208 Hours in Britain

Start: Friday, 22nd May 2009, 5.10am
End: Saturday, 30th May 2009, 9.25pm

I spent my first four days in London doing what an average visitor would comprehend. Absorbing the sights and smells of this sprawling capital, home to 7.6 million Britons.

The city of London is served by 12 Underground Lines dating back from 1863. At one glance, the network seemed like a complicated plate of colourful spagetti. After a day or two, it was relatively easy to navigate through the mazes of tunnels and exits at major stations. At its best, the Underground was efficient to beat the traffic snails in the city.

I parted $66 for my 7 day Travel Card. Yet it allowed me a week's of unlimited travel on the iconic buses and trains to see the major sights of the city.


Friday, 22nd May 2009

R needed to go back to school today. After bidding him farewell at South Kensington Station, I continued my journey towards Central London to cover places like the Big Ben and watching the Horse Guards at play. The plan was to meet him for dinner in the evening.

As soon as I stepped out of Westminister Station and saw the Big Ben, I was like,

"Boy, how glad I am here today!"

This was truly an amazing piece of architecture. To be able to see this and many other icons in the days that followed was truly a unqiuely UK experience for me.

I had sometime left in the afternoon to stop by the Uniqlo Store and purchasing tickets for the Mamma Mia Musical for tomorrow's afternoon show.

The highlight of day 1 was undoubtedly the Imperial War Museum. Four storeys of war exhibits, videos and documentaries kept me fascinated for hours.

That evening I asked R why he thought I was able to make it on my own.

"Because you had survived the transportation nightmare of Japan. You would be able to do the same here," he said jokingly.

I knew he was busy. Otherwise, he would be keen to show me around.

I guess the trick to survive is to appear confident even if you had lost track. Afterall, the next information post at the Underground Station is always nearby.


From a Visitor's Take # 1:

Londoners typically walk faster inside the tunnels hoping to evacuate as quickly to see the light of the day and to catch a gasp of fresh air. The tunnels and trains are non air-conditioned. It is acceptable to leave your morning read behind for the benefit of the next passenger. (read: legal disposal of your junk)


London on the Cheap # 1: Transportation

Travelling within metropolitan London need not be an extravagant affair. Invest in an Oyster Card as soon as you arrive at the airport and you will see your transport fares drop.

A single journey in the Underground costs $8.80. With an Oyster Card, the fare drives down to $4.80 (before 9.30am). Start your day late and you are paying only $3.50 within the CBD zones. Afterall, the sun only starts to set after 9pm in summer. If you are here for more than 5 days, a weekly Travel Card comes in extremely handy.

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