United Kingdom 1995: London, England - The London bridge & my fair lady....

"You only live once - but if you work it right, once is enough..." - Joe E. Lewis

London, England

(4 - 10 April 1995)

London will always hold a special place in my heart. It was where I met my husband after embarking on a solo journey across the world - a trip that was both exciting and slightly intimidating for a lone traveller. Arriving at the bustling Heathrow Airport was overwhelming. I had no checked luggage, only a small backpack slung over my shoulders. Surrounded by streams of travellers moving confidently in every direction, I found myself momentarily lost, trying to get my bearings and simply following the crowd.

Then came the biggest surprise of the trip.

While queuing at immigration, I was singled out and escorted to a separate room for further inspection. My backpack and passport were thoroughly examined, and I was questioned for almost an hour. Apparently, arriving from overseas with only a small backpack raised some suspicion. Thankfully, I remained calm throughout the process and answered all their questions honestly. The officers seemed particularly reassured when I produced my return ticket.

The reason I was travelling so lightly was simple. My husband had arrived in London earlier to attend a seminar and had packed my clothes in his luggage. Our plan was to spend a few days exploring England together before flying home.

(The Tower Bridge)

After the airport episode was finally behind us, we made the most of our first day in London. We boarded one of the famous Hop-On Hop-Off sightseeing buses and spent the day visiting some of the city's iconic landmarks, including Madame Tussauds, Big Ben, and Tower Bridge. Seeing these famous attractions, which I had previously known only from books and television, was a surreal experience.

(A beautiful sunny day)

(A self tour of London)

The following day, we rented a car and drove to Reading, making a memorable stop at Windsor Castle along the way. As the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, Windsor Castle has served as a royal residence and fortress for more than 900 years. Walking through its historic grounds gave us a fascinating glimpse into Britain's royal heritage. At the time, it was also known as one of the Queen's official residences, where she traditionally spent part of the Easter season.

(Visiting the Windsor Castle)

On our third day, we visited Bank Negara Malaysia's London Representative Office in Berkeley Square, where I had the opportunity to meet several former colleagues from the Investment Department. It was a pleasant reunion and a reminder of how small the world can sometimes feel. We visited the staff apartment and passed by the late Freddy Mercury's house.

(The famous iconic Big Ben)

(Visiting the Buckingham Palace)

(A photo with the Royal Guard)

Whenever we had free time, we wandered around the West End, soaking in the atmosphere of one of London's most vibrant districts. What impressed me most was the city's remarkable blend of history and modern culture. New landmarks such as Tate Modern, together with revitalised institutions like the Victoria and Albert Museum and Tate Britain, showcased London's enduring commitment to the arts.

(With my favorite band, the Beatles)

(London Rock Circus)

Among all the attractions we visited, Madame Tussauds and the London Rock Circus were my personal favourites. Another pleasant surprise was the free admission offered by many of London's museums and galleries, making it possible for visitors to enjoy world-class collections without spending a fortune. We took advantage of this whenever time permitted.

Before long, our short holiday came to an end. The return journey was thankfully uneventful. We spent most of the flight watching movies and reflecting on the wonderful experiences we had shared.

(A cool day in Spring)

(Charing Cross Station)

(London's red phone booth)

Looking back, this trip was far more than just a holiday. It was my first experience travelling alone across continents, navigating unfamiliar situations, and discovering that sometimes the most memorable journeys begin with a little uncertainty. Heathrow may have tested my nerves, but London rewarded me with unforgettable memories that I still treasure today.

👈 1996: Johannesburg, South Africa

1994: Amman, Jordan 👉