Day 8: Paris / London

24 Dec 2007, Monday

Today is Christmas Eve, according to our tour leader many things might happened...... So we have to be more careful. After breakfast, we reached train station almost 2 hours earlier to check in. However, the train delayed about 1 hour. Anyway, we really can feel X'mas atmosphere, for instance the staff wearing green red, some passenger even wearing X'mas hair bend. Since we no longer using Euro, so we spent the balance syiling by buying snacks and some souvenir at the station.

We enjoyed a ride on the famous EUROSTAR ( http://www.eurostar.com/dynamic/index.jsp) to London St Pancras, it took about 1 hour 30 mins to reach. The price is about 154.50 pounds, so we must on time can't afford to miss it, otherwise, have to pay on our own. Eurostar is a high speed train service primarily connecting London and Kent in England, with Paris and Lille in France, and Brussels in Belgium. In addition to these three-capitals services, there are limited services from London to Disneyland and several seasonal destinations in France. Trains cross under the English Channel through the Channel Tunnel.

The service is operated by a fleet of specially designed eighteen-carriage Class 373 trains which travel at up to 300 km/h (186 mph) on a network of high-speed railway lines. Since the Eurostar service began in 1994, new lines have been built in Belgium (HSL 1) and Southern England (High Speed 1) to the same standards as the LGV Nord line originally used in France, enabling journey times to be progressively reduced. The two-stage High Speed 1 project was completed on November 14, 2007, when the London terminus of the Eurostar service transferred from Waterloo International to St Pancras International station.

Upon arrival we enjoy our 1st western lunch (so far everyday chinese lunch & dinner, eat till scared) - LONDON FISH & CHIPS @ Farmhouse Table Restaurant. I felt nothing special than local one, just the ambience of restaurant is better.

After lunch, we proceed for an orientation tour covering Westminster Palace, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, St Pails Cathedral, London Tower and its famaous Tower Bridge (http://www.towerbridge.org.uk/TowerBridge/English). Completed in 1894, Tower Bridge was instantly hailed as a London icon and one of the great engineering marvels of its age. Come inside to explore its history, uncover its secrets and to enjoy stunning views from its high-level Walkways, situated 42 metres above the River Thames.

Drived along Parliament Square and viewed Westminister Abbey and passing 10 Downing Street towards Tralfagar Square. 10 Downing Street is the residence and office of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and the headquarters of Her Majesty's Government. It is situated on Downing Street in the City of Westminster in London, England. It is actually the official residence of the First Lord of the Treasury, but in modern times this post has always been held simultaneously with the office of Prime Minister.

Queen's Palace opposite 10 Downing Street

Due to tonite is X'mas Eve many restaurants closed or closed earlier, so we hav to take our dinner earlier. End up we have our dinner at London China Town. Last meal of the trip was not included in the package, so we have to pay ourself. Everything is so expensive after convert to RM, so we chosed the most affordable small chinese restaurant and dine there. Wan Tang Mee 4 pounds, chicken noodles 4.80 pounds, dumpling (side dish) 6 pounds. What do you think? Cheap or expensive?