England: This weekend, London’s West End closes Regent and Oxford streets to traffic to allow VIPs — Very Important Pedestrians — plenty of room to shop. Live music and entertainment from noon to 5 p.m. will give everyone a break from spending money in the area’s 600 stores, which will stay open until 9 p.m. Sunday is family day, with events from noon to 6 p.m. For more ideas of what to do in London during the Christmas season, see www.visitlondon.com.
Germany: Maybe you need a little encouragement to get that tattoo you’ve always wanted. If so, then Berlin’s 18th annual Tattoo Convention in the Arena Berlin Treptow from Friday to Sunday is just the place to see your options, meet the experts and have it done.
About 150 international artists will be showing off their art, including, for the first time, tattooists from Beijing and Bangkok. Also making an appearance is Isobell Worley, the Guinness World Records holder for being the most tattooed woman in the world, and Ellen Davidson, the most pierced woman.
The program includes live music, stage shows, body painting and vendors selling clothes, accessories and art.
The event runs from 2 p.m. to midnight Friday, 11 a.m. to midnight Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. Day tickets cost 18 to 20 euros.
Find an English version with details at www.tattooconventionberlin.de.
