Touring the West (Finale)

I guess this is long overdued... But better late than never....

So after spending 9 days in Italy, Switzerland and France, it was back to our home ground, London. Once we got into London via the Eurostar train from Paris, France, I immediately noticed the difference in culture and people. People were much nicer and friendlier, quite unlike France. Thank goodness we did not have to spend precious time looking for an accomodation because we already had one. My Dad's friend, Paul, met us at Waterloo Station and brought us to his suburban home in Beaconsfield, about 1.5 hours away from central London by train. They say first impression counts; it certainly did when we stepped into his house. It was splendid to say the least. It had 2 floors, one big kitchen, one nice and cosy dinning area, one huge hall, one music room and 5 bedrooms on the upper floor. Very big indeed for a couple.

Many have heard of the wax museum. Also known as Madame Tussauds, it houses many of the wax figures of famous people around the world ranging from hollywood stars to football and historical figures. The likes of David and Victoria Beckham, Jamie Olliver, Simon Cowell, Brad Bitt, Angelina Joline, Big Brother, John Travolta and Nicholas Cage were all there. It was marvellous to be able to see them though they were all just wax figures. But that is as close as you can get to the real thing. At times, some of us were fooled. You could even mistaken a wax figure for a live human! That's scary!

That's Brad Bitt and Angelina Joline.... Looks live like eh?

Flanking the "UN Ambassodor" is Tony Blair and George Walker Bush

The best part of it was not the wax museum, but rather it was the Emirates Stadium, home ground of Arsenal Football Club. Shall not say much here except that it was simply sensational and magnificent! The pictures below says it all.....

Starting the tour outside Emirates stadium courtesy of the tour guide.....

From inside....

Can you believe it? A pool for the players that can be lowered or raised to make it deeper or shallower.....

Players' changing room. Notice that Henry, Arsenal Captain, seats right in the middle. The entire dressing room was designed by Arsene Wenger.

Geeks............. Backstreet boys.... No they're not supposed to be here......

Anyway, here's other facts you might not know. Found this out after visiting the museum at Arsenal and after speadking to the museum curator, one of the high ranking officials at the Club. A box season ticket which includes a parking space, food and other membership entitlements costs a whopping 25,000 pounds!

The 23 million punds made from the sale of Nicholas Anelka to Real Madrid was used to build their new training ground and finance the building of the Emirates stadium.

Emirates, a middle eastern airline company, paid 100 million pounds as a sponsorship deal with Arsenal which lasts over 15 years.

The current Highbury ground has been converted into apartments. The money from the apartment sales has gone into financing the Emirates stadium. The kick off area (circle) of the old Highbury ground has been preserved in its original state and location.

Denis Berkamp, a former Arsenal player, owns a box seat and turns up regularly for Arsenal matches. Fans still chant his name till this day. That shows how strong the Arsenal spirit is!

Visited Cambridge, a rather old town popularized Cambridge University. Some sights from the old town...

An old Church......

Hope to study there one day!

Breakfast at Uncle Paul's house..... Full English breakfast.... Delicious.... yum........yum......

Here are the other attractions we visited... I'm sure its no surprise to many...

London Eye.... Largest Ferris Wheel in the world....

View from above......

The famous clock tower, known as Big Ben, in central London.........

That's Tower Bridge...............

Basically, that's about it. This trip has been enjoyable and fun filled one. Seen new things and experienced the sights, sounds and cultures of 4 countries... And to think we did it in 2 weeks, that's incredible!

Must thank Uncle Paul and Auntie Peng for their hospitality towards us. They have been the best host ever, providing us with breadfast and dinner for all the 4 days we were there....

Signing off.....