London

Its been quite sometime since i last blog about Traveling experience. My next destination will be

Korea, Taiwan, Bangkok and Bali.

if and Only if i have enough money ahaha. Most probably not enuff :P

Let this be the year that i travel to most country. Need not compare with airline crew, businessman and businesswoman. This is just for the sake of Exploring more country. Getting to know more culture. Struggle and get lost in the middle of city. Trying to ask for way out, looking for direction to the nearest train station, looking for the cheapest food to survive (Budget la), looking at the map searching for tourist point of interest, travel half around the world to look for long lost friends. Well, its all good.

Before that lets talk about history, Once upon a time i was in London. This is a place where i find a lot of similarity as compared to my home country.

YES, with that Tesco, Borders, and ESSO on the way out from the airport to the city. I'm like so jakun, " Oh we have all this back in Malaysia also mer '' -.-" Swt

At least in Australia they have Coles and Woolsworth (Something which you will not see back here in Malaysia) :D

I always have phobia taking CAB overseas. Its not that they will bring me to jungle or kidnap me, apparently they always give a cut on my troat. Deep deep one.


When i was at
Sydney - It cost 27 AUD from Airport to the City (20 minutes)
Melbourne - Cost 98.90 AUD from Melbourne City to Avalone Airport (About an hour ride)
Nimes - 30 EURO for just 10 minutes ride from Nimes town to Airport (10-15 minutes)


Oh well, luckily i bought the ticket long long time ago. When it was at ZERO air fare. (Phew 2 months back). But still it cost about 35 EURO from Nimes to London. About 1 hour 15 minutes ride. I am so So confuse with the time zone and dont know exactly how long it flew. Not long thou.

Ryanair just like our airasia. Domestic budget airline. Arrive at Luton Airport which is wtf far from the city. Another 1 hour to Baker Street (London City).

Mid air, Lovely Sky, Glowing Wings, Awesome.

When i was flipping thru the inFlight Magazine, this advert caught my attention. Uh. Let me emphasize again. I Seriously hate people who snore in the middle of night. It is so annoying and i did not have good sleep for the entire 2 whole weeks. God damn it! cibai >.<>

Highly recommended!!

15 minutes before landing. Usually if it is Indonesia, you will see exact same thing but green in colour. But here, its all white. Obviously its snow. I thought Ryanair is going to land on Antartica or what? Monitoring the time very well, knowing it is not possible to reach Antartica in just 1 hour. Phew! This is what we call Snow Storm. My friend was like telling me, oh it snow like it never happen like this before. OMG. I wonder how are they going to land on piece of ice. Somehow the airport have defrost system or something. The ice does not form on the landing path. Its about 12 Cm thick at least.

Poor Weather.

Not a very good winter. Rain Rain and Rain. My colleague was like saying we are very unlucky because it is raining non stop. We are just desperate enough to walk under the rain. Because when it rain, it goes non stop several days. Wad to do? Life goes on.

Luton airport Pathway to the custom.

I have no idea if a place called PLEASURE exist. I know i suppose to head to LONDON ba.... Is it a Hotel or something? So abstract. "Enjoy Your Rest". This is when i need to waste RM 2.72 for that 1 second Miss Call. Oh Damn. Just to inform on my arrival. Well, I should be thinking, if i actually made a call it would have cost me more than Rm 5.

I'm Hungry. M&S my savoir. Grab a bottle of milk and sandwich for my lunch at 3 pm. When we actually arrive at the hostel. Its almost time for dinner. Ada orang was like " I wanna go for Korea food " I have no choice but to say. Okay Okay. Whatever la :D

@ Luton

Prawn is Tasteless, Mayo is Tasteless, The Sandwich is Tasteless. Is this how you describe Healthy? Gosh -.-"


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Sigh, i want Winter :(

I Spotted a super mini car. It looks very much like a toy car. If you think SMART car is small. I think this one is even smaller. I just couldn't imagine what will happen if this tiny car is crashed between two lorry. It will be a flat piece of metal left. The person will be sandwich-ed in between. So cool. ^.-

Half of the side of Mini Cooper.

I don't know why they complain the gasoline price at 1.3 is expensive when we here have to pay for 2.7. Ignore the currency please.

Esso

We arrive at the third stop @ Baker Street as directed. AND i was told that the hostel is just nearby. Ended up i have to carry the damn luggage up and down the escalator. From a tunell to another. From Pink Line to Brown Line to Red Line. WTF. You Good! When someone tell you it is very near. Make sure you ask them to define Near. Its very Subjective.

When arrive at the hostel, immediately i was looking for aircond. OMG can't believe i am sweating during winter. Its a double twin sharing room. We sleep with 3 different strangers every night. First night was with the one that came from Argentina. Second night was with someone that dropby a night and will be taking exam next day. Third night is with a lady/guy/unknown. I didnt get to see the face thou. Its all covered :S Like those in the mortuary :#

Okay Okay Korea Food.

Chinatown located at Leicester Square. Doh, alot of chinese of course. Its always like Chinese New Year environment. With some pubs clubbing place nearby. I just love the environment there.

Drizzling.... Since the very first moment. I wish i could just hold the Joss Stick on my hand and pray for the rain to Stop. Eh It works! Its Chinatown Ok.



Curry Tofu. According to someone its nice but urm... I think its tasteless. Uh. I can cook much better than this. Anytime :D


I have no idea why when i order rice, usually it will comes as large as the dishes. "Fan Tong" My first meal at London.

This is the someone i talking about. Loh Shu Fun. If i am not mistaken it should be Sharon Kong something Fun..... :S

I just don't get it. Why is it that the position of the face has to be at this angle? Does it work like Coco Lee Principle. Only photo shot at this angle is allowed?? 45 Degree Left Angle :S hahahah I realise this is exactly the same as your display picture as at 26th April 09 :)

Well, this picture was taken after... let me count... 5 + 1 + 3 + 2 = 11 years, Since the last time i saw her (Standard 6). "She was never a good tour guide" -.-" Dont rely on her for direction. Will end up walking around the whole city.

After the dinner we realised that by then all the shop have already closed. Went to Oxford street for a walk. Again, all the shops and happening place is on my left. BUT this lady bring us to the right hand side, which end up to be "nothing to see direction". Dotz. When i asked, where are all the shops? She Prolly answered me, oh its over the other side la. SWT -.-""" Don't tell me you been to London so often k :S shy shy.

Oxford Street

Oxford Street is a major thoroughfare in London, England in the City of Westminster. With over 300 shops, it is Europe's busiest shopping street, as well as the most dense. The street derives its name from being part of the old London—Oxford Road which began at Newgate, City of London. (cite from Wiki)

This is suppose to be budget travel. So shopping is out of question, the main objective is to visit more places with the limited time that we have. But the weather do not allow us to do so. Damn. We somehow ended up hiding in the shopping center the next day.

Taxi Taxi

The taxi is so cute, just like the miniature toy car that i used to play when i was small. I am so tempted to flag for a taxi ride. But came to think about the cost. Um... forget it. Probably cost a bomb. I just love the design of the building with the lighting effect at night. Its so elegant and classic.

London Bus

I can So relate to the experience that i had with the documentary and newspaper when they mentioned about the market and location. Sharon was like telling me, the Underground is so famous and yet you don't know what is it! -.-" SWT. I sometimes wonder with this investment what do i get in return. Experience. Something that money can't buy. Yes i know, with strong financial support you will be able to go anywhere you want. I am just weird, i love to explore and this is the reason why i choose not to join the tour package. :S

Double Decker

I am always impressed by the public transport system that they have to offer. They manage to follow the timetable to the closest minute. When it is written on the board that this Bus number will arrive at what particular time, give and take, plus minus, 3 minutes the us will appear. Somehow :S I was shocked when i actually step up the bus and the bus driver asked me, Am i late? "in my mind Wow, not at all" Smile :)

Picadilly Circus

The reflection of lights on the floor shows the wet-ness of the floor. Nothing much that we can do here during the night time. I think its more like, I wouldnt want to stay on the street getting myself soaked end up that i will have to bath in the toilet which i wouldn't want to step in. Its so cold that sometimes i just try to skip a shower. Its not necessary. :S I did not get mouldy or smelly. I just need to put on more perfume. :/ So we just walk pass and head to Trafalgar Square.

Trafalgar Square

Let me describe a lil bit of this Historic Place. I always fail my History and Never good at it. I was impressed that my friend actually tell story about the places that he visited. I only able to tell where i have visited :( Sad Case. So what i can do here is to Copy paste from Wiki just to make the entry longer and more Knowledgable. as if :S

"Trafalgar Square is a square in central London, England. With its position in the heart of London, it is a tourist attraction; at its centre is Nelson's Column which stands guarded by four lion statues at its base. Statues and sculptures are on display in the square, including a fourth plinth displaying changing pieces of contemporary art, and it is a site of political demonstrations."

There is alot to read over the net, but from what i can remember is Someone told me she prolly drop her camera while trying to protect herself from falling down the stairs like potato. ahahaha. And proudly announce that the camera survive the impact. Doh, camera is made to be Shocked Proof. This seems to be more interesting that the boring hitorical facts. haahahahah.

Trafalgar Square

This is one of the few photos that i have taken. Oh yeah, this is the place where they put on fireworks during some countdown events. Quote " Just like our Stadium Merdeka " Excuse me, I have not been to stadium merdeka. Nearest to me is One Utama and i have seen one of the best fireworks Host next to the Shopping center. Just 4 months ago.

I am always mesmerise with the colours of the fireworks. I miss the second Malaysia Internation Fireworks Competition organizes annualy at Putrajaya. I hope i will get to lock this event into my Ccalender date 2009 :S Blink Blink. I love fireworks. Especially the purple ones ^-^

" Creating firework colors is a complex endeavor, requiring considerable art and application of physical science. Excluding propellants or special effects, the points of light ejected from fireworks, termed 'stars', generally require an oxygen-producer, fuel, binder (to keep everything where it needs to be), and color producer. There are two main mechanisms of color production in fireworks, incandescence and luminescence. "

Purple is always the hardest to obtain. This is due to the small wavelength. For instance, how often do you see purple in a rainbow. Its always red colour which is the outstanding ones.

Nothing much that we can do on a rainy night. We just have a cup of hot chocolate in this cafe. I can't really remember the name but its just next to Chinatown.

Hot Chocolate

And we call it a day.

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This logo reminds me of Victoria Station. But i did not see any VS there. I seen TGI friday but not VS :S

Underground

This is just some random photos taken while waiting for the train. The next morning yes the rain goes on. So depressing. Our first location was Harrods. Shopping for LV bags. :D Again, Long Long story.

Interchange after Interchange.

Speaking about Top fashion designer brand under one roof. Definitely here is the place to be. Harrods is one of the largest departmental store in the world. Surprisingly :S I actually got lost while walking around. Eye Opener.

When the Hong Kong artist came to announce that their costume cost 200,000 HKD. I never believe such figure. First thing in my mind, How many diamond was attached to the cloth as decoration?

While walking around the walkway, display just in the middle of the pathway in Harrods. I don't know whether there is some confusion in the pricing system or what. My itchy hand went thru this furry kind of top. It looks like a cardigan. Its so Soft and so comfy. But the price tag shows 0.000 Pound. Ok fine, proceed to the next few items. Finally we found a trenchcoat which shows some figure. Unbelieveable 12 - 15k Pound. I can't remember the exact figure but it cost as much as a Wira. about RM 60k. Which is equivalent to 120k HKD approximately. To add on, this is just some brand that i have never heard of. And we are like, " Ok we are in the wrong shopping complex "

Harrods

Uh, unfortunately the hostel does not provide decent breakfast. We only had a piece of bread with some butter and jam. Pathetic. Wtf! Our Superwoman doesn't have to take breakfast. We decided to have a light breakfast at the cafe nearby Harrods @ Cafe Rouge.

Sugar

I just have some croissant. I had croissant each and every morning for the entire two weeks, while i was at Nimes. And i miss it so much that i just have to order the same thing again here. They gave exact same bottle of jam. Proudly made in France -.-" Bullshit, the actual reasons being croissant is the cheapest thing in the menu :S

Again Hot Chocolate :D

I even bought a bottle of shaved chocolate to make Chocolat Drinks. Obsess with chocolate.

Cappucino

Heading back to Harrods right after.....

It sounds so sad.

When i first saw this, I was like " What is this thing doing here? " Fayed brother bought over Harrods for 615 Million Pound at 1985. This is where the memorial thingy comes about. Bah, i don't want to get much into history details.

The only place that we can afford again the Food hall :D Forget about Lv and Prada. Lets be more practical. Shop for Chocolate. :D

Harrods Food Hall

Dont get fooled by the 50 % trap. Its near expiry date and even after 50% the chocolate still cost a Bomb. -.-" This is the place for the filthy rich. Definitely not for me. :S

Sharon, Xin Wen, Brian, Hong Kong guy :S

@ Rasa Sayang

This people came all the way 3 hours train from Liverpool and Newcastle looking for Asian food -.-" Okay, no comment. In this restaurant, they serve individual set meal which comes with a dish and Big big Bowl of rice. Decent portion and at reasonable price range from 6-10 Pound. If you are heading for western meal. Please prepare at least 20 Pound :D so comparatively, Its reasonable.Bah....

Chinatown

Leaving Chinatown heading towards one huge shopping complex called Westfield.

Great Interior design. Elegant, Spacious, and Grand. Speechless.

Just like our KLCC and Pavilion.

Crystal lighting

Highstreet area.

Center Hall. I believe here should be their main hall. Unfortunately, no events during my visit time.

I remember i took this picture when i was roaming alone. I don't know what exactly gone wrong. We somehow ended up walking in different direction and i left my phone in the hostel. I do not have the habit of memorizing the phone number. and I'm LOST. I tried very hard searching for something that i can buy but nothing seems to be suitable.

I almost bought a shirt that cost me 25 Pound. I remember i End up having only 10 Pound left in my wallet (That's when i did not buy the shirt - Otherwise it will be Negative 15).

This spot light kind of thing looks cool.

Westfield

Topman

Uh, i can't shop for clothing. Positive - I manage to save money and not overspent on unnecessary things. Winter suppose to be over by that time. The fashion have changed from Winter to Spring. No more ongoing sales. Only left over with the clearance stock, which looks awful. Negative - I got nothing. Except Chocolate nugget for chocolate drinks. :( How sad. wtf!

Even if the item is not on sales, it is still reasonably CHEAP. 90% of the bottom cost 30 Pound. No matter how you convert still cheaper than any of the Topshop Bottom back here in Malaysia. I used to shop alot back in home country. Now No More. I only buy when i am overseas. True enough that if were to include the air tickets then its more expensive. Doh. We travel for a reason. We need to know the difference between Shopping Trip and Holiday Trip.

Tips: One way to save more money. Make sure you hold enough cash for 2 meals and daily transport and Nothing more. thats it. Anything more is potentially becomes a waste. Care for the environment and help to save the world Ok. It works.

I have scenario that i can only spend on average of 50 Pound a day. Half of this figure goes to the accomodation. And a quarter goes to transportation. I do not have credit card. and Nothing else.
In the end, coming back empty handed.

Nandos

Underground Train Station

We goota walk under the rain, Chasing for time, and waiting for train that doesn't seems to come. And finally we are late. As promised 6pm and we end up 30 minutes late. Thanks to toilet break ah hem!! Heading to queenstown for our dinner. Its not all about the dinner, its how miraculously i get to meet a friend which i don't seems to keep in touch very often :S (true ma), coming from so far away and meet up for lunch + dinner. Its all the thoughts that counts. Thank you for coming :D

Brian was my schoolmate since Form 1. HighSchool. ( about 11 years )
Sharon go dissapear since then. "LowSchool" :P ( about 13 years )

Chinese Restaurant

So called the best roast duck, Tofu, Char Siew and Vege. Typical Chinese restaurant dish.

Well, when you are hungry, you just can't comment much. Everything and anything seems to be good. This is nothing compared to Oriental Pavilion Ok.

Brian Tan + Classmate

Eek Ping

Sharon Kong

So not professional. Speechless. a Noob.

End of Day 2


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Begining of Day 3... The Rain goes on... WTF.... DEPRESSION!!!

Tate Modern

Its a Modern Art Gallery. The collections in Tate Modern consist of works of international modern and contemporary art dating from 1900 onwards. Not like we get to see any of them. We only came across a huge fake Spider. hahaha.

Millenium Bridge

We goota walk across the millenium bridge. Its cold and windy. We are suppose to be here last night but we end up walking around the ice skating ring next to the Queenstown Underground. Thanks to the wonderful weather. We have to look for shelter. Gosh!

Cross the Bridge to Tate Modern

Just before that, St. Paul Cathedral is on my Left, and Tate Modern is on my right. At tis point of time, The church is nearer so "that someone" decided to visit the church first. Dont wear skirt during windy day. Its not cool to pull your skirt while walking or to hold on with your hand. Dont try to be like Marilyn Monroe. You will end up walking like a duck. Hahahahah. and Indeed you did.

St. Paul's Cathedral

In Front of the Cathderal

Undeniably, Notre Dame is still the best :D

St. Paul Cathderal

This is the view captured and publised on the tourist brochure first page. Gotcha !!

The positioning is not right. Abit senget.

I do not have personal Photographer. I goota take myself most of the time.. TOO BAD.

The photo never look good on rainy days. Alot Pixel and blur.

Tate Modern

The Exhibition Big Fake Spider. Somehow looks like a mosquito also. Aiya i dono la :(

(Omigosh.... So much more to go.... let me cut short the crap...)

Tower Hill Station Walking down the street to Tower Bridge.

Walk and Walk.... The sky is still not looking good. Finger Cross-ed And try to Shhuuuu the rain away. Hope it works.

Random photo taken nearby the Tower Bridge. I find it very interesting.

Bad Weather to take photos. Sad.

Not even a tone of Blue sky. Completely covered with thick cloud. Which carries heavy load of water. I suppose :S

Tower Bridge.

A day that we have to walk 15 thousand over steps. This is equivalent to 12 kilometers. WTF!! Its the equal distance from One Utama to Sunway Pyramid. If you still have no idea how far this is, use ruler and measure yourself!! One word - Its FAR!

Me @ Tower Bridge

Middle of the Tower Bridge

Suddenly,

Strong wind blows

First thought, Its damn cold la!
Second thought, the cloud is Moving Omg!
Last thought, yay no more rainy day!!!!

A Glimpse of Hope

OMG OMG the cloud is moving away. Finally we are able to see sun shine. Wooo.... This is where it contribute 1/8 of my total photo shot of the day. Struggle so hard to get just one pathetic shot across the Tower Bridge. The wind is so strong. Hahahah The skirt was like flying around. Someone goota hold her skirt and walk across the bridge. Hhahahahah. It looks pretty much like a penguin. I suggest to take a rubber band to tie up the skirt. But this fake princess insist to go shopping. Wtf i have No money!!!

Tower Bridge

From Couldy to Clear Sunny Bright Day
Phew

This is what i been waiting for.

Amazing change of weather within 1 hour.

Iconic Tower Bridge

When the weather gets better, my stomach gives out a signal telling me that its time to eat! I'm hungry after shivering so much. Kekekekek. Used up so much energy just to keep myself warm. Ridiculous. The outer layer does not serve any purpose. I feel colder. Wtf.... -.-'

We went into the building called City Hall where we have to go thru the immigration kind of check in. We been told " Just like the airport " :@ wtf. I goota take out my bag, belt, and jacket. So much trouble KNS.

Just for this!!

Jacket Potato with Baked Beans and Cheese.

Uh... Layman term - boiled potato top with bean and cheese. Its just a big potato. With lots of Cheese and Beans. This is my lunch. Approximately 4 pound?

More Potatoes. Hahahahah.

Moving further ahead is the Well Known London Bridge. Well, What is so great about this bridge. let me look for the story... There must be a reason why a song comes up as London Bridge is Falling Down.

Okay, its too much for me to read. Bah.... All you have to know is
London Bridge is London Bridge
Tower Bridge is Tower Bridge

Dont get Mixed up. Tats it.

London Bridge was the only bridge over the Thames downstream from Kingston until Westminster Bridge opened in 1750. The current bridge opened on 17 March 1973.

London Bridge

They are generally one head taller than me. Therefore its normal for me to walk fairly much slower than they do. This is a Negative Negative thingy when it comes to the underground. Its so packed and when you stop for just 3 second. You might be expecting " Excuse Me ". Swt.

Oh yeah... Its the England Logo...

:D

This to me is just like a certificate of Participant which shows that i have been there. :S wow so proud. There is absolutely nothing at London Bridge. Along the bridge. Its just like an ordinary bridge with lots of people crossing. Thats it.

Big Ben

Stopping by Westminster Underground Station. This is a place where any or Most visitor will have to visit. Its just so difficult to catch a good weather condition. It rains every now and then. Once again its sad-sad weather.

" Big Ben is the nickname for the great bell of the clock at the north-eastern end of the Palace of Westminster in London. The nickname is often also used to refer to the clock and the clock tower. This is the world's largest four-faced, chiming clock and the third largest free-standing clock tower in the world. It celebrates its 150th birthday in 2009, during which celebratory events are planned. "

This is simply amazing. I am Impressed by the structure of the building. One of my favourite place. And we spend long hours across the bridge around the London Eye and Big Ben.

Big Ben and the Bridge

Ahh.... my cute little toy car. Their vechicle is so cute. They still have those old cars which i classify them as antique. In my mind, we can only see this in the museum. Ok...

Famous Underground

If you are lost, this is what you need to catch your bearing. Ask for the nearest Underground and you will find yourself back in track in no time. Its not far to walk from 1 station to another.

London Eye

The weather was not really good at this side. I goota walk all the way to the other side to get the blue sky. Yes this is just so weird. I was waiting for the wind to blow but i guess it will be faster for me to just walk across the bridge (i dont know what does it call) and take picture from the other side. It is totally different.

Big Ben

Westminster Big Ben

London Eye

This is what i mean. Blue Blue Sky.

I personally think that the Singapore Eye is pretty much looks like same like this but definitely not the Eye On Malaysia. So embarrasing to even mention about it :S It is not located at Malacca and i was there last weekend and took a photo shot of it. Perhaps i shall post it up sometimes later.

London Eye

London Aquarium is located right in front or mayb at the back of London Eye. Its just next to the London Eye. Again la, No money and didnt get to actually enter any museum and aquarium. All this places need entrance fees. I'll be back again :D

Iconic Big Ben

Althou i have seen lots of movie flim here, but you just need to be there to feel it. It will be totally different kind of feeling.

Big Ben

Road Sign

Shopping Street

I think this is the other end of Oxford street. This is where Selfridge is located. Second largest store after Harrods.

Let me tell you one of my experience that i went thru.

I went in Louis Vuitton, approach the item display on the rack. If i didnt remember wrongly it was a dairy or a book kind of thingy. I tried to flip thru and see wads the content of it. at the same time searching for the price. Out of nowhere, this Security Guard approach me. I am very sure its not the Sales Person. He tells me that this is only for Display and ask me not to touch. I'm like Okay. o.O blink blink.

First thing comes to my mind, you mean i can only pick on the items to purchase and not allow to check on the content of the items?

Or is it because i couldn't afford ?

On second thought, i have to take into consideration that a Security Guard is STILL a Security Guard no matter what. If you get what i mean :D

Pissed and Walk Off. No more LV. My cousin told me that the real LV and the fake LV looks exactly the same :D Why would you bother carry or use something that is so common. Yet paying at an extraordinary price. Think twice.

Buckingham Palace's Park

Dawn. This is the best time to take Photos. The colour of the sky is excellent tone of cotton blue to pinkish purple. Wow.

In Front of Buckingham Palace

More toy cars. AHahahahah Its so Cute. We was like waiting for the traffic light to turn green to take this shot.

Xin Wen
The Victoria Memorial was created by sculptor Sir Thomas Brock in 1911 and erected in front of the main gates at Buckingham Palace on a surround constructed by architect Sir Aston Webb.

"Buckingham Palace is the official London residence of the British monarch. Located in the City of Westminster, the palace is a setting for state occasions and royal hospitality, and a major tourist attraction. It has been a rallying point for the British people at times of national rejoicing and crisis."

Buckingham's Palace

Yes, The red uniform thingy is currrenly transofrmed into brown greenish uniform. Camouflage with the entrance door colour. Probably winter-proof. No more army thingy. Remember those red uniform soilder that you saw in AirAsia adverticement. If you happen to visit their website when they launch KL to London direct flight. :D

Oh... We went Rasa Sayang for the second time for our Dinner...


-.-"


End of Day 3.........

To be continue~~~