Showing posts with label Famous Place. Show all posts

Trying on the Legendary Leker Paimo


The Legendary Leker Paimo: The Street Stalls

My husband and I recently just went for a short weekend escape to Semarang. We were aware that our hometown, Jogja will be very crowded during the long weekend period so we've decided to escape to Semarang and Solo for the long weekend. Our main destination in both of those cities are the culinary adventure. Yes.. We both like to bite and munch!

One of the legendary culinary spot in Semarang that many people recommend is the Leker Paimo. Leker is a crispy crepes filled with the desired fillings (usually chocolate chips, cheese, condense milk, or peanuts). However, Leker Paimo also provides the savoury flavour such as spicy tuna or beef sausage that is served and made like an omelet. The savoury flavour is something that I found unique in Leker Paimo since it is not found in any other crepes store

Leker Paimo is just a small stall of street food located right in front of Loyola College/High School that can be found at Jl. Karanganyar No.37, Semarang. The stall is open since 10AM till 5PM. However, since it is very crowded, it is important to come early to get our order just like what we've wanted. The price of each portion is very affordable starting from IDR.4000 (around 40 cents) to IDR.10.000 (less than 1 dollar). Although it is sold in a very affordable price, the taste is quite good. It is classic and authentic!

Waited patiently under the trees


On the first day of our arrival, we went straight to Leker Paimo. If not mistaken, it was about at 4PM. We did not know its operating hours at first. We did not expect that it is that crowded also. Upon our arrival, we were asked to write our orders in a piece of paper with our name in it. That we were asked to wait. And when they meant wait, it is no kidding. We've waited for an hour! Yes, an hour with not certainty of when our orders will be made. But people (including us) still waited anyway.. LOL..!

I was joking with my husband asking him "what if we've waited for so long, and the materials to make our crepes is empty before they are able to make our orders??". My husband at that time answered that they have made a calculation and will stop the people from ordering once they felt that the raw materials will not be enough. So we've patiently waited.

But........ My husband prediction was wrong... HAHAHAHA..!!!

After an hour waiting under the heat, the seller (with no regret) saying that there are no more materials to make the crepes to the buyer that has been waiting for ages in their stalls. ZONK MOMENT!! We were speechless!

The Savoury Crepes

Since I don't want to leave the place empty handed, I've asked the seller if she could just sell the crepes that has been made to us (the unattended orders). The seller agreed, and we received just one peace of the savoury crepes.  I honestly is a not a big fan of the savoury crepes. 

Lesson learned: COME EARLY!

Happily received a full box of crepes


So the the next day, we've decided to come to the location exactly at 10AM. The crowd is not as crowded as the previous day. We also did not wait for the crepes as long as the previous day. Since we don't really fancy the savoury crepes, we've ordered a box of the sweet crepes. I like the crispy sweet crepes with banana+chocolate+cheese fillings the best.

My comment about the crepes.. Well.. It's not bad at all. It's good tasting actually. But in my honest opinion, it's just not worth the wait.

^_^

[BANGKOK TRIP]: Lunch with the best Food in Town!

Great Place, Great Atmosphere


It was a super tiring day at that time when in Bangkok.We've just arrived at Bangkok, and haven't got the time to rest at our hotel. We took a Ferry Boat to Khao San Road, Bangkok, Thailand. We had heard a review about a great place to eat Tom Yam at that place.


The place is called "Tom Yam Kung". This place is quite hard to find since it is not directly seen in the main road. But instead, we have to walk on a very small street first to reach this place. But if we can have access to the Google Maps, we can easily spot that "small street" I was talking about.

The Menu's Price List

Although the restaurant looks a bit "fancy" compared to other restaurant in that street, for the price it is quite affordable and reasonable. The restaurant also provide credit card or debit card transaction. This makes it easier for international tourist like us that needs to save up cash in the beginning of the trip.

The Shared Menu Plate

The portion of the food is quite a big portion. So it is more recommended to share the menu with friends or families. I ordered the seafood Tom Yam and the Fragranced Grilled Chicken. The taste??? It is theeee booommmmssszzzz...

The best Thai Mango Sticky Rice

My favourite menu of all is actually the dessert. The Mango Sticky Rice. The Mango is very ripe and the sticky rice is sweet. It has a delicious coconut scent to it. It is also served with fragranced coconut milk and creamy coconut ice cream. So mouth-watering!!! This dessert is the dessert I've missed the most in Bangkok.

This is a must try restaurant in Bangkok!

Selfie at Khao San Road

Love,
Handini Audita

April Sneak Peak

Hei there beautiful ladies. How was your week end?

Today I woke up super late. My sister does so too because we stayed up all night watching X-Factor Indonesia (last night elimination was super fun to watch *sorry*).

My sister was in the super mood of studying. She said she will have a very important big test in a couple of days. But the thing is, she is only in the mood to study if it is outside the house. She said the house makes her sleepy all the time so she spend the days sleeping instead of studying. LOL

So we went to Frank Wurts which is a small cafe selling German Sausages. Why there? Well, it's simply because it is super cozy *and not too crowded*. I'll share some mouth watering picture here. Be prepared to get "hungry"..!!! *hungry for food and hungry for makeup..lol*

Beff Sausage + Sauted Vegies + Mashed Potato + Blackpepper Sauce

Mini Dufan: Rita Park Tegal

When was the last time I went to an amusement park?
I think it was about 12 years ago. Yups... So long ago..:(

I remember it was when I was still 9 years old. My parents went to Saudi to take their Hajj. So my sister and I spend our days in my cousin house. So during the week end we went to Dufan, an amusement park in Jakarta.

I've been wanting so bad to go again to an amusement park during my early adult age. But unfortunately everyone in the house is very busy. So we never got the chance ever since.

Oh well.. Too bad..:(

A Year Which Just Past By: My Journey of Studying in United Kingdom

I cannot believe that it has been a year since my first arrival to Glasgow, United Kingdom. It was a very long and unpredictable journey. I was very lucky to experience that, even though with a very sudden preparation. It was not an easy journey to step my feet on the Royal Land of United Kingdom. This is the short story about my very long journey in the Royal Land of United Kingdom.

Going for master degree after graduating my undergraduate study, had been the very long plan of mine. My parents was very kind to give full support until their very limit. Not only financial support that they are willing to give, but they also wonderfully give mental support in the form of motivation and advice. However, going to study in the UK was not the plan! We did not even consider having me studying in the UK. Not even a single thought.

Our plan until the very last minute was to prepare for taking master degree in Australia. The land that were deeply attached to my heart because I spend most of my childhood time in that beautiful land. So we prepared every single detail of it to go to Australia. Financial planning, IELTS tests, recommendation letter, and any other documents to support my application to universities in Australia. Months after the preparation I was blessed to be accepted in one of the best rating university in Australia. A university which the vice president of Indonesia (Mr. Budiono) graduated from. The class starts at February 2012. I was accepted approximately on June 2011. So I still have a lot of time before my departure. I was blessed.

God hands work in an unpredictable manner. One day, somewhere in the beginning of August 2011, I visited my friend house just to have a chat. Her name is Myra. A very good friend of mine during my undergrad study. That day, I cannot remember the beginning of the story, Myra suddenly told me a story about her big brother who had finish his master degree in the UK. She suddenly gives me an advice. I remember it so well because these sentences had changed my plan dramatically.

She said to me: "Dini, why didn't you go to the UK instead? I know that the Poundsterling rate is so damn high. But think about it, master degree in the UK will only take 1 year if you're on track. In Australia it takes 2.5 years if you're on track. So if you accumulate your spending until you finish your course, UK will be way much cheaper. The education system in the UK is also so good."

That sentences opened my eyes dramatically. It changed my mind in advance. At that moment I suddenly  think, "I have to study in the UK".

So as I went back home, I called my dad directly to talk about what Myra said to me. He agreed directly. From that second, our plan turns into a different direction. We will now focus on getting my master in the UK.

As I arrived home, I rushed into my laptop and starts Googling the universities which provides the major I am interested to study (Marketing). So I came by three Universities (University of Strathclyde, University of Birmingham, and University of Manchester). There is one problem that occurs. The class for the year 2011 admission starts in mid-September 2011. It was August already at that. Time seems to be impossible for me to enter the September 2011 admission period. So I act nothing to loose. I just continue to do what I have to do.


Don't be afraid to change into another direction. If the other direction gives better values, why not give it a try?


Right the next day, I contacted an Education Consulting Agent (IBEC) to help me with my application. I understand that with this very limited of time, I will need an education consultant. I was lucky enough to be advised by Mr.Hendra, the head of that education consulting agent. He gives me lists of documents that I have to send to him to complete my application. I also contacted my professors to ask for another letter of recommendation. They were surprised because I changed direction in a very short period of time. One of them even said: "Handini, it is impossible for you to be accepted this year. The time is very limited and you will still need to process many other things. It is impossible. It is impossible.." (he said the word "impossible" three times). But I replied: "Sir, you cannot say you can't before you try".

Never said you can't before you try! It will be more painful to not trying to do what you wish to do rather than failing on things you have done your best to do. Don't be afraid to take new opportunities. What's important is to do your best, let God do the rest.

Seeing my dedication and motivation, they easily signed my recommendation letter. I prepared all the documents needed just in one day. The next day, I directly fly to Jakarta to meet Mr.Hendra and to complete the application documents.

Things does not always goes smooth. When the day I arrived in IBEC office, Mr.Hendra starts to call those three universities I've selected to ask if they still can provide just one more seat for one student. We have to wait until 16:00 Indonesian time because we have to wait for UK office hours. Unfortunately, University of Manchester and University of Birmingham is already full. They cannot accept more students.

Frustrated? Not even. I still have an opportunity with Strathclyde. So I decided to still go with my application. Again, I act like I have nothing to loose.

I prayed every single day. If it is what's best for me, please let it be.

Finally.. Couple of days after my application, I received an Unconditional Letter of Acceptance. This means that I am fully accepted to take master degree in University of Strathclyde, United Kingdom. I was filled with joy. Right after I received the email from  the university conforming my status, I directly complete any payments needed to be payed (tuition fee). I also booked a student accommodation online.

After that process, I have to apply for my student Visa. I will need a CAS number (Confirmation of Acceptance for Study) to apply for my visa. The University said that it will take approximately 1 week for me to receive it. Unfortunately, things does not go as expected. I've waited until Mid September, the CAS number has not been sent. I called the University conforming this situation. They said that they cannot control this situation because CAS number is issued by the Ministry of Education in United Kingdom. It is not the University that issued this letter. So the only thing that the university can do is to issue a permission letter to arrive late for class. It is a kind of relieve hearing a slight solution for my situation at that moment. But deep inside my heart, I believe that I can arrive on time.

Again, I prayed every single day. You will when you believe! So I believe that I can arrive on time for class. Positive thoughts will lead to positive results. That is the law of attraction!

After days and days of waiting, on 20 September 2011, I received my CAS number. FYI, that is just 5 days before the first day of class. As soon as I received the letter, I rushed to the UKBA (UK Border Agency) to apply for my Visa. It was the most challenging moment of my life (in Indonesian, we called it "Sport Jantung").

I got my Visa approved on Friday, 23 September 2011 at 10:00. The flight that I booked will fly on Saturday, 24 September 2011 at 0:15. So I received my visa just 14 hours before my departure! I rushed to the UKBA to collect my Visa. Then go around Jakarta to search for Poundsterling. FYI, it is not an easy task to ask for a lot of Poundsterling in a very limited time. Fiuuuhh... Such a stressful day.

But again. Even though it was so stressful, but I felt so much blessed. This means that I can arrive in time for class. I don't need to skip any classes.

Short story short, I flew to Glasgow, United Kingdom and arrived safely. I did not have anyone to pick me up in the airport. This is because all the Indonesian students which I have got contacted to is busy with their student orientation activities. It's all right. I use taxi to take me from the airport to the student accommodation which I booked already. I was lucky enough to have such a pleasant place to live. Collegeland, is my home for the next 52 weeks.

My first day of school starts on Monday, 26 September 2011. I was very happy to meet lots of great people from many different countries. India, China, Pakistan, Italy, Greece, Thailand, and many other countries that I cannot mention one by one. I also have a friend from our closest country neighbor, Malaysia.

On the 2nd of October 2011, I met all the Indonesian students in the Glasgow area for the first time. It was the day where we go around Glasgow in Batik. We proudly promotes Batik in the nation of far away. We chat and exchange numbers so that we can keep in touch.


Batik Day, Glasgow, United Kingdom


My first holiday in the UK is a trip to Loch Ness. I was invited to take a one day trip by an Indonesian friend of mine. As I remembered, I think it was the next weekend after the Batik day. I took that opportunity to get to know some Indonesian friends a bit more personal and closer. I am blessed until this moment (the day I write this article), we still remain best friends.

Loch Ness Trip With Dias, Maya, Ilham, and "Pakde Dito"

Among the Indonesian students, we had a very good relationship. To some, we act like family. I am very blessed to receive such a caring family in Glasgow. "Duke Street Citizens", "Roebank Citizens", and the "Blackfriars Court Citizens" is my most closest family of mine in Glasgow. Thank you for the wonderful love and joy you give to me. Especially for "Pakdhe Dito" who always cook for me every time I got "home sick". I will not forget the sate buntel, tongseng kambing, and the katetong..:D


Glasgow was never sunny. But when it's sunny, it's time to dress your best!



During my study in the UK, I manage to travel to many different cities outside the Glasgow area. I'm very happy to meet more and more friends when visiting to different cities. I am happy to meet more and more great Indonesians such as Davina from Leeds, and Happy from Manchester. You guys are uniquely awesome!


My trip to York

Manchester Trip, I met Happy


The most unforgettable trip was when we celebrate new years eve in Edinburgh. It was unforgettable because we have to struggle in the freezing weather and the storm. Plus, we go from one club to other club just to find a "free place" to sit and warm up (mahasiswa gak modal). Having no sleep time because we have no place to sleep. We also experience being kicked out from a student accommodation building because we secretly sleep in their common room. The experience was Priceless!
2012 New Years Eve in Edinburgh, United Kingdom


London was also a memorable city during my stay in the UK. It is because I visited this city twice for two important events. Both were priceless! My first trip was a "business trip" to one of the world biggest consulting company. My second trip was a trip to hunt for BIRKINS...!!!!! That's why I called London as a priceless city, because I always conduct a priceless trip to London.


Business Trip To London

Hunting more and more BIRKINS with "the Birkin Lady"..!!!!


Another awesome events while living in the UK is the opportunity to experience London Olympics 2012. I was lucky enough to receive free tickets to see a female football match between USA and Colombia in the Hampden Football Field. Even though I have no idea about football, but I felt blessed having the opportunity to experience the "Olympic atmosphere". 


London Olympic 2012, Hampden Park, United Kingdom


I understand that reading this post creates an image that all I did in the UK was just to travel and to have fun. Well, it's not true at all. I've experienced several ups and downs also in my study period. The best experience which adds values to my study is the opportunity for me and 5 of my other friends to work as a consulting team for one of Scotland biggest food and drinks distributor. I was blessed because I can experience a very rare opportunity to experience the "Scottish" working environment. It was one of the best learning process of my master degree period.

SouthEast Team, The Consulting Project

The Final Gala Dinner, University of Strathclyde, United Kingdom


Now, a year had went passed by. It felt that everything happens so fast like a glimpse of light. It was priceless yet meaningful. I cannot regret any single thing from this very long journey.

Today, just one year after my arrival in Glasgow, I am now returned to Indonesia. I returned back home on August 2012 before the Ramadhan. Now, I cannot wait for my second journey to the UK. But this time, the journey is for GRADUATION.


Never be the first person who doubts your own ability.
Don't be afraid to change to different direction for a better cause.
Always remember to believe in yourself...

Dream.... Believe... and Make it Happen...


Written With Lots of Love,

Craving for CAKES !!!!!

When I was still in the UK, I saw lots of posts about a unique specific cake. Rainbow cake!! This particular cake was posted by most of my friends in Indonesia via the social media. I was actually very curious at that time. I want to know how that cake taste like! Unfortunately, I was searching for it in bakeries around Glasgow city areas, but cannot find a single bakery that sells this unique cake. Oh well.. I guess I have to wait till I return to Indonesia (my thought when I was still in the UK).

I was so excited to try this cake. But I don't know where to go to purchase this cake. Luckily, I heard an advertisement in the radio about a new bakery in Jogjakarta  (the city I lived in Indonesia). The bakery is called "Paris Bakery". The advertisement says that this bakery provide enormous variation of French cakes. I was so excited.. I am so sure that this bakery sells rainbow cake. Plus, I am also sure that this bakery sells macaroons. One of the French desserts that I love the most.

It was very easy to find the location of this bakery. It is in a big road which I know called monjali. To be specific, it is near Mustokoweni hotel. If you wish to read further information about the bakery, check out their website http://www.parisbakeryindonesia.com

The bakery was actually like what I was expected in the first place. They sell FRENCH DESSERTS! I can find lots of French cuisine and many famous cakes. And what I love the most is that they sell rainbow cake!! Yayyyyy...!!!!! 

I ordered several desserts which I love eating. I ordered the rainbow cake which I crave so much, a caramel macaroon, a red velvet chocolate ball, and a caramel latte.. Gosh.. How many calories is that...??? Fat fat fat... Lol

The cakes I ordered

I love how the macaroon tastes. It actually taste similar to the macaroons I made while was in the UK. It is soon delicious. I can still taste the almond mixture in it and it is not too "eggy". The only thing about the macaroon that I dislike is the size. They are so small.

For the red velvet chocolate ball, to be honest, it is my least favorite. I am a big fan or red velvet. But unfortunately, the chocolate covering the red velvet is so dominating. So I cannot really taste the red velvet. I guess I'm just a big fan of traditional red velvet with cream cheese frosting...:(

There is nothing special about the caramel latte which I ordered. They are good but just fine...:)

Take a zip

The cake of the day of my order today is of course the RAINBOW CAKE!!!! Not only because it is the cake which I crave so much since I was still living in the UK, but I personally think it is the best one I ordered today. I love the moisture of the cake and the taste of the cream cheese. The size of the cake is also very big for me. It makes me sooooo full. The only thing about it is that because the cake was put in the fridge by the bakery, the texture of it was very hard when it was just taken out from the fridge. However, it is very forgivable since it becomes very moist once it spends a couple of minutes outside the fridge. It is worth a try.

Rainbow Cake: The Cake I've been craving for

Some of you might be wondering the price I spend for these cakes. I spend Rp.48.400 in total (Red Velvet Chocolate Ball Rp.3500, Macaroon Rp.8000, Rainbow Cake Rp.13.000/slice, and Caramel Latte Rp.19500). To be honest, I have to consider it as not so cheap. However, the price is worth the value. I think the cake is made with a very good quality raw materials. The cakes is also very fresh.

Most importantly, they generously give free gifts for visitors who posts BlacBerry Messenger status about the Bakery (I did it because I want the free gift). Anyway, I'm wondering what gift I will receive from them because of writing this post..??? LOL.. (Just kidding..:P)

FREE GIFT..!!!!! Yummeerrssss....:D


If you are visiting or living in Jogjakarta, this bakery is worth a visit.

Bon Appetite... ^^

P.S: I am writing this article from the bakery....:)

The Uncertain Weather

I have to say that I am currently living in the most uncertain and confusing weather cities in the world. Yup.. It's Glasgow. It is still the beginning of spring. In my last post, I've posted some pictures that captures the moment of sunny spring. Lovely..!



Today the unexpected happens... SNOW..!!!! What a crazy weather...

It was sunny before, and suddenly the snow comes. And yes, the weather is back to gloomy..

Back to Gloomy Glasgow..

London Part 4: Third Day in London

We woke up a bit late on the third day. Perhaps it is because we felt rally tired the other day. We had such wonderful sleep. Our room were very comfortable.

Since we had realized that we woke up late, I rushed my self on having shower and breakfast. My friend was doing the same thing. However, we had better breakfast compared to the other day. We got roasted chicken for breakfast. How can we get roasted chicken at breakfast?

The night before, we were having dinner at Nandos and ordered roasted chicken. However, we've realized that we cannot finish them all at that night. So we keep the left overs for breakfast. So the roasted chicken was the left overs from dinner. hahahha...

After having shower and breakfast, we directly go to the underground station to reach our destination. On that day, we will be going to the London Bridge. We've reached that location quite fast. However, because it was in the peak season, the underground were very full of people. We cannot even get a seat to seat in. But it was fine since the trip will only be less that 15 minutes.



Finally, we've reached the London Bridge Underground station. We've walked our way to the location of the London Bridge. We were lucky on that day because the weather were awesome. It was very sunny although a bit windy. We lead our way to the "Queen Walk" which is a riverside walking path leading to the London Bridge. I was beautiful but crowded. Many tourist were having pictures in that walk way. The walk way is very big. So it is very fine. On the river where the London Bridge was standing, there was also a very old UK Army Cruise. I forget the name of that big ship, but if I am not mistaken, it was one of the ships that went to the world war 1. It was one of Britain oldest war cruise ship.





During that walk in the "Queen Walk" we just took several pictures with the London Bridge from several different places. There were not many things to see there since the London Bridge it self is the only attraction there. We have took many great pictures of the London Bridge. We even experience our self walking on the London Bridge. We walked until the middle point of the London Bridge. Long ago the London Bridge will open and close when ships were crossing that river. But today, the river is not open for ships anymore so the London Bridge does not open and close like before.









There was not much to do there beside taking pictures of the Bridge. So we do not spent too much time there. We continue our trip to the next destination, The London Dungeon that are located somewhere near that area. It takes us a while to find that location since the location described were not that clear. But after a couple of minutes walk, we have finally reached the London Dungeon.

The London Dungeon is a popular London tourist attraction, which recreates various gory and macabre historical events in a grimly comedic 'gallows humour' style, attempting to make them appealing to younger audiences. It uses a mixture of live actors, special effects and rides.



Opening in 1974, it was initially designed as more a museum of "horrible history", but the Dungeon has evolved to become an actor-led, interactive experience. The Dungeon is operated by Merlin Entertainments.

There are several scenes of attraction in this area. It captures some "horrible history" scene that takes you to a live experience of how the horrible history. It wants you to be scared and horrified. Unfortunately, they don't quite succeed in getting my attraction to their experience. I find it more to be disgusting than scary or terrified. Maybe because I was already used to Indonesian or any Asian horror scene so that London Dungeon felt nothing for me. I cannot also take any pictures inside the London Dungeon since camera are not allowed.

We spent around 3 hours in that area. We also felt very hungry after the London Dungeon attraction. It makes sense since we have not got our lunch yet. So again, with an underground train, we take a ride to London's China Town. There are lot's of Chinese Restaurant located in that area. It is just like little China. We stopped at one of a Chinese bakery to buy my self some pieces of Egg Tart. I've been so wanting these egg tart since ages ago. Finally I can buy some Egg Tart in the UK.

After that, we stopped atone of the Chinese restaurant to buy Dumplings. That restaurant was small and it was the cheapest that we can find in that area. The waitress were not friendly at all. I think that restaurant is a small family owned restaurant operated by all the family members. In that restaurant we can see a Live attraction of the mother making the dumplings. It was attractive to me since I have never seen people making traditional Chinese Dumplings before.

A portion of Dumplings cost GBP 6 consisting 6 dumplings inside. It was quite expensive compared to the food we eat the other day. But it was fine since we needed the experience. We have to eat in the London China town somehow.

Spending a couple of minutes eating and resting our self were a great treat. But we do not want to spend time much longer since we were already very tired. My feet feels awful. So right after we finished our meal, we went back to the underground station and return back to our hotel. That day was enough for us.

London Trip Part 3: Second Day in London

A great night sleep is the best thing to begin a wonderful day. I woke up very well. I am so exited for our first day in London. I took shower as soon as I woke up. Then fulfilled my stomach with instant oat meal and instant cream soup for breakfast. We also have the chance to make our self a cup of tea. This is one of the advantage of living in hotel during holiday. Even though it is a budget hotel.

After having our stomach fulfilled, we head to the underground station to go to the Waterloo station. That is where the London eye and Big Ben is located. The weather is not that bright. Small showers happens that day. But it was still fine.



We start by queuing in a long line to get the ticket to the London eye. Luckily in that day, there is a special offer to receive 25% off if we buy three location ticket at one time. So we decide to buy ticket of London Eye, Madame Tussaud, and London Dungeon. We payed GBP 63 for these. Once again, gosh that is a lot of money.. We are students..! Damn crazy students...!

So we took a ride in the London Eye. Cannot see too much stuff though. A bit disappointed. More over, there was little showers. So it quite disturbs the view. But it was fine. It was worth an experience. We never know when we will be back in London.



After having our experience in the London Eye, rains starts to pour. So it is impossible to take good pictures with the Big Ben. So we decided to put that aside and return to the Big Ben some other day during our trip in London. Because of the wind and the rain, we started to feel hungry. Maybe it is also because we have not eaten lunch. So we stopped at a nearby small restaurants. We ordered our self a "Traditional British Breakfast" meal deal. It is breakfast menu eaten for lunch. The reason for choosing that is simple. It is the cheapest price we got. hahahahaha...



The food was awesome. It was my first time experiencing the Traditional British Breakfast. We payed GBP 5 for this meal including the drinks. After we are full, we head to the underground station to go to Baker Street, where Madame Tussaud is located.

I was so excited to go to Madame Tussaud. It was my first time also. I cannot wait to take pictures with my favorite celebrity wax statues. Even though it was very crowded at Madame Tussaud at that day, I was very happy with the experience given. We are not only able to take pictures with celebrity wax statues, but there are also some interesting rides that are so much fun. There are London History taxi ride, 4D cartoon movie, and some terrifying horror ride. It was so much fun. I took so many pictures with the wax statues.

I took pictures with Edward and Jacob...^^



I took pictures with Prince Harry...^^



I took pictures with Prince William....^^



With an Indian Star that I forgot the name...^^



And also, with SHREK...^^



So much fun but exhausting day. we were very tired and hungry after we finish our tour in Madame Tussaud. So we decided to go straight back to our hotel and have dinner at some restaurants near our hotel.

Without plan, when the underground train reaches Piccadilly Circus, my friend said that we need to stop there for a while. It is a wonderful place he said. Not that popular among students and tourists, but it is great. So we stopped and went out from the station.

And yes... It was great..!!!! Piccadilly Circus is like London's Time Square. There are many electronics billboard. Many people were also gathering in the place. It was so crowded but lively. We take a moment to take pictures there. An amazing London's Time Square.




Being tired and hungry enough for that day. We had so much fun. We head back to our hotel location. Arriving at Colliers Wood again, we stopped to have dinner at Nando's near our hotel to eat Grilled Chicken. We went back to our hotel as soon as we finished eating. I rest my self for a while, then continue to have a great warm bubble bath. After a nice warm bubble bath I head back to sleep. What a wonderful day.. Oh I love life....

London Trip Part 2: First day in London

The day has arrived. The day where we were supposed to leave for London. It was Thursday, 16 February 2012. We had class and presentation until 16:30 at school. Our bus leaves at 22:00 from Glasgow to London. Right after we finished our class, we went home directly. We packed our bags, and eat dinner. We leave our flat at 21:00 heading to Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station. To reach the bus station, we will only need a 30 minutes walk. We stopped for a while in Sainsburry (UK mini market) to buy our self drinks and snacks for the trip. Finally we've reached the bus station after a couple of minutes. We arrived in a perfect time. Not too early, not too late.

As the bus arrive, we head our self to enter the bus. We showed our tickets then enter the bus. There are no seat number on the ticket so we can choose our own seat. There are not so many passengers in the bus, so each person could take two seats. That's a good thing though. So we can rest well in bus.

We choose seats that are somewhere in the middle of the bus. We were happy in the beginning to receive the middle seat. But after the bus go, and people went in and out the toilet provided in the bus, our seat becomes so uncomfortable because we can smell the unpleasant smell from the toilet located at the back of the bus. Damn, we made the wrong choice...

I was also very difficult for me to sleep well. Maybe because I am not very used to sleep while seating. But I always keep the positive things in mind considering that I will have a big interview the next day. So I try my best to shut my eyes and get some sleep.

Finally, the bus trip arrived at London Victoria bus station. It arrives very early in the morning at around 06:30. Cafes and restaurants are not even open yet. People were walking so fast since they already know where they are heading. As a tourist having the first time visiting London, we found it quite difficult to know where we should head for the underground station. There are no maps. There are no people available to ask. So we rely on my friend phone GPS. After a couple of minutes walk, we finally found the underground station.



After arriving in the Underground Station, we buy an "Oyster Card". This card is a top up card for public transportation in London. For tourist, I find it important to have an oyster card since there is a big probability for us to be uncertain about our trip. "Oyster card" can be used for underground subways, or city bus. So it is very convenient to have one. The first thing you should do is buy an "Oyster Card". To do so, you will need to give a GBP 5 deposit. After that you can top up your oyster card and use it for your ticket of transportation.

Then we do small learning on the Underground Map. My friend is from China and he is very used to reading underground map when he was living in Beijing. So first thing is that we need to find the nearest underground station stops to my office location. The nearest one is in Bond Street. So we head to the Bond Street with the underground train.

It took only 5 minutes with the underground train to reach Bond Street station. Since coffee shop and restaurants are not opened yet, we decided to take a walk to find the exact location of the office in which I will be interviewed at noon. We have found and reached 20 Manchester Square, London.

The office is located in the city center. So we decided to walk through some coffee shops that are ready to open. Luckily, just near the office location, we found a Starbucks coffee shop that are already opened. Their coffee shop also had a great place to rest. It has a good place also for my friend to wait while I was being interviewed. So we have breakfast at Starbucks. Not forgetting to drink some coffee to keep myself awake.

After that, I got my self prepared for the interview. Get well dressed with good make up. Here's the day... Off I went for the interview.



The interview took about 3 hours. Very long interview right? My brain was very tired also. I head back to Startbucks where my friend is waiting for me. He is very nice willing to wait for me in that coffee shop with our luggage.

We are very tired. Need some rest. So we head directly to our hotel. Again, with the underground subway train.

It took about 15 minutes train ride. Not bad. We are happy to finally reached "Colliers Wood" station where our hotel is located nearby. We are very happy to see that our hotel were fully surrounded by groceries stores, fast food restaurants, and supermarkets. More over, we are very happy to receive such a great room. It was more than how we expect it to be.

The beds were awesome. There was one double sized bed and one single sized bed. I got to sleep at the double sized bed. My friend sleeps in the single sized bed. He is such a gentleman..:p



The bathroom was also wonderful. Having fulfilled with a bath tub. Hot water were running fast. Gosh I love the room...



We put our bags in our room. I take the opportunity to change my business attire clothing to a more casual clothing. After that we go to Sainsburry located right in front of our hotel to buy snacks and fruits to keep our self occupied during our stay in the hotel. We also have dinner at KFC located just right beside the hotel for dinner. we spend GBP 4 for a very full dinner. Great bargain.

There it was. After a long tiring day, finally we have our self the chance to have a good quality rest. We take a couple of time planning our trip for the next day before we decided to sleep. My body and brain was so tired that I sleep really well at that night.
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