day 4 : in London

We were in no rush to get up as the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace only starts around 1100 hours. As it was, we got there at 1030 hours with a good-ish spot right at the fence. My opinion ? It's a military procedure, they don't charge you for watching, the crowd got bored after a while, and the English have done a good job marketing this.

this was about as exciting as it got

We left just before the completion of the changing of the guard and headed to Kensington Palace, which used to be the official residence of Princess Diana. The palace is no longer used as a residence but instead is being used to house a fashion/performance/spectacle/children's tales exhibition called the Enchanted Palace. I liked it a lot and it was definitely worth the price of admission - especially since we had a 2-for-1 offer.

had to go through Hyde Park to get to Kensington Palace

the main gate of Kensington Palace. We had to enter through the side gate.

the trees are well manicured & this was only leading to the souvenir shop

the ubiquitous squirrel

Next up was Madame Tussauds where we used the late entrance reduced fee tickets. Got there about an hour earlier than stipulated, tried our luck and got in as "there's not much of a crowd today anyway". It was time to ham it up.

Leo

some website stated that dream was 80% like Audrey Hepburn

Golden Balls himself had 2 wax figures - 1 for showbiz & 1 for sports

We slipped in when the photographer took a break.

Johnny Depp was the one we wanted the most.

From there we headed to the London Eye. Some local residents may describe it as the London Eye-sore, but those guys are making money hand over fist.

in the London Eye pod

bumped into the guy taking a photo of our pod.

I'm hoping that he'll send us the photo he took. I sent him this.

we were close to Westminster anyway, so we hung out until night time

the other side of the River Thames

view from a bridge

how on earth does Malaysia cannot be bankrupt

I read this in The Star and felt as though somebody has punch me in the face.

Some Mat Rempit will have a chance to win RM10,000 monthly if they take part in a slow-speed 2km motorcycle race, Pahang Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob proposed as a way to educate them about road safety.

According to the report by Sinar Harian, the race would be held monthly or once every two months with a prize money of RM10,000.

That is when we are talking about cutting subsidy for petrol and sugar to save our country?! Seriously, I don't think that "slow speed motocycle race" will have any impact on "educate them about road safety". How do they expect them to spend that RM10,000? On charity? The better way to do that will be asking those Mak Rempit to do social works in hospital or disabled center (like clean up the shit) and let them feel and see the first hand the consequences of ruthless driving plus brainless actions.

Well it takes some brain to save our country, especially those who has the power to use our hard earn tax money. If our country is continue to run by all these idiots, God can only save us. I think soonest or later I will be able to compile a book entitle, "the politicians say the dampest things".

There's Life in the Old Dog yet ...

One season after they failed to defend their title, the Celtics are back in the NBA Finals again.

"Obviously, one (NBA title) is special," Celtics coach Doc Rivers said, acknowledging that it's not enough to rank among the great teams in franchise history. "The other groups (i.e. previous Celtics title-winning teams) have a couple, and we would love to join that club. No one can ever take away that first one, but we want to join the other club, too."

"This starting five has never lost a series, ever," Rivers said, alluding to the injury that kept Kevin Garnett out for the postseason last year and kept the new Big Three from defending its '08 title. "We believed that coming into the season, and we just kept believing."

Fighting words indeed. But he has a point. This particular starting five has won all 7 series that they've played together.

I’m looking forward to the NBA Finals.

Go Celtics !

day 3 : in London

Got up early on day 3 and had the full English breakfast since it was on our To Do list to have one while in England.

1 sausage, 2 eggs, 2 hash browns, mushrooms and beans.

The toast and butter are not in the photo. Too much for us.

taken while looking for a breakfast spot

After breakfast, we headed to the Tower of London and took photos of the Tower Bridge which was close by. We then hopped on a boat for a cruise on the River Thames.

it's a big bear but we took this photo mainly for Catriona

chess was a favoured pastime for English kings in the middle ages

with the iconic Tower Bridge in the background

On the cruise down the River Thames - weather still holding up.
It was raining on our return trip upstream.

the Mayflower pub by the River Thames

- because of it's history, it is allowed to sell British and US stamps

We hopped off the boat at the lowest downstream point at Greenwhich and, because we were practically there anyway, headed to the Greenwich Meridian (0 degree longitude). As this was merely a dry geographical point, I was surprised by the number of people who were there. I must admit that the cruise personnel did a good job of selling the place on the basis of "it's only 15 minutes away" - on foot.

Prime Meridian in Greenwich.

Standing at the point between East and West, yesterday and today.

there was a park leading up to the Royal Observatory.

Great view of London and children were playing all over the fields.

My favourite photo for this trip

cyclists

squirrels in England are like monkeys in Malaysia - they are everywhere in parks

I guess when you have to go through winter,

you're more willing to frolic in the sun when it's warm

These elephants were all over the place in London

each with it's own unique markings - just like real elephants

buskers add colour - and music/noise

We got back on the cruise and headed upstream towards Westminster. This is the part where we do the typical tourist thing. Looking at the place and just taking photos isn't quite the experience it would be unless one knew some of the history behind the place.

Trafalgar Square, with Nelson's Column in the background.

There's some fabulous shots of the square here.

@ the Palace of Westminster, center of politics in England.
At the time we were there, England were having problems with appointing a Prime Minister.

I decide to re-enact a 1999 photo

the 1999 photo with Big Ben in the background

What Arsene Wenger could have told Fabregas

Fabregas: I'm off!

Wenger: There is no escape. Don't make me destroy you. You do not yet realize your importance. You have only begun to discover your power. Join me and I will complete your training. With our combined strength, we can end this destructive conflict and bring order to the galaxy... er... I mean football.

Fabregas: I'll never join you!

Wenger: If you only knew the power of the Arsenal. Pat Rice never told you what happened to your father.

Fabregas: He told me enough.

Wenger: I am your father.

Fabregas: No. No. That's not true! That's impossible!

Wenger: Search your feelings. You know it to be true.

2nd day : in London

There wasn't much going on during the train ride to London but I looked out the window on occasion as we passed by the Midlands cos that area is picturesque. I would have loved to go round the Lake district as well but we didn't have the time.

photo taken through the window of a moving train - I'm amazed it turned out so well.

job ad at the train station. It requires a little bit of thinking.

Doubt that it would work in Malaysia.

We reached London around 1-ish and headed to the Berjaya Eden Park London Hotel to check in. There wasn't much time left so we freshened up and headed out to Portobello Market, renowned street market and main site for the Notting Hill movie - which just happens to be one of my favourite movies.

The best thing about the hotel ? It's location - smack dab in the heart of London. We actually walked to Portobello Market in 10 minutes, and Hyde Park was 50 meters up the street.

taken while waiting for the cleaners to get the hotel room ready

up the road from the hotel

Antique section, Portobello Market. This trader is selling 'antique' toy soldiers.

@ the fashion section. These are hand bags.

'LV' bag from Hong Kong. I 'heart' London sweaters from China.

This old Chinese (should be a Japanese) by Dream lady was walking around the stalls with a humongous DSLR camera.

I decided to re-enact a photo taken in 1999

the photo taken in 1999 of my parents and aunty in front of the same shop

After a few hours at Portobello Market, we popped into Hyde Park and happened to wander into this garden at Kensington Palace, which used to be Princess Diana's residence.

Some tips for travel to London and Paris

Airasia X is not bad. The seats are standard (32 inches) and if you purchase hot seat with extra legroom, it is comfortable. Alternative you may pray that the plane is not fully booked that you can lift up the armrest and make your own "bed" from 2nd rows onwards.

Some hopefully useful tips for travelling to London

Tip 1: Make full use of 2 for 1 promotion

Offering 2 people pay only FOR 1 person fees entry to over 100 top London attractions, restaurants, theatres, exhibitions and more, when you travel by train to the London! Attractions included London Eye, Madam Tussaeud's, London Zoo, Tower of London and many more. For more information visit: http://www.daysoutguide.co.uk/attraction-types/2for1london.aspx

The promotion is valid for anyone who travel to London by train (for example if you arrived at Stansted Airport, purchased a Stansted Express ticket will entitle you to this promotion) or purchase travel card/ticket from railway counter. The travel card/oyster card from underground station is NOT valid. This year the promotion runs until Sept. You can saved so much on the entrance fees.

Tip 2: Underground

The underground in London is clean, fast, easy to use and safe. The front desk is very helpful. Some stations from difference lines are only 2-3 mins walking distance away, do check with front desk or officer on duty for best route to travel. For example, to visit London Eye, get down at Westminster station (circle line) and walk across the bridge to London Eye is easier and more pleasant than get down at Waterloo station (Bakerloo line).

Tip 3: Theater

A must do for London visit, absolutely gorgeous. If you willing to spend more on this item, get a dress circle ticket which give you the best view.

Tip 4: Park.... hugh park

London has so many free but well maintain park. Hyde, Kensington and Reagent Park all offer so much greens and leisure. Queen's Mary Garden will be absolutely gorgeous during summer, full of roses and flower. Kensington Garden is NICE.

Tip 5: Greenwich

The place where the world is divided into East and West, Royal Observatory. Located on a hill at the center of hugh and beautiful Greenwich Park. Brilliant. You can stand one foot in the eat and another in the west. No underground to reach there, but can be reach via Thames river cruise.

Tip 6: Abbey Road

If you want to visit the famous Abbey Road studio and the pedestrian, do note the address is No 3, Abbey Road. So make sure you are looking at the correct place. The wall is full of signatory, you won't missed that.

Tip 7: Madam late saver

Go to most of attractions afternoon after 2 pm to avoid big crowd, especially Madam Tussaeud. The slot after 5 pm is the best, you get to take more photos and with little bit more of luck, you got to pose with few celebrities status as "with invitation only", free of charge. The slot at 5.00-5.30 pm is half price, need to book earlier from the official website. We went at around 4p.m. the guy just ask us to go in anyway. So try your luck, you will never know.

Tip 8: Souvenir

The price of souvenir is more expensive when you get closer to tourist attractions area. So, if you can purchase it at the market, said Portobello market. Do so.

Paris

Tip 1: Make reservation

Purchase tickets before you go, especially Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. The tickets can be purchased online or chain store like Virgin Megastore (the Louvre) if you are not willing to queue for buying ticket AND queue again to enter. If you have ticket, just go straight in with priority. The ticket for the Louvre after 6.00p.m. on Wed is on discount.

Tip 2: Notre-dame

If you want to listen to the sound of grand organ, go on Thurs around 6 p.m. There is a service at that time, and they do welcome visitors as long as you don't disturb the service.

Tip 3: Montmartre

Get absolutely gorgeous Paris view from Montmartre in front of Sacré-Cœur Basilica, free. Visit the stairs of Rue Foyatier, fabulous. Go late at night when most tourist left and local swam in. For more information on self-guide Montmartre walk, click here http://www.paris48.com/montmartre-walk.html

Tip 4: Sourvenir

The closer you get to the tourist attractions, the cheaper it will be. Get it from the guy who selling it mobile not the shop. The drink and food on contrary, are getting more expensive when you get closer to the tourist attractions.

Tip 5: Do you speak English?

If you see some women (look like Indian Muslim) and ask you this question, do you speak English? Just shake your head. Those are professional beggar in Paris. Not fun dealing with.

Tip 6: Parisians

They are not the friendliest but generally helpful. They are more willing to help if you appear speaking anything other than English.

Tip 7: The Loft

Nice, roomy and cozy apartment close to Moulin Rouge for consideration. Might need to try send few mails before get any reply. They do not mean to be rude, but they are Parisian, so...

And finally if you want to visit Old Trafford, do not go during off season. Changes are the sponsors will be using it for their own tournament and you won't be able to visit player changing room, dugout and the tunnels. :-( which are the reason fans wanted to go anyway. So plan you trip well.

Bon voyage.