Day 2: London

The first night we slept in London, the kids woke at 445am. Prior to that, William woke at least 3 times before going back to sleep after playing by himself on the bed.

But 445am was the final time he woke and decided that he's not going back to sleep. That was also the time that his sister decided to join in the midnight fun. Since they slept at 4pm UK time, that's like a full 12 hours of rest. And 445am is really 1pm malaysian time to the kids and lunch time.

So we decided to unpack some of the stuff but half the time looking for things. Prepared our travelling bag for the day with 5 baby bottles and milk feeds, enough warm clothings and extra socks, our GARMIN and maps and then bathed the two kids. William bathed first because he was very quiet all of a sudden, and I think he must be too hungry. So after a quick but refreshing bath (the kids last bathed the night before we flew - more than 24hours ago), I gave him some Gorilla Munch organic snacks to eat on the bed whilst I bathed Vic.

We went down to 8th floor for our complimentary breakfast at the Regency Club. I would like to say that this is the best complimentary surprise that we got from the hotel thanks to an acquintance as it helps a lot that we don't have to rush out to look for food.

We had a selection of cereals, different types of milk including soya, buns and breads, cheese, fruits, ham and smoked salmon. We all enjoyed our breakfast as it drizzles outside.

Answered prayers and no rain
Our prayers didn't go unanswered. Weather forecast for the day was rainy, and we checked the weather forecast on tv that morning, that confirmed rain for the day. But God gave us a good day without a single drop of rain when we were out, even sunshine at times and moderate wind. Yes it was cold, even we adults felt cold but I think we were all properly geared. The kids had on their winter hats, gloves and three layers of clothings including a good jacket.

William was like a chubby Japanese baby minus the rosy cheeks which he hasn't yet acquired. He was still in his stroller, soaking in the new places and new faces and cold weather. Occassionally he would indicate to us excitedly when he sees a bus or truck.

We walked to Marble Arch tube station. Not all the tube stations here have invalid facilities so we had to carry William in his stroller up and down the stairs, while Vic walked independently. The crowd at 830am was average. We got ourselves the oyster card that allows us for cheaper rides and the kids travel for free.

Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament
The first place we went to was to see Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. We walked along the River Thames and Vic insisted to ride on the boats. But the journey was for 1.5hour so we told her that we will see other things first. Of course she was upset but then we saw this Big Bus that is a double decker sightseeing bus that goes all around London and we decided to buy two tickets at 50pounds. Until the end of February, they give us two days instead of one because of the unpreditable weather which suits us very fine as we will still be in London the next day.

Westminster Abbey and etc
So we hop on the bus to Westminster Abbey, went into St Margaret's church, then passed 10 Downing Street and stopped at the Horse Guards, just in time to see the changing of the guards at 11am. The kids were in awe to see the majestic horses and the still guards. When we left, they protested a little but we told them there is still so much to see in London.

First souvenir
We stopped by a souvenir shop on the way to Trafalgar Square and Vic bought herself a school kit comprising a pencil case, sharpener, ruler and pencil all for 2.50pounds. Our first souvenir. : )

We had lunch at this little italian restaurant after asking a few others if they could cater to Vic's needs. Vic and William had rice in bolognese sauce with minced beef fried with olive oil. I had the humble but very filling lasagne and hubby had rice in white wine and bacon.

After that, we walked over to the Trafalgar Square where Vic sportingly climbed up to the lions with a little help from mummy pushing her behind. We quickly took photos there and rushed to the nearby bus stop to catch the next Big Bus back to the Westminter pier for a surprise boat ride for the kids.

We rode the City Cruise boat for free with our Big Bus tickets for half an hour to the Tower of London.

At the Tower of London, I thought it'd be nice to eat ice cream in the cold and bought Vic a sausage which she shared with William grudgingly because she claimed she was still hungry. In the end I bought her another sausage which she then happily shared with William. Hubby disappeared to answer nature's call and came back with a surprise ice cream (my second) in cherry flavour for me, appearing on a bended knee (he can be so romantic).

Cock-a-doodle-doo
Vic went chasing the pigeons shouting "Cock-a-doodle-doo". It was such fun to see her laugh and run. Then she pretended to be tired walking sideways. Just as we were waiting for the next Big Bus to bring us to Covent Garden, Vic said she needed to pee and daddy and her hurried back to the Tower of London shops which was quite a far walk back. William and I stayed back waiting for the bus. This little fler, who didn't sleep since 445am in the morning, and close to 12 hours now, got a little lau gai and finally fell asleep in his stroller.

As we got off at Embankment and ready for our 15minutes walk to Covent Garden, it was 330pm and we decided to head back to the hotel instead for both the kids to rest before heading out in the evenings for dinner at Leicester Square.

So back to the tube stations again, and back in the hotel, Vic went to sleep. After my english breakfast tea, I decided to rest awhile but the next thing I knew, I could hardly get up when I heard William cry at 720pm. Told hubby to go down to the Regency Club for his dinner and I will skip mine to continue my sleep.

The kids slept all the way till 3am-ish. Then William got up playful again even after two milk feeds, and I had to put him back to sleep.

London to Cardiff
Today we will pack and check out of the hotel. After breakfast, we will head to Portobello Market which is a popular destination on a Saturday morning. Pray again for good weather.

After checking out, we will take the coach to Cardiff where we will stay for 4 days.