Travelogue 5 UK-Scotland Trip Part 5 (Finale)

Destination #11 - London 

The most awaited moment for Kimi:

1. To ride on train in London
2. To climb up the stairs in Big Ben
3. To see London Double Decker Bus

So we dedicated our 25th October 2014 for Muhammad Izzul Hakimi. 

We took East Midland Train from Bedford Station to St Pancras International Station. We bought a one day pass which can be used for East Midland Train, Tubes and Bus at the price of GBP12. The one hour journey went well as they provide place for us to store our baby strollers.

Kimi with the train.

St Pancras International is set at the heart of Central London with more underground connections than any other London station. There are four main services from the station – Eurostar, East Midlands Trains, Southeastern and ThamesLink (inclusive those travelling to and fro Europe).

Our first destination was the Tower Bridge. From St Pancras International Station, we walked to King Cross Station and take underground to Tower Hill Station (Circle Line). Unfortunately, few stations on Circle Line were under maintenance on that day. So we ended up walking "patiently" from Aldgate Station to the Tower Bridge. Thank you to the wonderful Garmin! Hafiey was kind of helping a lot as he was sleeping (still jetlag on day 10) from Bedford until we reach Tower Bridge. Hakimi kept on asking "where is Big Ben?" We were behind schedule and got to slash few places in London so that I can shop at Mark and Spencer in Oxford Street. Hahahha.

Mandatory picture

Speechless in front of Big Ben

Walking and taking few pictures with the Tower Bridge, Kimi was very excited to see Big Ben finally. (He is so obsess with a video in youtube where there is one girl explaining about Big Ben while climbing up the stairs). We took a double decker bus (though at first I said to Kimi, we only see the bus, but apparently, the train disruption has made us ride on the bus). He was happy indeed. The bus is very stroller friendly. They got space for those with stroller and the driver will take out the mechanical ram for the stroller/wheelchair to go into and out from the bus.

We arrived at Big Ben at 1215pm. We missed the 12 strikes of Big Ben! Kimi was very excited to see the Big Ben, speechless, blushed, hiding under the roof of his stroller. Until he forgot his plan to climb up the stairs..Hehe..

 Itinerary in London

We took a bus again to Lilywhite (after attempt to have lunch at a 5 star Maghribi restaurant at Mayfair! Slowly walkout from the restaurant and we ate banana instead while walking to the main road). We figured out that by taking a bus instead of train, it will be less walking and less stairs involved and is easier for parents traveling with strollers.

Jersey sold at Lilywhite is slightly cheaper than those at the Stadium Gift Shop. For original jersey, it was a good bargain. If you used to wear AAAAA grade of Jersey from Padang Besar (Made in Thailand) then you will find Lilywhite's jersey is still expensive.

Next, my shopping time at Mark and Spencer. Hafiey was very aggressive in the mall and he wanted to go out from the stroller, running around (morning time in Malaysia, 4pm in London) until he fall down, injured a lil bit on the mouth. Sales manager in the mall was very concern, wanted to give Hafiey some ice treatment on the mouth..but I said, I can breastfeed him in the fitting room and he'll be find. So I got one fitting room for me to try 5 blouses and of course to sooth him down. The M&S biscuit (my favourite) is very cheap as compared to Malaysia. So we bought few packs/boxes of biscuits (for souvenirs as well).

We went back to King Cross Station at 8pm to continue our journey back to Bedford.

26th October 2015 - Bye Bye UK

Saying goodbye to United Kingdom, we departed at 3pm (delay one hour) and we missed our next flight to Kuala Lumpur (transit time only 2 hours). Etihad claimed that there will not be enough time to transfer the baggage to the next flight. So we got free accommodation at the hotel nearby Abu Dhabi Airport (only 3 hours sleeping time but luxury room and breakfast provided).

27th October 2015 - Happy Birthday Muhammad Izzul Hakimi

We celebrated Hakimi's 4th birthday in the flight. Apparently Etihad airways provides flying nanny on board that can entertain your kids. They celebrated Hakimi's birthday in the flight, sang Happy Birthday song, gave Happy Birthday card autographed by the Pilot and Hakimi got a slice of birthday cake some how. Nice rite!

The card which autographed by the pilot

It was comfortable riding on Etihad, bigger leg room (as compared to MAS) and friendly stewardess. The food also better than MAS.

We arrived at KLIA around 10pm Malaysia Time. But our baggage were not on the baggage carousel. So they sent our baggage on the next day. FOC on doorstep of course.

OVERALL JOURNEY (DOCUMENTATION)

Overall Journey

Prayer time at each related destination

Planned Food Arrangement

-THE END-