Friday, May 23, 2008
Solution
Attended this Christian rock band going on at the Loughborough Union. It was a meeting with some friends and just wanted to check out the Union scene on a Thursday evening. The first band wasn't all too impressive..not very coordinated. Was blown away by the African/Nigerian band though...they were much more impressive. The whole event reminded me a bit of my HOSTUK experience, because my hosts were band members themselves at the local church and they were very into music...good clean fun at the Union....( you don't get that often actually...:p)
BSB Mania! And a bit of bus mania!! (14 May 08)
Dunno wat the heck came into my mind, but decided to go down to London to catch a concert. What concert? Backstreet boys.....hmmmmmm....seriously...like when I told Giuseppe that, he went WTF!! Cos I was having this conversation with my exchange friends on music festivals, and I responded with my trip to BSB concert....Giuseppe and Susanna had really blank look on their faces...hahaha..yea...seriously WTF...
Anw I have never really been to a paid concert for a single act (well...the one I attended in Taiwan was V power Dongli Concert and it was free and had many more artistes performing)and besides it's being held at the O2 arena. Never attended a concert cos I have no strong liking for any particular music artiste, so I figured that it would be something different attending a concert overseas...
Other than a few familiar tunes and the "Larger than Life" song that my sec. 4 class danced to for Talenttime (man tt's like 8 yrs ago!!) I seriously know nuts abt BSB. The real fans were WP and Seehwei....obviously 2 very excited and girlish fans relieving their teenage era :p
Anw, left for London North Greenwich straight after taking my Process Systems test (yea..super packed day).
Anw I have never really been to a paid concert for a single act (well...the one I attended in Taiwan was V power Dongli Concert and it was free and had many more artistes performing)and besides it's being held at the O2 arena. Never attended a concert cos I have no strong liking for any particular music artiste, so I figured that it would be something different attending a concert overseas...
Other than a few familiar tunes and the "Larger than Life" song that my sec. 4 class danced to for Talenttime (man tt's like 8 yrs ago!!) I seriously know nuts abt BSB. The real fans were WP and Seehwei....obviously 2 very excited and girlish fans relieving their teenage era :p
Anw, left for London North Greenwich straight after taking my Process Systems test (yea..super packed day).
The O2 arena. At first look, I think it's seriously ugly...even worse than our Esplanade...at least our Esplanade resembles a durian....this one...man...i thought the yellow spokes outwards resembled cranes such that the whole structure looks as if it were still under construction!!
The entrance into the O2...concept looks interesting though...
BSB merchadising for sale! All targeted at the gals...looking arnd, realised that many of the fans wer in their mid to late 20s, looks like BSB has gone a long way...and the guys in there are usually those dragged in by their gfs....haha
WP bought the programme booklet...well it's actually just a booklet with more pics of BSB...grabbed her copy and posed with it...:p
SH, WP, me, JY and YS...obviously BSB-high!
O2 arena before the main act...the starting supporting act by another artiste wasn't too impressive...the dude sang terribly (think there was lip-synching though) and all he did was some "slick" dance moves..
The concert atmosphere!! Loved it when they started off with "Larger than Life"
Everybody was scrambling for the Tube after the performance ended...now who says only Singaporeans are kiasu....the Brits are too!!
The entrance into the O2...concept looks interesting though...
BSB merchadising for sale! All targeted at the gals...looking arnd, realised that many of the fans wer in their mid to late 20s, looks like BSB has gone a long way...and the guys in there are usually those dragged in by their gfs....haha
WP bought the programme booklet...well it's actually just a booklet with more pics of BSB...grabbed her copy and posed with it...:p
SH, WP, me, JY and YS...obviously BSB-high!
O2 arena before the main act...the starting supporting act by another artiste wasn't too impressive...the dude sang terribly (think there was lip-synching though) and all he did was some "slick" dance moves..
The concert atmosphere!! Loved it when they started off with "Larger than Life"
Everybody was scrambling for the Tube after the performance ended...now who says only Singaporeans are kiasu....the Brits are too!!
Finale with confetti about
As it was running late and we had a 2330 bus to catch, we decided to catch a cab to the coach station. Woohoo! First time sitting in a cab. Thought everything was fine...yet somehow from tt point onwards everything seemed to go bad...and i mean really bad...a short summary of events that unfolded over the next 12 hours..
1) Cab driver drove us to the London bus station, not the coach station, and he refused to take us straight to the coach station...which led to...
2) A mad dash towards the coach station. It's actually about a 200m distance past the Victoria Shopping Centre (man I really hate that stretch of road!!) and ultimately led to us....
3) Missing the bus back to Loughborough!! And it's the last bus for the night until the next morning at 0800hrs. Cld immediately see the girls' faces turn ultra sianz..I was in a "high" mood instead...lol...somehow when weird shit happens I always get excited...(still remember the time we got lost on the Venice highway I was the only maniac still "high" to cheer the rest on...but tt's another story) SO that means that brings my total count of missed National Express buses to 3!! Darn!
4) Fortunately, SH had a fren who lived in London and we took the bus over to stay overnight. Booked out funfare tickets for the morning bus.
5) And you thought that was over? NOT!! Haha...no wonder they say when shit happens, shit really sticks arnd for some time...anw...bus journey's supposed to be 4 hrs back to Loughborough...so I fell asleep on the coach....woke up 1 and a half hours later to find myself.....still in London....woah....the traffic in the mornings is seriously horrible!! Ok.....so we were delayed for 1 and a half hours....
6) Not the end yet?! U bet man!! The M1 motorway was somehow closed and traffic had to be diverted...which meant that our usual way back to Loughborough was cut off...a "short" detour into the southwestern part of England as we zipped through town after town and villages after villages...(wow...seriously received a "free" bus tour of Northampton, Market Harborough, Oadby along the way!!)
7) Bus stopped for a short while to refuel...and a change of the driver!
8) Reached Loughborough close to 1400hrs....where it should have been 0215hrs...fantastic journey!!
For more pics, go http://picasaweb.google.com/eicko2000/BSB
Covent Garden Market (11 May 08)
Did not really have a place in mind to go to at first, but Yisi wanted to find his hiking stuff and I desperately needed to buy a hiking backpack so we were recommended Covent Garden Market by Guoyuan to start our search. Totally loved the market as it was more organised and fun than the previous ones I visited in London (Camden Market and Horse Tunnel Market)
Taking the public bus in London for the first time...usually heard of the horrible traffic conditions...but none of it on that morning...and a Sunday summore!
Covent Garden Market entrance...the 2 peacocks structure were the most outstanding statues there la!
Great open atmosphere within the market...the crowds were gathered....
....to watch this really entertaining busker!!
This guy was juggling, riding his unicycle and entertaining the crowd with his funny antics and everybody was just so sporting and relaxed! Liked the atmosphere here!
An opera singer on the other side of the market...Damn...the buskers here really of some quality and most people do give generously...
The other side of the market, with flower stalls in the background. Covent Garden Market used to be a place where flowers and goods were traded, so to relive the tradition, there were flower stalls arnd for the season.
Met up with JY, WP and YP after they finished their walking tour and wandered arnd the market as well as the nearby Jubilee Market. JY went for a palm-reading session with a mystic...was super amused to learn tt his future love will have an initial C in it...lolol
London Chinatown!! Biggest Chinatown abt...and home comforts like Yeos and familiar sights at the Chinese supermarkets! Man....wished Loughborough had more of such Chinese supermarkets...
The reason for visiting Chinatown? Obviously the super famous Four Seasons Restaurant serving up the famous roasted duck!! If you are in London, you just gotta have to try it at least once!
Oh yea....the stuff that made the day...personally felt that Four Seasons a bit over-rated though....thought that Gold Mine Restaurant's duck I had during Easter was much better...although seriously when u are hungry and there's roasted duck...who the heck cares!!
Covent Garden Market entrance...the 2 peacocks structure were the most outstanding statues there la!
Great open atmosphere within the market...the crowds were gathered....
....to watch this really entertaining busker!!
This guy was juggling, riding his unicycle and entertaining the crowd with his funny antics and everybody was just so sporting and relaxed! Liked the atmosphere here!
An opera singer on the other side of the market...Damn...the buskers here really of some quality and most people do give generously...
The other side of the market, with flower stalls in the background. Covent Garden Market used to be a place where flowers and goods were traded, so to relive the tradition, there were flower stalls arnd for the season.
Met up with JY, WP and YP after they finished their walking tour and wandered arnd the market as well as the nearby Jubilee Market. JY went for a palm-reading session with a mystic...was super amused to learn tt his future love will have an initial C in it...lolol
London Chinatown!! Biggest Chinatown abt...and home comforts like Yeos and familiar sights at the Chinese supermarkets! Man....wished Loughborough had more of such Chinese supermarkets...
The reason for visiting Chinatown? Obviously the super famous Four Seasons Restaurant serving up the famous roasted duck!! If you are in London, you just gotta have to try it at least once!
Oh yea....the stuff that made the day...personally felt that Four Seasons a bit over-rated though....thought that Gold Mine Restaurant's duck I had during Easter was much better...although seriously when u are hungry and there's roasted duck...who the heck cares!!
Spent the rest of the day shopping at Lilywhites (huge sports store with crazy 70% discount) Bought my sandals there...as well as a bit of hunting for my backpack in Chinatown. Major bummer at the end when going back to Loughborough...realised we missed the bus back to Loughborough (2nd time liaoz!)and so had to buy tickets and wait for another 2 hours at Victoria Coach Station...
For more pics, go http://picasaweb.google.com/eicko2000/WindsorEtonLondonCoventGardenMarket
For more pics, go http://picasaweb.google.com/eicko2000/WindsorEtonLondonCoventGardenMarket
Windsor & Eton (10 May 08)
A trip down to London again for a famous site, the Windsor castle. Honestly I wasn't really too excited about Windsor. I guess throughout the Easter trip, probably saw so many castles and palaces that I'm "castled" out and "schlossed" out. In the end, felt that Windsor was a tad bit too touristy. Nevertheless tried to make the most out of my day...at least I had my chance at ka chiaoing the royal guards!!
Arrival at the train station of Windsor and Eton. It's 2 separate towns actually, though ppl tend to lump them together.
The view of the castle from the outside when approaching the entrance
A lone royal guard marching to and fro
The Round Tower, perhaps the most scenic part of the castle
Yea...u get wat i mean now?
Private residences..Certain royal members as well as VIPs related to royalty actually stay in these houses..A very interesting fact..
St George's Chapel. Entered it and found it to be one of the cathedrals with really nice interiors. Was really amazed at seeing different banners and arms of the various knights in the cathedral organ room. Also a resting place for the royalty, past kings and queens.
Yessshh!! Had my chance at laughing at the royal guard!! Missed the chance during Easter at Buckingham Palace..lotsa ppl were going up to take a photo...cld sense tt the guard also a bit "um jio"...haha....wat was even more funny is tt his chin strap was a bit cutting into his chin so the dude looked really uncomfortable! Liked this photo! :p
Witnessed the change of guard ceremony...quickly snuck into line with them when the officer wasn't looking..Thanks to Yue-ping for her wacky idea and helping to take the pic!
Had a little picnic in the castle grounds. Yue-ping was nice enuff to bring chips and strawberries along. Btw she's actually a friend of Wanping's and we all met up cos she lives close by...she's totally wacky and insane....even more than me....now tt's scary...
Entered the State Apartments to view the Drawings Gallery, the Queen Mary's Dolls' House...a bit sianz that no photos were allowed..after all...Windsor is still being used by the royal family and for diplomatic occasions...although I must say the State Apartments were really nice and was amazed by the large number of weapons and armament that were displayed in the armoury.
Weird sight....postbox in the wall...and notice the royal crown above the lamp?
Doing one of my "classic" moves..for the very uninformed...I usually perform lots of these poses...especially during my Easter trip...very sure that my SEP friends know this by now...heck I cld even form a string of pictures with poses like this..lolol...anw...this is interesting cos we were the last ones to leave the castle and the man was practically shooing us away...hahaha
Shiok dinner at Nandos in Windsor town. It's Portuguese food. Pepper fries with spicy chicken...not all that spicy actually...but still shiok!
Spicy rice, an accompanying side dish....not spicy at all...although it gets to you after eating several mouthfuls
Oooh...lovely sauce!
Chicken plus sweet potato mash...and I really mean super sweet!
Wanping and Yue-ping left first cos WP's going over to stay with YP. Meanwhile I suggested heading towards the nearby Windsor bridge and the River Thames!
Windsor bridge in the evening facing Eton on the other side..it's a really peaceful and quiet town
The view of Windsor castle at night as viewed on the Windsor Bridge
Only for the peace to be destroyed by my poses again!!
The view of the castle from the outside when approaching the entrance
A lone royal guard marching to and fro
The Round Tower, perhaps the most scenic part of the castle
Yea...u get wat i mean now?
Private residences..Certain royal members as well as VIPs related to royalty actually stay in these houses..A very interesting fact..
St George's Chapel. Entered it and found it to be one of the cathedrals with really nice interiors. Was really amazed at seeing different banners and arms of the various knights in the cathedral organ room. Also a resting place for the royalty, past kings and queens.
Yessshh!! Had my chance at laughing at the royal guard!! Missed the chance during Easter at Buckingham Palace..lotsa ppl were going up to take a photo...cld sense tt the guard also a bit "um jio"...haha....wat was even more funny is tt his chin strap was a bit cutting into his chin so the dude looked really uncomfortable! Liked this photo! :p
Witnessed the change of guard ceremony...quickly snuck into line with them when the officer wasn't looking..Thanks to Yue-ping for her wacky idea and helping to take the pic!
Had a little picnic in the castle grounds. Yue-ping was nice enuff to bring chips and strawberries along. Btw she's actually a friend of Wanping's and we all met up cos she lives close by...she's totally wacky and insane....even more than me....now tt's scary...
Entered the State Apartments to view the Drawings Gallery, the Queen Mary's Dolls' House...a bit sianz that no photos were allowed..after all...Windsor is still being used by the royal family and for diplomatic occasions...although I must say the State Apartments were really nice and was amazed by the large number of weapons and armament that were displayed in the armoury.
Weird sight....postbox in the wall...and notice the royal crown above the lamp?
Doing one of my "classic" moves..for the very uninformed...I usually perform lots of these poses...especially during my Easter trip...very sure that my SEP friends know this by now...heck I cld even form a string of pictures with poses like this..lolol...anw...this is interesting cos we were the last ones to leave the castle and the man was practically shooing us away...hahaha
Shiok dinner at Nandos in Windsor town. It's Portuguese food. Pepper fries with spicy chicken...not all that spicy actually...but still shiok!
Spicy rice, an accompanying side dish....not spicy at all...although it gets to you after eating several mouthfuls
Oooh...lovely sauce!
Chicken plus sweet potato mash...and I really mean super sweet!
Wanping and Yue-ping left first cos WP's going over to stay with YP. Meanwhile I suggested heading towards the nearby Windsor bridge and the River Thames!
Windsor bridge in the evening facing Eton on the other side..it's a really peaceful and quiet town
The view of Windsor castle at night as viewed on the Windsor Bridge
Only for the peace to be destroyed by my poses again!!
Made a quick walk to Eton to see Eton College. It's after all the place where royals (Prince William studied there)and other VIP studied. Nothing really much there cos it's in the evening by then. Rushed back to catch the train back to London and spent a squeezy night at Guoyuan's place.
For more pics visit http://picasaweb.google.com/eicko2000/WindsorEtonLondonCoventGardenMarket
Think from now on I would try linking the album in to show more photos that way...it's kinda crazy with so many pictures arnd tt even I get confused myself...lolol...another good source of photos would be on Facebook too...
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Time running short
Glorious week 10 into the Loughbrough school term and 3 months and 3 days since I embarked on this journey...time really flies and now feels like the end is pretty near...looking forward to the end of exams though....still got so many places to go yet so little time....shucks...haven even plan for the summer trip yet (which hopefully wld include Spain, Eastern Europe and Greece)
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