My nephew and me at Changi Airport. The little guy sure doesn't seem like he's gonna miss me.

"Good morning....Welcome to Europe"

My head jerked up and my eyes snapped open as the pilot's voice sounded over the PA system, jarring me from the unrestful half-doze in which I've spent the last few hours. Furiously blinking in a vain attempt to clear the stinging redness in my vision, I couldn't be more thrilled when I heard the words "Dear passengers we are arriving at Heathrow Airport in 10 min time... Welcome to London". This is it. Trip of a lifetime.

Welcome to Europe I say. I had every reason to be excited. There's a reason that this destination is always in vogue. The ground has been stained by the blood of countless battles. Breathtaking architecture engrave the genius of great men into every observer's mind. It is simply.... Europe.

Kevin and me passed through the airport and the customs without incident. The customs officer did hint that she had every right to deny us entry because of inadequate information (on the address in UK). Then we saw Alex and Jesse, and the reunion started.

First thing you notice when you step out of the station: IT'S FREAKIN COLD! We quickly hopped onto the Tube and made our way to Leicester Square.

Midway the train suddenly stopped and the PA system announced, "We apologise for the delay. The train has been stopped due to unauthorised people on the rail tracks." -jaw drops-




The Tube.












LONDON--HYBRID OF THE ESTABLISHMENT AND THE AVANT-GARDE

Mighty London exudes the splendour of a bygone age. Its majestic architecture and glorious monuments all point to the force of its imperial history. At the same time, London's modernity leaps out at you everywhere you go. It is, after all, the 'hottest and coolest city in the world" (according to some at least).




One thing about London is the weather. It's cold, that's a given. It's the showers that are really depressing. They come and go as unpredictably as the performances of England's football team. One moment it's bright and sunny, the next moment the rain starts pattering down. The skies are mostly downcast and overall, the weather is depressing. No wonder Jose Reyes wanted to go back to Madrid. And they wonder why Thierry is stalling on his contract.










The River Thames--the river that flows through the heart of the city.

Trafalgar Square

The central square of London. People congregate here when there's a major celebration. The pigeons apparently love it here too.









Tate Modern has a huge collection of some weird and wonderful offerings. They call it modern art. Didn't go in though.











View from Alex's apartment, where we're staying. That's the London Eye. The Big Ben stands proudly on the opposite bank in the distance.



We visited Borough Market, the trendy marketplace of London. Tried the Huntsman Pie and the Wild Boar Pie. They're basically pies with MEAT, MEAT and MORE MEAT. Nice at first, but the fats and the cholesterol can kill.






Walked down Flint Street and was captivated by the simple beauty of the place. Even better, we were pleasantly surprised to find Temple Church (the place where Remy and Silas 'kidnapped' Teabing in Da Vinci Code). Then we realised that the Church was open for 2 hours (which, according to Alex, is a rarity). Coincidentally, the window was open at the moment we chanced upon the building! It was a wonderful moment for the Da Vinci Code fan, for me. A pleasant surprise on a depressingly rainy and dreary day.
















I met up with Aunt Molly, Uncle Charles, Amanda, Paul and their daughter Amy at Wagamama later in the day. It's a fusion Jap restaurant, extremely popular with the Londoners. Had a great time catching up and talking to them about Europe and its exciting sights.


Well I'm sleepy after a long day... dozing off. Gonna get a good night's sleep. On to Liverpool tomorrow!