First night in London

As it was still very bright (in summer, the sun sets only about 9.30 pm), we took a walk to the Imperial War Musuem. We saw some graduates having a dinner reception in the garden of the Musuem. We took photos posing beside a huge cannon and some of the lovely flowers grown in the gardens. In Britain, lovely flowers of all colors and designs bloom freely especially in parks and gardens.

We took a slow walk along the river Thames. We saw many big and small ships carrying tourists on board. Almost every major city in England is located near a river. For e.g. Newcastle upon Tyne is located on the Tyne river. Arundell is located on the river Avon. Llangollen is on the river Dee. London on the river Thames. Many centuries ago, the river Thames was a bustling commercial waterway on which many merchant ships sailed up and down loading and off-loading their wares. It was the Thames river that brought about London's economic prosperity. Life revolved around the rivers in every major cities in England!

We saw many cyclists and joggers along the banks of the river. The beautiful Westminster and the Houses of Parliament are located here along the river banks. Malaysia's parliamentary democracy is based on the Westminster model. To see the intricate and detailed building from afar with its golden hues practically shimmering in the setting sun was something special. It was simply stunning and truly an architectural marvel!

I bought the local mobile phone pack for GBP10 called Lycamobile at the convenience store opposite our hotel. It was really cost savings as I still had credit left even when I left England!

We ate at Meeting Point, a chinese restaurant that opened till past 11 pm near the hotel. For GBP15.90 we had spring rolls, soup and rice with chinese and pork dishes ladled onto our plate. It was a bargain by London standards as we were also given fresh fruits and a pot of chinese tea. Despite the heavy meal, I woke up at 1 am and could not sleep till 6 am....was it the jet lag or the chinese tea?