4. Walking Across Abbey Road
The Beatles’ album, Abbey Road, came out in 1969 yet it still resonates with legions of global fans. In fact, when many of them pass through London, they flock to the “zebra crossing” outside Abbey Road Studios to recreate the famous LP cover of the Fab Four crossing the street. It’s really just an average looking crossing, with nothing too scenic to see down the road. However, it’s iconic and famous and, damn it, you want to walk in the footsteps of the world’s most influential pop group of all time. No shame in that. Beatlemaniacs can take the Jubilee Line to St. John’s Wood Station, and follow the crowds for a five minute walk along Grove End Road to the studio junction. It’s quite amusing to watch the other tourists taking their snaps (often shoeless, like Paul), while irate cars honk at them to move off the road.
5. Cupping the Juliet Statue
When in fair Verona, Italy, it is all but required for visitors to stop by Casa di Giulietta (Juliet’s House), a 14th century house at #23 Via Cappello. There you’ll find the famous balcony and a statue of the young star-crossed lover. This tourist attraction presents itself like the Capulet’s home from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. But remember, this play was a work of fiction so there really isn’t an authentic setting to see. Once you’ve taken your necessary photo pining for Romeo from the balcony, line up with the other tourists to get your shot fondling the bronze Juliet statue in the courtyard. Tradition says if you cup her right breast, you will be lucky in love. Not surprisingly, this area of the statue is buffed and burnished raw from all that manhandling. Other strategic areas of the statue are also looking a little warn, too (poor girl). Take your token boob shot, if you must – but for Bard’s sake, no other violations, please!
6. Standing on the I Amsterdam Sign
Besides biking along the canals, checking out the Red Light district and enjoying some local “coffee” shops, many visitors to Amsterdam want to get a photo on the famous I Amsterdam sign. Why not? It has become an iconic symbol of the city, in some ways, and will certainly give your vacation snapshots a sense of place. You’ll find the sign in Museumplein square, in front of the fabulous Rijksmuseum. People like to climb and sit on the various letters for their “unique” spin on this cliché snapshot. Bonus points for isolating the “terd” letters.
