I was in London before Christmas so these pictures are not exactly current. I’m quite slow with uploading of pictures and videos but I do try =) Traveling to London in this period has its pro and cons. The good thing is the low pound exchange ( which means more shopping!) and the christmas light ups and sales (which also equates to more shopping! lol ).
The cons of course is the cold weather… it means I always have to bundle up to twice my size and gloves can be a huge hassle. Visiting beautiful gardens are also out of the question…. though it’s not my first time in London so I’ve already done most of the touristy places previously.
The best and easiest way to get around London is using the London Underground… also known as the tube. UK’s underground railway and Rapid Transit system is the oldest in the world and till today it’s still the longest metro system route in the world. However, unlike our reliable MRT in Singapore… they do close the tube for repairs and works… choosing weekends as the most likely times of closure.
Piccadilly Circus is the London version of New York Times Square. With the neon lights and shopping and entertainment venues surrounding it. It gives me the same bustling feel of movement and excitement as Times Square. The Coca-Cola neon advert has actually been there since 1955! Sanyo and McDonalds have also been there for the longest time which means I’ll be seeing the same brands as I did previous times and the same brands my grandparents did when they came to London in the 60s and 80s.
The statue in the middle of Piccadilly Circus is of Anteros though most people would mistake him for Eros aka Cupid. Anteros is the twin brother of Eros. While Eros is the God of sensual love in Greek Mythology, Anteros is the God of returned love… the more mature and selfless love. The statue was built in honor of Anthony Ashley Cooper, 7th Earl of Shaftesbury who was a well loved philanthropist. This statue was the first in the world to be cast in aluminum and is set on a bronze fountain. If you are wondering why I’m so keen on the background of this statue it’s cause I’ve a general weakness for Greek mythology and in recent days read a cute fiction book called “Gods Behaving Badly” which is a girly novel with some Greek Gods infusion… quite a pleasant read for long plane rides.
It’s quite odd… but one of the best duck rice I’ve had is actually found in London. I’ve heard that China exports their best ducks to the UK! I headed to London’s Chinatown for dinner. It’s kinda strange that all the Chinatowns of the world like Australia or UK or US all seem to be made out of the same design with the same oriental gates!
In terms of Christmas light-ups… Singapore ones are really nicer so I don’t see why there was such a big fuss over the candy themed lights in Orchard Road. Or maybe I’ve got pretty low expectations.
Regardless, I think I’ve bored you guys enough with my weird fascination of certain facts… lol… so I’ve leave you all with a short video =)
Oh and a BIG Happy Birthday to dear Lerelyn =) Sorry I couldn’t be there but we’ll have a belated celebration once I’m back ya?
Happy new year. I was “devoid” of internet for about 10 days..Just came back to SGP. Great to hear that you are doing fine. Well…a new year a new hope a new beginning 🙂
Happy new year. I was “devoid” of internet for about 10 days..Just came back to SGP. Great to hear that you are doing fine. Well…a new year a new hope a new beginning 🙂
Happy New Year babe! You’re looking fabulous as usual. 🙂
Where did you get this polka dot cropped jacket from? It’s very pretty! I’m heading to Europe next week as well, and I realised my winter clothes are all very boring. Any idea where I could go to get nice winter wear? Thanks in advance and have a great trip! I’m looking forward to viewing more of your lovely photos. 😉
Happy New Year babe! You’re looking fabulous as usual. 🙂
Where did you get this polka dot cropped jacket from? It’s very pretty! I’m heading to Europe next week as well, and I realised my winter clothes are all very boring. Any idea where I could go to get nice winter wear? Thanks in advance and have a great trip! I’m looking forward to viewing more of your lovely photos. 😉
Jac,
Lol… I know how you feel! I’ve been devoid of internet for a week since before New Year but finally found a connection in the current hotel I’m staying =) While I didn’t really miss being online… the moment I had connection it made me feel that I missed out on lots of stuff! Thanks for your concern and a Happy New Year to you too!
Regina,
Thanks! The polka dot cropped jacket is from Korea though I was underdressed for the weather in the outfit above… and this was in London before Christmas. I’m in Europe now and the temperatures have plummeted! Which part are you heading to? I was in New York and now am in Germany… it’s mostly in the -5 to -8C regions… so I’ll all balled up in think layers and big snow jackets. Zara has pretty nice winter wear though I won’t say it’s warm enough… or you can try H & M when you are overseas. Do get those thick winter woolen tights if you can. I feel that the winter trenches and jackets I get overseas seem to be more insulated then the ones I get in Singapore. Unfortunately the colder it is the lazier I am to dress nicely… I’m in my most comfy Max Mara boots, woolen tights, Levis jeans, turtlenecks and my DKNY puffy snow jacket on most days and just change the scarves and hats for some color… It no longer matters what I wear inside! lol…
Jac,
Lol… I know how you feel! I’ve been devoid of internet for a week since before New Year but finally found a connection in the current hotel I’m staying =) While I didn’t really miss being online… the moment I had connection it made me feel that I missed out on lots of stuff! Thanks for your concern and a Happy New Year to you too!
Regina,
Thanks! The polka dot cropped jacket is from Korea though I was underdressed for the weather in the outfit above… and this was in London before Christmas. I’m in Europe now and the temperatures have plummeted! Which part are you heading to? I was in New York and now am in Germany… it’s mostly in the -5 to -8C regions… so I’ll all balled up in think layers and big snow jackets. Zara has pretty nice winter wear though I won’t say it’s warm enough… or you can try H & M when you are overseas. Do get those thick winter woolen tights if you can. I feel that the winter trenches and jackets I get overseas seem to be more insulated then the ones I get in Singapore. Unfortunately the colder it is the lazier I am to dress nicely… I’m in my most comfy Max Mara boots, woolen tights, Levis jeans, turtlenecks and my DKNY puffy snow jacket on most days and just change the scarves and hats for some color… It no longer matters what I wear inside! lol…
Yes, I noticed that almost everyone in your photos was wearing thick winter jackets. You must have been freezing then!
Are you travelling to other countries besides Germany? I’m heading to Italy and France (Paris) next week. I think the weather in Italy is still bearable, but Paris seems rather cold based on the weather forecast. I bought a trench from H&M but I think it may not be warm enough cos it’s made of polyester. I’m probably going to wear a down jacket that I got from Mango recently, and if all fails, I’ll just wear my North Face puffer jacket!
Went around shopping for winter wear yesterday, and you’re right, the winter clothes here are definitely not warm enough. I have a number of old woolen turtlenecks which I bought when I was stationed overseas previously, so I’ll lug those with me on this trip. 😉 I think I’ll also change scarves and hats. Thanks for the tip!
Do you know where to get woolen tights in Singapore? I don’t see them around!
Yes, I noticed that almost everyone in your photos was wearing thick winter jackets. You must have been freezing then!
Are you travelling to other countries besides Germany? I’m heading to Italy and France (Paris) next week. I think the weather in Italy is still bearable, but Paris seems rather cold based on the weather forecast. I bought a trench from H&M but I think it may not be warm enough cos it’s made of polyester. I’m probably going to wear a down jacket that I got from Mango recently, and if all fails, I’ll just wear my North Face puffer jacket!
Went around shopping for winter wear yesterday, and you’re right, the winter clothes here are definitely not warm enough. I have a number of old woolen turtlenecks which I bought when I was stationed overseas previously, so I’ll lug those with me on this trip. 😉 I think I’ll also change scarves and hats. Thanks for the tip!
Do you know where to get woolen tights in Singapore? I don’t see them around!
Regina,
Paris should be about 1C to -7C… I’ve yet to go to italy in winter. Other then Europe I’ll be heading to US and HK but I’ll probably return to Singapore first.
How long will you be away? You should get used to the weather after the first 2 to 3 days. And I’m sure you’ll find nice warm clothes to get while shopping =)
I got some River Island woolen tights last winter but they are not as thick as the ones I bought in Korea. Still, you may want to check them out.
PS- I totally love your new place! The design is gorgeous!
Regina,
Paris should be about 1C to -7C… I’ve yet to go to italy in winter. Other then Europe I’ll be heading to US and HK but I’ll probably return to Singapore first.
How long will you be away? You should get used to the weather after the first 2 to 3 days. And I’m sure you’ll find nice warm clothes to get while shopping =)
I got some River Island woolen tights last winter but they are not as thick as the ones I bought in Korea. Still, you may want to check them out.
PS- I totally love your new place! The design is gorgeous!
Hey Karen,
Wow you seem to travel very frequently! I usually travel for work, but I wish I could travel more for leisure instead haha.
I’ll be away for about 2 weeks. Will definitely check out River Island before I leave. Hopefully I’ll get used to the coldness. I tend to fall sick in winter so I’m keeping my fingers crossed!!
Thanks for the compliments! My home is not fully furnished yet, but for now, I’m just very relieved that the renovation works are finally completed. 🙂
Hey Karen,
Wow you seem to travel very frequently! I usually travel for work, but I wish I could travel more for leisure instead haha.
I’ll be away for about 2 weeks. Will definitely check out River Island before I leave. Hopefully I’ll get used to the coldness. I tend to fall sick in winter so I’m keeping my fingers crossed!!
Thanks for the compliments! My home is not fully furnished yet, but for now, I’m just very relieved that the renovation works are finally completed. 🙂
Regina,
I’m traveling more frequent of late but it’s not entirely by choice… lol. I actually work when I’m traveling too! The power of laptop and internet connection is amazing. I wonder how people could function without them in the past.
You should stuff yourself with Vitamin C and be well rested so you can increase your humanity. Paris and Italy are lovely choices for honeymoon =)
Your home looks great even before it’s fully furnish… I really like your taste and concepts.
Regina,
I’m traveling more frequent of late but it’s not entirely by choice… lol. I actually work when I’m traveling too! The power of laptop and internet connection is amazing. I wonder how people could function without them in the past.
You should stuff yourself with Vitamin C and be well rested so you can increase your humanity. Paris and Italy are lovely choices for honeymoon =)
Your home looks great even before it’s fully furnish… I really like your taste and concepts.