Road Trip South to North Wales

Our road trip to Wales start with arrival to Cardiff Central Station. It's a two hours train ride from London's Paddington Station.

We drove from Cardiff heading north on the motorway M4 towards Swansea for a quick stop to check out the lighthouse at the cove and continue onwards to Carreg Castle at Carmenthenshire.

As its autum, it's was dark when we arrive at the castle ground so unable to gain entry.

We continue our journey towards Caernafon, the roads were in complete darkness in this cold and wet autumn night.  It's gets narrow and winding in certain stretches as we drove through several towns or villages that looks totally deserted.  There were also many road works along the road which slowed down our journey.

Finally, in about three hours we were relieved to have  reached our destination at Caernafon.  The B&B owners were kind enough to wait up for us as they retired early for the night. 

A quick walk around town in our search for food, we stumbles on the only place that's still open at such odd hours. The Bengal Spices, Indian delicacies. The food were amazingly tasty and good.
Exhausted, we slept like log for the night.

Next morning after an amazing traditional English breakfast at the B&B that is located within the Castle wall, we explored the famous castle ground.

Caernafon was also known as The Royal Town in North Wales. Due to its strategic location at a river mount, the port flourish as the main transport hub for North Wales. The Caernafon Castle was built by England's King Edward 1 after his successful conquest of the town from the Wales ruler. This castle symbolises England's initial invasion on Wales.

The castle falls to a state of ruins after a few decade of neglect. 

Today the castle and the surrounding town is in the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Olympic City in London

The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park situated at the Westfield Stratford City is massive.

The Olympic Stadium is not accessible to the public. However, there are viewing towers near the Westfields shopping mall and also John Lewis Gallery.

At the gallery, you can see the Stadium, Aquatics Centre and a twisted-looking structure that turns out to be the Arcelormittal Orbit.

If you have spare time in London, it's worth a visit. If not for the stadium, you can shop your heart out.

The Heart of the City of London

Liverpool Street station located in the heart of the financial areas is one of London's oldest station. 

This is London"s financial hub that houses the  Royal Exchange, Bank of England,  Stock Exchange and Tower 42.

This Tower 42 or formerly known as NatWest Tower is London's tallest building, the restaurant on the 42nd floor offers an unparalleled view of London.

The Bank of England Museum is an interesting and very interactive museum. If you would like to touch and feel the weight of a 13kg  pure Gold Bar of 99.9%, just visit thiis museu m and entry is free.

Just in front of the Bank of England, is a First World War Memorial for troops that fell during the great war.

A Full Moon Over Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge London, one of the 'must see' bridges in the city of London.  Tonight as I walked along the banks of River Thames, there's a sight to behold. A full moon over the Tower Bridge!

The night is cold and a warm coat is a must as you stroll along this rather windy embankment.

There were not many tourists, only an occasional group that were lead into embankment for a shortest visit I have ever seen ...  The group came, look, took some quick selfie photos and left. More of a touch and go to the next destination.

Some how for me, it's not how I want to travel or see a place. It's true some argued that a commercial group tour is a convenient way to travel as you will see all the main attractions. I prefer to enjoy my time rather than rushing around in a fixed schedule.

It's another beautiful night in London.

Sunny Morning in London

It's a bright sunny morning as I head towards the Old Spitafields Market at the East End of London located near Liverpool Street station and Brick Lane.

Looking at the trendy Commercial Street today, it is hard to imagine that way back in the 1800 it was an urban slums area filled with poverty and dilapidated low houses with dark alleys.

The Old Spitafields Market is a very unique indoor market place that sells lots of bargain stuff. One can spent a whole lots of time just browsing through these little stalls. Along side these bargains are lifestyle bars, coffee shop and restaurant.

Just a a block or two from Spitafields, you will be at The Old Truman Brewery which used to be an old brewery factory. Today it houses one of London's most imaginative market that support artists and designers. UpMarket provides a platform for design-makers to sell and a place where you can buy affordable and original art direct from artists.

The UpMarket's is also famous for its cottage-industry style food caterers that creates and sells home-to-market food from all over the world - Ethiopian hand-roased coffee, Turkish specialities, Spanish Paellas, Japanese Sushi, Malaysian Satay, Thai food and many more..

The smells can be so over powering as you enter this indoor food market that are packed with individual food stalls. It's somewhat similar to our hawker stalls in Malaysia but in a confined indoor area unlike our outdoor night market or 'Pasar Malam'.

The food is good depending on if you are adventurous enough to try them. I did and loved it!

British Museum to SOHO

Tourists draping in multi-colors raincoats and umbrellas does make an interesting sight indeed. A little rain will not keep them away from the British Museum - famous for historical displays & artefacts.

SOHO  in London is a popular hang-outs for locals and tourists. The numerous bars, pubs, eatery & entertainment outlets are packed with customers enjoying their beers along the heated walk-way.

There's a full moon in the sky of London tonight that keeps the city brightly illuminated all night long; with lovers clinging to each other in an open display of their deep affections for each other.

London HEATHROW Terminal 4

My journey to London in the Autumn of 2013.  The sky's blue and beautiful as our flight on the A380 glides through the clouds 1-hour before the destination - London!

Heathrow Terminal 4 arrival hall is compact  and easily accessible via Heathrow Express, Tube, Buses, Cab and of courses private cars .

As you exit, turning to your left will get you to a Meeting Point which is located just outside WH Smith and also to Heathrow Express Terminal that will take you to Central London.

If you want to take the Tube or Subway, you will turn right and head toward Heathrow Tube Station. You can buy a one way ticket to Central London (check your destination at the information counter).
Either way you will be in Central London in less than 40 minutes .
Welcome to London !