My 2 week vacation in the UK has finally come to a close, with this being my last 'free day' before I start packing up everything tomorrow for my evening flight. It's been a precious 2 weeks away from the mayhem and bustle of my life back in Dubai, and already the gears in my head are spinning from all the work that's waiting for me back home. Still, I had a great time here and managed to meet so many of my friends, as well as visit some great places. If I was to actually sit down and write about every single experience, I'd be here all day. So here are some 'pearls of wisdom' about my trip:

• Singing in a gay karaoke bar is like stepping into an audition for West Side Story - every man who gets up on stage sounds like he's auditioning for a Broadway musical.
• It's perfectly normal for a quiet looking old bookshop to have a licensed sex shop downstairs.
• Soho is for straight men too - there are brothels a-plenty.
• When you can see your breath, you can safely say that it's cold.
• Apparently, a 'crisp winter morning' is 8 degrees outside with the sun shining - go figure.
• You can meet some perfectly interesting people on the Underground.
• You are never too far from an American Tourist.
• Within a few days, you can convert £ to your home currency in your head in a matter of seconds.
• According to M&S, it's not too early to start buying Christmas decorations.
• And according to Tescos, it's perfectly normal it tuck into mince pies in October.
• A pocket tube map is a godsend.
• Never check your work email when you're on vacation.
• Even if you've been talking to someone on the phone for a year, they will always never turn out the way you imagine them once you meet for the first time.
• Avenue Q is possibly the best musical I've seen yet.