Day 5 26 December London

Headed out for London early and stopped once for gas and snacks. The trip was just a bit over four hours and really enjoyable due to the beautiful scenery. The weather was overcast with scattered showers along the way but cleared up once we got to the London area.

Traffic was sparse due to the holidays so I was thankful for that. We've been here twice before and have seen how the buses and taxis ruled the streets especially in Central London. Another good thing about the holiday is that we didn't have to pay the 'Congestion Charge' which is a mandatory fee for driving within specific areas in the city limits.

Needless to say, the GPS guided us to the underground parking at Hyde Park where we caught the Big Bus Hop-on/Hop-off tours after going up to the Marble Arch and taking pictures. Marites was able to wrangle a bargain for the tickets (£16 each vice £12) since there were six of us and we were were the only passengers. I guess we got lucky becuse as soon as we got on, a couple of families arrived (and paid the full price).

All buses are open double-deckers but this one had a canopy for the first six rows. The 'tourist' group: Rey, Marc, Flor and Marliza sat at the open section while we, the 'veterans', sat at the covered section protected from the cold. I joined them afterwards as the group photographer.We stayed on the bus for the whole trip so that they can see all the sights and take pictures at a higher vantage point.

The audio guide provided information as we passed the points of interest such as the Madam Tussaud's Wax Museum, Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, Parliament Buildings, Big Ben Clock Tower, Westminster Abbey, London Aquarium, London Eye, St. Paul's Cathedral, Tower Bridge and the Tower of London.

Sequence of approach shots to the Tower Bridge.

We got off at the Victoria Station stop and walked over to the Buckingham Palace to view the changing of the guard but it was finished for the day.

Took some pictures and then walked back to the Kabayan Cafe which is located along Buckingham Palace Road near the Big Bus Tour office to have some steaming hot sinigang soup and rice for lunch but they were also closed for the holidays. Oh, well. Damn the bad luck so we just settled for Italian. Called Alyce afterwards to let her know about the day's itinerary and then walked to the Westminster boat dock for the River Thames ferry ride which was included in the tour ticket.

Took some pictures on the dock area but it was already getting dark so the scenery didn't come out as good especially the London Eye which didn't have enough illumination. Rey, Marc and Marliza stayed on the open deck to enjoy the view and take pictures while Flor, Marites and myself stayed below to keep warm.

Blurry pictures of the Tower Bridge caused by the ferry vibration while it was turning around.

Walked over to the Tower of London where an ice skating rink was set up temporarily for the season. Took some more pictures and then rode the underground (subway) back to the Hyde Park parking lot since it is faster and it will also be a part of their London experience. Took some pictures inside the subway car, platform and escalator.

I know you're getting tired of reading about the GPS but I'm singing praises for it again here. As I've mentioned earlier in the blog about how tough Central London traffic is, actually driving the narrow streets during heavy traffic at night is definitely a challenge that I will not do again even with GPS. Definitely saved the day (night) again!!! We were able to find the street but someone had to get us because the apartment building is not recognized.

We were welcomed by Ric's lovely wife Evelyn, Alyce and other Kapampangan friends (forgot your names, really sorry) as well the mouth-watering smell of home-cooked food. There was shrimp sinigang, pinakbet, rice, fried chicken, fish 'n chips (of course!), salad and drinks. Watching Wowowee at the same time while enjoying the great Filipino food and very friendly company in a warm and cozy apartment in Central London, what more could we ask for. Susan, Ric and Jane (JASHian) joined us later. Ric also called Mon David (2nd photo below, right) for holiday greetings.

The classmates.

A lot of 'chikahan', laughter, picture-taking. Also found out from Alyce what 'TFC' actually stands for and we had Marliza, Flor's teen-age daughter as an 'ear-witness'.Had some more long good-byes and pictures at the doorway and just before bedtime. Flor, Marc, Marliza and Rey slept in the living room while Marites and I were honored with a spare bed in their bedroom.

To Rey and Evelyn, 'muchas gracias por su amabilidad, dacal na salamat' for accommodating us and making this a memorable trip.