Shopping at Oxford Street and Places to Stay in London

Oxford Street is Europe's largest high street with more than 300 shops from leading department stores and flagships, for everything from fashion to furniture, toys to toiletries and the most recent gadgets from all over the world. It is Europe's busiest shopping street. The street derives its name from being part of the old London-Oxford Road. Today the road forms part of the A40, although it is not signposted as this, like other roads in central London.

Oxford Street is one and a half miles from one end to the other. Most of the shops open from 10.00 am until 7.00 pm and some even operate until 8.pm. Some of the Shops now open on Sundays from 12.00 pm to 6.00 pm with very late nights on Thursday. The Flagship of Oxford Street is Selfridges and the other big department stores which can be found in the section from Marble Arch to Oxford Circus, along with most of the very big name multinationals. It is more of the same as you continue towards Tottenham Court Road, but generally on a smaller scale. It is home to major department stores and numerous brands' flagship stores, as well as hundreds of smaller shops. It is the major shopping street in central London, though not the most expensive or fashionable, and part of a larger shopping district with Regent Street, Bond Street and other smaller nearby streets. For many British chain stores, their Oxford Street branches are regarded as their 'flagship' stores and used for celebrity launches and promotions.

The Tube is probably the best way to reach Oxford Street; although there are many London buses serving the area, the traffic congestion is pretty bad, and the wait is lengthy. The Central Line runs pretty much directly beneath Oxford Street at this point, with four stations along its length: Marble Arch, Bond Street (also served by the Jubilee Line), Oxford Circus (also served by the Bakerloo and Victoria lines), and Tottenham Court Road (also served by the Charing Cross branch of the Northern Line). If possible, avoid Oxford Circus Station, as its layout is confusing and it's also very busy; at times it can be difficult to get out of the station at all due to pedestrian congestion outside.

There are many London luxury hotels and also cheap London bed and breakfast properties found in the area. It is an affluent area and hotels found there tend to have high room rates. However, Hotels in Bloomsbury which are just about 15 minutes walking distance from Oxford Street will give you very good rates. For instance, the Imperial London hotels which are a concentration of Hotels in Russell Square

It is advisable for someone who does not want to spend much on London accommodation but wants to get high standard of London high standard accommodation facilities to stay in Bloomsbury and just stroll to Oxford Street to do his or her shopping.

How Best to Travel to Central London From Heathrow

Heathrow is one of the most popular airports for London holiday-goers. Whether you've arrived on a long International flight or a short flight from a nearby destination, you'll want to be on your way to your London accommodations as quickly as possible. There are several options for reaching the centre of London from Heathrow, and travel time along the roughly 15-mile route depends on a variety of factors.

National Express Dot2Dot Transfer Service

One of the fastest, most comfortable and convenient ways to travel from Heathrow to your central London or Canary Wharf destination is via National Express Dot2Dot transfer service. Dot2Dot service desks are available at Heathrow Terminals 1, 3, 4 and 5, and if you arrive at Terminal 2, a representative will meet you. You'll enjoy a comfortable ride in a modern minibus with Wi-Fi service and air-conditioning available, and your cost will be less than half of that of a taxi.

If you're traveling as part of a larger group, Dot2Dot offers discounts, too. Service is available 24 hours a day, and return shuttle service from your hotel to Heathrow can also be arranged. Dot2Dot shuttle service costs a maximum of £20.00, and it's easy to pre-book transportation at Dot2Dot. You can also phone +44 (0)845 368 2368 for more information.

Taxi or Limousine Service from Heathrow

Taxis offer another option for transportation from Heathrow to your central London destination. There are several taxi companies that serve Heathrow, and you can find taxis by following signs in each of Heathrow's terminals. A taxi ride to central London usually takes an hour or slightly less, and prices run between £45 and £70. You may be able to save on the cost by booking your taxi from Heathrow in advance.

If you're interested in traveling from Heathrow to London in luxury, you can book a limousine in advance from one of several agencies. This is the most expensive form of transportation available between Heathrow and central London, but it will also be the most luxurious.

Train Service to Central London

If you aren't too encumbered with luggage, you may opt to take the Underground to your London destination. Heathrow Airport is located on the Piccadilly line on the Underground, and Heathrow Express trains also operate frequently to London Paddington station. You can access train service from each of the airport's terminals. Trains run roughly every 4 to 9 minutes and fares start at just £4.00. Depending on your stop, you'll reach your destination in approximately 45 to 60 minutes.

Bus Service from Heathrow to London

Bus service is another public transportation option for transfer from Heathrow to central London. Expect your journey to take approximately an hour, although traffic delays could significantly increase your travel time. Fares start at approximately £10 for bus travel.

Heathrow to London by Car

If you are driving yourself, you will want to obtain directions to your destination in advance of your arrival. Your directions will vary depending on which Terminal you are exiting, but ultimately you will need to arrive at the M4 motorway to reach London.

If you are travelling with a significant amount of luggage or with children, it may be easiest to opt for Taxi or Dot2Dot transfer service from Heathrow. Although public transportation such as rail and bus service is less expensive, you will need to carry your luggage yourself along the way. Many travellers find the convenience of Dot2Dot or Taxi service well worth the extra cost, especially upon arrival at Heathrow. You can always choose another option for your return trip to Heathrow if you decide to opt for savings over convenience instead.

Shopping in London

Shopping is one of the main reasons people flock to London in their hoards all year round. With over 40,000 shops from huge department stores to fabulous fashion shops, London is the heart for fashion, style and music. A wide variety of shops are all over London, from high priced exclusive clothing and goods, (some severely over priced I might add) to some amazing deals. For lovers of clothes and shoe shopping and more shoe shopping ladies, London has all the designs and the wackiest looks. But before you start, ring your bank, up your credit card limit, its time to start spending!

Camden Market is the place to go if you want cheaper stuff, it's located next to the Camden Locks; this is London's most popular market. It gets extremely busy here at weekends with thousands of traders, but watch out for the "buggy brigade" (parents with pushchairs!) your feet will be swollen, but not from the incessant shopping... from having them continuously rolled over and stamped on! Even so, you are sure to find the perfect pair of shoes to match that expensive designer outfit you just spent your whole months wages on. On the other hand, if you are looking for something a little different then Kensington Market might be a good choice, it's located on Kensington High Street, this market caters for the underground fashions. You can also find an extensive range of outrageous hair colours, punk and gothic clothing and accessories, record stores, the latest in techno, platform shoes, leather goods and jewellery.

Portobello Road Market features antique goods, as well as clothing and music, hundreds of stalls on weekends, and cafes and bars. It is also a "celeb hotspot" with many famous people living and shopping in the area.

Oxford Street & Regent Street are the main areas in which to find many High Street stores. All the main ones are here from Marks and Spencer, Debenhams, John Lewis, Boots, W.H. Smith, Bhs, C&A and of course Hamley's Toy Shop, which I must add is absolutely breath taking, especially at Christmas, every child and "older child's" dream come true. You may not find many low priced goods here, but it really is worth a look. So credit cards at the ready!

You will also find Harrods; most people make a visit to this shop just to look at the costly price tags, as well as the wide variety of food on offer. But be sure to dress respectively, no light coloured clothing caked in the muddy tyre marks from the "buggy brigade" in the markets!! There is a dress code to shop here!

And then there is Soho. Soho is the place to go for a variety of boutiques; Janet Fitch for designer jewellery, Metalmorphis for body piercings, and Ann Summers for kinky lingerie. Ambient Soho and Black Market Records stock the best of techno, jungle and dance music. Try the Vintage Magazine Shop for excellent movie & TV memorabilia and posters. Soho is the ideal place if you are looking for something to do "After Dark"; it offers a wide range of erotic videos, sex toys, good cafes and restaurants and strip clubs. Soho is an interesting place to wander around, especially for the men who like to "window shop"!!

Shopping in London can be an exciting experience, whether you want to spend or just browse. It's a vibrant city - buying something often involves discovering interesting surroundings and exploring new ones. At the seasonal times of year it is probably best to start early, London streets begin to look like an anthill around lunchtime! I myself am a true Londoner... born and bred, everyday there is something new to be found.

Top 5 'Must Buy Something In' Shops In London - (just for the feel good factor, oh, and the carrier bag!)

Hamleys Toy Shop

Wow! That is the only word that came out of our mouths when we walked through the doors of Hamley's, I lost my two kids and my husband immediately! Unfortunately, they found me again when they wanted money! But if you are looking for a reminder of your childhood or looking for something special for your own kids then this is the shop, and it really isn't that expensive either, you can pick up a gift for as little as a fiver. It really is magical, 7 floors of it, a definite must. Nearest tubes: Piccadilly Circus, Oxford Circus. Official website: http://www.hamleys.com

Covent Garden

If you are on a visit to London then try to visit the very trendy Covent Garden, with all the up-to-date designer shops like French Connection, H&M, Calvin Klein and Gap to name but a few. If you are shopaholic like myself then you will love Covent Garden, a fair few celebrities also shop and eat here. The Ivy restaurant is a well-known celebrity hotspot, if you can't get in to enjoy the tasty food on offer then take a stroll past... 2 or 3 times... spot the celebrity! Nearest tube: Covent Garden

Harrods

A trip to London wouldn't be complete without a visit to world-famous Harrods. Some just want to check out the expensive price tags, others buy stuff just for the carrier bag. Even so, you will find everything you need here, mind you, the store is huge and it is easy to get lost. And remember; if you need the loo... take some money with you! Nearest tube: Knightsbridge. Official website: http://www.harrods.com

Carnaby Street

Carnaby Street has loads on offer for yourself and a guilt gift for him (well, we have to buy him something don't we? After all, it's his credit card!). For him, there are sports shops like Puma, Ben Sherman, G-room and if he's a budding DJ then there's Kingly Court, this a great place to buy great vinyls. Oh, and not forgetting a place where he can re-fuel... there's a few pubs too! And for the ladies, there is a number of fine cosmetics shops, a few boutiques selling vintage mod clothing, designer shoe shops and Liberty's is just round the corner in Fouberts Place. There are places where we can re-fuel too... coffee shops and sandwich bars. Nearest tube: Oxford Circus

New Bond Street and Old Bond Street

Just off of Oxford Street, is the less crowded but far more expensive New Bond Street and Old Bond Street, for all those that have an endless flow of cash then this is the place to spend all of it! Most of the shops here have "greeters" who will smile, open doors for you, and wish you a nice day! Oh, and keep your eyes open for the odd celebrity here too, London's Bond streets are well known for bringing out the odd one or two. Nearest tube: Bond Street

It's a vast, fast and vibrant city; London has it all. Don't miss it... come and visit!

Top Shopping Destinations In London

London is the top tourist destination in the world, and for very good reasons. The numerous historical landmarks will make your trip a memorable one, and the diverse atmosphere is not like any other city. Another thing that many find notable in London is the numerous shopping opportunities. Because of the high amounts of tourism, retailers have stepped up and created shopping destinations that you won’t want to miss.

You’ll have to decide exactly what you want to shop for, since stores are generally grouped by type. If you want to see the really top-notch shops and department stores, Knightsbridge is the place to go. The hyper-fashionable person will find all of the latest trends, and all of the name brand items that you can handle.

If you aren’t looking to stay on the bleeding edge of fashion, and you’d rather just have some fun, then Covent Garden is the place for you. It has a little bit of everything, including some surprising stuff that you wouldn’t quite group with “everything”. Even if you aren’t looking to buy anything, it’s still fun to window shop and eat at one of the many cafés.

Notting Hill has a very unique blend of shops. You’ll find many different eclectic shops that give you alternative options. If you appreciate antique clothes or furniture, you’ll find many shops to provide you with exactly that. It is also home to a popular market that makes for an interesting afternoon visit.

If you’re looking for computers or electronics, then you should look on Oxford Street. It has literally dozens of shops selling everything from cameras and batteries to compact discs and video games. With a little haggling, you can get better prices than you would find anywhere else in the city.

Finally, arguably the most infamous shopping destination in London is New Bond Street. It is filled to the brim with the most premium (and expensive) fashion boutiques. If you just need to go on a shopping spree for some of the most famous brands in the world, then New Bond Street is the place to do it.

As you can see, there truly is something for everyone in the many London shopping destinations. You can do casual window shopping, or you can do extreme fashion shopping. So if you are headed to London soon, consider what sort of shopping you want to do – because there is almost surely a destination to do it at.

Christmas Shopping in Central London

Shopping District of Central London

If you can't find it here you won't find it anywhere! The main shopping areas of Central London are found in the West End. This area includes Oxford Street, Regent Street, Bond Street and Covent Garden.

Oxford Street is definitely the main shopping street of the whole city and is an excellent starting point. Many chain stores host their flagship store on this street such as Selfridges, the UK's 2nd largest department store; John Lewis, the UK's 3rd largest department store; and others such as Marks & Spencer, Debenhams, Zavvi, House of Fraser, Topshop and Primark.

Half way down Oxford Street, the street is intersected by Regent Street and this area is called Oxford Circus. The shops found here include Nike Town, H&M, Topshop/Topman, United Colors of Benetton and Miss Selfridge.

Regent Street stretches from Oxford Circus to Piccadilly Circus. On this street you can visit Hamley's which has 6 storeys of toy store! Formerly the worlds biggest toy store, this is definitely the place to pick up that must have toy for your little loved ones. Another shop found on Regent Street is the London Apple Store, which is the largest one in the world.

At Piccadilly Circus there is another Zavvi store on the site where there used to be Tower Records.

Bond Street runs parallel, and to the west, of Regent Street. Here you will find some of the world's most luxurious designer stores such as Cartier, D&G, Jimmy Choo, Louis Vuitton and Versace.

Located away from the West End and situated in Knightsbridge is Harrods located on Brompton street. The second biggest shopping store in the world after Macy's in New York. Harrods occupies a site of 18,000 m2 and contains over 300 departments! Harrods motto is 'Omnia Omnibus Ubique' - All Things for All People.

Also located in Knightsbridge you can find Harvey Nichols, which caters for a younger crowd though its designer gear tends to be more expensive.

Other shops found on Sloane Street, around the corner from Knightsbridge, include Christian Dior, Chanel, Prada, Gucci, Armani, Alberta Ferretti, Nicole Fahri and Katharine Hamnett.

Kensington High Street in the main shopping street of Kensington and is essentially a smaller and less crowded version of Oxford Street. Located on this street you can fins such shops as Karen Millen, Monsoon, Gap, H&M, Ann Summers, Laura Ashey and a few others.

The one downside to this immense range of options is that you won't find too many bargains as this is one of the more expensive places to shop in England, especially if you have been unfortunate with the exchange rate to Sterling.

Getting to the Shopping Districts of Central London

If you are driving in from Heathrow Airport then it a simple matter of heading out of the airport and onto the M4. Follow it directly into the heart of the city, as it becomes the A4, turn left at Piccadilly Circus and you will be driving up Regent Street with access to all the West End Shopping Streets. This route will also take you directly through Knightsbridge, so no need for any turn offs.

For Kensington, you will need to turn left onto Warwick Road after you have past through Hammersmith and then right onto Kensington High Street.

Parking in the Shopping Districts of Central London

For the above shopping streets, there are a number of car parks you can avail of. Parking on the streets on Sundays is free, but if you are staying overnight be sure to move your car before the wardens are out at around 7:30am.

For the West End, you will find the Oxford Street Car Park located just off the street in Cavendish Square. Parking costs £5 for the first hour and is £32 for a 24-hour period. To the north of this one there is Harley Car Park on Queen Anne Mews, where parking is £5 for the first hour and is £30 for a 24-hour period.

There is also Soho Car Park, on Poland Street which branches off Oxford Street. Parking costs £5.50 for the first hour and is £36 for a 24-hour period, though there is also a £14 over night option (enter after 18:00 and leave before 9:00).

For Knightsbridge and Kensington, you will find the Knightsbridge Car Park on Kinnerton Street which is located just to the south of Knightsbridge Street and can be accessed from Sloane Road. Parking costs £3.50 for the first hour and is £33 for a 24-hour period.

A car can be a blessing or a curse in the city, driving in the city centre can be 'interesting' but the luggage space of even a small car can be very helpful especially when you are doing a lot of shopping

Indulge in Some Shopping in London

If you fancy a day out on the town, London has plenty to offer you. Like many other cities it has the combination of well known chain stores and 'one off' shops that are run by individuals.

But no matter where you go or what you want to buy, London has everything you could hope for. And you might be surprised at the difference between areas that aren't too far apart geographically.

For example, there are lots of markets in London, and Camden Market is arguably one of the most popular of all. The area is actually made up of stalls which spread out into several streets, all of which are open every day. It is the mix of stalls which invariably delights all those who visit, and you can get some great bargains here.

Elsewhere in London there are some very different shopping experiences on offer. Many people go to areas like Bond Street merely to window shop - largely because of the prices! But it is still an experience you will want to indulge in. This is the place where all the top designers can be found, such as Donna Karan and Calvin Klein for example.

If you want to do more than just window shop, be sure you don't miss out on Oxford Street. This is far more accessible and is widely regarded as the place to go if you want to do some serious shopping in the capital. You will find lots of well known chain stores here, and because of the well known nature of the street itself many of them have their biggest stores in the country on this very street.

But if chain stores don't appeal to you, don't worry. There are plenty of more quirky shops available nearby if you hop on the Tube and visit Covent Garden. This is an area known for its street entertainment, market stalls and shops, so it can offer a vibrant and exciting day out. In fact, it has been a hub for entertainment for centuries - even Samuel Pepys - the famous diarist, who reported on entertainment in the area some three hundred and fifty years ago!

It is the design of this area - as much as what it holds - that makes Covent Garden so appealing. In fact, if you are looking to stay in London for the weekend - or longer - there are plenty of hotels in London that are situated close by.

The thing you need to be aware of above all else is that shopping in London can be a very expensive pastime! But you don't need to spend lots of money to come home with some new additions to your wardrobe. There are bargains to be found around every corner - you just need to shop long enough to find them.

Stansted Airport London - An Independent Travellers Guide

Of London’s airports, Stansted Airport is furthest from the centre of London, nearly 40 miles. The airport is dominated by low cost budget airlines and in particular Ryanair and easyJet, Europe’s largest low cost airlines.

The overwhelming majority of flights are European or UK domestic flights.
The airport also has significant charter traffic, particularly for the British travelling on package tours to the sun.
The main intercontinental and state carriers like British Airways, Virgin, American and Singapore Airlines all use London’s Heathrow or Gatwick Airports.

The airport is an established airport but was relaunched 15 years ago with a brand new terminal and infrastructure, including a direct rail link and motorway to London. At first it was a white elephant but the emergence of the low cost budget carriers has transformed Stansted into one of the fastest growing airports in Europe in the last decade.
Today, full capacity of the main terminal is within sight and a new terminal and further out a second runway is planned.

There are no surprises with the terminal itself, all the standard facilities are in place including choice of foreign exchange, pharmacies, news stands etc. There is a good range of eating opportunities ranging from fast food and pub food through to sit down restaurants. In common with all airports run by BAA, the owner, there is a lot of luxury shopping outlets. But remember, the vast majority of flights from Stansted are within the EEC and do not qualify for duty free status.

It normally takes around 30 minutes from touch down to exiting customs with most flights if you have luggage. There is an airport information desk immediately outside customs and a desk for AirportCarz who have a monopoly on taxi services at the airport. Taking a taxi to London is only used by a very small minority of passengers because of the distance and expense.

If your destination is London, the quickest option is to take the Stansted Express train. The train station is underneath the terminal so you just descend to the platforms by escalators or lifts.
The Stansted Express takes 45 minutes to London’s Liverpool Street Station and runs about every 15 minutes during the day. Last trains are around midnight. The fares on the Stansted Express are expensive, well over $US40 for a single return fare. The Liverpool Street terminus is also not very convenient for most travellers, being sited in the middle of the financial district of London, 3-5 miles from most of the most popular hotel accommodation. The train stops at an intermediate stop called Tottenham Hale, 10 minutes before Liverpool Street, an interchange with the London Underground (Victoria Line).
Many of the airlines will sell tickets for the Stansted Express, some at a discount, before landing at Stansted Airport.

The budget transfer option into London is to take one of four scheduled coach services run by National Express and Terravision. There is a large, modern coach station in front of the terminal, adjacent to the rail station.

The cheapest option is the Terravision service to Liverpool Street Station, the same route as the Stansted Express. The price is about half that of the Stansted Express Train. Downside like all road based transfers is the London traffic, on a good day the coach will make it in about an hour. National Express run services about every 30 minutes to nearby Stratford Underground at a similar price.

The other route taken by the coaches is Stansted to London Victoria. Both have return fares around $US25. The Terravision service is non-stop, the National Express service makes stops through central London, many of them close to the major hotel districts. The National Express service is a true 24x7 service, the Terravision service only stops for a couple of hours early morning. Some of the highest frequencies are around midnight Stansted-London and very early morning London-Stansted for the first and last flights when the Stansted Express and London Underground have shut down.

Because of the sometimes extraordinarily cheap fares of Ryanair and easyJet a lot of transcontinental travellers have found it cheapest to fly into Heathrow and then complete their journey to their European destination using a low cost airline from Stansted.
National Express run shuttle services between Heathrow and Stansted from the coach station at Stansted. There are usually a couple of services an hour, the journey taking around 90 minutes (though delays on the motorway are almost routine at rush hours). The fare is not cheap either. The return fare is about $US50. It is cheaper to use the indirect National Express service to Stratford and then catch the London Underground to Heathrow, but less comfortable.

If you want to stay over at Stansted Airport before a flight there are plenty of options available. Like all airport hotels at London, room rates are normally much cheaper at weekends than mid-week. If you are transiting from Heathrow or Gatwick which have much fiercer competition, you will probably find rates more expensive at Stansted, particularly in the budget sector.

Immediately adjacent to the terminal is the luxury Stansted Radisson SAS, the only airport hotel where you do not need a hotel transfer vehicle. This is perhaps the most luxurious hotel and at weekends rates can be fairly competitive. The original luxury hotel at Stansted is the 4 star Hilton Hotel on the airport perimeter. The Hilton Stansted runs its own shuttle bus from the coach station about every 30 minutes.
In the immediate vicinity of the airport is an Express by Holiday Inn and a Best Western. The consistently cheapest option is the Days Inn on a motorway services area at the entrance to Stansted Airport. It provides no airport transfer facility itself though of course there are taxis and a local bus service.
Apart from the chains there are a lot of independent hotels in the vicinity. These feature hotels for all budgets and tastes, ranging from Country House Hotels, to pubs to traditional Bed and Breakfasts. The countryside around Stansted is surprisingly unspoilt and there is opportunity to stay in a traditional market town or coaching inn for example.

For current London transfer fares and timetables see: Rail and Road Transfers Between Stansted Airport and Central London.

Shopping Breaks In London - Something For Everyone

As one of the most notorious global centres of fashion, it's only natural that London should boast a number of desirable high street shopping areas and designer boutiques. In fact, if you can get over the high cost of living, London offers one of the world's best locations for shopping breaks - and anyone thinking of commencing a shopping holiday in London will definitely be able to locate an area of the city in which they can find the key to all their retail desires.

First and foremost, shoppers in London will adore the world-famous Oxford Street - Europe's busiest shopping district. Oxford Street extends over two kilometres and offers retail enthusiasts a range of fashion, shoes and clothing stores - many of which include flagship stores of major British brands. For instance, on Oxford Street you'll find Selfridges department store - a London shopping institution - as well as Marks and Spencer, John Lewis, Debenhams, House of Fraser, HMV, Borders, the Disney Store and Topshop, the latter of which claims to be "the largest fashion store in the world".

If you're looking for a more alternative location for your shopping break in London, head straight to Camden Market. Camden Market comprises a range of markets, including Camden Lock Market, Stables Market, Buck Street Market and Inverness Street Market. Here, you'll find a variety of market stalls selling offbeat, vintage and second hand clothing, as well as handmade crafts, accessories and other goods. You'll also find one of London's oldest street markets in Portobello Road, in London's Notting Hill district. While Portobello Road Market also offers unique vintage clothing, additionally, it is known as one of London's premier destinations for antique-buying - so is sure to cater to shoppers with a variety of interests.

However, London's most prestigious shopping destination is undoubtedly Knightsbridge, home to some of Europe's most exclusive designer stores and boutiques. The Knightsbridge area houses the UK's top two luxury department stores - Harrods and Harvey Nichols - as well as leading designer brands, including Cartier, Jimmy Choo, Chanel, Stella McCartney and Vivienne Westwood. And the popularity of weekend shopping breaks in Knightsbridge means that hotels near Harrods are in high demand, ensuring that Knightsbridge is a first class shopping location in London year-round.

What's more, Knightsbridge and its surrounding areas of Mayfair and Chelsea, are home to a number of art and fashion schools. As a result, London - like Paris, Milan and New York - offers a constantly regenerating fashion climate as new generations of designers and artists come and go with regular frequency. So if you don't make it on a luxury shopping break to Knightsbridge this year, you can rest assured that there'll be many more years to come!