Exploring London (2)

Prev: Exploring London (day #1)

(Day #2) 3 Maret 2008

Today’s itinerary:

• St. Paul’s Cathedral
• Tower of London
• London Tower Bridge
• Harrods
• Madame Tussauds

Sleeping last night has not recovered our power in full. But we have to wake up to continue our exploration in London.

Today’s Tips
Please pay attention to bus route map available in tube station entrance or download here. The map shows you which bus to take to favorite tourist destination. A day tour by bus will cost you ?3 maximum due to price capping rules.

Today, we want to maximize the use of London Pass by visiting a list of London’s landmark, free of charge of course.

Our first destination is St. Paul’s Cathedral, from 17th century (normal price ?9.50). It rises 365 feet (108 m) to the cross at its summit, making it a famous London landmark. The main space of the cathedral is centered under the Dome; it rises 108.4 meters from the cathedral floor and holds three circular galleries – the internal Whispering Gallery, the external Stone Gallery, and the external Golden Gallery.

Make sure you are fit enough to climb each steps to each gallery. Imagine… you would have to climb 530 steps to the golden gallery, where there is a fine view of London. Worth of try.

Finishing our lunch near the site, Fresh Italy, we then continue by bus to Tower Bridge (no 15, stop at Tower Hill stop). Here lies Tower Bridge (or London Bridge) and Tower of London (ex prison). Tower Bridge (normal price ?6) is a combined bascule and suspension bridge in London, England, over the River Thames.

It consists of two towers which are tied together at the upper level in which you could see the stunning views of the River Thames and many famous London sites. After that, you could visit the engine room, in which you could see the original steam engines that once powered the bridge bascules, housed in a building close to the south end of the bridge. Today, 24 hours' notice is required before opening the bridge and if you are lucky, you could see the bascule raised when a big ship is passing through.

Tower of London (normal price ?16), was a fortress, a royal palace, and a prison (particularly for high status and royal prisoners). Not too special inside, unless for the Imperial State Crown exhibited inside and a large green court yard outside.

London Pass also allows us to take City Cruise, a cruise along Thames River. We stopped in Westminster station. From there, we stopped at Knightsbridge station and we headed to Harrods, one of the largest department stores in the world. Harrods Department Stores remains under the ownership of the Fayed family. The Harrods motto is Omnia Omnibus Ubique — All Things for All People, Everywhere. Several of its departments, including the seasonal Christmas department and the Food Hall are world famous.
The store's 330 departments offer a wide range of products and services. Products on offer include clothing for every sort of customer (women, men, children, and infants), electronics, jewellery, sporting gear, bridal trousseau, pets and pet accessories, toys, food and drink, health and beauty items, packaged gifts, stationery, housewares, home appliances, furniture, and much more. However, the price here is not budget friendly, so we buy nothing but we take a chance to take a picture with the memorials commissioned by Al Fayed dedicated to Lady Diana, Princess of Wales, and Dodi Fayed, Mohamed Al Fayed's son.

The last site is not included in London Pass, Madame Tussauds (alight at Baker Street Tube Station), but we still give you a cost saver tips.

At off-peak season, you could buy the "After 5 Saver" for ?12.50 via internet (compare to normal price ?25.0).This means you can enter just after 5pm. Closing time is 6.30pm.

You are given an hour to explore in the museum, a little bit in rush but I think it is enough since it is not peak season. Inside, you could take picture (of course!) hug, kiss, or even punch the favorite world figures such as Leonardo Di Caprio, Nic Cage, Samuel L Jackson, Tiger Wood and even the Royal Family.

Tit tot… the battery are running out power, we need to recharge again. On the way back, we found a Chinese Restaurant, finally we eat rice :), with a big portion and a really affordable price. See you tomorrow again London.

Next: Exploring London (day #3)