Cadbury World: The Chocolate Heaven

If you visiting Birmingham or West Midlands area, one of the most popular places to visit is Cadbury World - chocolate factory and exhibition space. No, you would not need a golden ticket to visit, and you won't need any proof that you are good. You will be navigated through the world of chocolate, from the very beginnings in South America to delicious products we buying today.

From its early beginnings in Birmingham, Cadbury grew to become a pioneer in the development of eating chocolate and the UK's most prestigious chocolate company. The creations of the Cadbury family have had a huge impact on the way that Britain enjoys chocolate today.

My favourite British nursery rhymes

I always loved nursery rhymes. They are cute and remind us of the childhood, but sometimes they might have surprising words. I enjoy finding connections between nursery rhymes in my country and in UK. It is amazing how many are common around the world.

One of those is nursery rhyme/play "This Little Piggy"(England, c1760). You probably know this one, maybe in some other wording. But the principle is that you play with child's fingers (or toes) white recite the rhyme.

This little piggy went to market, (wiggle one finger)

This little piggy stayed home, (wiggle the next finger)

This little piggy had roast beef, (and the next one...)

This little piggy had none,  (and the next one....) 

And this little piggy went wee wee wee all the way home. (and the thumb!)

This Little Pig Went to Market by Lilly Martin Spencer, 1857

Pearly Kings and Queens of London

Pearly Kings and Queens are one of the most intriguing, unique and beautiful attractions of London. Each London Borough has a its King and Queen, as do the City of London and the City of Westminster. It is a colourful London tradition and one that has been kept alive by a few dedicated people, who work hard on the promotion of this tradition. Today there are 30 Pearly families that are active in collecting money and fund raising different charities.

The story about Pearly Kings and Queens started in the Victorian London among street traders or 'The Costermongers', as they were called. They were selling their goods marching the streets of London, selling from baskets, later from barrows, and, finally, from static market stalls. It was usually a family business and went from the generation to generation.