I have read that the cheapest way to get into town is by taking train, and using regular Oyster card. I bought the card from machine at the train station. When you walk out from baggage claim place, just follow the sign to underground station. Get one regular oyster card, there will be a £5 deposit for the card. However you can get it back when you deactivate the card.
My first stay was at Premier Inn at King cross. I booked that hotel so that it is easier for me to travel to Sheffield the next morning. My conference meeting is at Sheffield. Yes, this trip is my business trip.:D
By the way if you notice my first picture. I have th eintention to include this picture. There is a sign whether each station is convenient for disable people. It's probably not very clear in my picture. But, if you want to make sure that there is elevator so that it's easier for you to carry your heavy luggage, then please find our before you book your hotel. I know King cross is one station which has lift.
It's still early to check into hotel at that time. So, I just left my luggage and then walk around the area. I intend to get a sim card first. I have read through some blogs that suggested not to get the prepaid card from the airport, because it's more expensive. The sim card is usually free, but, because I bought it from a convenient store, they charged 1 poundsterling. Then, I have to topup the card with 10 pounds voucher. So, total cost me 11 pounds. I got "three" network. The seller helped me to subscribe for data plan. 10 pounds for 1 GB data that can be used for 30 days, I think it's enough for my 5 day trip in UK.
Then, I walked to St. Pancras London International station to check where I should go tomorrow morning and also to collect my ticket. After walked around, I found East Midlands trains. I bought the return ticket online, before I traveled to UK. In case if you plan to travel around by intercity train, you should booked it first, because it is much cheaper that way. It costs me about 50 pounds for return ticket to Sheffield. If you buy the ticket the day before, or on the day, the price can be 100-200 pounds. Super expensive!
It was lunch time, so I decided to have my lunch at one of the cafe in the station. This cafe serves organic food. I ordered a meal that includes soup, and bread with smoke salmon. I can't remember the name. The soup is tomato soup. My lunch was delicious. I also ordered a cup of Belgian hot chocolate with soy milk. When I got my order, I thought for a few seconds, how can I drink this hot chocolate? The chocolate and milk were served separately. It suddenly reminded me of my Sydney trip few years back. I went to Guylian cafe, and ordered hot chocolate, they served a separate chocolate with a piece of dark chocolate. Very Interesting...
I poured the chocolate into the hot soymilk. It wasn't very special for the taste wise. Could it be because of soy milk?:D
It was 1 plus after I finished my lunch. So, I went back to the hotel. I was hoping to be able to check in. Good that they have room for me. This hotel is a 3star hotel. But, I think it's really nice. The size is good, knowing that it's in London.
(Premier Inn Hotel at King Cross)
In the late afternoon, I decided to go to Buckingham Palace for a walk. I took underground from King Cross to Green Park station, and just follow the crowd and signs to the palace. I passed by a big grass field. Some people suggest to go there when the guard change duty. But, it's usually in the morning. You should check before you go if you want to see the process.
(Buckingham Palace)
I took a lot of picture there. But I think the above one is the nicest color.:D
From there, I used my phone gps to piccadilly. It's not very far. Probably around 15 minutes. But, I stopped by National Gallery museum on my way there. However, since I am not a museum person, so, I just stayed there for 10-15 minutes, just to get some aircon. There is free wifi in the building. Actually free wifi is everywhere in London!
(Buckingham Palace)
I wasn't sure where to go, but I remember that my colleague suggested me that I should try Four season duck. Since I passed by chinatown area, I then packed one pack of rice with roasted duck and bbq pork. There is also a huge M & M store. Worth to visit.....
(Four season roasted duck and bbq pork rice)
The packed rice was quite big portion. I didn't finish it. It is indeed quite nice. But, after this meal I had very bad sore throat for the rest of my stay in London. It's probably due to the cold, dry and windy weather in London. Oh well...
That's all for my arrival day in London! It was a tiring day..........
Stay tune for my next post!
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