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I think my friend Angie gonna be very upset that I haven't manage to write anything about her London trip soon. I know she had commented before, where's the guide?? in my previous post which..ehem.. she write it as Anonymous. Ekekekeke... I'm guessing, macam la aku x tau kan.. ekekeke. Anyway, Angie - this is the guide which is gonna be short and simple (and in so many post to come too), from my point of view after becoming so many tour guide to London before. First and foremost - the must haves: The London travelcard or we call it Oyster Card. As soon as you landed in Heathrow Airport this weekend, make sure you head to the Underground ticket office (or Tube, as we call it) and buy a "1 week travelcard to Zone 1", since you gonna stay and mostly your travel is around Zone 1 only. It probably cost around £30. Why you need an Oyster card? Coz it valids to all transportations - Tube, bus, trams, LRT (which we call DLR) - and got 30% off Thames cruises. Taxi? Nope, that is separate! And oh, when you have the Oyster card, it's unlimited travel in/out Tube, on/off bus. So, that's economical.
Another one: Tube map coz without it you must've been lost. Remember that London is classified into Zones as well as compass direction: North, East, South and West. You will see the signs in the Tube stations like Southbound, Eastbound, Westbound and Northbound indicating where you should be heading from the point you're at. When you take the elevator, STAND ON THE RIGHT if you're not walking on the stairs!
Oh, remember to pack in umbrella too since London weather is so frickin' unpredictable! And wear good shoes, coz you gonna do lots of walking around. A LOT.
So, you'll be staying nearby Madame Tussauds. Meaning your nearest Tube station is Baker Street. For the first day that you arrive, the plan is to visit most of London famous landmarks in one full sweep! This is the plan - you gonna start at Baker Street tube station, and drop off at Green Park tube station. You think it's far? Yes, if you're walking. But with tube it'll only took about 5 mins.
This is your station: Baker Street. It's one of the oldest tube station in London. Or perhaps the first underground station in the world! Very classic, you should see all the history on the platforms.
Okay. The plan is to take Jubilee line Southbound (the line in grey). Thank God that this weekend it's in service so there's no need to take the replacement bus to get to Green Park. When you reach Green Park tube station, find the 'Green Park' exit instead of Piccadilly St exit. How to know? If suddenly you come out and see Marks and Spencer store, then it's the wrong one! :)
The plan is to 'sweep' the London SW area (i.e South West) which include Green Park, Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Big Ben and Parliament and London Eye. They're all located within the vicinity.
Walking tour begins. You'll see Green Park somewhat like this - except that now there'll be lots of leaves. And so many squirrels too, which sometimes can climb on you and bite if you're not careful. They're tame but fierce! On the way you gonna see lots of people lounging around (some topless!), lots of flowers (I dunno daffodils are still there this time around) and lots of people playing and having picnic.
Just take the route that i marked in the map, and you'll reach Buckingham Palace in the end (where you can see the beautiful golden gate)
And voila! Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the Queen. You should've know by now coz at the balcony is where William and Kate waved to the crowds ... and kissed! :)
If you reach there by 11 am, then there's a big chance to witness the change of guard. It's splendid and ceremonial. But check the time too coz it tend to happen on alternate days.
Off from Buckingham palace, you will see the roundabout with the Queen Victoria Memorial marble statue and fountain. Take the road exactly adjacent to the Palace, and head towards that street. The street is called The Mall. Nope, not Yaohan The Mall in KL, silly. It's the road taken during the pagentry of the previous Royal Wedding. This road is so long... and you'll need about 10 min to reach the other end, which lead towards Trafalgar Square. When i said 10 min, it's the London way of walking... not Malaysian way of walking! Ahaks!
On one end you'll see Buckingham Palace, on the other is the Admiralty Arch. You'll also see all the white building on your left, and the open field spaces that lead to the Royal Guards' Palace. And there's also the statue of the Queen Mother and King George VI (as in the King's Speech movie).
Sometimes if you're lucky, you'll march along the Royal Guards. Of course, in summer they'll be wearing the red outfit unlike these grey in Winter.
Admiralty Arch, which mark the end of The Mall street. Pass thru this gate will lead you to Trafalgar Square, the famous and must-visit landmark in London.
Oh, don't forget to notice our national flag, coz apprently Malaysia Tourism center is located at the corner of the road. And do notice another huge flag on top of the building which is visible from the Square itself!
Cross the road, and you'll notice the Big Ben and the House of Parliament is just around the corner. I'll talk about that later...
In the meantime, you have reached Trafalgar Square that is famous for its fountains and the Nelson statue on the plinth. Can you see the Malaysian flag? Look on the right. :)
At the back is the National Gallery, which is featured in the Mr. Bean movie. (the first one). I love to sit on the stairs to people-watch. It's cool...
Can you spot me in the pix? :)
And Trafalgar Square at night. Magically serene.
Next up I'll continue with the other London landmarks..
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