No one can be that shallow! Can they?

on the way to London

After being assinged rather dimal seats located towards the end of the plane, I knew we were in for a long flight and the fast approaching hoard of mainland school children only confirmed my suspicions; they were on the same flight. So after an uncomfortable flight with unusually disappointing food, we landed in Hong Kong at 4:30 in the morning and only the warmth of early monring dim sum brought any comfort. After being assigned rather dismal seats located towards the end of the plane, I know that we were in for a long flight, but somehow, we managed to sweet talk the check-in chick and landed what would have to be considered as business-class like seats only in the economy - right at the front economy class where the only noise came from the gallery just in front and the abusive air conditioning; and in hindsight, probably a good thing because this had acclimatised me to the briskly cold weather that is in London.

So as I sit here in this internet cafe, I am periodically gazing out the window and looking at the stunning building that is the Hilton Hotel in Paddington but I'm only staying a block away. I look up every now and then because people walk by; cars go by; buses go by; scooters go by; but above all, it is qutie cosy in here.

As you can probably guess, London is very cosmopolitan and surprisingly, quite clean. It is a paradox of the old and new; stunning Victorian mansions decorated in ultra modern minimalist furniture; wide spacious avenues filled with Mini's, Smarts and hatches; the rich browsing and mingling with the poor; unassuming cafes and Starbucks; gigantic structures built against moments in history. As I watch all of these and more happenings, you can only stand transfixed, fully engrossed in nothing which can only happen in a city like London.

To be able to experience all these things; things that you have read about, seen on television, heard from other travellers is quite undescribale. For me, it is a monentous achievement and one that I hope I can relive and others can experience.

So as my internet time starts to expire, I am placed in a rather uncomfortable position - pay another GBP1 for another 20 minutes or venture unknown into the streets.

posted by tykang @ 2/07/2005 07:25:00 AM