A traveller's reflection: 2017 UK Trip: 33 London, England (Day 1)

My Travel Journal

"There isn't much I haven't shared with you along the road and through it all there'd always be tomorrow's episode" - Elton John

I started traveling around the world since early 80s when I had the opportunity to combine business trips with vacations. Then later when my rezeki is in abundance, there were numerous other trips along the way for vacations, most of the time with hubby and the kids when the timing is right. I have also started to compile the journal and photo-pages covering almost more than 45 years of world wide travel. Some destinations I visited just once, others many times. Many of those places are the obvious famous places people would like to visit but some, the casual traveler doesn't even think to try. I have placed links to my travel at the side bar of my personal page, My Life Reflections, and will be updating them from time to time.

My wish is to continue my travel and complete circumnavigate the globe, insyaAllah…

Thursday 25 May 2017

2017 UK Trip: 33 London, England (Day 1) - City of Smoke...

“If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay home...” – James Michener

(London Tower Bridge over River Thames)

Date: 19 May 2017 (Friday)

Route: Heathrow - London

Distance: 20 miles - 46 min

Hotel: London Kings Cross Royal Scot (£79)

From Heathrow Holiday Inn we took the shuttle bus to Heathrow Airport Terminal 4 and boarded the train to King’s Cross Station where we will stay at the Travelodge in King’s Cross.

(King's Cross Station)

(Taking the tube to Fenchurch Station)

Today we made appointment for a free visit to the Sky Garden, London’s highest public garden. As our scheduled visit was at 2:45 pm, we had ample time to take a stroll along River Thames with a good view of the Tower of London and the Tower Bridge.

(The Tower of London)

(The entrance for the walking tour)

(The Tower Bridge)

(Relaxing afternoon by the River Thames)

Sky Garden is the famous enlarged glass dome of 20 Fenchurch Street is dedicated to three storeys of exquisitely landscaped public gardens and London’s most exclusive social spaces, including observation decks and an open air terrace.

(Tight security checks at the entrance)

(Tower Bridge - viewed from the Sky Garden)

(London Bridge at the background)

(The tall building is the Shard)

(The Tower of London - seen from above)

The Sky Garden is a unique public space that offers 360 degree uninterrupted views across the City of London. Visitors can wander around the exquisitely landscaped gardens, observation decks and an open air terrace of what is London’s highest public garden.

(Beautiful landscaped garden on upper deck)

(Many visitors at the observation deck)

(Uppermost level of the Sky Garden)

The Sky Garden has been designed to create an open and vibrant place of leisure, offering visitors a rare chance to experience London from a different viewpoint. Entry to the Sky Garden is free, but space is strictly limited and visits must be booked online in advance.

(Detouring to Baker Street)

(Meeting Sherlock Holmes at Baker Street)

(Having baked potatoes at Madam Tussaud)

On the way back to our Travelodge, we visited the King Cross Mosque, a walking distance from our hotel. The mosque is located at the heart of king's cross, with only a few minutes walk from the St Pancras international station.

(The King's Cross Mosque)

It is run by a committee of 15 people who are selected by the local community. They are all volunteers and provide a valuable service to the community both working with the youth as well as elders.