Europe Trip 2.0: The New Me in Transit #2

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. 

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.

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.

Europe Trip 2.0: Adrenaline in Transit #1

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

When my friend mentioned that Emirates Airlines has promotion in December, I was intrigued as I have been tempted to board one. There is no direct flight from Malaysia to Iceland and we decided to transit in London. Knowing that Emirates Airline will transit in Dubai, I took this opportunity to explore the city as I never drop by any Middle East country before.

I opted for midnight flight flying from Kuala Lumpur International Airport to allow for more transit time (23 hours to be exact) upon my arrival in Dubai. It's been a while I have not been flying out from Malaysia via KLIA as most of my overseas trip were via low cost airline which usually was boarded at the other terminal. Wider seat, bigger screen with diverse entertainment choices, provided with blanket and small pillow; my Emirates experience has been a pleasant one. Definitely it's going to be one of my options for long haul flights now.

Exiting the departure hall

Landed at Dubai International Airport around 4am local time, I found my way out from the departure hall and thought of having a quick brekkie at the airport before my first agenda of the day. By the way, in case you don't know, for transit of 24 hours or less, check-in bag will be carried all the way to final destination, though there is option to check it out if required. The airport was rather empty as it was still early. Passed by Costa and I went in look at the menu, was really taken aback by the price and just decided to buy snacks at the convenience store to curb my hunger until lunch.

As my Apple Watch showed six o'clock, I headed towards the metro station, which is conveniently connected to Terminal 3. Bought my Nol Card/Red Ticket day pass for 22 AED and can be used on metro, bus and tram. Single trip can easily cost around 5 AED and above. Subsequently, the pass can be a good option if you intend to take more than four trips. Metro System in Dubai is not that extensive and hence, bus and tram could be required at some places which were true for my itinerary. Boarded on Metro Red Line and I switched to bus 81 upon my arrival at  Sharaf DG Station. It was chilly when I exited the station and only then I put my hoodies on.

Sharaf DG Metro Station

Language is not really a barrier as most of them can speak English. It shouldn't be a culture shock that you don't come across a lot of locals there. The populations are majorly expatriates (could be as high as 85%). Most of the signages come with English translations. I knew where my stop was and I got off the bus and started to walk towards my destination. This landmark was the first thing I know about Dubai and hence I marked it first in my list. Slowly, it appeared in front from my eyes. It's none other than Burj Al-Arab.

View of Burj Al-Arab from Public Jumeirah Beach

The design is said to be inspired by the sail of a ship. There were people in the water and I could only watch them, shivering. Burj Al-Arab is a luxury hotel and I remember the documentary mentioned it is a 7-star hotel if I don't remember it wrongly. There's a helipad on top of it and I saw a video of guests playing tennis there. Imagined the ball goes off the court and you try to catch it. It was not my intention to step into the hotel considering the time constraint for my next activity. I researched on the breakfast or high tea menu and the price is just as exorbitant as 5-star hotel rate in Malaysia. I dare not to know for the room rate there. Basically, everything in Dubai is priced above average. Easily  it can be among the most expensive place that I ever been to.

Was rather amused by this photo when I asked a visitor to take a photo me with the "sail"

Spending around half an hour enjoying the chilling morning of Dubai by beach, I hopped onto another bus and headed towards Dubai Marina. These are places are not within city centre. It took one hour from the airport to reach Jumeirah Beach. Dubai Marina is another 20 minutes bus ride. Dubai Marina is a city built next to canal with a lot of modern buildings can be seen around the area. One can have a good jog with complimentary contemporary view.

Panoramic View of Dubai Marina

There is clue in this photo for my next activity

The whole stretch of walk can be as long as 2-kilometre in which I only covered less than half of it. It was 9am and I made my way to my next station. This very agenda I would rate it as my top two things to do in Dubai. In fact, Dubai Marina wasn't even in my list at first but it happened to be nearby the location. Arrived at the place, I noticed there were few others were waiting as well.

Any idea what am I going to do next?

You guessed it right if you answered "skydive". I saw my friend posted about it on Facebook. Skydiving is in my bucket list and I was very tempted. The view of Palm Jumeirah was too awesome to resist and hence I went for it. There was some complication when I wanted to do booking online in which my booking didn't seem to go through despite that my cards have been charged, five times as I attempted to book as much. Fret not, the transactions were reverted within one week. I emailed the centre and they helped to book my slot without any deposit. Moving on, I went and checked in for my flight. Had a quick safety briefing by my instructor, Benji and there was a brief interview session by a videographer who is going to jump together with us for the session. My anxiousness only started to grow at that point as I waited for my turn. It was too late to turn back.

Boarded the plane and it took off to as high as 13,000 feet above sea level. I could see that we were above Dubai Marina. I could see Atlantis at the edge of Palm Jumeirah. As they opened the door, I looked at the world below me, I was trembling. Up to this day, the view is still vivid in my mind and  sometimes gives me chills. I was properly harnessed to my instructor and the videographer made the first jump. As we approached the door, unsure if Benji did the counting, and there we went, free fall for one minute. All I can remember was I screamed all the way until our parachute came off. Admiring the view from above especially the Palm Jumeirah, basically I have covered the whole Dubai. I didn't recall if I had a quick look at The World which is also nearby as I was focusing on the palm and to react to the videographer.

Do ignore my weird hand gestures. I couldn't hear Benji during the free fall.

I got a little dizzy as Benji brought me around as we were slowly descending for another five to six minutes, enjoying the skyline of Dubai. That was the very first time I have an aerial view, outside of the plane. My life was literally hung on a line. Upon touching down, I waited for another forty minutes for my video and photos to be ready for collection, which are stored in 8GB pendrive. It's mine to keep and it's inclusive in the package. Visit http://www.skydivedubai.ae/ for more details.

It was already past noon and my stomach called for food. I got on a tram nearby and interchanging  back to Metro Red Line getting to Dubai Mall. Arriving at Dubai Mall/Burj Khalifa Station, Dubai Mall is not directly connected as I needed to walk for around ten to twenty minutes before finally entering the main building One of the largest mall in the world, that contains an aquarium and mini zoo, the scale of this mall is just humongous. I was thinking, how big a mall can get? Some of the designs kind of reminding me of Shoppes at Marina Bay, Singapore.

Finally get to see the current tallest building in the world! Dubai Mall on the right.

A selfie

Human Waterfalls 

The Aquarium

Dubai Dino

Kylo Ren and Stormtroopers were spotted on that day 

My friend mentioned about Cheesecake Factory at the mall and I decided to pick it as my lunch stop. The restaurant is located nearby the Souk, in between Dubai Dino and the aquarium. Screened through the menu and I went for Luau Salad as main course and Original Cheesecake as dessert. Bun was served for free as appetiser, in which I regretted taking because the portion was rather huge and I couldn't finish my salad. The cheesecake was thick and filling. These two meals cost above 100 AED.

Luau Salad

Original Cheesecake

Booked my slot for At The Top at 5pm. Bought my ticket online for 215 AED, I went to queue with other visitors before getting into the elevator that brought us straight to level 125. As we were ascending, there was projection showing the existing skyscrapers around the world and at the same time indicating how we were higher than these buildings at each level. The sun was yet to set and the colours of the concrete buildings were still visible. Though I have to say the view point area was rather narrow compared to other skyscrapers that I have visited. I went to level 124 via stairs to have a lookout on the famous fountain show. The first show was at 6pm. Speakers were installed at the level that played the music which was in sync with the fountain show. Sun set around 630pm and the city was started to illuminate with lights.

Dubai City during the day 

Dubai City during the night 

At the top. I mean, almost near to the top, literally.

View of the fountain from the top. The music ain't that clear

I headed back to the mall as soon as first fountain show finished. I had my dinner at McDonald and was surprised by the extra large size they have there. Had final stroll at the mall for one last time and I went out from the mall to watch the fountain show for one last time before calling it a day.

View from below, from the bridge. Khalifa in the background

Last glimpse of mighty Burj Al-Khalifa before calling it a day

Was rather worn out and found myself sleeping at the lounge chair provided near to the boarding gate after getting through the immigration and security check. The airport was rather crowded now as compared to the time I arrived in the morning. It was 3.20am of the new day and now I'm pumped up for my second pitstop.

Europe Trip 2.0: Journey to the North

It's been 6.5 years ever since I left England when my internship ended in April 2012. I have been longing to return to my second home country and that wish was finally fulfilled during my recent trip  in December 2018. It all started when my friend asked me whether I'm interested to go Iceland. The country was initially not in my immediate-to-visit list but considering the possibility of celebrating winter holiday in Europe for another time, booked my flight tickets in the end of May.

Yours truly with fellow internmates in front of Tower Bridge in October 2011

Travelled to four countries, my trip spanned for 17 days, inclusive of travelling days. All the countries are visa-free for the entire duration of my visit. Kicked off my trip in the modern city of Dubai for 23 hours transit before proceeding to the capital of England/United Kingdom. Flying further north to Iceland for 5-day excursion before concluding in Croatia, the first runner up of 2018 World Cup. As it was December, the weather was rather chilly, can as low as zero degree and hence winter wear is necessary. Don't forget those gloves, in which I only bought them when I was there. I underestimated the freezing climate.

Burj Al-Arab and me. The first landmark I get to know when it comes to Dubai

To make this trip possible, I purchased flight tickets from four different airlines to bring me to each destination, which sum up to a total of ten flights. This excluded intercity bus, metros, trams and car hire. More details shall unfold as we go along the journey for each country. In addition to that, four different currencies are required for transactions: Dirhams is used in United Arab Emirates, with exchange rate of 115 MYR for every 100 AED; Pounds in England with the exchange rate of 1 pound equivalent to 5.42 MYR; Icelandic Krona in Iceland with exchange rate of 1 MYR is approximately 30 Krona; and 100 Kuna for 60 MYR in Croatia (or around 7.4 Kuna for 1 Euro). These exchanges rates are as per my visit. I still remember that back in 2011, 1 pound was only around 5 MYR. Do bear in mind that Icelandic Krona and Croatian Kuna are  not available in Malaysia. The options are to withdraw their notes from local ATM (after activating your card for international usage) or convert to pounds/euro and have them changed after arriving at the destination. I did the latter.

My first selfie in London!

My biological clock was rather distorted as I experienced three different time zones during this trip; GMT+4 in Dubai, GMT+1 in Croatia and GMT for both Iceland and England. Living through different cultures throughout this excapade, it reminded me the reasons for being a traveller. The world is such a big place for me to explore and I'm yet to see the end of it.

The hidden gem in Iceland

Let's start exploring, shall we?

United Arab Emirates - England - Iceland - Croatia