London Holiday June 10-24th 2016 We took a night flight - Singapore airlines to London, a straight 14 hour plane ride. I was very uncomfortable, didn’t catch much sleep on board, and the food was horrible. My stomach was upset due to the irregular feeding hours, even ended up eating cup noodles, I haven’t eaten that for years! Arrived in London past 730pm, coz the plane could not land- heathrow airport as usual was busy. Customs didn’t take very long, Merz cab took us to central London – Premier Inn at Kings Cross. LC had very low expectation of the Inn, but our first impression at the front desk was spectacular. They were extremely friendly and energetic. ‘money back guarantee – sound sleep’ is the motto of the inn and we definitely had sound sleep for two great nights. Breakfast at the inn was also the best breakfasts we had for the entire stay in London – full spread English breakfast! Wished we have that all other mornings. And in fact, it was also the cheapest stay at the Inn. Money worth the fantastic value. Day 1 (Sat) We had to bring the kids to Hyde Park on day 1 of London. Kids and nature always go together! LC bought a big loaf of bread and off we went looking for ducks and geese to feed. There were so many swans and other birds too – pigeons, mandarin ducks and other ducks. Swans are the fiercest. Saw a family of them, daddy swan ‘roared’ at the geese that came too close to his ducklings. Next, we walked to the Princess Diana’s playground. It was nice – wooden mostly, a large pirate ship, some mysterious tents, sand and water play area and plenty of space to run and play hide and seek. Before long, it was time for lunch and we headed to Portobello market, hoping to get some good lunch there but we had to walk a long way to find a decent restaurant, in the end, we chanced upon a crepe kiosk and settled on some ham and cheese and nutella crepes, stood and munched down hungrily. There was a lot to see at the market but because of the crowd, kids were bored and unhappy. They totally spoiled my mood for shopping there. Sat down for some coffee at a café to rest our tired legs, bought a box of strawberries and returned to the Inn to rest for a bit. After about an hour or so, we got out and went – to London bridge! Visited Tower bridge and checked out the glass floors, saw through the glass to the cars and buses zooming below us. It was very crowded with tourists. We were all beat, went for early dinner and back to Inn to sleep. Day 2 (Sun) I didn’t sleep very long, woke up a couple of times, 430,500,530, and then at 600, almost everyone was up. We had to stay in the room and waited for 7am for breakfast to be served. Breakfast was great! Coffee, juice, fruit, croissant, omelet, hashbrown, baked beans, mushroom, yogurt and more! We planned to visit AllSouls Church. We were early. Pipe organ was playing, and the team was rehearsing. Service started at 930 sharp, sang some familiar songs, sermon was preached and we left. It was raining very heavily outside. We headed back to hotel promptly to pack up and prepare for our departure to Lake District. The train at Euston Station was departing at platform 9. The kids saw how the platforms were like that in Harry Potter’s book. Train journey was 3 hours long with one change. The train was delayed and we had to wait for the platform number to show. Then at once, we dashed through the crowds and had to rush to catch the train. The doors closed just a minute after we boarded. We heaved a sigh of relief, phew, we went on board and on our way… Upon arrival at lake district, it was pouring cats and dogs! Our host was nice to pick us up in her car to her flat. Dragging the heavy luggage in the rain was no fun. But the umbrellas kept us pretty dry. The flat was very warm, fully carpeted and nice. Fully furnished, kitchen was splendid! I cooked dinner twice during our stay there and had the other 3 dinners at the same Italian restaurant. Nathan loved the spaghetti bolognaise and Hannah loved the magherita pizza. The prices were reasonable too. It was a very busy restaurant. We didn’t think that we would return 2 more times for dinner during our stay in lake district. Day 3 Monday We had simple breakfast at home with jam and butter and Nutella, milk, orange juice and coffee for daddy, and milo for mummy. We had this nice and simple breakfast for the rest of our stay. Our first climb was Orrest head at Windemere. We took a bus 555 which has been voted ‘the most scenic route’ in the whole of UK for the past 10 years! It was enjoyable, seeing passing sheep and cows, mountains and lakes, plus the day was rather bright and dry. Kids were very excited to find out what a climb up a mountain would be like. They have always enjoyed nature walks and climbs, even back home, but our highest hill was Bt Timah which is only 164m. Orrest head is about 238m, an easy start to prepare us for the next few more exciting climbs. We took about 30 mins to ascend. The view was great! Windy, hills below, overlooking lakes and fine houses. It started to drizzle a little then a lot more, so we took shelter under the umbrellas for a while, then continued our descent. We strolled along Windermere, the prettiest and most happening town in lake district. We had no real plans, until we saw the boat rental. At first, Nathan had violent objection, then he consented, during the ride, he got more excited and even took over to drive it. It was merely steering right and left, and a forward and backward control stick. The scenery around the lake was gorgeous with pockets of sunshine every now and then. Day 4 Tuesday Lc checked the weather forecast daily and it seemed accurate enough, so we followed religiously, took the chance and went up a higher mountain – Helm Crag 405m, better known as Lion and the lamb, which we later found out, didn’t quite look like it up there. It was not a difficult climb, with fairly enough steps to tire you up at the foot and broader walkways further up. There were no steep slopes, just loads of steps and not dangerous at all. We took about 2 hours both ways. There were a few stops that had pretty view points. The day was extremely well lit with the brightest sunshine we ever had the whole of our stay in England. Coming down was trickier for Hannah and she held my hand most of the way as she was afraid she might slip on the rocks. But she did really well, no complain at all. Nathan, of course, loved it all. Day 5 Wednesday Every day at lake district was a chance of rain but it happened that we were going to have dry weather again so we did not think twice about climbing another mountain, a much higher one than the day before and in fact, the highest of the lot – Catbells, (450m) high. According to the guide books, it is supposed to be one of the most well-loved and easy climb for infants and grandmothers, though we were neither of that, we found it the hardest. On some parts, we had to go on all fours, because of the steepness. There were several comfortable stops when we had a drink and snack before continuing on. There was a very old couple, you would probably call them grands, preparing their walking sticks when we started together. They pointed the way up for us, and wished us well, and said we would likely reach the top before them. They were so wrong. When we reached the very top, they were already halfway down! That was because we took quite a while to brave up the steeper part of the climb and took a rather long rest at lower (baby) cat, as LC called it. We hesitated going all the way up not knowing if we could make it at all, or if it would be too hard for us. Then, I saw this 2-3 year old boy with his daddy who had got an infant on his back, leading the toddler on towards the climb. I told, Hannah ‘look that little boy could walk up all the way without the daddy’s help,’ and I pushed them on. We finally did it, what an accomplishment, with a lot of sweat. We stopped for a while to breathe in the spectacular scenery and fresh air and continued on our way to descend. Walked down hill was always much easier but there happened to be a diversion, and so we blindly followed a stream that led us towards the lake. I was quite afraid at first, feeling all hungry and weak by then, and not seeing the road! But I quietly followed behind. It was a such relief when we saw the lake, waited for a while for a boat that took us back to Keswick town. We floated on Derwent waters. Everyone was sitting outside in the sun and wind, we took shelter inside, just enjoying enough breeze to make us content and peaceful after quite a hard climb. Day 6 Thursday The weather was wetter today. We booked a ride on an old steam train! It was just a short 30mins ride, lots of small children with their parents and grand. There was a short part of the journey when we were in the tunnel with complete darkness and that was fun. LC spotted 2 deer and a hare. We saw the deer briefly, and didn’t see the hare. We’ve been wanting to see deer along the way of our climb but not until the train ride. I thought it was because there were too many people climbing, During summer, the mountains are a popular sport, for the very young and old, there were so many little groups of people, all white, we were the only yellows with our kids doing these climbs and I was proud of ourselves! For once, we did not see ‘real’’ tourists. Not like that in London. Lake district is quiet and peaceful and beautiful, away from the crowds and noisy tourists. I liked it very much. After the train ride, we took a big boat back to Windermere. Floated a second time on lake windermere was nice, went much further out than the little motor boat we drove earlier. But it was full of people, and Hannah was even annoyed by some noisy little children who couldn’t keep still and running about. LC enjoyed the strong breeze out at the front deck while we took shelter under deck. Upon arrival, we were once again starved. LC almost ‘bluffed’ us into a Chinese restaurant. I was glad both kids were on my side, we protested and walked on, lucky us, chanced upon a Cornish pastry store. We ordered some traditional Cornish pastry pies, basically, curry puff liked, stuffed with potatoes and beef. I love it. After a satisfying meal, we visited the Beatrix Potter museum. I thought it was fascinating for Hannah and true enough, she fancied the tour. Best of all, we were all alone, snapping pictures everywhere and enjoying the scenes of the pages of the stories of Peter Rabbit, Jamima duck and more. We still had a lot of energy and time after that visit, so kids were itching to do some simple climb again. So Lc goggled and spotted an easy climb. We went up Brant fell, which was about 191m. This hill was less well known in magazines and guide books, but it was very pretty indeed. We could see 360 degrees all round with lakes, houses and hill tops. There were many sheep on the mountain top, we had to be very careful not to step on their dung which was everywhere. As it was our last adventure in lake district, we spent a good amount of time there, breathing in the fresh air and taking in the beautiful scenery all around us. Day 7 Fri Our last morning breakfast at the apartment, packed up and waited for the host to come. At 10 sharp, we checked out and went on our way to the train station which took us back to London. After 3 hours or so, we reached London, got in a cab and on our way to our third and final house at Archway, the most expensive, yet coldest house, so to me, rather uncomfortable. I had to wear sweater and covers to sleep each night and one night, I couldn’t even sleep properly because of the rain pitter pattering out there in the garden. Worst of all, the kitchen was pathetic – rusty pots and no cooking ingredients at all – no oil or salt or anything – a far cry comparison to the one we left. I complained enough. We had to stay 7 nights there. Oh, help me. After some unpacking and washing up, we went for dinner with LC ‘s sister and family in Chinatown. Everyone loved the oily duck, I ate mostly vegetables. Strangely, I did not miss Chinese food at all, loved western anytime. Day 8 Sat We caught our first train to Cambridge. We felt excited visiting Cambridge after 8 years. But horror of horrors, it was by far the coldest day in the entire stay. And I only wore a long sleve and denim jacket which weren’t enough at all. First stop had to be shopping for another top to wear over – at topshop! Its good that summer sales just started so it wasn’t expensive. Then we strolled to our old house, took some pictures for old time sake, and crossed the road to Lama land – the biggest playground in Cambridge! Ha, it was our daily play for Nathan during our year stay there, how convenient. It has changed a bit, with new fixtures and a filled up pool – a dog was running along with some kids, in that cold, I can’t imagine it. We only spent a short time there as we were meeting our friends for lunch! Agnes and family were great company. They took us to a Chinese restaurant and we had some dumplings and noodles. The thing we must do at all cost was punting. But each punt could only take 6 people, so we two took 4 kids along with us and left Agnes with her hub an hour alone. LC worked hard trying to move us in the right direction. He was pretty stressed. I just sat quietly and prayed that he would not drop into the water. It would have been a great disaster. The two older kids used a smaller shorter oar to help move the little boat along. So, it was our fourth trip on water – river Cam. The hardest row. Kids had to go to a playground somewhere. We bought some cakes and hot chocolate to bring along to ‘Jesus Green’, a small playground but good enough for active children to run around and play catch, which is what they like most anyway. Adults chatted as the cold winds blew, our teeth chattered. When we could take the cold no longer, we walked along and fed some ducks. Evening time, we took a bus back to the train station and headed for London for dinner. Day 9 Sunday We decided on a no church stay in morning. We visited the Buckingham palace. Just then, there was a change of guards and we saw and heard them give the commands with horses too. It was interesting to watch the scene we had none of that royal kind of thing back home. We also went St James park, a pretty little park with more ducks and swans to feed. Then we did the tourist thing, walked past West Minster Abbey, Big Ben and London eye. There was yet another nice playground next to London eye. The hot sun was shining and it was really nice. Lastly, we visited the Natural History museum. The dinosaur exhibit was the highlight for our kids, huge real size dinosaurs seemed to roam the place making them come alive. Day 10 Monday Kidzania day! A morning when both adults did nothing much except for snapping pictures and kids did all they wanted – worked and earned ad finally, spent it. Nathan did more jobs than Hannah and they had quite different interest, naturally. Day 11 Tuesday We were blessed with a glorious sunshine day so we headed off to Hampton court palace where it was well known for its exciting maze and playground. The maze was quite fun, Nathan ran wild hunting for the exit. We reached the middle of the maze easily, and took a while to find the way out, which LC did, in the end. We walked the palace grounds for a while, saw where the king Henry the eighth worked, slept and even his cushioned toilet seat! There were many grand pictures, some quite obscene ones and kids were asking questions that were hard to answer. We quickened our steps and walked briskly past. The magic garden with a large playground was splendid. Nice tall ladders to climb, a bee hive shaped hide out, dome shaped shelters and many climbing frames. Kids had a whale of time there. Guess that was the highlight of our visit at the palace. Day 12 Wednesday Hannah said GOape was the best part for her during her stay in London. She was a ‘go girl’ braving her steps all the way! Even the toughest swinging ropes, she managed, and she did 4 zip lines and she was thrilled. Nathan had a good laugh at daddy as he followed behind. He was also stuck at one point. Everyone had a fantastic time. I just sat and took pictures, was glad for some sunshine every now and then. This outdoor rope adventure is by far the best amongst all that we’ve been – Bali, Krabi, and Singapore. The route is longer and the zip lines higher. Day 13 Thursday Today was wet all the day. We had to go see daddy’s school. It had changed a lot, according to him, and an old building – the heart of LSE was demolished. We only saw the rubble, it was quite sad, the old is gone and the new, beginning to build. Some things are worth preserving, isn’t it, don’t make all things news…? What’s it with glass paneled buildings? We walked to Covent garden and the main square was the same, nice pillars surround and there was a lady singing opera. Her voice filled the whole place and it sounded lovely. There were a few cute shops and I almost spent some money there, only to think, good to look at, not so worth it to buy – keychains and all. Soon, it was time for the highlight of the day – Matilda musical. We spent $400 for the four of us to sit in the theatre for 2 hours and it was totally worth it. All the singers were thumbs up and I was choking with emotions until the very end. Such a simple and nice story put up in a good show with beautiful voices and creative dances. Day 14 Friday The last day of our stay, feeling kinda of sad but all good things must come to an end. We had to walk Hyde park again, we started there and ended there, feeding ducks and swans and geese again. Kids never grow bore of it. We also rented a paddle boat which took us along The Serpentine for an hour. Both boys paddled with their legs while the ladies lay back and enjoyed the breeze. We spotted a nest with chicks and it was lovely. We fed them some chocolate digestive biscuits, not sure if we had interfered too much with nature, hope they survived. It was beginning to pour, we took shelter in the Science museum. Not much fun there. Kids had a go with some electronic devices and games, I sat down to rest my tired legs. The museum didn’t have much lighting at all, rather crowded and not very pleasant. When we got out, it was still pouring heavily. We decided on the same Italian restaurant near Archway a second and final meal in UK. Thankfully, we were all healthy during our entire stay, nothing went wrong, and all were well and good. We thank God for blessing us with nice sunshine when we needed it to climb mountains and take the walks. We are thankful for the cozy and warm house at lake district which I miss a lot. We had a great guide all the way, taking us to different places on buses and trains, the only avid map reader, and once got scolded for getting us on the wrong train, though never thanked for leading us the right way – our good old daddy. Thank you kids are being such great sport, complained little, and played a lot.