Day 2  The Big Bus Tour

It was wee in the morning when a ray of light escaped the night curtains and lit part of the bedroom. If it was in Melbourne, I would get off the bed, re-draw the curtain and back to  sleep, but I'm in London... and losing some sleep is worthy the sacrifices. So there I was, waking up in London as early as 4am in the morning.

By 10am everyone was up, all ready and excited to the day's event. First on the plan was to go on a sightseeing tour of London on board one of those open double decker bus and on to the Thames river cruise later the day. So we headed to the nearest tube to Piccadilly Circus and were amazed with the numbers of tourist visiting London in summer. You know those armed with maps and camera.  Thank god for Tim, we can do without the map but we can't do without the camera.

We proceeded to the Tourist Visitors Centre and purchased our tour tickets and there on to Pall Mall St. to catch the bus. On route, as we scanned the surroundings buildings, we were pleasantly surprised to spot a Malaysian Restaurant, Jom Makan just opposite our stop. Adam who could not live without rice and in spirit of patriotism suggested we have lunch after the tour and I thought why not.

When the bus finally arrived, we immediately got on the upper deck and managed to get seats at the rear. For an open and unobstructed view, the top deck is a must and for this reason most of the sightseeing buses are top filled and almost empty on the lower deck.  Adam seated with me while Shasha and Tim were together. Camera in hands, we are now ready to tour. 


Our guide an English gentleman perhaps in his late 40, came on the PA system and  welcomed us the new comers and we were all ears trying to absorb every bit of info we could. A typical Englishman, he was witty and humorous, the sort of tongue in cheek manner and was delightful and entertaining.

The first two landmarks we saw were the Trafalgar Square and the TATE museum just at end of Pall Mall St and it was buzzing with activities as the Canadian National Day celebration was held here.

Admiralty Arch, gateway to Buckingham Palace

Horse Guard

10 Downing St

Moving along we passed the Admiralty Arch the gateway to Buckingham Palace, the Horse Guards and 10 Downing St, the official residence and home to the British PM. 

Westminster Palace or Houses of Parliament with Big Ben

Onwards as approached the river bank, we came to perhaps to the most iconic building off all, the majestic Westminster Palace or the  Houses of Parliament and of course the most recognisable Big Ben, the symbol of London and a fine example of Neo-Gothic architectural.

London Eye and London Aquarium

We then cross the Westminster bridge to London Aquarium and the London Eye towards the Waterloo bridge to the old part of London. Known as 'City of London'  this is the where London is originally lay within the ancient city walls built by the Roman.  A statue of a 'Griffin', a mythical creature of lion body with wing opposite the Royal Court of Justice can be seen marking its boundary. 

London City with Griffin Statue 

St Paul Cathedral

Streets are much narrow in this area with old buidings sandwiched us on both sides. Some notable buildings are The Bank of England and St Paul Cathedral, the church Prince Charles wedded Lady Diana. On seeing the grand staircase, I remembered watching Lady Diana on TV walked those steps in her bridal gown with trains gracefully flowing behind her. What a lovely fairytale wedding it was.

The Tower bridge with its central span raised to allow a ship pass

Moving along we now cross the London Bridge passing Southwalk Church and to the Bridge Tower, the structured that was looming out in the distance from our hotel apartment. It was rather thrilling to be on it. And in a twist of fate later that evening on our back to the hotel, we witnessed the central span raised to allow a ship passed (pic above). It was a sight.

Tower of London

Nearby, is the Tower of London, a mediveal structure built by William the Conqueror where the Crown Jewels are kept today. Over 1000 years it was used as the royal house, Royal Mint and Armoury. Interestingly it was here, three Queen of England was beheaded.

After more than two hour into our ride, we hopped off at the Ritz Hotel and on foot we strolled the area for a moment before we make way back to Pall Mall for lunch at Jom Makan. By now, I was almost certain the scorching sun was responsible for the glimmering look on us. Seating in restaurant and cooling down was a break we needed before we start our river cruise.

Soon, we were back on the big bus again. The driver struck a very familiar face and as we got up straits, no prize guessing who our guide was, the same bloke we had earlier. He too was surprised with our appearance and candidly warned everyone to be careful of our presence. We eventually bid him goodbye at the Big Ben stop.

St Catherine Dock with Tower Bridge on the background.

The Thames river cruise was short but adequate. Cruising down the river, we were briefed to the various landmarks perched along both banks. The air by now are much cooler and it was more relaxing. We alighted near the Tower of London and after an entire day of bus ride, we opted to stroll back to the hotel but not before we stop to purchase some souvenirs at the Tower of London and through St Kathrines Dock, Charles Dickens Inn and the medieval banquet on the way.


We had such an eventful day and seen so much. Nothing quite the same seeing some of these places that we have accustomed to on TV and experiencing in real life. Except for the humid weather, it was  enjoyable, interesting and educational day for us.

Finally back at the hotel, after we refreshed ourselves, we sat down to a beriani treat packed from an Indian restaurant nearby...  delicious.