England
Considering the time I started to my journey from KLIA, I have been staying up pretty much more than 48 hours before boarding my next 7-hour flight to London (and I didn't get to shower). Upon arriving at London Heathrow Airport, sense of nostalgia began to hit me. Getting through the immigration check and reclaimed my baggage from the carousel, I found my way to the exit. The familiar British weather during winter, it reminded me and my friends got excited when we can see our breath due to the cold temperature. Wearing only two layers, I quickly looked for tube (in London they called it so) station and getting to my hostel.
Considering the time I started to my journey from KLIA, I have been staying up pretty much more than 48 hours before boarding my next 7-hour flight to London (and I didn't get to shower). Upon arriving at London Heathrow Airport, sense of nostalgia began to hit me. Getting through the immigration check and reclaimed my baggage from the carousel, I found my way to the exit. The familiar British weather during winter, it reminded me and my friends got excited when we can see our breath due to the cold temperature. Wearing only two layers, I quickly looked for tube (in London they called it so) station and getting to my hostel.
My hostel, Palmers Lodge Swiss Cottage was strategically located and within walking distance from Swiss Cottage/Finchley Road Tube Station. Another plus point is National Express does have pick up point along Finchley Road in the event you need to commute to other locations, you just need to make sure you get onto the right bus. It was still too early for me to check into my room which was expected as most hostels usually only allow check in afternoon. Took my shower and I went on to my plan for the day. I walked to the nearest overground train station, West Hampstead and boarded the train towards Watford Junction. Earlier back in the airport, I bought daily pass, which includes the use of some national rails. Do be wary the pass that you need while commuting around London as it is divided into a number of zones and the fare varies.
Waiting for the tube
Watford Junction may seem familiar to the potterheads. This is where one can opt for the shuttle bus getting you to Harry Potter Studio Tour at Leavesden Studio. Yup, that's my first stop for my 3-day transit in England. I have visited the studio back in April 2012. I even managed to win free pass to attend the grand opening event whereby I get to see some of the film cast, including Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley), Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy) and Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood). I booked my ticket online for 41 pounds, previously it was 27 pounds. I guess this is to accommodate new additions: the Forbidden Forest, 9 3/4 Platform with the train used for the movie (you can actually enter the carriages) and this time they allow you to enter the No. 4 Privet Drive and Hogwarts Bridge (the one got blown up in the last film). I shall let the photos do the talking.
They include "Fantastic Beasts" costume in their latest exhibition!
The posters still there, with addition of Starbucks outlet this time around
Great Hall in Christmas mood
Ice castle displayed during Yule Ball (The Goblet of Fire)
Gryffindor Common Room. The outfits are from Prisoner of Azkaban.
9 3/4 Platform. This is new addition.
A visit to Harry Potter Studio Tour is not complete without the butter beer!
Hippogriff spotted at Forbidden Forest!
Should you need to buy a wand or store your gold, this is the place to be - Diagon Alley!
Hogwarts Castle Model to complete the visit. (Emoji with two hearted eyes)
Reminiscing the magical moment for the past four hours, I headed back to hostel to check in. Initially intended to visit London for the night, I found myself falling asleep in the midst of sorting my bagpack. It was 6pm local time. I guess it was mixed of jet lag and lack of ample rest after travelling for two full days. Subsequently, I naturally woke up in the wee hours. Couldn't put myself back to sleep, I prepared for my next excursion.
Got myself an Oyster Card for me to travel, it is a pay-as-you-go option with a cap, depending on the zones. More info at https://tfl.gov.uk/. Booked my bus ticket online (The price is usually cheaper when bought online. In fact, it is actually encouraged), the 3-hour journey began at London Victoria Coach Station. The bus departed on time and there were two ladies trying to get in. They were only like, five minutes beyond the scheduled time as the station was just literally next to me. They even pleaded to the bus driver but was still denied boarding. The ladies exclaimed "oh my God" and walked away. Though I would think the driver would let them in. Moving on, as we cruised along the highway, so much of road trips memories came back to me with my friends during the internship days.
The greeneries of English countryside
Bath is quite a small township with beautiful medieval architecture. It is known for the remnants of Roman-built baths and temples, which was then known as "Aquae Sulis" in Latin. Today, it is listed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites. Roman Bath is the highlight of this part of the town. Half day was actually adequate to cover the must-sees. Boarded 7pm bus back to London.
Roman Bath view from the top
View of Bath Abbey from Roman Bath
At lower ground. There are actually few more baths at the side of this great bath
The picturesque Pulteney Bridge
Bath Abbey
Since it was winter, the day started to get dark as soon as the clock strikes at 4pm. That translates to much shorter daytime. I got up as early as 8am on my very last day and commenced the walk down the memory lane. I traced back my steps during first time in this very capital of England. Started off by tubing to the majestic Tower Bridge. A visit to London is incomplete without this landmark.
Hopped onto another tube and Westminster Station I headed. This is where the famous Big Ben Clock Tower is, together with British parliament building, Palace of Westminster by its side. Within walking distance there's Westminster Abbey where most of the royal weddings took place and the coronation of new king/queen. During my visit, Big Ben was still under major restoration in which I could only see the clock. Shame. However, I took this opportunity to pay a visit into the abbey as I missed this out last time. With a fee of 22 pounds and no photos allowed, I was in awe of the detailed artworks inside the church. At the same time, I learned a little bit of English story. Walking through Hyde Park for twenty minutes, I found myself reaching Buckingham Palace.
'River Thames, London Eye on the right
Completing my stroll in the city at the busy Oxford Street. The whole stretch of road was packed of people. Christmas is approaching and decorations were up almost at every corner. Done most of my window shopping here and only spend my pounds when my stomach called for food. Calling it a day at Tower Bridge and repacking for my pitstop.
Tower Bridge. I was mistakenly thinking it was London Bridge when I first came.
Hopped onto another tube and Westminster Station I headed. This is where the famous Big Ben Clock Tower is, together with British parliament building, Palace of Westminster by its side. Within walking distance there's Westminster Abbey where most of the royal weddings took place and the coronation of new king/queen. During my visit, Big Ben was still under major restoration in which I could only see the clock. Shame. However, I took this opportunity to pay a visit into the abbey as I missed this out last time. With a fee of 22 pounds and no photos allowed, I was in awe of the detailed artworks inside the church. At the same time, I learned a little bit of English story. Walking through Hyde Park for twenty minutes, I found myself reaching Buckingham Palace.
'River Thames, London Eye on the right
Palace of Westminster and Big Ben Clock Tower, and London famous red bus. Reminded me a scene in Dalmatian 102.
Westminster Abbey. This abbey is more than a thousand years old.
Buckingham Palace, the residence of British Monarch
Completing my stroll in the city at the busy Oxford Street. The whole stretch of road was packed of people. Christmas is approaching and decorations were up almost at every corner. Done most of my window shopping here and only spend my pounds when my stomach called for food. Calling it a day at Tower Bridge and repacking for my pitstop.
My favourite decoration was this angel light at Regent Street
Good night, London!
Now I'm taking this flight to further north.
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