Thursday, December 04, 2014
Paris & London 2014 (Day 6)
We are departing Paris today for London. So in the morning, we were mainly just packing and stuff. We did enjoy the stay in the accomodations in Paris. The location was good, the place was comfortable, the only problem was that the place was up on the 5th floor of the building and the stairs got rather narrow at the top. That meant that it was problematic if you had a large luggage. Fortunately, I made it.
Airbnb is really worth a try. I do suppose that there will be hits and misses. Be careful what you pick on Airbnb, and always go with the expectation that things may not be what you expect. The accomodation that I booked this time round was a definite hit.
If you plan to book via Airbnb and have never signed up for an account before, you can grab some Airbnb credit via this link. The credit gets applied to your next airbnb booking.
www.airbnb.com/c/gchua61
Unfrotunately not applicable if you already have an account I think.
So after we checked out of the accomodation, we took the metro to Gare du Nord where the Eurostar station was. We'd have to 'exit' France and 'Enter' UK at the station by getting our passports checked and stamped. Somewhat like what used to happen at Tanjong Pagar Railway station (before the Singapore Immigration moved to Woodlands while Malaysia stayed in Tanjong Pagar). The UK immigration person was unexpectedly humourous, and while going through the security scans, the French official noticed a tiny corner of a euro peeking out of a pocket and told me to be careful. mSuch a nice experience going through Eurostar check in.
Now, the waiting area was another story entirely. It was just crowded because there were people waiting for 2 trains basically. Well, we just stood around till it was time for our train. The Eurostar was a pretty nice ride, and we got to London well in time for afternoon tea (had we wanted it).
We checked into our hotel which was about 5 mins away from the station. Really close. Costs a pretty penny too but it is convenient I suppose. It's not as wonderful as our accomodation in Paris. It's a room with 3 single beds, and a toilet / shower. Very functional. Very convenient.
Once we dropped off stuff at our hotel, we went out to explore the areas near out hotel. There are really a lot of shops, but the one place that ealmost everyone mentions to us once the know where were were staying... was Platform 9 3/4.
Yes.
We did go there.
They even have this station for you to take photos. Free if you take your own, pay for official photographer. They have scarves for you to wear while you take a photo of yourself pushing the trolley with a birdcage on it onto Platform 9 3/4. I thought that was a nice touch. I did not take a photo of myself though lol.
My friend also noticed a seller for The Big Issue standing near the British Library. I did not know what The Big Issue was about but it's cover was about streetcat Bob (the cat of a previously homeless man), so I decided to buy one copy as well. In total, we bought 3 copies and the seller was so happy he wished us a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I was like .... um.. I know Europe is big on Christmas but still, isn't it a little premature? That was when I found out that The Big Issue is a magazine for the homeless to sell so that they can earn a living to work their way up. Now I know why the seller was so happy and I am glad I parted with 3 pounds.
After the walking around the area, we settled into Fortnum and Mason's at St Pancras International for a break. They ran out of the afternoon tea though, so we could not have crumpets. So sad. Had a chocolate ice cream with my tea though, so it wasn't all that bad in the end.
And so. First day in London.
Dreary weather incoming.
0 Adorations
Airbnb is really worth a try. I do suppose that there will be hits and misses. Be careful what you pick on Airbnb, and always go with the expectation that things may not be what you expect. The accomodation that I booked this time round was a definite hit.
If you plan to book via Airbnb and have never signed up for an account before, you can grab some Airbnb credit via this link. The credit gets applied to your next airbnb booking.
www.airbnb.com/c/gchua61
Unfrotunately not applicable if you already have an account I think.
So after we checked out of the accomodation, we took the metro to Gare du Nord where the Eurostar station was. We'd have to 'exit' France and 'Enter' UK at the station by getting our passports checked and stamped. Somewhat like what used to happen at Tanjong Pagar Railway station (before the Singapore Immigration moved to Woodlands while Malaysia stayed in Tanjong Pagar). The UK immigration person was unexpectedly humourous, and while going through the security scans, the French official noticed a tiny corner of a euro peeking out of a pocket and told me to be careful. mSuch a nice experience going through Eurostar check in.
Now, the waiting area was another story entirely. It was just crowded because there were people waiting for 2 trains basically. Well, we just stood around till it was time for our train. The Eurostar was a pretty nice ride, and we got to London well in time for afternoon tea (had we wanted it).
We checked into our hotel which was about 5 mins away from the station. Really close. Costs a pretty penny too but it is convenient I suppose. It's not as wonderful as our accomodation in Paris. It's a room with 3 single beds, and a toilet / shower. Very functional. Very convenient.
Once we dropped off stuff at our hotel, we went out to explore the areas near out hotel. There are really a lot of shops, but the one place that ealmost everyone mentions to us once the know where were were staying... was Platform 9 3/4.
Yes.
We did go there.
They even have this station for you to take photos. Free if you take your own, pay for official photographer. They have scarves for you to wear while you take a photo of yourself pushing the trolley with a birdcage on it onto Platform 9 3/4. I thought that was a nice touch. I did not take a photo of myself though lol.
My friend also noticed a seller for The Big Issue standing near the British Library. I did not know what The Big Issue was about but it's cover was about streetcat Bob (the cat of a previously homeless man), so I decided to buy one copy as well. In total, we bought 3 copies and the seller was so happy he wished us a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I was like .... um.. I know Europe is big on Christmas but still, isn't it a little premature? That was when I found out that The Big Issue is a magazine for the homeless to sell so that they can earn a living to work their way up. Now I know why the seller was so happy and I am glad I parted with 3 pounds.
After the walking around the area, we settled into Fortnum and Mason's at St Pancras International for a break. They ran out of the afternoon tea though, so we could not have crumpets. So sad. Had a chocolate ice cream with my tea though, so it wasn't all that bad in the end.
And so. First day in London.
Dreary weather incoming.
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