"London":- Solo backpacking by Rudolph.A.Furtado.

Having undergone a "11 Day ,Europe on a Budget tour" with "Thomas Cook(I) Ltd" beginning on Saturday(15-5-2010) in Rome and terminating on Wednesday(26-5-2010) in London, my next "Solo Backpackers tour" was about to commence in London.After departure of the entire "Thomas cook(I) Ltd" tour group tourists from "Quality Wembley Hotel" on Wednesday(26-5-2010) by coach to "Heathrow" and "Gatwick" airport to board flights to India, i was the only tourist left back at the hotel. Made necessary preparations to proceed on my own "Solo tour of London", having extended my stay in London up to Tuesday(1-6-2010), paying an extra Rs 5000 to "Thomas Cook(I) Ltd" in Mumbai, as deviation costs.Collected some "Tourist Brochures" from the reception lobby and later checked out of the hotel, traveling by tube from "Wembley station" to "Piccadilly circus station" after changing a train at "Baker Street".Inquiries at the exit of "Piccadilly Circus Station" led me to the famous "Piccadilly Backpackers hostel" at 12 Sherwood street, just a few minutes walking distance from the " Piccadilly tube station". The entrance to this huge hostel comprising of a 7 storey building was totally unimposing, in fact, i initially passed by the entrance and later came back after asking for directions.Made my way by the "Double gate lift", having a separate entrance and exit, to the 4th floor receptionists office.After standing in the queue, inquired for accommodation, having previously rung them from "Hotel Wembley" on my arrival to London on Tuesday(25-5-2010) with the "Matrix Sim card(Tel Nos 075500440590)" for usage in London, purchased in Mumbai . Accommodation for a "6 bed Dormitory room" was available, except for Saturday(29-5-2010), hence i accepted the same, deciding to seek accommodation elsewhere later, having temporarily solved my accommodation in the World's costliest city , London. After paying the lodging fees of 70 Pounds, deposited my luggage at the "Luggage room" since "Check-In Time" was 1300 hrs.Most of the hostel lodgers were much younger than me , consisting of boys as well as girls, mostly Europeans from various parts of Europe and England.I had made all the necessary "Tourist attractions" bookings of London in Mumbai, having purchased a "3-Day London Tour pass"
WEDNESDAY(26-5-2010):-After depositing my luggage , made my way out of the hostel towards Regent street to collect my "London Pass".
Having undergone numerous "Solo Backpacking tours", i had prepared myself for a weeks stay in one of the costliest city's in the World.Thanks to the "Internet" and my personal traveling experiences, had preplanned my visits to most of the "Tourist Attractions" and places of personal interest in London from my home in Mumbai. After obtaining my "British Visa" had contacted the "Visit Britain Services Pvt Ltd" office situated in "Apsara Complex" at Grant road in Mumbai, the main office for "British Visa processing", and inquired regarding the advance - booking of "Tourist site tickets" of London in Mumbai. I was surprised at the choices offered on sale, majority of entrance tickets to the major tourist attraction locales in London could be purchased in "Indian rupees" at Mumbai, saving valuable "Foreign exchange".
Purchased the following passes from "Visit Britain Services Pvt Ltd".
1) 3 Day London pass = Rs 4284
2) Madam Tussauds pass = Rs 1496
3)London Eye = Rs 1360
4)Oyster card = Rs622
Also collected a "Matrix sim card" from the office of "Matrix cellular (International) services Pvt Ltd" adjacent to the "Visit Britain services Pvt Ltd" office in "Apsara Complex".This "Sim Card" was offered free of rental charge as a "Promotional Item", usable only in London, charges being only for "Phone usage time".
Hence, on arrival in London, my first priority was to collect my "London Pass" on submission of the "Payment Voucher" of Mumbai to the "Visit Britain Office" at Regent street.
Regent Street was walking distance from "Piccadilly hostel, hence, after a few inquiries managed to find the office.After a short wait in the queue, handed my voucher and was given a "London Pass" card akin to the "Oyster card" along with a "London Pass Tour Guide Book", explaining the description and locations of the various "Tourist Sites" as well as "entry fees".
The "London Pass" was economical if utilized to its maximum benefit since "Entry Fees" to majority of the tourist attractions in London are a minimum of 5 to 10 pounds, a few,above 10 pounds.My "3-Day London Pass" allowed me to visit any amount of tourist attractions included in the "London Pass Guide Book" in 3 consecutive days. In other words, a person required tremendous amount of physical energy as well as the time to travel between the various distant tourist locations in London, where public transport, although excellent and convenient is very expensive.
Since i had already wasted half of the day in traveling to "Piccadilly Hostel" and later collecting my "London Pass card " , decided to visit "Madam Tussuad" at Baker street, the closest attraction near "Piccadilly circus".
Boarded the tube train to Baker street at "Piccadilly Circus", reaching within a few minutes,demonstrating the excellent railway transport of London.It was a short walk to "Madam Tussuad's" from Baker station with a serpentine queue at the entrance, although Wednesday(26-5-2010) was a working day in London, meaning, most visitors were tourists. Another advantage of a purchase of a "London Pass" is that it bypasses serpentine queues, allowing the holder quick access at most sites, including "Madam Tussuad".As a student of history, having a passion for the subject since school days, had read the entire history of "Madam Tussuad" and the exhibits in London.Personally visiting the original place of the "Waxwork Effigies" of "Famous and Infamous people" was a dream come true to a "Backpacker traveler" on a modest travel budget. The fun and excitement in "Solo Backpacking" is in trying to stretch your "Tour money expenditure" to the maximum, besides ,planning your own "Tour sites" and "Hotel stays".In other words, being your own "Tour Boss". Clicked my photographs with some personalities from the music,arts, sports and film World.Notable Indian exhibits among politicians were of Mahatma.Gandhi and Indira.Gandhi while the sports and film World had Sachin.Tendulkar,Amitabh.Bachchan,Aishwariya.Rai and Salman.Khan.The "Wax Statues" were absolutely life-like and it was really fun viewing and photographing oneself with statues of some "Untouchable celebrities",people whom one always admired or hated from a distance."Madam Tussuad" had manny galleries and from the entrance to the exit it was a single procession through a World of make-believe glamour, hero's and villains. Some of the exhibits in "Madam Tussuad" are changed after a few years , depending on the popularity or notoriety of the human exhibits on display.As the saying goes,"Flame is fleeting" and to quote pop artist Andy.Warhol,"Every human is entitled to their 15 minutes of fame", hence, Madame Tussuad's exhibits would change every few decades with different generations, although, some exhibits would have a permanent place.The last gallery consisted of a ride in a " London Taxi" which akin to a "Roller-coaster ride" took its occupant on a visual view of London city and its development through the centuries. A "Hidden Camera" also photographs every "Taxi occupant" and the photo can either be purchased at the end of the ride, or ignored,a typical tourist gimmick at all popular "Tourist attractions" all over the World, photographic memories to be treasured.As a widely traveled "Sea-farer,Solo- Backpacker and package-tours" my residence in Mumbai was overstocked with "Print photos" taken during my "Sea-Faring career", before the invention of "Digital Photography" and partly during my "Solo-Backpacking" tour of Hongkong and Bangkok in 2005.I was finally forced to purchase a "Pentax Digital camera" during a "Solo-Backpacking tour of Malaysia and Singapore" in 2007,having absentmindedly forgotten my "Nikon RF Roll Camera" in the bus on a trip from Penang to Kuala Lumpur.That's one disadvantage of "Solo backpacking tours", if absent-minded then there is no traveling companion to remind you of either your luggage or as a moral support in times of distress. Ironically, the loss of the "Nikon RF roll camera" proved a blessing in disguise as i was forced to change over to "DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY" later realizing its advantages and conveniences.Hence, post digital photography invention era, i have stacked all photo's on the "Internet" and in "Disc format", never ever "Framing" any "Print Photographs".My house lacked space, besides, excessive narcissism is bad for health , a fact most yesteryear's celebrities and professionals would confirm.This was the main reason for me not purchasing the "Tourist Souvenir photo" at "Madam Tussuad" and later, during further visits to various other "Tourist Attractions" in London during my stay.i informed the "Tourist site photographer" not to waste digital space as i wouldn't purchase the "Photo" to which they obliged, happy at my honesty. After the "Taxi Ride" of London through the ages in Madam Tussuad i made my way to the last section, the "Madam Tussuad Souvenir shop".

At "ST MARTINS THEATRE",the longest running play on Planet Earth ,"THE MOUSE TRAP"

"West End Theatre" of London is World famous akin to "Broadway Theatre" in New York and hence a "Tourist Visit" to London is in-complete without a visit to any of the numerous "West End Theatres" for viewing a play, although, the tickets are prohibitively expensive when compared to "Mumbai English and Hindi drama Theatre". Personally,a "Drama(Theatre) addict" having seen Agatha.Christie's "The Mousetrap" twice in Mumbai, both the times in different "Indianised Versions" of the original story and also having read the book, decided to view the play at its original theatre. Booked the cheapest ticket at 19 pounds(Rs 1300 approx) for the 1930hrs show, the last row of balcony at "St Martins Theatre" where the play has been running non-stop since 1974. In 2010,"The Mousetrap" is in its 58th year of continuous running in London city, having previously been running at the adjacent " New Ambassador Theatre" since 25th November 1952 and later transferred to "St Martins Theatre" on 25th March 1974, continuing its unbroken run, a "Guinness World Record".After booking my ticket for "Mousetrap" at "Madam Tussuad's" gift and souvenir shop i made my was to Baker street station.
Boarded the "Tube train" to "Piccadilly Circus station" and went over to "Piccadilly Backpackers". Collected my hostel room "Magnetic key" and after collecting my 2 bags from the 4th floor made my way to "Room Nos 316D' on the third floor. It was a "6-Bed dormitory", with a bunk system of " single double beds" for 2 lodgers, one below, the other on the top bed.The size and scale of "Piccadilly hostels" surprised me, a massive 7 storey circular building having numerous "Room Lodges", both for girls as well as boys.For the first time in my life i came across "Mixed Dormitories" where boys and girls resided in the same hostel room.Most of the lodgers were youngsters compared to my age and of Caucasian descent.After checking myself into the room, kept some of my belongings in a shabby locker, definitely not of the likes of a "bank locker". The room was neat and clean, besides, the cold London weather was helpful in making my stay comfortable,as honestly, i have never before lived in such cramped conditions throughout my entire life, barring eight years of my childhood in a "Single room tenement(Room No 88)" at "Haji Ismail Gani Bldg" in Byculla. On arrival as a 8 year old to Mumbai from Mombasa in 1968,"Haji Ismail Gani Bldg" a typical original Bombay chawl educated me on the basic fundamentals of surviving in "Street Life" akin to the book,"what they don't teach you at "Harvard Business school"!.Later, in 1975 we shifted to a "One Bedroom Apartment" in Vaibhav Apartments at Prabhadevi which over the years developed into a posh Mumbai locality in 2010 , akin to Central London. During my 25 year shipping career,later "solo-backpacking tours" and upto the present era in 2010 i have never slept in a "Shared room" with more than 2 individuals.The sudden switchback to "Chawl style Living" of Mumbai in plush London was a real adventure in a "First world country".As i would just be using the "Bed" for a nights sleep, it didn't make a difference to my personal comfort, in fact, adding adventure to my unplanned stay in one of the World's costliest city, the art of "solo survival" on a limited economic tourist budget.After getting accustomed to my room and a few of its occupants i later made my way towards the streets of Piccadilly, a road map of the city as my guide."Piccadilly Circus" is situated in the heart of London's social life, akin to Colaba locality in Mumbai with all the important " London Tourist attractions" just a walking distance away or at most a few bus stops or tube stations away."Ripley's Believe it or not" is just outside "Piccadilly Station" and a short walk down the road made me really believe the unbelievable nightlife and entertainment available ,just within half an hours walking distance from my hostel.Walked down the World famous "Soho Locality" of London, once more famous as "London's Red Light Area" but in 2010 a classic, posh amalgamation of "High Class Partying","Sex Shops" and "West End Theatres" in the vicinity.The famous words of a song from rock group "The Who" reverberated through my mind as i walked down music memory lane,quote,"Who are you? The who,who! Who are You? the, who!Woke up in a Soho----".On the way to St Martins theatre was given a free complimentary local "Tabloid newspaper", typical of a "Tabloid paper", crime, local gossip and some local political news. Arrived at St Martins theatre situated at West Street near Charing Cross road , a very common looking theatre, not expressing its claim to fame for hosting the World's longest running play, "The Mousetrap"."St Martins Theatre" is a must visit for any decent "Drama Aficionado" tourist to London, akin to every cinema loving Indian making it mandatory to see the Hindi film "Sholay" at least once in their lifetime. Photographed myself at the theatre entrance in front of the "Mouse trap show running board", memories for posterity. In design, the "St Martins theatre" was similar to any of the old World "Cinema theatres " of Mumbai built before 1947, like Palace talkies(Byculla) or "Regal Theatre (colaba)".I was on the last seat of the "Balcony" as in "Drama Theatres", the costliest seats begin from the front row and the cheapest are the last row of the Balcony,an inverse of "Cinema Theatre".The "Seats" of the "St Martins theatre" was hard common wooden seats not cushioned neither reclining, the most uncomfortable seats i ever sat on, reflecting the "originality" of the theatre as it was built in 1916!I could imagine a "Basketball player" trying to watch the "Mousetrap" in the cheapest seats of the "St Martins theatre" in London! Hence i could actually experience the pleasure of viewing a drama in an early 20th century theatre, something which is totally extinct in my native Mumbai.The play started almost on time at 1930 hrs, the balcony seats being "House-full" and although i was seeing the play for the third time, the sensation and feeling of seeing a historic play enacted in an original historic theatre was a totally different experience.After the play trudged my way back to "Piccadilly hostel" absolutely tired after a days hectic traveling and touring, possible due to the cold weather of London. Arrived at my hostel room and had a good nights sleep.
THURSDAY(27-5-2010):- Woke up at 0530 hrs, the first time that i 'overslept' during my entire tour of Europe.The hectic "11 day non-stop package tour of Europe" had left me a bit exhausted, besides, the self exploring "Solo-Backpackers Tour" on Wednesday tested my stamina and personal tour management skills to the maximum.Decided to utilize my "3 Day London pass" from today, again, a hectic test of stamina and tour management on a personal budget. The "Piccadilly hostel" resembled a "Boarding college" with majority boarders being in the prime of their youth. The only difference, there were a few "Mixed Dormitories" where boys and girls lived together as also "Unisex bathrooms", reminding me of youth in "Haji Ismail Gani Bldg" in Mumbai where the "toilets" were common.The hostel was spotlessly clean , including the common toilets and hot water showers, besides having laundry facilities and a common canteen unlike some "Seedy hotels" as is the common trend with "Cheap Lodging". In Europe, "Hostels" are the only cheap and decent lodging available to the common backpacker on a restricted "Tour budget". After having a shower, dressed up and left the hostel at 0830 hrs beginning my solo sightseeing tour of London city.I had planned the first day usage of my "3 day London pass" deciding to tour most of the tourist attractions near the "Tower of London". After inquiries, boarded bus no 15 to "Tower of London" bus stop, excellent buses with digital bus stop indicators, akin to Hongkong trains, as well as an internal 'Intercom system". The buses of London are equivalent to taxi travel in Mumbai, both in comfort as well as cost.The minimum bus ticket costs 2 pounds(Rs 140), irrespective of the distance traveled, hence, always walk short distances in London to avoid astronomical bus fares.Public transport in London could be the best in the world although not the cheapest.Alighted near the "Tower bus stop" and visited a "Sailors war Memorial" erected to British sailors who perished during the world wars, my own family wealth having its roots from the "British shipping Industry" as my father was a "cargo supervisor" in "British India steam navigation", one of the World's largest and oldest shipping companies of its era. Strolled towards "Tower Of London", a bit early, as the tourist visiting hours commenced from 0930 hrs. Had my breakfast at an open-air cafeteria just outside the main gates of the tower, a very scenic locale on the banks of the river Thames with "London Tower bridge" in the background. I have utilized this photograph of mine as the main caption photo for my "London solo backpackers tour blog", memories for posterity. I was one of the first tourists to enter the gates of the "Tower of London" when it opened at 0930 hrs, flashing my "London Pass" as entrance ticket.The "Tower of London" comprising of several buildings is known through out the World as a "Tower of Imprisonment" although it was also used as a Royal residence having been built by William the Conqueror in 1078.We Indians also have a sentimental value with the tower as the World famous "Kohinoor diamond" is kept on display along with other "Crown Jewels" in the "Jewel house" of the "Tower of London".The Yeoman warders(beef-eaters) conduct daily guided tour of the tower to visitors and as the tour began at 1100 hrs i decided to explore the tower by myself, having done a little research through "Wikipedia" of which i am a contributor myself on certain topics.Visited "Traitors Gate" and walking along the pathway came across the famed "Ravens" of "Tower of London".A few ravens were strolling on the ground in their "open-air enclosure" and some were in their caged enclosure.Next, visited the "Jewel House" where the "Crown Jewels" are kept and viewed some of the World's priceless jewels including the "Kohinoor diamond" which to a
"Jewel illiterate", including myself, would resemble any other precious stone.The "Jewel House" had a majestic guard stationed outside, almost statue like, a copy-book model normally seen in advertisements and news reviews on Britain.The very fact that the "Crown Jewels" have been safeguarded in the "Jewel House" since the 17th century with only a single attempt to steal them, explains the unimaginable security involved.Honestly, i felt that i was viewing a "Showcase" of "Price-less jewels", akin to visiting a jewelery shop in Mumbai, the "High-Profile Security" of "Hidden camera's,etc,etc" totally invisible to the common tourist at the "Tower of London".After visiting the "Jewel House" returned back to the tourist entrance of the "Tower of London" to join the "Guided Tour" conducted by a "Yeoman Warder(Beef-eaters)". Every alcoholic beverage drinker would be familiar with the "Beefeater" brand of Gin, one of the World's most popular alcoholic drinks.The "Beefeater Gin brand" derived its name from the "Yeomen Warders" of the "Tower of London" also popularly called "Beef-eaters". At exactly 1100 hrs a burly Yeoman, over 6 feet tall addressed the group of tourists, introducing us to the historical background of the "Tower of London".He had a rasping loud voice, easily audible to the large group of tourists gathered for the walking tour around the "Tower of London " grounds and buildings.It was an excellent knowledgeable walk, learning about the various buildings and their significance in the history of the tower.We were later taken to the chapel of "St Peter and Vincula" where most of the people executed were buried, including some members of the "Royal family" .The ghost of Anne Boleyn, beheaded wife of King Henry-V111 in 1536 haunts the "White Tower grounds", seen occasionally roaming with her head in her arm.. "The Tower of London" is considered the most haunted building in England, a country that revels on having the maximum number of haunted houses and castles in the World.After the visit to the "St Peter and Vincula chapel" the Yeoman warder had us dispersed and i toured through the exhibits in the "White tower building", visiting the chapel of St John the Evangelist.The Tower has well preserved 'Documented proof" of its inhabitants, including prisoners , most notably "Prisoner graffiti" dating back to 500 years, carved on stone.Facts of its infamous prisoners are well documented due to the maintenance of "Written records" and preservation of these priceless structures by the British Government, including the raven birds.Finished my tour of "Tower of London" and walked along the river Thames visiting the iconic symbol of London, "Tower Bridge". Entered the "
Tower Bridge exhibition" and was guided up a flight of stairs to the "High level walkways",akin to a small hill trekking, giving a splendid view of the River Thames and the surrounding prominent buildings.Later, descended the stairs and came back to the main bridge, walking to the other end and entering the dungeon of the ancient engine-room that powered the Bridge.Took personal photographs amidst the vintage "Steam Boilers",reminiscing my own "Shipping days", no stranger to its theoretical operation, being a "Marine engineer" by profession.On 13th July 2009 Australian motorcycle dare devil stunt artist Robbie.Maddison jumped over the "Tower Bridge" with a "Motorcycle back-flip" and his bike and clothing are preserved as exhibits.Being a "Bicycle" and "Motorcycle" aficionado myself, photographed the exhibits, the ultimate in a humans strive for adventure.After the "Tower Bridge exhibition" walked further down the Thames estuary visiting the 2nd world War museum ship,"HMS Belfast" moored between "Tower Bridge" and London Bridge". Although having spent a life-time in the "Mercantile Merchant Navy" i was a novice as far as " Naval War ships" administration were concerned, having occasionally visited a few engine rooms of frigates and even the I.N.S Vikrant, now a museum ship in Mumbai.This was during my "4 years Marine engineering apprenticeship(1978-1982)" at Mazagon Dock Ltd.On entry to the main deck was given a "Audio-phone" which would guide me on the history of the ship on various decks and locations. I just toured the main deck and the bridge, since, being a "Marine Engineer",the engine-room space of this huge ship was no surprise, besides , touring the entire 9 decks of this vessel would require an entire day.Got to understand a little bit of the tough life during the World War years, also viewing the famous "Boffor Guns", more famous for its scandal in India that caused the collapse of a Government.
Next , after my brief visit to "HMS Belfast" walked further down the river Thames pier and visited the"London Dungeons and Graves horror show", one of the costliest exhibits amongst the "London Tour attractions".Honestly, i visited it just to make use of my "London Tour Pass", besides, it was on my normal "Tour Agenda walk" for the day's sightseeing. This guided tour partly historical facts, partly myth and partly childish fun takes the tourist along a walk through various chambers in the "Tour building" with live "Stage actors" enacting some of the gruesome criminal and religious persecutions throughout London's history.It is basically suitable for children and giggly girls, manny of them in my "Tour batch" ,definitely frightened, as skeletons suddenly popped from the dark and "Human stage ghosts" walked past through smoke screens.In other words, it resembled a "B-Grade Hindi horror Show" and Bollywood Horror director Ram.Gopal.Verma would have been in comfortable surroundings viewing the "London dungeons and Graves" horror show.Seems, akin to Bollywood copying movies from Hollywood, so also has Hollywood copied a bit of Bollywood, a mutual exchange of ideas, irrespective of "Copyright Laws or Infringements". The exorbitant cost of this attraction could be due to the presence of "Human actors", as "Drama(theatre)" in London is very expensive, besides, the setting of expensive authentic permanent "Filmy sets". The exit end of the "London Dungeons tour" brought me to another end of the street and akin to a maze walk i lost my bearings. A bit of self exploration around the vicinity brought me to London's oldest municipal market "Borough Market" situated near "London Bridge".The costliest and best of fruits, vegetables, meat, fish and groceries were for sale in various stalls.Although a "Municipal market", the cleanliness and maintenance of this huge market, akin to "Crawford market" in Mumbai was amazing, akin to shopping in a posh Mumbai food products department store.I personally do the "meat, fish and vegetable" marketing at my home in Mumbai, hence conversant with market cleanliness conditions as well as prices of farm and fish products.The prices of fish and meat products were exorbitant compared to Indian cost of living, but, could be reasonable for the average British wage-earner.Beef and some fish products were the costliest with chicken and certain fruit products being the cheapest.After "Borough Market" visited " Globe theatre", a present day reconstructed theatre built on assumptions of the original Elizabethan playhouse of William. Shakespeare. A play was in progress at the "Globe" which stages only "Shakespearean plays" and hence couldn't tour the actual theatre.Visited the "Shakespeare museum" adjacent to the "Globe theatre" and viewed some of the costumes and play sets of the "Elizabethan Era" of England. Later listened to some audio transcripts of famous "Shakespearean prose" from some of his plays enacted by some of the most well-known names in English cinema.An elderly lady then gave a few of us tourists a walking tour of the "Original globe" theatre's assumed location, today the site of a apartment building and also its predecessor theatre , the smaller "Rose Theatre", now an archeological ruin in the basement of a building.Got to study and understand the meaning of "archeological excavation", a real jig-saw puzzle to pedestrian tourists ,as the excavated sites look totally insignificant in the modern era, akin to a barren car park.Ended the days "solo tour expedition" with a "Thames River Cruise", similar to the previous cruises experienced on the "European Tour", a beautiful view of some of the World's costliest buildings from the "Cruise boat" with a loudspeaker explanation of the various locations.Walked all the way from "London bridge pier" to "Piccadilly circus", totally haggard and famished. Had dinner at a restaurant in "China Town" in Gerard street, close to "Piccadilly circus".The "Buffet dinner" consisted of some fish, meat and vegetable products, same consumed with a beer, total cost, 8.5 pounds, cheapest quality food available in normal restaurants.
After dinner walked to my hostel room, totally confused at my own capacity of marathon walks and stamina.
FRIDAY(28-5-2010):-Woke up at 0500 hrs, had a shower in the common shower room and browsed through my days itinerary.Had to utilize the second day of my "London Tour Pass" to the maximum and hence checked out the locations and distances of most of the tourist attractions.Had breakfast at the hostels cafeteria, a neat, clean restaurant type cafeteria. Had an "English breakfast" which consisted of 1 fried egg, bread, 1 slice bacon,sweet peas and a cup of juice along with coffee(3.70 Pounds).Left the hostel at approx 0815 after breakfast and made my way to the bus stop.Boarded the 15 Nos bus to St Paul's Cathedral, reaching much earlier than the scheduled opening hours for tourists.St Paul's Cathedral, an Anglican church is situated on Ludgate hill, the highest point in the Capital and is the seat of the Bishop of London.It is one of London's most famous and recognizable sights. Walked along the cathedral grounds and later entered the massive cathedral with its huge dome and later visited the crypt.Monuments and plaques were erected for famous Britishers which was also the burial ground for some of Britain's greatest politicians,poets,clergymen and Empire builders.Viewed the tombs of the Duke of Wellington and Lord Nelson, the most prominent tombstones in the crypt.St Paul's Cathedral was bombed during the "Blitz bombings of London" in 1940-41 and survived intact.The dome of the cathedral which is inspired from the dome of St Peters Basilica in the Vatican is huge and massive and is 365 feet(108 metres) to the cross at its summit, making it a visible landmark of London.Walked to the topmost terrace of the dome through the winding stairs, a real test of stamina, utterly exhausting, especially after my continuous non-stop touring. The penance walk to the dome of St Paul's Cathedral which until 1962 was the tallest structure in London was worth the effort and exhaustion as the view of London was excellent, akin to viewing Paris from the Eiffel Tower.After a brief stop at the terrace gallery of St Paul's cathedral Dome, taking photographs and admiring the city from a 'bird's eye view" location began my descent to the base of the cathedral.Made my way to "St Paul's Cathedral Station" , a short walking distance and changed 2 trains to reach "Camden", the closest station to London Zoo.The "London Tube railway" is a real "jig-Saw Puzzle", with numerous interconnecting lines for different destinations, well explained in "line-diagram format" but definitely difficult to understand for first time tourists.Thanks to the station masters of the "Tube Stations" who were very obliging on being asked for train travel guidance , i managed to catch the right trains and also alight at the right stations.

As a Animal Rights activist and pet owner, a visit to London and not seeing the "LONDON ZOO" is akin to visiting Agra and not viewing the "Taj Mahal".

It was a long walk from Camden station to the "London zoo".London Zoo situated at the edge of Regent Park is the World's oldest scientific zoo having opened in 1828.It was eventually opened to the public in 1847, real ancient.The zoo has manny firsts to its credit, having opened the first reptile house in 1849, the first public aquarium in 1853,first insect house 1881 and the first children's zoo in 1938. "Jumbo" the world famous elephant from the Barnum and Bailey circus and from which the term "Jumbo" for anything gigantic became part of "English Vocabulary" was one of the most famous resident of London zoo before being sold to the circus. Viewed some animal and reptilian species for the first time at the London zoo,most notable being the Okapi, Komodo dragon lizard and the amazon poisonous frogs.The beauty of the London zoo is that it is a "Educational institution" for wild-life enthusiasts and students, the "Animal sign boards" explaining the importance, habitat and description of each individual species in its enclosure.British Industrialist of Indian origin Lord Swraj.Paul has set up a children's park in the zoo, named after his daughter, called the "Ambika Paul children's zoo", where children can interact with pets within their enclosures. Had a quick walk round most of the zoo exhibits , viewing the tiny amazon yellow frogs,the World's most poisonous species , the Komodo dragon,Gorilla's and the Okapi,some of rare species.The visit to the zoo was definitely worth the long tiresome walk from Camden station.I have visited the best zoo's in India, besides, also visiting the Manila , Hongkong and Singapore zoo's, the only overseas zoo's personally visited. The "London zoo" was unique because of its simple history, its association with the pioneering naturalist scientist Charles.Darwin and its introduction of manny new "Animal species" to the Human World in the 19th and 20th century.
Left "London Zoo" at approx 1345 hrs making my way towards "Baker street stn" with an intention of next visiting "Hampton Court".After walking a few kms along the entire circumference of Regent Park finally reached "Baker street Stn". On inquiry with the "Station ticket inspector" was told that my "Oyster travel card" was not valid for travel beyond a certain rail jurisdiction, would have to purchase a separate ticket.As the time factor was limited,inquired regarding the distance to "Kensington Palace" and the train service.Hence on the spur of the moment decided to make the train trip to "Kensington Palace", as i definitely wanted to visit any one of the Royal Palaces during my short budgeted tour itinerary.Had to change 2 trains to reach "Kensington Station" and from there another long walk to the entrance of "Kensington Palace".There was an exhibition in the palace titled "The Enchanted Palace Exhibition" based on the life and times of its princely occupants,and life in the court.Some of the top names in British Fashion had displayed their work in this exhibition which is scheduled to run until January 2012.Got to understand a little of "Royal Protocol" and the luxury of living in a palace.Akin to all palaces, Kensington Palace had manny huge rooms meant for specific purposes, each room on exhibition had various royal accessories, portraits as well as some personal modifications by the "Fashion and set designers".A few hanging broken cages in one of the rooms which had an exhibition on the princesses of Kensington Palace attracted my attention.On inquiry with a "Set designers assistant" was told that these cages might have been used to signify the "Trapped lives" that most of the Royal ladies must have led within the Palace walls.Finally departed from "Kensington Palace Grounds" at approx 1600hrs and made my way towards "Queensway station".Had to make arrangements for a change of "Hostel residence" since i had to vacate "Piccadilly backpackers" on Saturday(29-5-2010) and hence wouldn't want to be left stranded in some costly lodging, beyond my "Backpackers budget"."Piccadilly Backpackers" themselves were offering me a "single independent room" in their hostel for approx 64 Pounds for "Saturday" which i declined as London has numerous hostels within its vicinity.The importance and popularity of "Piccadilly Hostel" is its convenience to the heart of the entertainment and business localities of London.Boarded the tube at "Queensway Stn" having to change another tube to finally reach "Russells Square Stn". Inquired about the location of "Generator Hostel" , finally locating the hostel.Barring "Saturday", accommodation was available for rest of the days at the "Generator Hostel", same story as "Piccadilly Hostel".The receptionist of "Generator Hostel" contacted the nearby "Clink 261 hostel" by phone regarding accommodation availability for Saturday.Thankfully, the answer was in the affirmative and i walked my way towards "Kings Cross" inquiring with passersby as to the location of "Clink 261 hostel".Finally reached my destination and arrived at the reception of "Clink 261" which resembled a small hotel reception, neat and tidy.Accommodation was available in the cheapest category a "16 bed mixed dormitory".I agreed to the same, confirmed my booking upto Tuesday(1-6-2010) and payed the hostel charges of 57 pounds in advance.As a "Backpacker traveler" one has to adjust to circumstances and situations, including accommodation, besides, traveling "Single" has its advantages as well as disadvantages. In Mumbai, i personally live in a "One bedroom flat" with my housekeeper Sabina, pair of Persian cats and a talking parakeet,spacious by Mumbai's average living conditions.Hence, imagine my thoughts of living in a "16 bed single room mixed dormitory" of boys and girls, bizarrely scary! "Clink 261" hostel was a ten minutes walk from "St Pancras International railway station" with its magnificent Victorian architecture being the main junction to board the International Eurostar trains, hence a convenient hostel for "International train travel".Later boarded the train at "Kings Cross station" and on reaching Piccadilly went directly to my hostel for some relaxation, satisfied of my days touring and most important, an alternate accommodation suitable to my "Tour Budget".Fruits are the cheapest grocery items as well as nutritious and a weight controller, hence munched onto half a kilo of grapes purchased for a pound.After about an hours rest made my way towards discovering the "West End" and the World famous "Soho" nightlife". As mentioned previously, "Piccadilly hostel" is located in the heart of London's entertainment and shopping localities, most major tourist attractions are within walking distance. Saw the Worlds longest limousine ,"The Hummer 2" near the "Queens Theatre" which resembled a bus.The streets were full of a reveling crowd with pubs filled to capacity."Soho" is the so called "Sin capital" of London with "sex Shops", pubs and entertainment all co-existing harmoniously.The "Sex Shops" are normal shops selling regular items with "Sex products and literature" being sold in the basement of these stores.The only indication of a "Sex Shop" was its bold advertisement externally on the showcase glass, everything else being totally normal akin to common stores.There was also a "Gay theatre" just opposite the "Soho Bar" and it was a total carnival atmosphere on "Soho street", the "High class champagne revelers" mingling along with the common "Mug drinkers".There were "Stilt Walkers", >"Drag stilt walkers" and a lot of other pantomime artists along with "Biker" and "Cycle" gangs enjoying "Friday night" to the hilt, total harmony in sexual diversity and preferences.Cycling is very popular and convenient in Central London with London's Mayor Boris.Johnson himself setting an example by cycling to work.Restaurants and pubs are opened upto 0300 hrs on Friday amd Saturday and after personally visiting Soho and Westend i realized the reasons for most "Backpacker hostels" being full on "Saturday".As for me, it was a feast with my camera, busy clicking photographs, memories for posterity.Dinner was "Chinese buffet with beer" at a Chinese restaurant in China Town.After dinner made my way back to the hostel as i wanted to preserve my sobriety, being single and getting drunk in a foreign country is an invitation to trouble.
SATURDAY(29-5-2010):-Woke up at 0400 hrs as usual, showered and browsed through my days itinerary.Left "Piccadilly Hostel" at approx 0630 hrs and caught the "Tube train" to "Kings Cross", reaching "Clink 261" hostel at approx 0715 hrs. Deposited my baggage in the "Baggage room" situated on the reception floor.After depositing my baggage, left the hostel and strolled around "Kings cross" finally deciding to have breakfast at a "McDonald outlet". While eating my burger along with coffee browsed through the previous days papers as i was totally out of touch with "News" since departing from "Quality Wembley hotel" on Wednesday(26-5-2010)after the culmination of the 11 day "Europe on a Budget Tour" with "Thomas Cook(I)" group of tourists.In the hostels they do have a common television in the main dining room. In Mumbai I normally always watch the television news channels and also browse through the "Internet" to keep myself updated on World and local affairs having stopped purchasing a newspaper, my personal contribution to forest conservation. A cannibal serial killer was front line media news something akin to the "Hannibal" movie. The inside pages had news of a devastating train sabotage by Maoists in Bengal resulting in the loss of numerous lives.As an Indian in a First World country i realized the bizarre contradictions of India.Some of the wealthiest Britishers were of Indian origin, besides, some of the World's wealthiest individuals were also Indians living in Mumbai.Yet,the World wide hit movie "Slum-dog Millionaire" is also a partly true account of 21st century living conditions of some slum dwellers in Mumbai city, totally unbelievable in "First world Country's".
I had decided to visit "Kew Gardens" on my penultimate day of the " 3 day London Pass validity".Boarded the train at "Kings Cross Station" and after changing another train finally reached "Kew Gardens station". Akin to the "London Zoo" the "Kew Gardens" is also steeped in historical research and discovery of various plant species.Remember having studied in school about Kew Gardens and hence visiting the gardens personally was exhilarating.A childhood dream realized , although i am no botanist just an ordinary "House gallery gardener". The unpredictable "London weather" played spoiled sport and the weather suddenly became cloudy with a slight drizzle hindering my sightseeing of Kew gardens as i didn't carry any umbrella, besides, was also carrying a camera. Did a bit of videography amidst the slight drizzle, most importantly of the "world's oldest potted plant" kept in the enclosed "Palm enclosure"."Kew Gardens" akin to the "London zoo" is a must visit for any naturalist to London as the roots of the study and evolution of Natural history and plants have their origins in these two parks.The "English Cottages" outside Kew gardens were poster card picturesque, Kew being a distant suburb of London. Had to recharge my "10 pound oyster card" purchased in Mumbai by paying another 5 pounds at the "Kew railway station" as its monetary value had expired. The local station master helped me in recharging my "Oyster card" which has permanent usability and only requires constant monetary recharging once it reaches its stored money value, akin to a " Bank Debit card account". Boarded the train for "St James park Station" and on reaching St James Park made my way towards Buckingham Palace. Was lucky to witness the practise session of the "Trooping the Colour" ceremony being enacted in St James Park. Videographed a part of this ceremony. The entire Park main roadway was closed to public traffic and pedestrians during the rehearsal of the "Trooping the Colour" ceremony.All roads leading to Buckingham Palace were closed, including some tourist attraction sights, most importantly, the "Royal Mews", one of the finest "Working Stables" in the World.It is home to the Royal collection of historic "Horse Coaches" and carriages used by the Royal family on historic occasions . Hence i got to see the "Trooping the Colour" ceremony parade but missed out on the "Royal Mew" visit, something i truely regretted being a keen horse enthusiast.
From Buckingham Palace made my way towards "Churchill Museum and Cabinet war Rooms" situated at Clive steps on King Charles street in Westminister. This museum was the secret "Underground headquarters" during "world War-2" becoming operational in 1939 until the end of the war in 1945. It was a tour in the footsteps of Sir Winston Churchill and his "War Cabinet" during the war years, all things and furniture preserved and maintained as it had been during its era.One gets a very personal glimpse into Sir Winston Churchill's life and lifestyle besides the way the war was plotted by the map room staff. Our group of tourists had to vacate the underground museum prematurely in-between the exhibition due to some undisclosed reasons. We were later allowed to re-enter the museum after about an hour , reasons absolutely confusing. During this interval i visited the nearby "Cavalier Museum", a museum where the horse equipment was stored and exhibited. i had utilized my entire "3-day London pass" and in hindsight personally found it cheaper and time-saving compared to individually visiting "Tourist Attractions" and purchasing tickets.Although the " 3 Day Time limit Clause" makes usage of the "London Pass" a vey hurried tour akin to a "Group Package Tour". Its advantages definitely favour its usage by the average income London tourist in one of the World's costliest city's.London is a very spread out city akin to Mumbai, although most of the major tourist attractions are situated within the main city of Old London and the public transport system is one of the World's best, if not the best, although not the cheapest. From St James park then walked all the way to "Victoria station" to inquire about train or road transport to "Gatwick airport" on Tuesday(1-6-2010) ,my day of departure from London. The last time i departed from London was on 10th April 1986 from Heathrow airport, a 26 year old "Marine Engineer" returning back to India after completion of "Marine Engineering Exams" at the "South Shields College" in South Shields.I had arrived from South Shield by coach and disembarked at Victoria station, catching the tube to Heathrow airport terminal on the same day, absolutely haggard and fatigued from the 5 month long harsh winter stay as well as study's at South Shields in North-East England. That was 24 years ago and London transport must have definitely evolved a lot since then, hence i was confused as to the public transport system to "Gatwick airport".On inquiries at "Victoria station" i was guided to "National express Coach station" situated close to the "Victoria railway station", a massive bus terminal for "International coach Services". Inquired about the timings and availability of tickets on Tuesday(1-6-2010) to Gatwick airport and after confirming availability made my way towards Brompton road in "Knightsbridge" to visit the famous "Harrods Stores". "Harrods" was recently in the news due to its sale by its flamboyant owner Mohamed Al-Fayed to "Qatar Holdings" an enterprise of the Qatar royal family. "Harrods" was really something unique, right from its external design to its internal shopping arcades, a purchasers museum for the "Common Man" with millionaire earnings!For the first time in my life viewed paintings and portraits worth thousands of pounds being sold like common artifacts in a department store in its "Art sales department".Visited the "Pets Section" where hamsters and rabbits were for sale besides "Pedigreed poodles and pugs", all displayed in "glass showrooms", separated by compartments. The prices of the poodles ranged from 1000 pounds while the pugs cost about 2000 pounds.Surprisingly, there were no "Pedigreed cats" for sale at Harrods, very popular and expensive pets in Britain.As usual visited the "Sports Department section" and later the "Cycle section" viewing the costliest cycle in my life, a cycle costing Rs 5,00,000 upwards, the cost of a semi-luxury car in Mumbai! "Harrods" educated me on the definition of "Ultra luxury products " and the meaning of being in the category "Can't count money rich class"!"Harrods" stores also has its fair share of controversy as it sells "Animal fur" in its luxury shops, something banned in most country's including England and hence there was a demonstration by "Animal activists" on the road outside the building. I am also an "Animal activist" and very much into "wild-life conservation" although our family heirloom collection does consist of a few "wild-life artifacts" collected by my father in the 1960's from Kenya and my own sea-voyages to Africa during the 1980's.It was an an era when un-endangered "wild-life artifacts" were freely available in shops under licencee, akin to "Harrods" in 2010.Today its no more fashionable being seen wearing "Animal fur products or Accessories" although, despite all the precautions, poaching of wild-life is still an uncontrollable disease.
I was suffering from fatigue having walked miles and on seeing a "10 Nos bus" with the "Kingscross signboard" inquired about the "Bus stop" and was guided to the same on the opposite side of the road, finally boarding a "10 Nos Bus" to "Kings Cross".On arriving at "Kings Cross" at 1730 hrs went directly to "Clink 261" hostel, collected my baggage and room key, being allotted room "1J". It was a large dormitory situated on the ground floor with 8 double beds accommodating a total of 16 hostelites,a combination of both the sexes, male as well as female.This concept of "Mixed-hostel Residence" was a totally new phenomenon to me and i was scandalized seeing young girls and boys living in the same dormitory on different beds, akin to same members of a family living in a normal house.Having spent a lifetime as a "Marine engineer" and accustomed to International traveling, this concept of "Mixed dormitory living" was a first in my life-time and a real experience in harmony amongst the sexes ,with no "Sexual Overtures" or "Molestation".The dormitory was untidily maintained, although not filthy or dirty , a typical economy hostelites quarters.Thanks to the cold British weather, it was strangely comfortable living in this congested dormitory, a first in my life of staying in a cramped "Rented Accommodation". >"Lockers" were situated in the main reception room , in a row of cabinets below the common seating accommodation and not in the dormitory room as in "Piccadilly hostel". I occupied one of the locker cabinets and deposited a few of my documents in the locker.After making myself comfortable to my bed location later strolled around the locality admiring the unique "Victorian architecture" of the "St Pancras international station". Ironically "Kings Cross Station" had suffered the maximum death casualties during the "7/7 2005 Serial Terrorist Bombings" of London.Had dinner at "Kings Restaurant", a local "Lebanese eatery" run by Jordanian Britishers.Ordering for a large "Lebanese lamb kebab(5.5 pounds)", a massive dish which was actually meant for two people.I felt guilty wasting good food as i couldn't consume the entire meal, previously being used to "Chineese buffet" of "McDonald Hamburgers".After dinner returned back to my hostel dormitory, met a few of my co-hostelites, absolute youngsters, typical collegians youngsters from various European country's , either searching for employment or on a "Backpackers holiday". For the first time in my life i slept in a congested "16 bed dormitory" with both males and females sharing the same dormitory, something new i learnt about "First world hostels". Readers familiar to my "Solo-Backpacking Travel Blogs" would realise that i spend the least of my "Travel Budget" on accommodation, reasons being obvious, the "Hotel/Hostel/Bed" is used merely for a nights sleep and luggage safety, nothing else, the ultimate adventure in "Solo Backpacking travels".
SUNDAY(30-5-2010):- woke up at 0430 hrs as usual, the earliest riser amongst the 16 hostelites.Made my way to the "Common bathroom/toilet" situated in the alleyway and after brushing my teeth and a hot water bath made my way back to bed.This single bed was both, my sleeping quarters as well as "Study" and after going through my notes, planned ahead my days schedule. In "Clink 261" breakfast was free of charge, included in the "Hostel room charges" unlike "Piccadilly Hostel" and hence had breakfast at 0800 hrs in the main dining hall on the first floor.Breakfast was normal continental with cornflakes/milk/ bread/ juice/jam/ butter and an apple.The dining hall was neat and tidy with a "Computer Internet" section in a corner and a common television sitting room at the other corner.After a quick breakfast and a look at the television news made my way out of "Clink 261" hostel, the beginning of the days marathon walk.
Headed towards "Baker Street" in my quest to visit the World famous fictional detective "Sherlock Holmes" at "221b Baker street". As mentioned previously, my "bowel movements" were erratic during my entire European tour, reasons, best known to nature and the human physiology's adjustment to "International time changes".I suddenly felt my bowels churning, the urgent need to visit a toilet but none in sight, besides "Clink 261" hostel was at least a mile away behind. Controlled my bowels and decided to walk to a nearest "Paid Toilet".Sighted the "Marylebourne Train station" and made my way towards it, hopeful of a "Paid toilet" and luckily found one in the main entrance lobby of the station. The toilet was free of charge, something rare in European country's and after using the same was flabbergasted about the method of using the automatic hand-washing machine!I really updated myself on the usage of modern gadgets used in "Toilet/ bathrooms" during my tour of Europe and London, although a universal traveled Indian.Finally, reached "Baker Street" with the help of map directions and inquiries only to realise that the "Sherlock Holmes Museum" was closed on Sundays.Walked down Great portland street, an exhausting walk but not stressful due to the cold weather and my own personal enthusiasm of discovery. Finally reached Regent street and after passing my old residence of "Piccadilly street" arrived near "Trafalgar Square" and visited the "National Portrait gallery".Entrance to the "National Portrait Gallery" was free and the museum was really huge with some of the World's rarest European masterpieces on display.Viewed Van Gogh's famous "Sunflowers", once considered the World's costliest painting as also a few Picasso's.From the "National portrait gallery" walked towards "Victoria Coach station" to book my "coach ticket" with "National express coaches" to "Gatwick airport". Purchased my coach ticket for Tuesday(1-6-2010) at 0330 which cost 7.5 pounds, an unearthly hour to travel from "Kings Cross" to "Victoria coach station". I had no option as "Taxi fares" from "Kings Cross" to "Gatwick airport" were an astronomical 50 pounds, tolerant if there were at least 4 co-travelers sharing the cab fare, one of the greatest disadvantages of "Solo backpacking travels".From "Victoria coach station" walked towards Parliament square and later visited "Westminster Abbey Cathedral" situated near Parliament House. The cathedral was closed to tourists as being a Sunday, church services were conducted for the cathedrals Anglican congregation. Visited the internal compound of "Westminster Abbey cathedral" and later the tourist curio shop, purchasing a replica of "Winged Cat" curio, one of the numerous goblin statues decorating the external structure of this ancient historical cathedral.After purchasing the curio and departing from the shop i realized that i had forgotten my camera at the shop, a real shock to my photographic toil of the entire European tour.I did my fastest 100 metres sprint to the shop and thankfully the cashier receptionist had kept the camera aside and hence i managed to save my photographs from total oblivion.I was not bothered about the camera being pilfered but the contents of the pilfered camera would have definitely been an eternal sorrow to my living memory.All my "Backpacker tours" and travel blogs are always "Authenticated" with candid and posed photographs, both , as a source of educational guidance to future travelers as well as a record of personal reminisces for posterity .From Westminster Abbey crossed the "Westminster Bridge" to South London. Walked along the river Thames walkway, crowded with tourists and holidaymakers heading towards the World famous "London eye".The queue for the "London Eye" ride was serpentine, the longest queue that i experienced during my entire tour of Europe, much more than the "Seine Ferry cruise" or "Eiffel Tower level-2" visit in Paris.Stood in the queue to exchange my "Pre-paid voucher ticket" purchased in Mumbai for exchange of the " Spot ticket ride". After collecting my ticket was guided to a "3-D theatre" where we were given "3-D goggles" and shown a documentary of London and its history.After watching this 5 minutes film had to again stand in queue for the main "London Eye " ride and the time was 1500 hrs. Hence, i decided to visit the "Tate Modern Art gallery" and later return to experience the "London Eye" ride as the "Tate Art Gallery" would close earlier. The handicap faced by tourists in London is the availability of time in a normal 24 hour days sightseeing schedule as all art galleries and other paid attractions open at either 0900 or 0930 hrs and close by 1700 or 1800 hrs. Hence, although the "London Pass" seems very cheap and attractive theoretically in "Print advertisement" it is almost impractical to use it to the maximum of its value due to time and travel constraints in London city. In London there are 2 "Tate Art Galleries", one being "Tate Britain" which deals with British art since 1500AD and the other being the "Tate Modern" established recently in 2000. The "Tate Britain" is situated at Millbank on the river Thames while "Tate Modern" is situated in the former Bankside power station also along the river Thames but in the opposite direction of travel on the South bank of the river.It was a long walk along the banks of the river Thames towards Shakespeare "Globe Theatre" but definitely not a boring walk in the lively holiday atmosphere along the estuary. There were numerous "Street artists" performing their "Madame Tussuad" type statue displays of famous celebrities along the side-walks as also dance and musical troupes. An artist posing as a "Charlie Chaplin Statue" was absolutely vivid in his portrayal of the World famous tramp who originated from London's slums.Saw a group of "BMX cyclists" demonstrating their skills in a building garage situated alongside the Thames, something i only saw on television back home in Mumbai.Finally reached the "Tate Modern Art gallery", a very ordinary looking building externally, akin to a residential apartment but colossal from the interior.The collections at the "Tate Modern Art gallery" consist of International modern and contemporary art dating back from 1900AD onwards, hence the word "Modern".Although a regular visitor to the "Jehangir Art gallery" as well as other local art galleries in Mumbai the word "Modern Art" has always baffled my logic of "Art Appreciation". I always wondered the reasons for lakhs or crores of rupees being spent by billionaires on the purchase of a canvas painting depicting a few undecipherable bold paint strokes, most notably by Maqbool.Fida.Hussain in India and by Pablo Diego José Francisco de Paula Juan Nepomuceno María de los Remedios Cipriano de la Santísima Trinidad Clito Ruiz Picasso , better known to the World as as Pablo Ruiz Picasso . My main reason for visiting "Tate gallery of Modern art" was to try to understand the meaning of "Modern Art" as well as the thought process of the artists indulging in "Modern Art" and "Sculptors". The "Free entrance" to the Tate collection is for displays on levels three and five of the building while level four houses large contemporary exhibitions and level two houses small works by contemporary artists.The "Turbine Hall" on the ground floor welcomes visitors to a building that was once a "Power Generation station" , now converted into a "Modern Art Building".The special paid exhibition on the fourth level was titled "Exposed Voyeurism,Surveillance and the Camera", very apt to "21st century of living" with the word "privacy" being made redundant. The entrance to this exhibition was 10 pounds and i would have viewed it if time permitted. It was already 1600 hrs and almost time for closure of the gallery and hence hurriedly viewed the "Free Exhibitions" on the third and fifth levels, getting to view and understand famous Western modern artists like Andy .Warhol,Roy. Lichtenstein and Pablo.Picasso besides a host of less familiar names.There was also an excellent exhibition titled "Red Star over Russia" which displayed "Communist propaganda art" during the "Cold war era", now extinct and a "collectors item". Some of the "Exhibits" if not displayed in the "Tate Art Gallery" would resemble "Scrap clothing" or "Waste Metals" as also one of the "Video exhibitions". This video would be "Pure pornography" if shown outside the "Tate Art gallery" premises, hence giving valuation to the term , "PORNOGRAPHY IS IN THE EYES OF THE BEHOLDER"!. Ultimately, "Modern art" is a depiction of the artists view of a subject or portrait, hence, vulgarity to someone could be aesthetic beauty to another.No wonder ,"Modern Art" is something you either hate or like, no two ways about it.I personally feel that the "undecipherable/Interpretation" aspect of 'Modern art' is one of the reasons for its stupendous prices and importance.From the "Tate Modern art gallery" returned back to the "London eye" queue also meeting a few Indian tourists from Calcutta. After approx half an hour in the queue, my turn of boarding the "London eye" capsule arrived.A brief "Security Check" was conducted during which i had to deposit a can of "Heineken beer" at the boarding counter as drinks were not allowed on board the "London eye".The "London Eye" at 135 metres(443 feet) is the tallest "Ferris Wheel" in Europe and the most popular "Paid Attraction" in the United Kingdom, hence the long serpentine queues.The wheel carries 32 air-conditioned egg-shaped sealed capsules, each carrying 25 passengers free to roam within the capsule. An entire revolution of a capsule takes approx 30 minutes and gives the visitor a classic "Birds-eye View" view of London city.One of the land-mark buildings distinctly visible from the "London eye" is a "Rocket shaped" blue colored conical skyscraper. This building is the 40 storey "30 St Mary Axe" building also known as the "Gherkin", a imposing structure unique to the London skyline built on the former site of the "Baltic Exchange" building which was damaged in an "I.R.A" bombing in 1992.This building has featured in numerous 21st century movies having also been voted the World's most admired building in 2006.After completion of the half hour "London Eye" ride, collected my beer can at the departure lounge and made my way towards "Piccadilly circus". Visited "Trafalgar Square" crowded with tourists and holidaymakers, the London weather being excellent and sunny. Rested at the steps of the famous "Eros statue" of "Piccadilly circus" crowded with tourists, totally fatigued from an entire day of "Tour-De-London walks"!After refreshing myself from the brief rest at the "Eros Footsteps" made my way towards "China Town", the entire "West End" and "Soho" locality being familiar "Adda's" during my entire stay in London.Later, on arrival in Mumbai and on checking the "Internet" for the description of some of my photo's i was surprised to note that manny of the ordinary looking restaurants in "Soho Locality" were a part of "World History"!Dinner was "Chinese Buffet(8 pounds)" at a local Chinese restaurant in "China Town". After the sumptuous dinner which consisted of sea food consisting of "shell fish" and 'Prawns' made my way to "Piccadilly circus" train station and boarded the tube to "Kings Cross Station". Reached "Clink-261" hostel at approx 2130 hrs and went into my bed for a nights rest, the only time i used my accommodation.Now readers would understand the reason i spend the minimum of my tour budget on accommodation, i am never at "Home" while on tours!

"WEST END OF LONDON" :- If a Theatre addict then make a pilgrimage to "WEST END OF LONDON".

MONDAY(31-5-2010):- The last day of my stay in London before departure to Mumbai.Woke up at approx 0430 hrs as usual, the earliest riser amongst the 16 co- hostelites, a habit since decades. As mentioned, this dormitory was a combination of boys and girls living in the same accommodation, hence, i was initially embarrassed and apprehensive about the thought of undressing/dressing in public, something very normal in an "All Mens Dormitory".Thankfully, being an early riser, all the co-hostelites were fast asleep in their individual beds while i unchanged , had a bathe and refreshed.Besides, akin to me most of the dormitory residents , both, boys and girls were using the place only as a source of accommodation, never spending hours inside the dormitory.Planned my days schedule using my bed as a desk not having the luxury of a table, a real experience of living life under different conditions, cultures and climates.After breakfast at 0800 hrs in the common hostel mess made my way out of "Clink 261" to begin another day of a "Solo walking tour of London". As a "Sherlock Holmes" fan since childhood, devouring all his novels and even watching his serial episodes on television, a visit to London would be incomplete without a visit to the "Sherlock Holmes Museum".En-route to "221b Baker Street" i spotted a landmark cylindrical tower in the distance, a prominent landmark of London. On inquiries i was told that it was the "British Telecom Tower" built in 1965 which once had a revolving restaurant at its top. The restaurant was a victim of "I.R.A terrorism" in 1971 and hence was closed for decades but plans to reopen it for the 2012 London Olympics have been published.The city of London seems very safe and free of security restrictions with the least amount of "policing", yet , this same city has faced numerous terrorist attacks in recent years, most recent being the "Islamic Fundamentalist serial Bombings" on 7 th July, a bizarrely copycat terrorist act akin to the "Mumbai serial blasts".
The walk to "221 Baker street" was long and tedious, but tolerable in the cold british weather. On approaching Baker street was greeted by a giant size statue of "Sherlock Holmes" erected on the footpath akin to a prominent World citizen or British politician,something unique for a fictional Hero. Author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle realised later that he had created a "Frankenstein Monster" in "Sherlock Holmes" and even "Killed" him in one of his novels, "The Final Solution", only to later bring him back to life on "Public Demand".The very fact that a statue of "Sherlock Holmes" stands at Baker Street, a instantly recognizable character whilr few people actually know the physical looks of his human creator, Sir Arthur .Conan.Doyle. Of course, the fact is that both "Sherlock Holmes" and his creator Sir Arthur Conan Doyle are interwowen in each others destiny, forever linked to each other..Further down the road at the corner of the street was the World's most famous detective address "221b Baker street". The "Sherlock Holmes Museum" is located in a building which was registered as a "Lodging house" from 1860- 1934, the same era that Sir Arthir Conan Doyle penned his "Sherlock Holmes Novels", hence lends authenticity to the museum.This house was built in 1815 and is a Grade-2 heritage building in London, hence can't be demolished.According to the novels, Sherlock.holmes and Dr Watson lived at "221 b Baker street" from about 1881-1904 ,being lodgers of Mrs Hudson.This museum was opened to the public on 27th March 1990 , although the address "221b Baker Street" has been a world-wide address to readers of detective fiction.At the entrance of the museum was an "Actor policemen" dressed resplendantly in the "London Bobby" uniform.The entrance fee to the museum was 6 pounds and after paying the same took a few photographs along with the "Actor policeman" wearing the "Sherlock Holmes cap" and smoking his trademark pipe.
Detective and Court case" novels have always fascinated me since chilhood, being a total "Bookworm" as my generation didn't have access to either the "Internet" or "cable telivision".My middle-class parents couldn't provide me a "wealthy pocket money allowance" during my non-employment years and hence making up for lost time by "Solo Backpacking" and leisure tours after becoming moderately self-sufficient financially.Leisure during my growing and study years was either outdoor sports, library reading or movies with an occasional yearly holiday to my parents ancestral home in Mangalore .In Mangalore i would learn basic swimming in the rivers as well as indulge in a bit of "Air-gun hunting" with my cousins in an era when wild-life was still not critically endangered and outdoors explorations was a part of common youth activity and entertainment.Today, "Trekking" and "Solo-backpacking" is my passion as far as out-door sports is concerned, a costly and dangerous hobby but something that keeps the adrenalin flowing.The longevity of "Sherlock Holmes" novels through different generations of readers is due to the fact that the novels are simple with authentic suspence and believable characters that could exist in any society at any given time or era.In Police academies all over the World, "Shelock Holmes" is used as text book study for crime reasoning and deduction.If destiny had not played a major role in moulding me into a "Marine Engineer" than i would heve definitely become an advocate, fulfilling my desires for "Crime,Fraud detection and prevention".On entering the first floor of the "Sherlock Holmes Museum" was absolutely surprised at the authenticity of the "Sets",an absolute replica of 19th/20th century Victorian London.One felt of being in an ancient vintage cottage rather than a museum and a complete collection of Dr Watson and Sherlock Holmes daily accessories were on display. The "Museum cottage lodging" consisted of 3 storeys, the topmost being the typical English attic.In one room were portraits of some "Infamous criminals and Rogues" of Sherlock.Holmes era as also the statue of his most famous adversary, professor Moriarty.Photographed the entire "Sherlock.Holmes museum", satisfying one of my childhood fantasies.Finally, departed from the museum after signing the "Sherlock Holmes Guestbook", memories for posterity.
My next agenda was to visit "Abbey Road", the "Zebra Crossing" made famous by the "Beatles" in their album titled "Abbey road".On the way to Abbey Road passed along the "Lords Cricket stadium", the Mecca of world Cricket.It was the start of the first day of a 5 day cricket test match between England and Bangladesh and hence a queue for day tickets to the match. On reaching "Abbey road" was surprised at the simplicity of the location of one of the "Beatles" best album covers. A few tourists were taking photographs of the famous "Zebra Crossing" poster and i also got myself photographed in the footsteps of the "Beatles', a group that shaped my generations English music tastes along with Elvis.Presley and Cliff.Richard. Photographed myself in front of "Abbey Studio's", its boundary walls sribbled with beatles fan Graffitti.From "Abbey road" walked down "Church Street" and came across a typical weekday "London bazaar", roadside "hawker stalls" set up along the street selling cheap clothing, durables and edible commodities.Visited the "william Hill" bookmakers shop at "Church street" and as usual, the shops telivision screens were busy relaying the local dog and horse races , besides other lesser betting sports to the "Betting public".I was surprised as to the amount of various legalised trademark "Betting Shops" in London, situated in every locality, most famous being "Ladbrokes" and "william Hill", unbelievable for the City's population.The easy access to legalised "Betting shops" as well as "Sex Shops" in England hasn't made most of the population bankrupt or totally amoral.The average Britisher has a very high standard of living, a advertisement for economic harmony in a diversity of legally permissable sin pleasures. Thankfully, all "Betting shops" also publish free leaflets that preach against the ill-effects of excessive "Gambolling Addiction" and i did bring home to Mumbai one of these leaflets, a reminder of my own excessive addiction to speculations.Walked across "Church Street" towards Edgware Road and then upto 'Marble Arch' near Hyde Parka, a real marathon distance and a test of my physical fitness.The statue of an inverted head of a horse is a landmark attraction at "Marble Arch", utterly bizarre.A group of evangelists were giving a speech on the virtues of "Hope" at the famous "Speakers Corner" public platform situated at the corner of Hyde park, a World famous dias for free public speech.Famous Influential World personalities who have spoken or attended "Speakers Corner" speeches include communist leaders Karl.Marx, Freidrick.Engels and V.I.Lenin to name a few of the 20 th century's monumental destiny changers. "Speakers Corner" is more powerfull than any "World University" since there are no "Entry Restrictions", no rules of "Intellectual certification" and most important, no "Class discriminations". In other words, any "Common Man" with an idea or thought within the jurisdiction of the "Lands law" could express themselves on a common pulpit. After a brief hearing of the "Evangelists" discourses at "Speakers Corner" walked across the breadth of Hyde Park towards the "Royal Albert Hall". It was a chill cold cloudy morning and the walk amidst the lush greenery of Hyde Park was a soothing balm to my exhaustion.Rested for a while at "The Serpentine" lake , a beautiful waterway with aquatic birds and an adjoining restaurant situated within Hyde Park.Photographed the beautiful ducks in the lake, absolutely scenic, a mini forest amidst the megapolis city of London.After a brief halt at "Serpentine Lake" made my way towards the "Royal Albert Hall" one of U.k's most recognisable and treasured buildings, the site for International and local performers in the World of music and arts. An advertisement of a 6-day sold-out concert by Mark.Knoffler of "Dire Straits" greeted me at the entrance and on inquiry, the "Entrance tickets" were as exorbitant as the "West End" theatre plays.From the "Royal Albert Hall" walked a few furlongs ahead to the "National History Museum" located on "Exhibition street" where the other two large museums, "Science Museum" and "Victoria and Albert Museum" are also situated.Entrance to the "National History Museum" is free and this museum ,due to its age,having been established in 1881 houses some of the World's oldest collections, including the research specimens of Naturalist scientist Charles.Darwin.
The main hall entrance lobby had a a giant skeleton casting of a Dinosaurous known as "Diplodocus". The museum is massive and would require days for a complete study of various specimens and prescious stones. Viewed the famous "Mauritius Dodo" in the "Birds section" as also other rare birds .Photographed myself with the "T-Rex" model, the head along with its jaws presenting a terrifying sight for humans.Later viewed some of the pescious and semi-prescious stones kept in the "Earths Treasury" section.departed from the "Natural History Museum" at approx 1600 hrs making my way to "Knightsbridge tube station". Recharged my "Oyster Card" with another 5 pounds and boarded the train to "Kings Cross". The exorbitant cost of "Public Transport" in London can be guaged from the fact that although i walked the length and breadth of main London city during my entire 6 day stay, rarely using the "Tube" or "Bus", yet, accumulated a "Oyster Card" bill of 20 pounds(Rs 1400). I must have saved at least 20pounds in travel expences by sightseeing London through my marathon walks which ironically also helped me reduce a bit of my stomache flab, something difficult to maintain at the age of 50.Reached "Clink 261 hostel" at approx 1700 hrs absolutely fatigued from my entire 17 days tour of non-stop travelling, beginning in Mumbai and ending in London.Relaxed on my bed,the dormitory absolutely empty, consumed 2 Heineken beer cans and later went to Kings cross junction to a chineese restaurant ,"Chop chop Noodle bar" for dinner.Dinner consisted of a bowl of rice with beef curry and salads, totally costing 6.50 pounds, the average cost of the cheapest luch or dinner in a normal fancy restaurant.After dinner came back to the hostel and rested for a while, anxious about my departure travel arrangements, something difficult to any "Solo Backpacker Traveller" in a new city.The hostel receptionist had provided me with local bus travel information from Kings cross to Victoria bus coach station. London city has an excellent "Public Transport" system with some buses plying the city 24hrs and i was told that there was a "Night service" bus to Victoria station from Kings Cross.My bus depature from "Victoria coach station" to "Gatwick airport" was scheduled at the unearthly hour of 0330 hrs on Tueday morning, hence the need to reach on time and avoid missing the flight! I decided to leave the hostel early and spend the entire night at "Victoria Coach Station", a lesser risk than trying to catch the "All night" mid-night bus from Kings cross, not sure of its punctuality as Monday was a "Public Holiday" in London. Checked out of "Clink 261" hostel at approx 2130 hrs and made the long walk with my 2 portable bags, approx 15 minutes ,to the "Nos 73" bus stop just opposite "Kings cross" tube station.Boarded "Nos 73 Bus" at approx 2215 hrs and had a comfortable journey to "Victoria Station" reaching at approx 2300 hrs.After alighting the bus had to walk a short distance to the "National Express Coach station". The "passenger terminal" of the coach station was similar to an "Airport lounge" with the buses arriving and departing in a common yard outside the "passenger lounge".It was a very cold night and thankfully the "Coach Passenger lounge" was centrally heated.
TUESDAY(1-6-2010):-Suddenly at 2400 hrs at the stroke of mid-night i noticed a local lounge worker speaking in my direction, confusing me with his accent and wondering whom he was adressing since there were no passengers in my vicinity.He finally came to me and told me to vacate the "Bus coach Lounge" as they closed at mid-night, guiding me to a nearby lounge to spend the night, also checking my ticket.It was a very cold night outside and i was literally shivering, regretting for not wearing a sweater over my shirt, the coat being useless as a cold protection.The temporary "Passenger Lounge" situated opposite the "Main Passenger Lounge" was a dingy room without heating, terribly cold.There were a few individuals along with me including a young Indian couple from calcutta, the husband, an :I.T Professional" based in England.Picked up a conversation with the couple who were waiting for a coach to travel to North England, having missed the earlier coach and hence having to spend a cold night at the "coach station".Later another group of young Indians arrived at the lounge, all "I.T Professionals" working in London and returning from a short holiday to Paris.The "Ticket Inspector" later arrived at the lounge and asked for tickets, booting out one of the passengers sleeping in the lounge, proving that there is no "Free Shelter" in London City.A bizarre drama was being enacted outside the lounge in the cold open yard where the buses arrived and departed, a black Londoner was singing some undecipherable chants non-stop, standing alone in the chilly morning cold.He sang these chants non-stop for a few hours until the first bus arrived sometime around 0300 hrs and was not prevented by either the police or local employees, proving himself as either a mental patient or a freak ascetic.
My coach finally arrived at 0330 hrs and boarded the same, departing "Victoria National Coach station" at 0340 hrs.Arrived at "Gatwick airport bus stop" at 0500 hrs and from there it was another short walk to a building up 2 storeys by escalators to board another "Airport Bus" for the North Terminal of Gatwick Airport.Finally arrived at "Gatwick North Terminal" at approx 0520 hrs, totally fatigued, having not slept for the last 24 hours.
The common passenger terminal at "Gatwick airport" was shabby with very few seats for passengers, the "National Bus coach terminal" at Victoria being much better, strange for an "International Airport".Managed to get seating accomodation on a few vacant seats, awaiting the opening of the "Qatar Airways" check-in counter, having arrived extremely early.The "qatar airways Counter" finally opened office at 0630hrs and i confirmed my ticket(FL QR 76) to Doha at 1015 hrs.Checked-in my 2 baggages which totally weighed 18 kilos, the permissible limit being 20 Kilos.After collecting my "Boarding Pass" made my way into the "security check Counter", a real headache in times of living in a paranoia terrorism era. Boarding time for the aircraft was 0900 hrs and hence window-shopped away my time at the "Duty-free" shopping arcade, massive and well stocked with luxury and consumer durables.Having a weakness for chocolates, decided to purchase the same at the "Gatwick Duty free" shop as i found that chocolates were of a better quaity and also comparitively cheap in U.K. Purchased about 25 pounds worth of chocolates, my only shopping during the entire tour,the other purchases being a few cheap "Curio Souveneirs" from every city visited, memories for another day if i reach "Old-Age". My house in Mumbai is overcrowded with "Memorablia collection", besides,"Post 1991 economic Liberalisation" in India, the best of luxury and semi-luxury branded items are available in Mumbai.Boarded the plane at 0900 hrs, questioned at the entrance by two plain clothes policemen as to the reasons for my visit to England, another after effect of "World Terrorism Paranoia". The plane was half empty and took -off punctually at 1005 hrs.The 6 1/2 hour flight to Doha was pleasant and the next window seat being vacant could comfortably stretch my legs and relax, having not slept for over 24hrs! Reached Doha at 1630 hrs(London time) and had to again undergo the "Security Checks" for the transit flight to Mumbai.After the "Security Check" went over to the "Duty-Free Lounge", excellent for "Luxury watches and cameras" and other consummable products, finally purchasing 2 whisky bottles.The boarding time for the "Doha-Mumbai QR 200" flight was 2050hrs(Qatar Time).While "Checking-in" at 2050 hrs was stopped at the entry gate by the "Qatar Airways ticket attendant" and told to wait along with a few other passengers. I was confused as to the reasons for preventing me from boarding the flight and on inquiry with a few other frequent air- travellers was told that the "Economy Class" from Doha was excessively full while there were vacant seats in the "First Class lounge", hence a possible upgradation from an "Economy Ticket" to a "Business class ticket"! After waiting for approx 15 minutes the "Qatar Ticket attendant" handed a few of us our boarding tickets which accomodated us the "First Class lounge",the first time in my life that i ever travelled by "First Class" on "Air Travel". The plane was full as are most of the flights from "Gulf Country's" to India and was fortunate to be allocated a "First class seat" although possessing a "Economy class ticket". My seat was right in front, the first seat from the cockpit and real luxury, only 2 seats in a row. The co-passenger was an elderly N.R.I lady from the U.S.A, a teacher by profession who had been to London on a holiday and was passing through Mumbai for a short holiday on her way back to the U.S.A.The entire journey from Doha to Mumbai was excellent having picked up a good conversation with my co-passenger, understanding a bit of the U.S.A, its terrorism paranoia about Muslims post 9/11 and their "Education System".Had a "Bloody Mary" cocktail , reminisces of my recent visit to the "Tower of London", although the drink has its origin in the 20th century and named "Bloody" becaise of its red colour, nothing to do with the infamous horrors at "Tower of London".Dinner was some exotic Arab dish containing fish, as i preferred fish to either chicken or lamb, although the dish proved insipid to my taste, unused to bland food. Arrived at Mumbai airport at approx 0345 hrs and after the immigration check, collected my baggage and walked out of the airport.Walked a few metres onto the road and boarded an autorickshaw as taxis were unavailable unless pre- booked at the airport taxi terminal.The rickshaw driver agreed to transport me upto Bandra highway from where i could next catch a taxi as rickshaws are not allowed to ply within Mumbai city.Finally reached home at approx 0500 hrs, absolutely tired from almost 36 hrs of sleeplessness, after-effects of travelling and jet-lag.
Solo Budget backpacker tourists and hikers please remember to plan your trip according to the climatic region of the Country or city to be visited.Winter holidays in Europe are dangerous for commuting due to snowfall although more pleasurable due to the festive Christmas and New Year season. December 2010 winter has been the worst in a 100 years in England with both Heathrow and Gatwick airport remaining closed for a few days, besides, road and rail traffic also faced disruptions due to snowfall. Imagine being stranded at Haethrow or Gatwick airport on a shoe-string budget where hotels cost a minimum of 100 to 200 Pounds!In hindsight, my "Solo-backpackers Tour of London" in May 2010 was a real pleasurable and educative tour, broadening my views and outlook of life in a "First world City".

Thursday, June 17, 2010

"London City ":- A Solo backpackers adventures and discoveries:- Seafarer/Blogger/Backpacker Rudolph.A.Furtado.

In "Soho Bar", the "Nightlife of London".

Outside the "Lyric theatre" in "West End".