(I started writing this entry on December 12, 2011)
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| View from the South Bank |
This time last year, I was stumbling out of the jet way onto the melee of Heathrow Airport (I remember every detail of this trip like it was yesterday). My first thought was “Boy, it’s good to be back.” I had been here numerous times but can never tire of visiting this country. Coming here feels natural to me, like being in San Francisco. I know my way around (most of the time). Museums are free. There are so many dining options (i.e., traditional English, Indian, Asian, African, etc.). The theater scene is a-bustling. The history and architecture are boundless and overwhelming (in a good way). Shopping for food and high street fashion are always entertaining. London may be one of the most expensive cities in the world but there are so many things one can do here for diversion without going broke. Trust me on this 🙂
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| Green Park |
This particular trip was unique because (1) I was about to embark on my much-awaited one month trip, (2) it would be my first time to travel during the winter, and (3) my family was to join me for 10 days. My family was to meet me on December 18 in London, in time to celebrate my mom’s birthday at the Sherlock Holmes Pub. I also booked a Beatles Rock tour of London because my dad is such a huge Beatlephile. Then we were to board the Eurostar from St. Pancras to Paris before we head out to Venice and celebrate Christmas with my aunt and her family. I had such great plans for this trip.
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| Ben Barnes!!! |
Anyway, after retrieving my luggage, I went straight to the tube terminal. I topped off my oyster card (MUNI fast pass/clipper equivalent in London) and hopped on the tube to make my way to King’s Cross where my hotel was. I hardly ever sleep during a plane ride so I was already feeling tired and jet lagged. My single bed at Hotel Meridiana was so inviting but I had a date with Ben Barnes that night at the Comedy Theater. There was no way in hell I was going to miss watching Ben Barnes on stage because of sleep. His play was entitled “Birdsong”. I paid a hefty price to be sitting 3 rows from him (15C – front and center) and he was worth it 🙂
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| St. Paul’s Churchyard |
After my Bath trip, I went back to London and stayed at the Renaissance Heathrow. It was a bit ways from Central London but because I’m spoiled and used to the pampering Marriott hotels are known for, I endured the long commute. My first full day back in London was crazy! It snowed heavily from the moment I stepped out of St. Paul tube station. I felt like a kid walking around St. Paul’s churchyard with my arms wide open like Maria on top of the mountain in The Sound of Music. This was my first snow fall experience! I loved it! It was bitingly cold but I didn’t care. While snow fell, I made my way across the Millennium bridge towards Tate Modern. I have never been here before and I was very excited to see it for the first time. Spacious building and interesting modern works of art can be said about Tate Modern. The hot cocoa I bought from the cafe was a bonus 🙂
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| Hot cocoa from Tate Modern |
Looking out from one of the windows of Tate Modern, the city across the Thames was shrouded with ominous grey. The veiled view of the imposing St. Paul’s Cathedral added to the mystery. People were still wandering about outside, playing with snow balls, rushing to work, and huddling together to stay warm at the same time.
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| South Bank |