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Published: January 10th 2013
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View from the Top of St Paul's Cathedral
You can see London Eye, Thames River, Tate Modern, etc! The plane arrived 20 mins late and the bags came out really really slow. But I'm still thankful that I didn't encounter any issue at the immigration borders (some people did get into red line and were grilled with many questions).
I actually have Easybus ticket to city (2 GBP promo price) but after terrible reviews in tripadvisor and the fact that the green district line tube is under maintenance, I decided to ditch my ticket and bought First Capital Connect train ticket (9.9 GBP).
I also bought 18 GBP Oyster Visitor card. Its new regulation effective Dec 2012 that they separate between the Oyster Card for residence and visitor. The difference? The visitor version is not refundable so your 3 GBP is stuck with them. Residence need bring their utility bill as proof when asking for a refund, so if visitor wants to get "even" - your alternative would be to take a journey that's more expensive than your balance so the card value would be minus.
I swiftly went to my Tune hotel in Liverpool Street and store my luggage for 2 GBP. Note that London tube stations are dominated with manual stairs. So if you
St Paul's Dome
Actually, taking picture is not allowed but you can still easily sneaked in have large luggage, you'll surely huff and puff all the way. Rarely seen elevators or lift.
After that, time to explore London. First stop: St Paul's Cathedral. I used my 20% discount voucher I found on the internet to slash the 15 GBP price. Its very majestic. Detail were ornate and reminds me of Chora Church in Istanbul. Unfortunately the did not allow any photography although I still managed to sneak in few pics. I went upstairs to the viewing deck. You can see London Eye, Gherkin, Millenium Bridge and Tate Modern from there.
After that I grab a bite at Pret a Monger which I've heard quite often. Apparently its more costly to dine in because of VAT so I just packed it and eat while seeing St Pauls from its courtyard. For desert I bought Pistachio Macaroon from Paul's bakery nearby. It was the most delicious macaroon I've tasted so far.
From there I walked over to Millenium Bridge towards Tate Modern. Thames river is wide and brown. Kinda reminds me of Bangkok ha ha... Tate Modern was not for my taste. I didn't really get the art. But they do have a nice viewing
Paul's Macaroon - can't beat them!
Surprisingly they are actually tastier vs the uber famous Pierre Herme! (seriously) deck. Walked a bit to the side and saw Shakespeare Globe theatre.
I went back to the hotel for some rest. Room is very small, but clean and functional. Got 2nd floor so the underground railway noises are just gentle roars.
After that I went to Westmister area. Even in a rainy winter working day, it was very full with tourists. Its cloudy and gloomy, but London still looked pretty.
I was in awe for the Houses of Parliament as apparently its HUGE! Bigger than Westminster Abbey. Of course I can't get into the parliament building but just looking from outside is awesome.
Afterwards, I rushed to Westminster Abbey just before they closed. Its where Kate and William got married. Unfortunately again, no picture is allowed. The abbey have different design with St Pauls. And more tombs. Apparently behind the altar there are more rooms and tombs. In a way it’s a bit spooky.
I decided to end the night early as I have to do early start tomorrow to catch my train. London, so far - you've impressed me.
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