Ronald came in his other car, a 7 Seater Ford Galaxy to make sure we could load all our stuff into his car. Coincidentally, we actually booked the same car that Ronald asked us to let go.
We had planned to put visit See Leong's sister at Kent. See Leong had not return to London after graduating and this would be the first time he is visiting his sister in UK after some 40 years.
The journey from Stanstead to Kent is about an hour. It was dark and cloudy when we were on the road.
At the Dartfort Crossing. There is no toll booth and toll is paid online.
We arrived to a warm welcome by Yen & Jim. Yen is See Leong's sister and Jim, her British husband.
It's a nice typical English home that have remain unaltered throughout the years. Yen had taken the trouble to whipped up some very Chinese food for us. After a nice meal and a good chat, all of us hit the sack dead tired from another long day.
The next morning, our plan was to play a round of golf leaving See Leong to have a good catch up with his sister.
After breakfast, we thank the family and head towards the golf course.
Ronald had earlier booked the Birchwood Park Gold and Country Club.
It is an 18 hole golf course with many other club facilities like the swimming pool and gym.
Our interest is a round of 18 holes.
Having some practice while waiting for our turn.
Soon we were on the course.
The course is a typical English public pay and play club.
Some of the holes reminds us of those old 9 hole course back home.
The difference is the nice weather out here.
On some fairways, you could see the rolling hills of the English countryside.
The course is well maintained and the fairways are wide.
Cheong has a proper technique to his game.
Because of that, he always play solid golf.
It;s nice to watch if you play with the right technique.
This guy on the other hand have a home made swing.
It doesn't matter, he is able to come back with a decent score each round.
This guy to have a hybrid swing, half technique and half homemade swing.
Playing here, you hardly sweat.
Ronald and I waiting for our turn to take our shots.
The wide fairway allows me to give a big swing unhindered.
On a Par 5, we could drive the green in two as the ball runs and course is short.
Easy follow through in an open fairway.
Ronald played well when he is comfortable, and he is comfortable.
Chiap Chan ready with his chip.
The greens are not running fast.
Ronald taking aim.
The green is behind the gap between the trees.
Cheong actually drove the green at this short Par 4.
Ronald doing the pre shot routine before putting.
At the last hole.
I enjoyed the walk and have no issue continuing if need be. The weather is that good.
Cheong too have no issue walking 18 holes in nice cool weather.
Ronald taking his approach shot at the last hole.
Birchwood Park Gold and Country Club as seen from the 18th Green.
After the game, we head straight for our apartment at Willsden Green.
It is actually near to Ronald's house at Golders Green, 5 kilometer away.
Passing by Finchley Road at Golders Green.
Golders Green is a Jewish community area.
We arrived at our apartment at Clarendon Court, Willsden Green and checked in for a rest.
There is a nice Italian Cafe opposite our apartment where we waited for the caretaker to come by with the keys.
In the evening, Ronald came by and drove us to Bayswater for dinner.
Bayswater is famous for roast ducks and Ronald took us to New Fortune Restaurant.
The pricing looks reasonable for a restaurant in London.
That's what we ordered, crispy roast duck
Roast pork.
Stewed pork belly.
A good time to catch up with Ronald.
There are a few other Chinese restaurants at Bayswater and the whole area is full of Asians, particularly Pakistani.
Don't assume that English is perfect here in London !
A Malaysian Welcome.
This morning, Ronald is giving us a treat. He is preparing home cook food for us at his house for breakfast.
This is our Apartment, Clarendon Court, Willesden Green, London.
It's an old apartment that is convenient and near to Ronald's house.
We waited for him to come by to pick us up.
Here we are at his house at Golders Green.
This is his dining hall overlooking the backyard.
The "Chef" is getting our food ready.
Ronald's loyal companion now that his children are staying on their own.
The front garden and walkway.
Front of a typical British home.
Guess what we have for breakfast. Yes, it's Wonton mee.
And Hainanese Chicken rice is next. By the look of it, you know it is delicious.
The immediate neighbourhood..
After breakfast, Ronald walked us to the train station.
It's a peaceful neighbourhood and the train station is less than a kilometer away.
Our plan today is to explore the sights of London on foot. We took the subway to the city.\
Walking the Streets of London.
After alighting from the train and on to the streets, the places we would explore are all around the River Thames.
The Portcullis House where offices of various Member of Parliaments are located.
The Council Hall was the Headquarter of the London County Council. Over the years, it was changed from being a government administrative building to a private property.
Along the Westminster Bridge.
Just across the Westminster Bridge, is the Houses of Parliament and the unmistakable Big Ben.
The River Thames has one of the most historical and touristy sights of London along it's banks.
No prize for guessing the circular thingy behind us.
London Eye as seen from the Bridge.
The signage that essentially indicates every sights is around the corner.
The Horse Guard Parade at Whitehall.
It is not usual to see a black horseman in English tradition.
This iconic Tower Bridge still stands tall against all modern buildings surrounding it. It remains the most recognisable landmark not only in London, but around the world.
See Leong and I at the Millenium Bridge.
The Millenium Bridge is built solely as a pedestrian crossing.
It is built more for practical purpose rather than for fame.
Right across the Millenium footbridge is St Paul's Cathedral.
This is an Anglican cathedral, the seat of the Bishop of London, and the mother church of the Diocese of London.
The Equestrian Statue of Charles 1 at Trafalgar Square.
Trafalgar Square another landmark place in London hugely popular with tourist..
Busking is common sight at tourist area.
Nice place to "lepak" and watch the world go by.
Statue of my childhood hero, Horatio Nelson. In our early history books, I used to marvel at his heroic war exploits and had read his battles with another of my hero Napoleon Bonaparte. Nelson died at the Battle of Trafalgar and this square is erected in his honor.
London has many shopping streets.
The streets are filled with tourists.
Some of the streets have banners lined all over creating a carnival like atmosphere.
The Sherlock Holmes Pub has a recreation of a study and sitting room of Holmes and Watson, complete with all paraphernalia.
When we stepped out of the mall, it was already dark.
And we cap off the day with one of the best dining we've had since coming here. Chiap Chan had reserved the table at Hawksmoor Grill house even before we left KL. The restaurant is just off Regent Street, a short distance from Piccadilly Circus.
After that, we walked to the tube to catch our train back to our apartment.
The subway is efficient and good for travelers like us.
Glad to be sitting after a whole day walking the streets of London.
That's where we get off, Willesden Green station
Typical Malaysian style, we bought some snacks back for supper before retiring to bed.
Another day of Malaysian Warmth.
Ronald came around and pick us up again the next day.
Guess what's for breakfast this morning ?
This guy is so good at cooking and this easily beats many Nasi Lemak eateries back home. I'm surprised he can make such spicy sambal in London.
Ronald and See Leong at the house at Hampstead when See Leong was working in London after graduating.
This was another house where See Leong had stayed before, at the basement.
Hampstead is now a high end area and these guys have stayed here during the student days.
It was such a wonderful moment for them.
It is an affluent neighbourhood now.
Hampstead is certainly a nice area to stay.
Next, Ronald drove us to Dunstable 50 km away and it took us an hour to reach. Dunstable was where most of them came to initially when they all arrived in UK. The stories of a bunch of country boys leaving Malaysia for the first time and coming to UK is comical.
Below is Chiap Chan's narrative of the places they used to stay.
The last house when they stayed at Dunstable.
Dunstable College is now renamed as Bedfordshire College.
Strolling around the campus and looking at the nooks and corners of the old.
The first cut is the deepest. This modest place was their first college when they set foot here.
I took a photo with See Leong at his memorable alma mater.
A look from the access road.
Next, we took a walk to the town area.
A local took this photo for us. She was amazed that former students who studied here 40 years ago actually came back for a visit.
The town main thoroughfare.
The intersection at the town center.
Walking down memory lane.
Soaking it all in.
We headed towards Luton next, a town just 10 km from Dunstable.
As we drove past the neighbourhood, all of them found the town very different from what it used to be.
This signage could be common in Pakistan or Middle East, but to see it here us surprising
This is a British town but the residence does not look British.
At an intersection, there are hordes of middle eastern looking people but we can't see any Caucasian.
You'd be forgiven if you think you are in Pakistan or one of the Arab cities.
The shops are also very Arabic like.
You can see the residents here are all Muslim.
The Name of the shop is Arabic.
The greeting is Arabic.
Shops cater towards the Muslim community.
The building is British architecture, but the occupants are all Muslims.
We drove at least two kilometer along this road which is like driving through an Arabic street.
Approaching Luton Town Square.
Only here do we see signs of any Caucasians. To See Leong and Chiap Chan, both who were here in the 70s, Luton had changed beyond recognition. It was a nice small British town then, but now it has been occupied by Muslims from the Middle East. Massive uncontrollable immigrants have been one of the reason for BREXIT.
The Lion King.
We had earlier booked our tickets for the Lion King Musical.
The Lion King Musical is played at Lyceum Theatre located at London's West End. It was built in the 18th Century for performing arts.
The Lion King first open it's show here on October 19, 1999.
As at 2017, The Lion King had since done 7,500 performances and counting. It is the top box office earnings in history and has grossed 8 Billion in 2017 surpassing The Phantom of the Opera.
We were in the theatre half an hour before the show starts.
The upper tier is steep, almost a 45 degree angle.
The show played to full house each night. Lyceum Theatre have a capacity of 2,100 seats.
No cameras are allowed and they are strict on this.
This is towards the end of the shows when I managed to sneak in a picture of two unnoticed.
The Grand Finale when all the Actors and Actress were introduced.
After the show, we parted with Ronald and took our train back to Willesden Green.
Here comes our train.
Another tiring day came to a conclusion.
Goodbye London.
Today is the day we depart for home and the weather remain cold.
Our good old buddy Ronald came over to pick us up. We have a cup of coffee at Cuore, an Italian Deli and Coffee Shop just opposite our apartment.
We are sad to leave and I think Ronald too feels the same.
A penny for your thoughts, Mr. Woon.
After brunch, Ronald sent us to the airport.
The bulky golf bags and large suitcases we checked in, but these are hand carry.
At the Premier Lounge at Heathrow.
We've been holidaying for three weeks now, it's time to go home.
Soon, we were on board our Dreamliner.
And still very much on the phone catching up with emails and whats apps.
It was Chiap Chan who suggested Business Class for the trip.
Cheong feeling the many privileges that comes with it.
I dread long distance flight, but this one, I enjoyed it.
From his face, you know See Leong is happy to be going home in comfort.
Time to sit back, recline the chair and enjoy the flight.
The Dreamliner is only for the London Muscat leg.
Our last sight of London as we took off.
The stopover at Muscat before the second leg to KL.
Our three weeks "brocation" have been a fun adventure all the way. The drama begins on the very day of departure from KLIA when I found to my horror my passport was short of six months. It was certainly very good to spend time with Ronald even though he could not joined us the entire trip. Being able to catch up with Jay Chew, after 40 years is heartwarming. We wish him well. For my travelling buddies, it's a trip down memory lane when they visited all the places where they used to stay and of course seeing their alma maters.
In our three weeks, we played five rounds of golf, including St Andrews, stayed in a dozen cities and visited scores of towns and villages, to see interesting places. We came away not only richer in experience, but the time four of us spent travelling together had created an even stronger bond. We are glad Ah Teck and Susan had joined us for the Iceland leg, and we are happy to be with Ronald during our last leg in London. This trip has been memorable in many aspects and it will remain special for a long time to come.
A Malaysian Welcome.
This morning, Ronald is giving us a treat. He is preparing home cook food for us at his house for breakfast.
That's the best breakfast we've ever had since we started our tour 20 days ago! Only a childhood friend will go to that extra length to cook us such wonderful meals.
Walking the Streets of London.
Amusing signage when no one is allowed anywhere near the horses.
It is not usual to see a black horseman in English tradition.
We walked further down to the Tower Bridge.
This iconic Tower Bridge still stands tall against all modern buildings surrounding it. It remains the most recognisable landmark not only in London, but around the world.
Almost 20 million tourist thronged London each year, mostly Americans and Europeans.
Piccadilly Circus is the most famous roundabout in the world. While many tourist are drawn by the Statue of Eros and the unique architectural buildings around it, the veteran Americans GIs have some fond memories there. During WW2, many serviceman's clubs served the American Soldiers at the West End while prostitute roamed the area providing their services the soldiers loved!
The world's most popular shopping mall, The Harrods. It's like a maze inside the mall fill with shoppers, mostly tourists.
When we stepped out of the mall, it was already dark.
But we've purchased some specific items "under instructions" from the womenfolks at home.
It is Cheong's birthday and we got him a simple Chocolate lava cake to mark his day.
After that, we walked to the tube to catch our train back to our apartment.
That's where we get off, Willesden Green station
Another day of Malaysian Warmth.
Ronald came around and pick us up again the next day.
Ronald's wife had just accompanied her mother back to Malaysia, his son is staying in-campus at Southampton University and his daughter comes back on weekends. He is also glad to have some childhood friends coming by. Such is the Malaysian warm and the bond that we have.
Walking Down Memory Lane.
Today, Ronald is taking us to their old alma mater and places they used to stay. For See leong, this is the first time he is back after graduating from UK in the 80s. Chiap Chan did come back before but this time it is different. It will be an emotional trip seeing where and how the best days of your life are being lived.
Ronald drove us to Hampstead.
That was where a bunch of them from STS Segamat stayed when they studied here.
Next, Ronald drove us to Dunstable 50 km away and it took us an hour to reach. Dunstable was where most of them came to initially when they all arrived in UK. The stories of a bunch of country boys leaving Malaysia for the first time and coming to UK is comical.
Below is Chiap Chan's narrative of the places they used to stay.
The last house when they stayed at Dunstable.
I took a photo with See Leong at his memorable alma mater.
The Lion King.
Goodbye London.
Our three weeks "brocation" have been a fun adventure all the way. The drama begins on the very day of departure from KLIA when I found to my horror my passport was short of six months. It was certainly very good to spend time with Ronald even though he could not joined us the entire trip. Being able to catch up with Jay Chew, after 40 years is heartwarming. We wish him well. For my travelling buddies, it's a trip down memory lane when they visited all the places where they used to stay and of course seeing their alma maters.
In our three weeks, we played five rounds of golf, including St Andrews, stayed in a dozen cities and visited scores of towns and villages, to see interesting places. We came away not only richer in experience, but the time four of us spent travelling together had created an even stronger bond. We are glad Ah Teck and Susan had joined us for the Iceland leg, and we are happy to be with Ronald during our last leg in London. This trip has been memorable in many aspects and it will remain special for a long time to come.
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