As an alumni of the London School of Economics and Political Science (known as the LSE), this is where I studied my Master's and where I have spent one fruitful year paving my career path and life. Learnt from many who came here hundreds or thousands of years ago, London is a place for opportunity, exploration and experience. You are the contributor, as well as the receiver of new thoughts. The city, paved by many well-known monuments and historical buildings is always a place for you to learn and the promenade facing the Thames offer you the best place to think and through the inspiration from the new and old culture, the Thames is something mysterically but helpful in amending the things that you might be losing right down there.
Now, for those of you who was born in the British colonial era, the exploration of London can always be interesting for you might just be able to find your own culture and how it develops your mentality as a Hong Kong with British influences. Exploration to Westminster Big Ben (or to be specific the Parliament if you want to visit the building internally) and the Buckingham Palace (during summer) offers the British renaissance. Proceeding from that, head to the Strand Hotel for a cheap lunch at the Johnsson and reserve a ticket for the night at one of those shows you might desire. Finally, head to the high streets to shop (Oxford Street, Reagent Street, Knightsbridge) and explore around or simply go to one of the parks or mueseums to explore one of those national treasures that London can give you during the walk around. Alternatively, head for the church where there might be a very special music concert / rehearsal going on. Dinner is always a headache before the show. The best time for that is to have yourself seated at 1745 and have dinner served before 1815, then you can still pamper yourself with some champagne before the dinner starts. If musical / theatre shows are not your cup of tea, head to Tower Bridge (near Southwark) and explore the beautiful Butler's Wharf for the best dinners in town. Afterall, contemporary British serves has improved since Fish and Chips and Roast Beef and this restaurant is highly recommended. Now to end the day up, taking a ride at the London's eye is the best and you recapture the magnificent view that Big Ben can give you.
A trip to London can cost from a few days to a few weeks. If you are the laggers and would just want to wander around, the city gives you the quiet and the loud. However, if you are still one of those who want to run around, the city always can definitely make you busy for 2 to 3 days and then you may hope on a Paddington train to Bath, Bristol, Wales, ... (well, you name it) and enjoy what those places can offer you. Our next stop, however, will stay in the suburbs of London (tips from the picture below), where I will try to explore our trips to the outskirts of London. Until then, bon yovage!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Information on flights
Cathay Pacific, One World Alliance British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and New Zealand Airlines offer a total of more than 6 flights to London Heathrow from Hong Kong, with CX holding the most flights departure from HKG. 2 midnight flights are available, making you arrive at London around 05:30 or 06:00 in the morning. However, if you are going during the holiday seasons, it is advisable that you use the other 2 flights during the day because CX London midnight flights are also called "CX London Schoolbus" during the term start/end (Sept, Dec, April and Jun/July) season.
Young or enegectic travellers are advised to travel on the midnight flight, where you can utilize your time in Europe fully. Should you require an upgrade to Business Class using Asia Miles, this is highly desirable because this is one of the best flights CX can offer for European flights (in terms of flight distance and food quality standard offered by CX Catering in Hong Kong). Lay-back travellers may opt for the morning flightm where you can arrive at London at 15:00, then you may check in to your hotel and walk around, see a show and get to the time zone easily.
Coming back to Asia is always a pain due to the time zone. Hence, if you want to adaopt well, opt for the early flight deaprting 11:00 from LHR. However, if you, again, want to utilize your time in Europe fully, the remaining 3 flights are the best choices. Pay attention to the flight that is on offer for usually evening flights assignments of flight goes to 66% B747-400 and 33% A330-300. I prefer the Jumbos for they are better with the noise insulation. However, if you don't mind, the 3 flights serve the same stuff. Our next episode will also attempt to cover the points to note while you are on a CX long-haul flight... so, until then, continue to "feel"!
No comments:
Post a Comment