Day 1: London - Back to adopted home

The flight to London was plesant enough and I sat besides a nice Australian lady. Although the seat was comfy with lots of leg room (for my built anyway), I could not manage more than 3 hours of sleep on the 14 hour journey. SQ service was still commendable, although they seem to have replaced the peanut snack with this cereal bar thingy. Not quite my thing though!

The Beef Goulash supper was tasty, and cereal for breakfast later on is just totally my thing.

The A380 landed at Heathrow to an all too familiar scene - light fog and overcast skies. It was barely six in the morning but it was already bright.

Immigration was efficient and I did not have to provide fingerprints unlike the other passengers before me. I guess they did not require an "updated version" since my last visit 2 years ago. After collecting my luggage, it was a long arduous walk to the Underground. Thankfully, there were no steps....

... but I spoke too soon! How could I forget the flight of stairs at Russell Square station? Drats.

Thankfully, the lifts for 6 levels up to street level were still working, otherwise ....

A very empty Russell Square station - a rarity!

It was barely eight in the morning and when I got to Connaught Hall, I was no longer greeted by our friendly porter. It appears that the porter service is now outsourced to this company "Coufley" and when I asked politely if I could check in early, all I got was a curt "No! 2pm". I left my luggage at the reception, and by now there was a drizzle.



I have never remembered London to be this quiet, but there were hardly a soul in sight this morning. I had a pleasant leisurely up Tottenham Court road and turned to Oxford Street in search of some food and coffee. Alas, I had to dine in at Pret A Manger as it has started pouring by now.

Senate House Library

"Dillons" - but now Waterstones

New Waterstones logo?

ULU - University of London Union

The rain became heavier and it started to rain cats and dogs. In all my years at London, I have never recalled a situation like this - no one had any need for an umbrella in London! I later learnt that there was a downgraded "tropical storm" Bertha in the Kingdom, and the bad weather wasn't just in Central London. 

My leisurely breakfast lasted more than an hour at Pret A Manger. I decided to brave the rain and made it to the British Museum, which wasn't too far away. While the museum was still very lovely, throngs and throngs of tourists were crowding the place out. Many sculptures dating from more than 500 years ago were on display and although numerous "Please do not touch" signs were put up all over the exhibits, it was disgusting to find men, women, kids alike patting, touching, and even leaning against the treasures. 

I left the museum after an hourly stroll (okay, not quite a stroll but rather shoving and pushing) and was delighted to find that the sky has cleared and the sun is out! I made my way back to Dillons to do some book browsing and bought several more VSI books.

What I like most are these small corners where you can pick up a book, read, and watch the world go by in the streets below.

I headed to Brunswick Square next to find that it is a much livelier place before making a short detour to the International Hall for a quick look-see.

Marchmont Street

Where I used to cut my hair for 7 quid (student's price). Now it costs a whopping 18 quid!

Judd Books at the junction of  Marchmont Street. Service used to be terrible

I took Marchmont Street enroute to Brunswick Square and discovered for the first time that Lenin used to have an apartment here!

Lenin's apartment

Brunswick Square

International Hall

The Government contributed to the building of International Hall

The new entrance to the Hall

Finally, it was time to check in at Connaught Hall. As it is the summer vacation, UOL Halls opened up the rooms for booking to generate some income. I had booked an en-suite room and it was nice to find that the rooms are now refurbished. Almost like living back in the old days all over again....

View outside room window

I was finally able to shower and freshen up abit. My last stop for the day was Harvey Nicholas at Knightsbridge. I bought some tea there and popped over the Harrods for a quick look. After dinner, I was so tired that I retired for the evening at 7.30pm....

 

Good Night!