London Day 1

We departed Singapore via Emirates airline EK 0405. The 777 airplane seems much more comfy than the usual SQ that I'm used to. After all, its the 1st time I'm travelling by any other airline other than SQ.

I must say I am impress with Emirates. Up to date movies like Grown ups, the Back-up plan and Alice in wonderland. There's more than 80 movies to choose from. No to mention the I.C.E system. I for information, this includes cameras situated outside the airplane for us to view what is going on. They even have these LED lights on the ceiling that mimics the twinkling stars!

After catching the back-up plan and napping a little, we've reached Dubai. Dubai's airport is really huge with really fierce security guards. An old man was being shouted at for not stepping back when the scanning door beeped. "OUT! OUT! OUT!' we heard and I saw an old man being shoved. Was wondering if he'll be detained but thankfully he was not.

At the departure hall, we felt as though we've stepped into a shopping mall. Shops line the main area with little passage way that leads to the gates. Was so tempted to snap a picture of the Arabic Pringles that was featured in Sex in the City but I did not. Ro is back to the 'I hate snapping photos' mode again as he said that makes us look really sua ku.

I was elated at seeing McDonald's and a pity that I was so full by the food piled on us on the flight. I would have given it a try! There's no McChicken in the menu. Instead, they have this Arabic Chicken wrap that is probably marinated with different spices local to Dubai. Visited a bookstore! A must! Since I had time to kill and I didn't have any books unread at home.

Boarded EK001, a Boeing A380-800. Expecting it to be roomier with more leg-space since it is a newer version, I was disappointed. In fact, I felt it's a tad squeezier than 777. Oh well, it's still good though. The view by the camera is much better and I could see the clouds underneath us while on the flight.

We finally reached London at 1230pm (London time). What greeted us was the bare minimum of the airport. Nothing fancy and posh like Changi airport or the Dubai one. It was old and seems to be in various stages of renovation.

Took the Heathrow express to Paddington Square and before I got on the cab, I bought Walkers! London's version of Lay's and my favourite Jelly tots. Took a cab and after riding through the single-lane narrow streets with various turns, we arrive at London Imperial Hotel. Spartan would be the word used to describe. However, I am pretty fine with it. After all, we will only be sleeping in the hotel and would be out sightseeing all day long.

After a quick clean-up, we went to the lobby to meet Ashley. Boy was I happy to see her! She was all bright and chirpy. An exchange of gifts later, we set off for Leicester Square.

Took the Piccadilly line and after a treasure hunt, found Trafalgar square.

We left Ashley there as she had a date with Janice while we went in search of the Original London Tour Office. A frantic search later, we finally found the office. Proceeding as planned, we went back to Trafalgar Square, made plans to meet Ash for dinner the next evening and hopped on to start our Open top tour. London Eye, here we come!

Do you know that the Big Ben is just near the London Eye? You will easily catch it en route to the London Eye. One way to get there is to take the underground to the West Minister Station.

The London Eye will easily remind all Singaporean of the Singapore Flyer but with more class and the ride's much smoother. I love that their capsules REALLY look like one, instead of our Singapore Flyer's oil container ones. The ride offers the spectacular view of the River Thames and the West Minister Abbey.

Bright and sunny when we went up, it was already dark when we got down. I guess we got the timing right as we manage to get a good picture of the Big Ben.

Bearing the cold, it was easily 5 degrees Celsius or lower, we went in search of the underground in the direction away from the Big Ben. It's way wrong! Back to the London Eye before we got really lost, we bought a dog and asked for directions.

The underground was just next to the Big Ben! So along the bridge we walked that offers spectacular view of the flyer. Hawkers selling peanuts that are kinda stir-fried. I'm thinking the are caramelized peanuts but we did not stop to try.

Back at Russells square station, I'm disappointed to find Pret a Manger was already closed for the day. All shops close early on Sundays at about 4pm. But fret not, there's Tesco! Bought Walkers (Yes, I love potato chips), a small carton of milk and Krispy Kreme! I've always wanted to try and finally I did! In London!

A simple and quick dinner wrapped up my super duper long Sunday!