London Holiday - Day 2

After a long and tiring day in the plane and fighting a bit of jet lag last night we were about ready to explore London today!

What a fantastic day, it was bright and sunny, which was a bit unusual for London at this time of year, its winter afterall.  But we felt so lucky that the sun decided to come out.  I felt just like in Brunei but not when I stepped out of our apartment, it was so bitterly cold hahaha.  I think the weather was at 5 degrees that day on 18th Dec.

What to do today?  We had a plan ready on paper but usually its so hard to stick to the plan.  Anyhow, we went to the easiest route first, and do something that we didnt need to spend so much money on.  Hubby deviced the plan and the route to reach our destination and me and Ayang just be the followers lol.

This is where we stayed, Royal Court Apartment in Bayswater

Us outside our hotel, see... it was really sunny but so colldddd..

On our way to explore London!

We were glad to pick our first hotel.  It was very near to the tube and near to Hyde Park and Kensington Garden although the place was not that busy.

Hubby at the Kensington Garden near our hotel/apartment.

There were many people here strollling, jogging or walking their dogs

Map of Kensington Garden

Before we went to London, we already deviced a plan to use the tubes as much as possible, just to cut a bit of cost.  And this is the norm actually when we went on holidays, use the public transport, to cut cost and do a bit of exercise!  A good plan indeed... hehe.

There was a tube very near to our apartment so our first plan was to go there and buy the Oyster Cards.  This used to be very useful and very cost saving.  This card could be used for train, tubes and even buses.  We paid 27 pounds plus 5 pounds that we could return and get a refund and valid for 7 days.  And we could use the card anywhere we want at any time and at any hour.  We didnt have to top them up as long as its still valid.  Good right?

The tube station nearest to our apartment, only 2 minutes walk.

Our useful Oyster Card.

Us while waiting for the train to arrive.

Inside the train.

Our first destination is to visit the Buckingham Palace the official residence of England Royal family.  I didnt know the palace was so near to the city.  When I watched from tv, it looked quite far but actually it could be reached via the side entrance to the palace.  We just followed where everyone was going then we reached it!

On our way to the palace, we reached it from the side of the palace.

The route to reach the palace.

Our first time to see the famous London telephone box!

We almost reached the palace.  Funny right?  there was no indication of the palace from here except from a small signboard along the road.

There it is............

At the compound of the palace, there were lots of visitors and tourists here.

I thought its being winter, there wont be too many tourists, but how wrong was I??

We just walked around and took lots of picture, including the at the Victoria Memorial, where lots of tourists just hang around despite the cold.

Hubby behind the Victoria Memorial

Ayang infront of the Victoria Memorial.  This memorial was erected infront of the main gate of Buckingham Palace

This was the pathway leading up to the other entrance to the palace.  I think this was the one I saw on tv where it looked like the palace was too far from the city.  This route will go on to reach the city too and will enter the Trafalgar Square.

There was a big park like garden around the Buckingham Palace where people just walk around and relax.

Map of the vast area.

No cycling was allowed here!

So cute.

Time to have hot chocolate to beat the cold.

Happy faces - yummy...........

Even the squarrel was cute and chubby.

Lots of pigeons here too.

After Buckingham Palace, we followed the route to reach the city on the other side.  It was rather a long walk but not too tiring because of the weather. 

Most buildings looked so elegant and unique



Whats this called?



We just walked and walked until we reached Trafalgar Square from the palace.  Wow.. we were now in the city of London.  The area gets busier but not as busy as Oxford Street!  (wait for my future post on how busy the place was!)

Hubby being playful with the telephone box.

My young lady

Us taking picture behind the double decker bus.

One of the statues at the Trafalgar Square

Hubby at the big clock which counting down the number of days for the 2012 London Olympic.

Two tired tourists... hehe

Water fountain at the Trafalgar Square

Now.. where are we????? lol

One of many small stalls selling souvenirs.

The souvenir seller took this picture for us!

While we were there there was a peaceful rally which against war.  Nothing much going on though.

While we were there, there was a street performance by a yoga expert who called himself, mr Yogalaser.  Quite entertaining and he could bend himself like rubber!

Mr Yogalaser inside a small box, I told you he could really bend himself.

We were done walking at around 3pm and the day was getting darker by then.  We havent had lunch yet and we were really hungry.  So we decided to go to  Tuk Din, a Malaysian restaurant belonged to a Malaysian at Craven Road and had our dinner there.  The menu was a typical Malaysian menu so its a good filling for us, although the price was a bit expensive.  But the food was ok, and a bit spicy for our taste but its still good dinner for us :)

Outside Tuk  Din Restaurant

Hubby and Ayang at Tuk Din waiting for our dinner

The Kurma Lamb

Fried Chicken with garlic

Taufu in soya source



Oxtail soup

 Its been a good but tiring day, we have accomplished our mission to capture the buzzing city of London.  Its a good day and we went back to our hotel sore but happy.  Looking forward for the next day on what was instore for us.

Holiday in London, Day 3 continues..........