Amazing Race - London (King's Cross St Pancreas)

I thought the British Museum will be my last destination in London. Once I reached the King's Cross St Pancreas Station (I think the medical term "pancreas" might have some relationship here), Alifa was foraging around to look for this trolley. Upon reaching the location, I saw people around taking photo with this half trolley attached (or penetrate through) to the wall. Actually, King's Cross station features in the Harry Potter books, by J. K. Rowling, as the starting point of the Hogwarts Express. The train uses a secret platform 9¾ located by passing through the brick wall barrier between platforms 9 and 10.

Unfortunately, platforms 9 and 10 are in a separate building from the main station; also, rather than being adjacent so that a barrier could be between them, they are separated by two intervening tracks. That Rowling intended the location to be in the main part of the station, but forgotten the platform numbering. When the movies were filmed, the station scenes took place within the main station, with platforms 4 and 5 renumbered 9 and 10 (so you need to head to Platform 4 and 5 in REAL world to witness the exact location of the filming).

Within King's Cross, a cast-iron "Platform 9¾" sign has been erected on a wall of the station's suburban building containing the real platforms 9 and 10. Part of a luggage trolley has also been installed below the sign; whilst the near end is visible, the rest of the trolley seems to have disappeared into the wall.

So , this Harry Potter's virtual platform marks the end of my London trip.

19 different locations...

In 36 hours...

All around London...

Au Yong and Alifa...

You are seriously the official cheapskate Amazing Race London Edition winners!!!

Amazing Race - London (British Museum)

All the museums in UK are free. When it's free that does not mean that it's cheap stuff. Just that the government is not that stingy when it comes to education. The museum here is not something you see in our very own Muzium Negara.

It's more like science center to me. I was greeted by a gigantic dinosaur skeleton at the entrance. I hope the security job here is not something like the movie in "A Night In The Museum". If this giant lizard comes to life at night, I sure you'll quit the job the next day!

Now this is what we called sex education.

I'm sure the kids gonna loves it! The parents will have hell lots of tough questions after a visit here. For example:

Son: Daddy, what's that thing showing?

Daddy: Oh... That's is sticking a finger into your nostril. That means you shouldn't do it to yourself or to others ok?

Son: Wow.......

After one and a half hour here, I felt I was given a ride just like the one in the "Human Body" television series. No wonder the kids here love to come the museum.

If they were to see something like Hang Jebat, Hang Tuah, what is the past time in the old day, and what Indian and Chinese wear during the festival, I'm sure they will say something like this:

Son: Daddy, I have one request.

Daddy: Sure my boy. Just say it.

Son: Can we go now?

Amazing Race - London (Wellington Arch)

Within walking distance from the Harrods, lies the Wellington Arch. Wellington Arch is a landmark for Londoners as a grand outer entrance to Buckingham Palace. You can take a lift to the balconies just below the spectacular bronze sculpture which tops the imposing monument. The statue is the largest bronze sculpture in Europe, and depicts the angel of peace descending on the chariot of war. I can't believe inside the arch, it is actually a three floors exhibition hall telling its fascinating history, including its time as London's smallest police station!

Now, that's me and Ufa, Alifa's gang in London. Funny and easy going girl. Just like Alifa, she's very enthusiastic in showing me all the places in London, making sure that I took photos with my face behind every famous landmarks there.

The arch is located at the memorial park for the soldiers who died during war.

It's indeed a nice place to commemorate their heroes with all the names are engraved on the marble wall.

This statue depicts the soldier when they had to carry this lot of firearms those days. Hmmm, I'm sure this soldier might be one of those kamikaze squad for sure. You deserved my salutes and wreath.

Amazing Race - London (Harrods)

I came across the name "Harrods" a few years back when Fulham, the football club promoted to Premier League. The owner of Fulham is the Harrods owner, Mr. Mohd. Al Fayed. Also the famous father of Dodi Al Fayed, the guy who got killed with Princess Diana. Back to this Harrods, Alifa is giving me the implication that my monthly salary is equivalent to one Harrods hamper. So you can expect what the price of the item sold there. To me, three is no such thing as expensive shoes and clothes!

The material is same unless you you go for something like the technology-enhanced suit like the Speedo Lazer swimming suit. This people add another zero to the price tag just because they sew the brand name on the collar. But if you look clearly on the tag, it was made in Pakistan or China! Come on matey. Don't be a slave for brand if the price is unreasonably high. As for Harrods, I don't even bother to enter. I just can afford to lost my three months saving if I broke their vase!

Amazing Race - London (Buckingham Palace)

Buckingham Palace is the official London residence of the British monarch. Now please don't confuse with Beckingham Palace. That's Beckham house.

Now you see. People is just changing working shift. That's as simple as that. The "jaga" too tired after one whole night keeping an eye open of any intruders which I doubt will be any. No coffee break. Maybe got one or two toilet break but better pray that it's not long business. But a simple task like that can be made into an extravaganza show that everyone from around the whole can pack into full house around the palace just to witness it.

The regiment come in one bunch. Playing some loud music. If I'm the Queen, I'll open the windows and shout, "Shut Up!". Then they march here march there. Stamp here stamp there. Drop one or two poor new "jaga" for duty. Pick up the other tired and "come and save me" "jaga" off for brunch.

Then, they march here march there. Stamp here stamp there. Playing some more loud music before they off. This goes on everyday in the summer. There won't be change of guards (extragavant) during the winter.

So there you go poor little fella. You have to stand there for 24 hours before your troop going to rescue you.

"Jaga" job can be so unfair. You have to remain alert for 24 hours , while other "jaga" job can be so relaxing sometimes.

Amazing Race - London (Piccadilly Circus)

Can you believe that in just 3 hours time frame, I've actually visited 4 places all by myself just traveling using their ever efficient Tube line. Badawi should come and see how big the differences are here. Worse still, they only use the normal train and not that light rail train we have. So for my fourth locations, I've visited their Piccadilly Circus.

Piccadilly Circus is a famous road junction and public space of London's West End in the City of Westminster. In this context a circus, from the Latin word meaning a circle, is a circular open space at a street junction. Its status as a major traffic intersection has made Piccadilly Circus a busy meeting point and a tourist attraction in its own right.

Piccadilly Circus memorial fountain, with Anteros, popularly referred to (wrongly) as either The Angel of Christian Charity, or Eros, one of the first statues to be cast in aluminium. This nude statue got lots of history behind it. Try Wiki it and you will notice the conflict behind this statue. For me, it just another statue trying to shoot some people. Maybe we can erect a statue depicting Dr Koh with his famous quote under his statue (from the much anticipated land scam debate).....

"Tembak Sebelum Semak" or

"Shoot Before You Check"

Amazing Race - London (Millenium Bridge)

I always thought Millennium Bridge is at Brighton after some guys from IStructE told me to see what's wrong with the bridge. At first I thought this might be another Millennium Bridge since I saw one in Scotland. Jeff told me it was a nationwide idea to build one Millennium Bridge in each states to usher in the Y2K. Located opposite the St. Paul Cathedral, this pedestrian bridge is quiet long. This steel structure was once closed from operation due to Synchronous Lateral Excitation.



Left Pyshic s for quite a while heh? Still remember resonance? When one frequency is same with the natural frequency of that item, it will cause excitement (vibration). But the engineer eventually fixed it by putting some dampeners to "absorb" the vibration. Nevertheless, I didn't cross the bridge. Why? Because I'm an engineer myself too.

Amazing Race - London (St. Paul Cathedral)

With still 2 hours away from the catching the change of guard at Buckingham Palace, I dashed down to St. Paul Cathedral. I studied in St. John Institution. My school was once near with St. Mary School. I've visited St. Paul Hill in Malacca. I listened to All Saint's music. I assumed myself to have some sort of unrelated connections when it come to this "Saint" word.

St Paul’s has remained a busy, working church where millions have come to worship. It is a heritage site of international importance which attracts thousands of people each year. On Sunday, the Tube line does not operate there. I don't know the reason. So, I have to walk approximately 2 kilometre from the nearest stop to get there. Maybe they want to do some routine maintenance or safety reason.

But one thing I annoyed me is that we have to pay the admission fees. Come on, in KL we don't charge the tourists for taking pictures inside the temple right?

Amazing Race - London (Marble Arch)

What so special about this arch? Because it made from marble? I woke up 3 hours early from my supposed meeting with Alifah just to have a look on this white arch. Don't know what's the reason. People keep building simple structure, yet can make it so famous.

Nevertheless, I assumed I've been to France judging by the similarities of this arch with the one in France.

See any differences?

Amazing Race - London (Malaysia Hall)

If you are planning for a trip in UK, your main concern is the accommodation. I don't have any friends in UK, so I can't "setinggan" with anyone like Alifa. I don't want to share a room with strangers this time around considering I'm alone.

Not that I'm afraid there might be a sodomy case but rather than the safety of my money in my bag if I left it for bath. Besides, you are in foreigner's country. There's no place like home which share the same food and culture. So, my solution is the Malaysian Student Department in Bayswater.

For the price of £15.28 you get a decent single room with hot shower and your own toilet bowl. Price might be cheaper if you are a student or if you willing to share a double room. But for me, a private toilet is a must especially when you want to "em em" at your own pace and time without any disturbance.

A nice bed for rest without fear someone might sneak under your blanket guarantees you a full energy recharge after a hectic schedule. Back in Malaysia, those who wish to go for a vacation spent part of their money on luxurious hotel. For me, a CLEAN bed with the basic amenities will suffice any travelers' needs.

If you think this is cheap hostel, then you are wrong. This hall is like a normal 3.5 star hotel. What is most important is they have a Malaysian canteen which serves local delicacies and understands TEH TARIK KURANG MANIS!

Amazing Race - London (Royal Albert Hall)

A final push to our last destination. This destination was supposed to be scrapped off, but the determinant Alifa insisting that I might not have the chance again to go London made me gave way.

The Royal Albert Hall is an arts venue best known for holding the annual summer concerts since 1941. The Royal Albert Hall is one of the UK's most treasured and recognisable the world over. Since its opening, the world's leading artists from every kind of performance genre have appeared on its stage.

The reason why Royal Albert Hall's name pop up in my mind was because Siti Nurhaliza performed there. I read it on newspaper a few years ago. So, I guess it marks the success of every singer by performing in this hall.

Prince Albert statue located opposite the hall.

Amazing Race - London (Tower Bridge) Is Falling Down

When we were small, I remember we used to sing "London Bridge Is Falling Down" in our kindergarten. But is it really falling down? Why London Bridge and not other structures that have more chances of falling down like Pisa Tower and MRR2?

To bust the myth, me (Adam) and Alifa (Jamie) aka the so-called mythbuster went to the famous Tower Bridge to see.

Tower Bridge is a combined bascule and suspension bridge in London, England over the River Thames. The bridge consists of two towers which are tied together at the upper level by means of two horizontal walkways which are designed to withstand the horizontal forces exerted by the suspended sections of the bridge to the left and the right. For a bridge, it simply awesome to witness such great architecture work done to it.

Actually, Tower Bridge is mistakenly referred to as London Bridge, which is actually the next bridge upstream. So this is not falling down, but being lifted up. For those who wants to see the bridge will be lifted up, you can surf to their website and see the schedule when tall ships will pass the bridge.

We waited for the 7.30pm show anxiously. One thing I like about the British is that they are very punctual. If they say 7.30pm there will be one ship passing the bridge, you won't get duck passing instead. This apply to all their public transport. Kudos to them. I would rate the driver jobs as professional because they are very disciplined. So, sharp at 7.30pm, the ship was already waiting for clearance signal.

To my surprise, this is Alifa first time witnessing the bridge lift after being 4 years in UK and countless time in London. What is more ironic is that her friends who study in London don't even know that the bridge can be lifted! There were many people from around the world came down just to witness this engineering marvel. I've met one Indian couple with their cute little daughter.

"Quick cutie, come over here...."

"Wa!!! Dooms day coming. Run mama. Run papa."

Amazing Race - London (Trafalgar Square)

Hopping into another Tube, we headed our way to another hotspot, Traflagar Square. It was only 5pm and we were heading for the fifth locations in that day alone. We were still halfway through on our amazing 2 days trip in London. My legs were showing signs of aching. I was planning to give this square or rectangular or circle a skip when Alifah pushed me through. I didn't expect to witness that nude ride. So was this event there. The Trafalgar Square had turned into "Thai"falgar Square.

There was this tourism promotion from Thailand to showcase the Thai's tradition and culture. Nope. No free goodies. All need money. As usual. No money no food. There were many stalls selling food, handicraft and the one that get the most attention was the Chang Beer counter.

Suddenly, I felt I was back into Asian country with all the Thais that live in London come out to give their support to this event. I told Alifa there were no pretty Thai chicks around. She agreed. We came to a conclusion that Thai chicks are not pretty. However, Thai "Ah Gua " is pretty!

Trafalgar Square is a square in central London, England. With its position in the heart of London, it is a popular tourist attraction; its trademarks are Nelson's Column, which stands in the centre, the four lion statues that guard the Column, and the large number of pigeons that live in the square.

Seriously, I don't know what so special about this column. Alifa insisted I must take picture with the lion statue guarding the column. We managed to squeeze our way the the back stage with me obliging to her request. So there you are. Me posing as a "Chu Lam" (virgin in Cantonese) beside a "Chu Tao" (column in Cantonese). I always poke this joke on people but looks like I was forced to eat my words now.

Amazing Race - London (Eye)

The clue read:

"I'm sure that was eye-opening.

Go catch another one and record the show!"

Au Yong: Hell yeah that was eye opening (until eyes also can pop out). Wow, some more this time record it in movie. It better be a good one this time.

Alifa: Next eye-opening show will be the that thing la (pointing towards the London Eye).

Au Yong: They gonna do it in there? OMG.

The London Eye has become an iconic landmark and a symbol of modern Britain. The London Eye is the UK’s most popular paid for visitor attraction, visited by over 3.5 million people a year (and in Malaysia, I don't even willing to fork out RM12 to get into our copycat version Mata Di Malaysia). A breathtaking feat of design and engineering, passengers in the London Eye's capsules can see up to 40 kilometres in all directions.

British Airways was the main sponsor of the London Eye until February 2008 and up until November 2005 were joint shareholders with Marks Barfield Architects and The Tussauds Group (so that's why if you go to London Eye website you can get promotion package of Madame Tussauds + London Eye). The "guai lo"s are quite smart in doing business.

Attached to the wheel are 32 glass capsules and because they’re on the outside of the wheel the views are unobstructed. Each can carry 25 people comfortably, there’s a wooden bench in the middle to sit on but being all glass it can get a bit warm in there on a hot day.

It takes 30 minutes to do a full revolution and the ride is so smooth you don’t feel like you’re moving. When you’re on it take notice of the compass points on the capsule floor. Even though the Eye is on the south bank of the Thames the bend in that stretch of the river means that looking straight across at the opposite bank is looking directly from east to west ( I don't know, I cut and copy some lines from their website).

There was another attraction along the street going towards to the London Eye. There were some actors, clowns,

prisoners

and human robots that are far more interesting there. Their latest impersonator is this Jack Sparrow.

Hey, I thought you are still in Madame Tussauds museum! These impersonator are stationary. You need to pay them something to "fuel up" them. Can't get what I mean? Ok, let me rephrase it. These buggers need cash, may it be notes or coins (but they don't accept credit cards ok) for them to act. They either do some trick, make some jokes or pose with you. No money, no act!

Au Yong: That's a more eye-catching performance. It's even better than London Eye.

Alifa: What you say just now?

Au Yong: Err... London Eye.

Alifa: No. The other words with eye.

Au Yong: Mata (In BM).... Err, "Ngan" (in Chinese).

Alifa: NO!!!!

Au Yong: You the one who ask other words with eye ma.

Alifa: (sharp staring...)

Au Yong: Ok ok. Oh. (deep thinking) You mean eye-catching.

Alifa: Yes. Remember the clue?

"I'm sure that was eye-opening.

Go catch another one and record the show!"

Alifa: I guess it's pointing us here.

Au Yong: Smart.... I know what to do.

The Charlie Chaplin show.


The human robot show.