Trip advices and sharing

Well, the other day I happened to cross by Yeo Ming's blog. Her piece on "Home" made me recalled a lot of sweet memories. She chose London over Sibu because obviously London, one of the busiest city in the world, will never bore you. She wrote a long list of shopping outlets. I really missed London and Europe.

Jed, I know you'll be reading this. Anyway, I guess Benny will tell you about this if you happen to miss this. Hopefully you can go and try out with Alvin this winter.

Part 1: London
The shopping centre which I remember really well is Marks & Spencer. Basically, it's just opposite my aunt's house, so we get to pick whatever there: fresh fruits and wines and even jeans and thermal wear. Ps: I like hunting around on Boxing Day. Their Christmas pudding’s delicious. I don’t mind if you’ll buy some for me.
Mum and I also went to British Homestore and John Lewis. Have lunch there. Even a cake will be real nice. I remembered clearly that no one dares to order the workers there except 1 race. I'm afraid I can't reveal this since I might get bombed. In America, there's a law to protect them from racism.

Oxford Street's truly a nice place for shopping, especially on Boxing Day, where everything (almost) is half price. My Clark shoes bought back in 2004 is still following me around, although there's a small crack on the bottom part. Go and do a survey a few days beforehand. Wake up early on 26th, have a decent breakfast, pack yourself with a bottle of water and some snacks, then off you go! Go hunt whole day for best bargains! Trust me, you won't regret doing this.

While surveying, drop by Miss Selfridges and see if they still offer those BIG sandwiches. That time me, mum and Aunty Selina (if I'm not wrong) shared 1 HUGE beef sandwich. The prize maybe a little too nice, but the taste's real good. Take a photo and post up on your currently-should-be-under-construction blog.

I'm sure you have heard about Harrod's. Go and take a look at what you call REAL EXPENSIVE shopping centre. Worth it. Remember to wear neat clothes. Slippers and backpacks are forbidden. The price there is called ridiculous by normal people like us, acceptable by richer kids, and of course, if your grandfather owns Hilton, then you will won't even bother to take a look at the price.

As Alvin already got the goodie bag from our briefing today with Kuching British Council's representative, I'll like to share some of my experience.

One thing you should try is to buy a day trip. Hop on a Double Decker at 7am (or was it 8?), hop down at whichever destination you think is attractive. After you are satisfied with all the photo takings, hop on another Double Decker (I wonder does this still exist? 'Cause I remember they change the double storey to two buses joint in the middle. Heard that since it's too long, lots of accidents happen. Not sure though.) If you are not afraid of the cold weather, sit on the 2nd floor for the whole journey (of course, get down when it's raining, dear). The view's magnificent.

I'd recommend British Museum (remember my blue cat bookmark?), Science Museum (I watched a 3D movie there. I think I bought you guys key chains, didn't I?), Planetarium (by the way, Madame Tussaud's just next door), Victoria and Albert Museum.Another must is having a walk near Tower of London and Tower Bridge (Of course, if you have time, buy a ticket and start visiting). London Eye's another tourist attraction, so if you want to have a ride, you must go real early. Don't forget to take photos near the Big Ben.Then, time for changing of the guard. Only once every day, make sure you don't miss it. Take lots of photo at Buckingham palace before you set off for Kensington Palace. I bought my crown keychain there. The nearby parks are Kensington Gardens and Hyde parks. In autumn, you are likely to see squirrels running around. You might even see geese and swans. The other reason I like this place is because Princess Diana once lived here. =)

As for food, I think everything’s nice. I especially like their Kebab and Middle East food. Chinatown will be nice if you must have Chinese food. Or else, I think food back here is Sibu is more “Chinese” in a way. The Hong Kong Dim Sum is quite expensive. Dynasty (or anything that sounds similar) near Paddington will be around £94 for four people. I’d say it’s too much for students. I also recommend a Mexican restaurant near Leicester Square (Chinatown), but forgive me for forgetting the name. It’s nearly 5 years ago, and I’m known for not having a terrific memory. However, I do remember that the servings over there are really big. You should not starve. I’m not sure if Pizza Hut there still offers this, but their eat-till-you-drop with £5.99 is really worth it. Endless refills of soft drinks. =)

Part 2: Outskirts
I shall not touch on Bristol, since that’s your speciality. Anyway, I had only been to Oxford and Cambridge. I liked the bridge there a lot, especially the 柳叶。 “悄悄的我走了，正如我悄悄地来；我挥一挥衣袖，不带走一片云彩”was written by 徐志摩in《再别康桥》. Experience it yourself.

Part 3: Europe
I had only been to Paris, so only can share this place with you. Must go? Eiffel Tower, Louvre, the Victory Gate, and… Disneyland!!! Haha… You can take Eurostar and pass through the Channel Tunnel. Since you guys are strong, I’m sure you won’t have problems with the change in atmosphere pressure not car sick. Erm… If you pay more, of course you get better service. If not, the economy class should also do. =) Real world survival words: You get what you pay for. Don’t expect more. In Paris, look for Bed and Breakfast. Don’t need too costly lodgings. Normal ones will do. Okay, 3 stars is considered to be above average.
Take a stroll down Champs Elysees. Touch on of the four “legs” of the Eiffel Tower before boarding the lift to go up. Mum says it brings good luck. Last time I only managed to arrive 12th or 24th floor where there was a strong fence that ensures us not being blown away by the wind. Before leaving, you must, must take a photo with Eiffel tower at night. The lights are splendid.

Guys may want to see the Moulin Rouge? Hehe… Prepare yourselves before entering. If I’m not wrong, there’s a LV office near Victory Gate. The whole building looks like a LV luggage. You can only buy 3 items with your passport shown. This is to avoid people buying too many and re-sell or imitate. I didn’t get to explore Louvre last time, but I did take a photo in front of the Glass Pyramid. If you do go in, please share what’s in it.

Similar to London, you can take a day trip. I stopped at Napoleon’s tomb (forgot the place’s name), Notre Dame and a square with lots of birds (forgot the name too) for photos only. There are lots of alleys and you will start to admire the Frenchs’ parking skill. They can squeeze into any small place and park their cars perfectly, even if it’s up the hill! Don’t attempt crossing the roads there. 7 lanes with no white lines to indicate clearly. If you are not rushing around, you might even enjoying shopping there, no matter it’s those small smalls in the alleys or those hypermarkets.

As for Disneyland, I guarantee you’ll like it. But you have to book in advance for both accommodation and day-trip package. Wish you good luck and don’t get stuck in the ice storm like me last time. Umbrella will be pretty useful in rainy days, but if you can get yourself a wind proof or something like that, it’ll be more convenient (although not that good looking for photos). You can get a clearer idea by watching all 12 parts of this video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_B5h-BSzqI 【DBSK Bonjour Paris】
PS: Learn basic French before you go to France. They don’t bother much listening to English orders. Or even better, get Moi Yang to be the tour guide.

If I get to choose, I’ll probably visit Liverpool, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Land’s End, Sheffield, Manchester, Vatican City, Rome, Spain, Czech Republic, Iceland, and Ireland. As for London itself, I wanted very much to take a ride in the London Eye. Yeo Kiong should be a pretty good tour guide for it.

Since all my photos were film developed, I can't post those all photos without a scanner. Not sure if I had shown you before. The places I got were mostly sponsored by my aunt (very very grateful to Aunty Siu Ping and God ^^), so probably it's a little bit out of your budget. Anyway, just check everything online. My cousin says students can get cheaper fare.