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While a splinter from the true cross or a bone from the leg of Saint Ursula may not be much to look at, the containers that were obsessively decorated to contain them certainly are. This vast exhibition in the already imposing New Church is made up of artifacts - many of which can be considered priceless - from a time when the faithful regarded holy relics as the greatest possible of treasures because it brought them closer to God. And the closer you were to your buddy God, the further you were from pestilence and disease...

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County Hall, Riverside Building, Westminster Bridge Road, SE1 (020 7967 8000)


Westminster tube or Waterloo tube/rail. Open 10am-6pm daily (last entry 5pm). Admission £8.50; £5 3s-14s, £6.50 students, OAPs; £24 family; free under-3s, wheelchair-users. Credit MC, £TC, V.

Website: www.londonaquarium.co.uk

A three-level display of hundreds of varieties of sea life and fish - from huge to dinky - from around the world. It's a hit with children - who especially love the touchable rays - although adults will be far from bored. The interactive displays and nod to environmental awareness (information about endangered species such as the nautilus, the tiny poison dart frog and coral reefs - the latter is part of the new Coral Reef Conservation Experience ) are laudable, if, frankly, rather overshadowed by the most popular residents, the sharks. One word of criticism, though - it's a bit cheeky to charge extra (albeit 30p) for a leaflet about the exhibition.

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Calle Acosta #260, entre Habana y Compostela (616733). Open noon-midnight daily
Main courses $5-$18.


Great service, a wide menu and tasteful surroundings, which means the only catch is the price. Although this is very much a family-owned joint (four relations running around madly), Don Lorenzo is more like a state restaurant, with matching tableware to prove it. Don't be put off by the walk to this place - the road is dirty and in need of repair - but once you enter, all is forgiven. For the novelty factor, try the crocodile; it's very bland, but makes a good story for your friends.

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Calle 3ra, esquina a Presidentes (G) (552706)


Open 8am-4.30pm Mon-Fri; closed Sat, Sun. Admission 5 pesos.





Apart from organising conferences and exhibitions relating to Latin American and Caribbean literature, art and music, this cultural centre also hosts performances in a wide variety of contemporary and traditional musical forms. Concerts usually take place in the early evening on weekdays.

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William Kentridge is a South African artist who also designs theatre and opera productions and the ten animated short films and 70 figure drawings that make up this Hirshhorn exhibition all share the grand sweep of bigger productions, engaging the mind on multiple levels. Unflinchingly focusing on the politics of his homeland, Kentridge's pieces are often disturbingly direct. There will be lots of them included in this sprawling show, which will occupy seven projection rooms and several galleries.

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