I received a sudden invitation for a pre-reg interview at Kent (my first interview invite!), which is the south east of London and so, I thought why not?
It was my first time travelling alone in my whole life!
Plus, it was quite a long journey from Sunderland to Kent and I would only be reaching by 10pm.
The feeling I had at that moment was a mixture of excitement and anxiety, the whole solo adventure idea was really cool but scary... But with the lucks of the gods on my side, I am glad I had a safe and wonderful experience.
Day 2
All prepared for the interview, which did not turn out so good :(
Hence, the hunt for pre-reg continues...
I headed for London via the Southeast rail (which only take about 1 hour) immediately after.
King Charles' Hotel, Gilingham where I put up a night upon arrival.
Waiting for the bus at the bus stop by the secluded street.
I was really lucky to be offered a ride here by a kind stranger upon asking for directions.
Coincidentally, the gentleman was a pharmacist too! My biggest regret was not getting his name and contact. I owe him a kindness which I may never return...
Waiting for the underground train to arrive.
In London again, I got an amazing underground fee-saving tip from a customer service attendant!
Apparently, you can save more with Rail Card by incorporating its details with an Oyster Card (to be done at the underground service counter)!
I saved almost 30% on underground tickets on my trip and so, my travelling budget can be used for more good food and shopping! :D
I love how convenient is the underground train, and had fun exploring how to change lines effectively to reach my destination!
On my daring, aimless stroll around the streets of Kensington and Chelsea area, I ended up landing in Fulham.
The bridge which was on the way to Fulham from Earl's Court.
A garden in Earl's Court
A pretty florist in Earl Court area with a spectacularly innovative"Christmas Tree"!
Streets of Earl's Court area
Streets of Earl's Court area
Day 3
My travel buddy who join me for the night much later on Day 2.
Visited Camden Lock Market which reminds me a lot of Malaysia's Petaling Street!
Other then having quirky little bits and pieces sold here and there, there was also a variety of street food!
There was a random Aldo outlet in the area in which we got really good bargains from (explains our flashy Aldo shopping bags)!
The memorial of Nelson Mandela at the Trafalgar's Square.
I was brought around centre London by an ex-colleague and I had quite a wonderful tour.
Am really marveled and awed by the cheerful festive aura in the city as well as the lively happenings!
Giant Christmas tree at the square!
The Household Cavalry Museum.
I missed the horse guards parade as I was too late.
The one and only, Big Ben.
The scene at River Thames.
Before entering the spiral library of LSE.
The festive atmosphere at Covent Garden.
The premier of Anchorman 2 live in the biggest cinema in Leicester Square!
Sadly, I didn't manage to witness anything with the crowds and the barricades...
A lively funfair opposite the premier.
Street dancing at Piccadilly Circus
A shop at Reagent Street, London
Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park
Day 4
Chinatown, Leicester Square
Our day of return to sweet countryside, Sunderland and so, we decided to hang out nearby.
Met up with a Sunderland buddy for lunch who would be spending his break in London.
He bought us to Misato for the most economical, yet tasty Japanese food and got us to the shop which sells the best egg tarts in Chinatown.
Still, time is up and we left heavy heartedly on the train back to Sunderland.
I had a bad impression of London on my previous trip years back (all I remembered about London is being packed, Harrods and traffic penalties!), this trip opened my eyes to the "Real" London!
Growing up in the city may have attributed to my attachment of the vivacious historical city.
I will be back again one day to explore the parts that I missed out!
See you again, London!
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