London Trip : Day 1, Part 3

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Continuation again from the previous post.

After you visit the London Eye, cross the Westminster Bridge towards the Westminster tube station. Take Jubilee Line again, and head to Southbound (or probably Eastbound this time) to the next stop - London Bridge. Just to remind you, this London Bridge is not the one that you think. The other London iconic landmark is actually Tower Bridge i.e. what people in Malaysia thought it was London Bridge.

Anyway, you need to go to take London Bridge coz District and Circle line (green and yellow tube line) are not in service this weekend. Anyhow, if you exit London Bridge tibe station... you'll see the other view of London. And also the tourist site - the London Dungeon!

When you exit the station, look for sign to Tower Bridge or Hays Galleria. Take that route. And you'll pass through the Hay's Galleria, with its signature quirky pirate ship fountain. There's also shops around as well as some stores.

Head down to the end coz you need to walk by the riverbank. The walkway is called the Queen's Walk.

While you take a stroll on that path, you'll pass by the Naval ship called HMS Belfast (not that important btw, ahaks!) And right before your eyes you gonna see the Tower Bridge. Tadaaa...!

Nothing much to say, just enjoy the view. It's awesome, and make you really feel I'm in London!! :)

Enjoy the view while you take a rest on the famous Potter's Park, the green open space by the London City Hall.

And you should took a night trip here too. If you're lucky, you've gotta see the middle of the bridge is elevated, to give ways to the ship thru it. A chance not to be missed.

Okay, time to cross River Thames via the bridge. Head down the Tower of London on the left side of the bridge. What is Tower of London you ask? It's actually a prison, where some of the famous names are also being executed such as Anne Boleyn. It's also the place where the Crown Jewels is kept safe.

Walk on, and it's time to shop at the Tower Shop!

Oh, to get into the Tower you need to pay. Or if you don't want to... just go into the Tower of London 'Welcome Center' instead, and see the faux Crwon Jewels in there.

Tired? Now you need to take the path at the back of the 'castle' and go to the Tower Hill tube station. You need to take the bus to get to the next destination...

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London Trip : Day 1, Part 2

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Continue from the previous post.

Right after Trafalgar Square, take the route that you can see the Big Ben or the House of Parliament. You can either take the bus (using the Travelcard that you have to touch-in upon boarding), or just walk through that street. The street is called Whitehall - where most building is where the Government offices are located.

While walking, please do take notice on certain landmarks. You'll pass by the the Horseguards's Palace. Do take photo with the Royal Guard there. And Angie, you can kiss him.. I think he wouldn't budge! Ahaks!

Right after that is the 10 Downing Street, the official residence of the Prime Minister. Tell him, I say hello! :) 

And a couple of minutes later, you'll reach the House of Parliament. And the clock tower is better known as the Big Ben - the most iconic London trademark/landmark!

This is how it looks during winter.

To take this snap, with the Underground 'logo', you just to stand outside the entrance of the Westminster tube station.

These are taken from the South Bank, ie. the location right after you cross the Westminster Bridge.

House of Parliament at night, in golden glow.

Oh, don't cross the bridge yet, you can do it later. instead, go to the Westminster Abbey - where William and Kate (and Diana funeral) is held. It's right across the House of Parliament. See the view in winter... splendid.

Even Nelson Mandela being frozen in white!

 Ok. Next stop you can skip it if you want. But I put in the itinerary to give some sort of London worst kept secret. See the map on the previous post, and took bus towards Embankment station. Or you can walk if you want, though it's quite a distance!

When you come to the part saying 'Victoria Embankment', walk on the bridge coz you can actually snap a beautiful view of London Eye and Big Ben from there.

But, that's not all. The reason why i want you to go to Embankment is to see the obeslisk - the stone column which is brought from the ancient Egypt. It's the real thing. You can see quite similar one in Paris, at Jardin de Tuilleries. Since you're already in London, why not get to see this one too!

And you can also see the replica of Sphinx. Awesome! Try to crack the ancient code of you will... =)

Btw, after Embankment forget about the route via the Waterloo Bridge. Take this bridge instead where you just cross the River Thames to get to the South Bank, where London Eye and the Aquarium is located. Snap snap snap... time to get to the next destination... =)

This is how London Eye would look like. At night, there'll be light on the capsules that goes round the wheel. On certain occasion, the light might change colors - such as red, during the World AIDS Day.

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