Midnight

The Walk from Standford to Southwark

So based on the timestamp, I arrived at London officially at 1am at night due to booking the cheapest flight. The takeaway is that RyanAir does mid air advertising, guess this is how different airline operates.

Through my experience is that RyanAir to London essentially have a 25 pound extra fee(The ticket from Stansted to London). I also ended up taking the final train to London, and had the joy of wandering through London at night. It does feels like the city that never sleeps, except for the lack of people everything was well lit. I walked from the Standford station all the way to the Premier Inn at Southwark, I think seeing the city at night reminds me of a normal large city. It took me about 2 hours or so of walking to finally arrive. It is nice to see the city at night as this is not something I will willingly do otherwise.

Morning

Walking to the Churchill War Rooms

The first wonder I experienced is the red telephone booth. I always thought it is something in fiction, so seeing it in London is a shock. I did cross by some Iconic London landmarks such as the Big Ben, and there is something special about seeing it in person. I think it is the stonework, or the decorations. The chime ringing across the bridge is something to behold. I had to stand and stare that Big Ben actually exist, it feels like a movie prop come true.

Churchill War Rooms

As someone from a British Colony I am a little curious how do they remember this period. It is obviously interesting to learn about the close calls. Seeing the meeting room as it is left felt like history, especially the room D Day is planned. More importantly was how was life like, and how they felt as the war progress and the day everyone just left as the war is over. I saw the beds and the one for Churchill is not that much better than the regular man.

Now regarding the Churchill segment, it is great to see his life. I appreciate and am surprised by how they did not stray away from some of his most controversial legacy. They actually provided a rather neutral view regarding Churchill being racist, I recall the conclusion was that he is probably racist as expected of people during that era. It is really enjoyable when the Museum provides the information and the contrary view instead of the conclusion to be drawn.

The British Museum

Now I have heard a lot about the british museum, but the entrance reminded me of the Pantheon. It is true the british museum is really large. Over here I met a friend from Singapore and we walked the museum together. I think this is a testament of how influential the British Empire was as they have artifacts across the world. It is truly like touring the ancient world at one curator. Now I think if you like history you should visit, but I felt like I lack the knowledge to appreciate this.

Night - The Mousetrap

I decided to see a theatre show in West End, on a whim. It was kinda pricy, I went for the 30264 showing. Through apologies to the British gentleman, the chips I bought from the shop is too loud and affecting his enjoyment and he kindly informed me. The show itself is enjoyable, and invited the audience along to figure out who is the killer. I wasn’t able to figure out, but the double twist was fun. The usage of lighting really heightens the mood. I will recommend the show, through overall I thought it was all right.