A beginner’s guide to living like Bond

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A beginner’s guide to living like Bond

A 007 weekend ― this is the ultimate travel itinerary, designed to recreate the English elegance and cosmopolitan sophistication of the world’s most famous secret agent. When you return from this search for 007’s holy grail, you will never be the same ― even if James Bond says, “Never say never again.”

Take a first-class flight to London by British Airways. Once settled in, take off your Bond shades ― Persol Exclusive James Bond 2720s ― and peruse “High Life,” the award-winning in-flight magazine.
Your suitcase must be an aluminum Samsonite Xylem Case, featured in “The World Is Not Enough.” The Xylem bag continued to be a gentleman’s traveling staple because it was also featured in “Die Another Day,” the 20th installment of James Bond in 2002. For techy gentleman’s accouterments take the ultra-portable PC laptop, the Sony VAIO VGN-TX770P/B and a must-have digital camera, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T50/B. For personal grooming, Bond carries the Norelco 8894XL Spectra shaver and hair products by L’Oreal. The Mont Blanc pen is Bond’s secret weapon. Originally given to Roger Moore in “Octopussy” (1993) by Q-Branch, the pen contains acid that can burn through any metal. It also contains a homing device.
For personal communication in Europe, Pierce Brosnan in “Die Another Day” used the Sony Ericsson T68i phone with the imaging capabilities of P800 technology and a built-in camera.
Upon arrival at Heathrow Airport, be sure to be picked up by a metallic blue BMW Z3, the spy’s primary mode of transport. This pays tribute to the first non-British car to feature in a Bond movie. In “Golden Eye” (1995), the convertible came fully equipped with “all the usual refinements” including a self-destruct system and Stinger missiles located behind the headlights. The car in the film is driven only briefly in Cuba, and Bond ends up trading it for Jack Wade’s plane.
Head to Saville Row and order a timelessly classic three-piece suit, featuring dual flapped pockets, lapelled waistcoat and inverse pleated pants. This was worn by the first Bond, Sean Connery, in “Goldfinger” (1964). On 133 New Bond Street is Church’s, where Bond’s shoes are made. 007 wears the Church “Presely” style.
While the suit is being made, head out to relax at the stately Stoke Park Club on Park Road, Stoke Poges, just as Sean Connery did in “Goldfinger.” Tee-off on the club’s 27-hole golf course and take a soak at the award-winning Spa SPC before relaxing in a luxurious five-star bedroom. For seductions, as demonstrated in the third Bond film, “Diamonds Are Forever” (1971), pop a bottle of 1996 Dom Perignon, James Bond’s oldschool champagne.
James Bond’s sartorial look is never complete without his signature watch, an Omega Seamaster. Pick up the automatic 300-Meter Professional Diver, with stainless steel bracelet and blue bezel. The Omega Boutique in London is on 11/12 Old Bond Street. This watch is standard issue for “MI6,” the code name for the British Intelligence Service. When your secret agent look is complete, visit the MI6 headquarters in Vauxhall Cross near the bank of the River Thames.
Now take the Eurostar ― Oops, wasn’t that Tom Cruise in “Mission: Impossible”? ― to hit Paris as James Bond loves all things French. Pick up the classic Bond car, an Aston Martin DB5 or V12 Vanquish. The silver Aston Martin V12 Vanquish in “Die Another Day” was equipped with a cloaking device that allowed it to become invisible.
In Paris, transform yourself in an Italian power suit from Brioni ― conveniently located on Avenue George V. Once dressed, your destination is Casino Barriere in Deauville, about a two hour drive from Paris via Honfleur. Book a suite at the Hotels Barriere and make sure the Bollinger Champagne is chilled and waiting. The James Bond’s mission is nearly complete ― now all that’s needed is to win a fortune in the casino to pay for all the Bond toys.


Reporting by Lee Soo-jin [inescho@joongang.co.kr]
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