured beyond Mr Bone’s hit singles, his live show totally brims with soul and brass.  Elsewhere you’ll find raucous Scottish singer-guitarist Honeyblood, who’ll deliver candy-sweet vocal melodies alongside riffs that’ll vibrate your insides. All-female trio Dream Wife will also be rocking out; if you’re a fan of The Strokes and Wolf Alice, their hook-laden indie should tickle your fancy. Then get a shuffle on as Friendly Fires bust out their synth-led tropical rhythms. With lots of songs about love or partying, they’ll provide the perfect groove to a balmy summer’s evening. But as always, Citadel isn’t just about the tunes. There’s plenty of street food to keep hungry revellers sated (think Club Mexicana and Only Jerkin’), plus group yoga classes, spoken word and creative workshops. This fest is the perfect mix of Sunday f

…according to Adele Lamb, 35. Making sure everything runs smoothly is as much as an art as a science ‘As a stage manager, my job is to “call” shows as they happen – so that could be saying, “Winch one, go. Sound, go” through a headset. People don’t necessarily think of it as artistic, but you’re having to read the music, the cast and the audience’s reaction, so there is an artistic side to it. We’re kind of the driving force that pushes things forward.’ Plays, musicals and circus shows all have their own challenges ‘I have done plays, but I’ve always been drawn towards musicals, because there’s more going on in a technical sense. I’ve worked on shows like “Jesus Christ Superstar” and “Rock of Ages”. But now I tour with Cirque du Soleil, and the difference with circus is that we are slightly movable. Something can happen to an acrobat while they’re warming up that means they can’t do that act, and we have to rearrange things. We make sure we run seamlessly and the audience doesn’t know something’s happened.’ Knowing what happens backstage can make it hard to watch other shows ‘I make a real effort to see stuff that I wouldn’t usually work on – plays, dance and opera – but I’ve never been able to fully switch off. There are times when you’re watching something and you think: I wonder if that was meant to happen. But nobody else would notice!’ Circus life makes dating hard ‘I’ve been single for a long time now. It’s not a job for everybody, and generally people end up with someb

…according to Lloyd Wylde, 49. To a homeless Londoner, a haircut can mean a lot ‘This year we’ve got 11 Crisis at Christmas centres across London hosting homeless people between December 23 and 30. We set up a cinema, a clothing station, a non-stop tea and coffee point… But one of the most popular things we offer is hairdressing. Many guests come back and have another inch off every day we’re open. We wash their hair, blow-dry it, give them some product – it’s about being treated like a human being. There is always a queue.’ Everyone is entitled to be picky about Christmas dinner ‘We absolutely have to have Christmas dinner – if there wasn’t any there would be a riot. And I tell you, the guests are very particular – they’ve always got tips for the chef. It’s funny getting the comments: “Well, I thought the turkey was a bit overdone,” or “The brussels sprouts could have had a bit longer.”’ There’s an annual footie league between Crisis centres ‘The teams are made up of guests, and at our centre in east London we have footballers from West Ham come in to train with them before the match. Last year, my centre came back with the trophy and it was like they’d won the FA Cup. We were just one group of people standing and cheering and celebrating together. That’s what it’s all about – there’s no them and us.’ Saying goodbye is the hardest part ‘We can’t work miracles in a week, and it’s difficult when you have to say goodbye to one of the guests and you don’t know what the year is

…according to Dan Bowery, 28. Children are less wimpy than adults ‘My job at the Natural History Museum ice rink is to skate around, help people learn to skate and pick people up when they fall over. Kids generally learn a lot more easily and don’t mind falling over – they’ll get straight back up and laugh about it. Whereas adults will cling to you, which generally means they end up falling over a lot more.’ Wind is an ice rink’s worst enemy ‘Our rink contains something like 186,000 litres of water, all being cooled by pipes that run underneath. It’s basically a big freezer without a door. This year has been great so far, as it’s been quite cold, but when it gets mild and windy the ice struggles. The wind constantly moves the water on top, so it never gets a chance to freeze properly.’ It’s always best to skate off-peak ‘If you go on certain days during the week between 10am and 1pm, you pay the same amount as for a one‑hour session, but you can skate for up to three hours. I can use the rink for free whenever I’m not working, and I’ll be going in during those quiet times.’ Fingers getting chopped off is a myth ‘Everyone always asks, but that’s never happened. Out of all the people I’ve spoken to, who’ve worked in ice rinks for a long time, no one’s ever heard of anyone getting their fingers sliced off. The worst injury I’ve heard of was a person who managed to dislocate both shoulders at the same time.’ There’s only one way to deal with Christmas music: get used to it ‘The s

…according to Laura Tyrer, 35. Acting confident is an art ‘A lot of people become actors because they find confidence in being someone else. I was a very shy kid and I went to dance classes because my mum wanted me to be confident, but if you’re naturally shy, it’s never going to go away. All performers have insecurities – some are riddled with them. That’s why we have to take care of each other.’ Getting older can be an asset ‘Entering a new age bracket as an actor is really exciting. I’m just about to finish playing Velma Kelly in “Chicago”, and I couldn’t have done it five years ago! Now I’m of a maturity to play that part, because I understand that woman.’ It’s easy to get stuck as an understudy ‘When you’re in an ensemble covering a lead part, you have to concentrate on your own character while learning other people’s as well, and you can be thrown on at a moment’s notice. But if you become known as a reliable cover, it’s hard to get out of that box. I had a fear for a few years that it wouldn’t happen for me.’ A second job is essential ‘The worst thing you can do is walk into an audition room and think: I have to get this job because I have to pay the bills. Doing something else will keep you sane. I also teach dance, but others write or voice-coach.’ Noise isn’t distracting – phones are ‘The light distracts the eye, and once your eye is distracted, your thought goes with it. It baffles me that people think they can’t be seen using their phones. I was in a show earlier

…according to Karolina Susfal, 39. London’s Ikea branches are a microcosm of the city ‘There’s a huge diversity of people in Ikea – both workers and customers. It’s a very international environment and I learn basic phrases every day. I can now say hello in Polish, German, Portuguese, Spanish and more.’ The meatball struggle is real ‘Everyone loves the Swedish meatballs. We don’t get food for free, but it’s such a little amount that it’s dangerously affordable. They are a little bit dangerous, though: I was skinnier three years ago before I started working here!’ People ask ridiculous questions… ‘Customers often ask about the difference between a foam mattress and sprung one. Obviously a foam mattress has foam inside and a sprung mattress has springs, but we still get that question all the time.  Or you’ll tell the customer that a bed frame comes in white or black and the next question they ask is: “Does it come in grey?”’ …but also show their gratitude ‘To plan a complete kitchen, we usually spend hours with one customer, and they’ll often come back to the store to show us pictures. One customer even invited me over for dinner in their newly built kitchen! I was too shy to say yes.’ Ikea staff are okay with people making themselves at home ‘Many times when I go through the showroom I’ll see whole families sitting on the sofas, having a chat and a cup of tea that they’ve got from the canteen. We encourage them to sit for a while. We even invite them to lie down to check

…according to Victoria Martin, 31.  Some dogs have serious jobs ‘At our kennels at Gatwick we have labradors, a pointer and a poodle-pointer, but we use springer spaniels mainly, because their noses are so good. Each dog is trained on different commodities: drugs, cigarettes, cash… My spaniel Teddy is a firearms dog, so when he detects a weapon, I make sure there’s no ammunition in it and that it can be looked after safely.’ Not every pooch is cut out for it ‘Once you’ve both been through training, you have to be licensed by a chief instructor, who will watch you work to make sure you and the dog are good together. When I was being inspected with my previous dog, Sidney, we had to do a baggage belt search. I could see that Sid wasn’t acting right, and then he decided to do a massive poo on the belt while the bags were going round. It became apparent afterwards that he was petrified of crowds of people.’ When the handlers go on holiday, so do the dogs ‘Nobody else can work your dog, because only you’re licensed to him or her. So we have kennels at Gatwick, and when we’re not working,  the kennel assistants look after our dogs for us. They get walked and fed twice a day; we’ve even got paddocks where they can go and play with the other dogs. A day off for us is a day off for them.’ Retired dogs are in high demand ‘Dogs are normally retired aged seven or eight, depending on their health, and the handler gets first refusal. If they or their friends or family are not interested, t

…according to Roberta Maciuleviciute, 30. There’s a Hamburger University in East Finchley ‘We all go there to improve our knowledge, whether it’s for an apprenticeship or management courses. I started as a crew member and did an apprenticeship straight away, through which I got GCSEs in English and Maths as well as learning the ropes of working for McDonald’s.’ The smell of grease grows on you ‘It doesn’t smell that much, as there’s always AC and extractor fans in the stores to keep that smell out. But when you work in the restaurant every day, you get used to it. It’s a unique smell: whenever you go to a different store, it feels so familiar.’ Drunk people leave weird stuff behind ‘The funniest thing we regularly find in the dining area after overnight shifts is one shoe. It’s like a modern Cinderella story: how can someone leave one shoe in McDonald’s and still get home?’ Tourists and Londoners alike ask for some strange things ‘London has such a mixture of people that even people who live here ask us for things we don’t have. We get people asking for soup and things like that which they’re used to in their country. Spanish, Italian and German people especially ask about beer. Unfortunately, we have to disappoint them because McDonald’s doesn’t serve beer in the UK.’ Londoners expect all-day breakfasts ‘Some people would like to eat breakfast all day, but at 10.30am we have to start serving lunch. We understand the frustration customers have: sometimes you just want an

…according to Cassie Fletcher, 23. Regulars can become mates ‘One of the fun things about being a barista is getting to know customers well. One of our regulars, who I saw every day for three years, was from Italy and I told her I’d like to go there one day. She said, “Why don’t you come with me next time?” So I went on holiday with one of my customers and we’re really good friends now.’ Starbucks has tens of thousands of drink combinations ‘Because we’ve got different flavoured syrups, milks, decafs and shots, there are more than 80,000 drinks. I once made a drink with 30 or more ingredients! And sometimes if we have a really weird order, we like to make it again afterwards to see what it actually tastes like.’ There’s a ten-second rule for espresso ‘Once the espresso is poured out of the machine, it needs to be added to whatever drink you’re making within ten seconds, otherwise the taste, smell and crema will be affected. If you taste a normal latte against one with espresso that’s waited for ten seconds or more, it’s going to be bitter.’ Londoners bloody love eggnog ‘We have three Christmas drinks – toffee nut, gingerbread and eggnog latte – but eggnog is the one that everybody wants all year round. Even in late March, when we don’t make it, people are still asking for eggnog.’ For more unique looks at London life, sign up here to get Time Out features straight to your inbox.

After losing his right leg at 17, Michael Ishiguzo thought his sporting career was over. But now he’s got a chance to play amputee football at the highest level… ‘I used to be a professional footballer back in Nigeria. At 17 I was playing for one of the top teams, but one day, in a tackle during training, I broke my right leg. Although I was playing professionally, there wasn’t much money in it. We were playing for passion and hope, and sometimes it was even hard to afford to eat. So when I broke my leg, I could not afford a doctor, and I went to the traditional bonesetters. I’d seen a lot of players break legs and go to these people, and they’d carry on playing. But my leg was not properly treated. I contracted gangrene and they had to amputate. That was the worst moment of my life. I couldn’t come to terms with it and I attempted suicide a couple of times, but I was saved for whatever reason – only God knows. I was ashamed. I’m sorry to say this, but in Nigeria disabled people are not human beings. You become a second-class citizen, especially when you’re not well-to-do. One of the people I had grown up with lived in London. They said, “You can come to UK and follow your career in sport,” so that’s how the whole idea started. When I arrived I found out it wasn’t as easy as that, but going back to Nigeria was not a good idea. At least here I’m living my life as a human being. I moved to London in 2000, when I was 20, and I still live in the same area, the south-east. I start