A friend of mine from South-Africa, when she visited me other day, she brought a brown South-African tribal mask, which looks pretty scaring and amusing at same time.

She brought it for my mom, and it has still its unique place in her home. Everybody who hasn't seen it before ask her what it is and from whom she got such a unique, historical and picturesque gift. Some even asked if she bought it on an auction (no, not ebay, a place such as "Christies") and how much my mother paid for it.

The point is not how much it costs. The South-African mask does not cost very much, even for them. The point is feelings you will tap by giving this.

So now I have a short checklist for you to focus on.

• Unique and Extraordinary -– If you get this gift at each and every corner, better forget it.
• Cultural –- your gift has to represent your culture and its history

You see, what you can cause with a gift that is probably normal for you and your culture, but very special for us here in Germany.

All best.

Marcus Hochstadt

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Beware those who claim to have passed 'Knowledge of London' examinations, yet who's cars are not marked with official markings.

There are many drivers who illegally solicit business around prominent tourist attractions. They operate without insurance, fare meters and often in vehicles that are not roadworthy.

The difference between an official Black Cab and a private taxi is that private hire journeys must be pre-booked through a licensed operator. Private hire vehicles are not by law able to ply streets without these operators.

Take a Black Cab Journey through London:

Buckingham Palace Traditionally, first place a Black Cab driver will take you to see is Buckingham Palace for changing of guards. The Cabbie always knows best times to visit and all cunning ways of avoiding London's tedious traffic. London's Theatreland

Go to see a musical, play or comedy in London's Theatreland by Black Cab. Again, you'll avoid traffic, enjoy company of a driver who knows all about theatre and you will arrive at venue in unique style only Black Cab can afford.

Museums

Looking at a map of London you will notice that several museums and places of interest are to be found scattered around London area.

Westminster Abbey, The Royal Academy of Arts and Big Ben are separated by a large expanse of city, which would be difficult to navigate if it where not for “The Knowledge” of London cab driver.

How to arrange a cab:

If orange "for hire" light is lit up cab can be hailed from street. Black Cabs can be located on designated ranks, situated at prominent places, including many mainline rail, underground and bus stations. Most taxis carry five people plus luggage Tipping at about 10% is expected.

Remember, when requesting a cab from your hotel; insist on a licensed London cab with a fare meter. Hotel staff at a few of London's hotels will attempt to persuade you to use a "car service" that they recommend. The staff often receives bribes from unlicensed minicab drivers.

Cab Driver's Tip

Travel safe – It is a very good idea to arrange a password with dispatcher, which driver should provide you with when heshe arrives. In addition to this, driver should already know your name and destination. London's Public Carriage Office recommends: “Always sit in rear of cab, and always carry a mobile phone”.