UK Trip December 2015 - Part 04 - Walking along the Thames river and Tower Bridge

Continuation from: UK Trip December 2015 - Part 03 - Walking along Oxford Street

The next morning after an early breakfast (can't sleep after 5:30 am due to jet-lag) we headed towards the centre of London to see the sights. It was a downcast Saturday morning.

The cafes were just opening up for the breakfast crowd.

We took the Tube to the River Thames as there is where a lot of things can be seen that are the hallmark of London.

While waiting for a quick toilet break, I took a photo of my kids.

We were North of the river and we started our great London adventure from London bridge heading South.

The famous Shard Building.

Tower Bridge and the HMS Belfast ship museum.

Kids photos.

Very windy.

While walking we came across this beautiful shopping pavilion converted from old building just beside the river.

Very tastefully done. There were also nice sculptures.

My son resting on one of the many cute circular benches in the pavilion.

The Christmas decorations were up and the spirit of the season was felt. Pity I forgotten the name of this place.

While walking along the London Riverside (this is what this whole area was called), we saw new and old buildings.

HMS Belfast. This is a ship museum that one can go to visit.

My daughter.

My son.

We saw a lot of stalls selling food and other stuff. We were told that this is part of the Christmas celebration where for a month, merchants can rent a stall to sell their products.

Was this the building used in the latest James Bond movie?

All kinds of food staff were there. There was even a Malaysian food stall. Surprisingly, a good proportion of the food stalls served Halal food.

Not much river traffic. Maybe because it was a weekend.

The famous Tower Bridge. A lot of people there as well.

To be continued.

USA Trip 2013: Part 10.1 - Back to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park

[Please refer to previous postings]

The last two days in Anaheim, we will be re-visiting the two Disney parks again. Below is my son decked with a jumper from San Diego Zoo and a cap from Hollywood.

Another brilliant morning. The sky was so blue!

We just enjoyed the morning sunshine. Stopped a while at a public bench to soak in the rays. We decided to have a good breakfast at IHOP before going into Disneyland.

While walking to Downtown Disney, saw this drinking water truck. Note the sign on the door - "Hybrid Electric Truck". So cool!

The main train station at the entrance of Disneyland. Currently under renovation. To not destroy the ambiance they erected a painted canvas screen. Nice of them.

First thing we did was go on the horse tram.

Waiting for the tram to fill with passengers before heading towards the Castle.

The horse. Didn't look happy even in a happy place!!

We then headed towards Frontierland to catch the train that travels around Disneyland. On the way we saw the sailing ship Columbia. We plan to go on this next.

Looks so peaceful. I believe this boat runs on tracks at the bottom of the lake.
 

The railroad station has a number of interesting vintage posters. It is also a very nice quaint station with wooden roof and iron benches.

Lovely background scene.

You can see the New Orleans section.

The train is approaching the station.

Old steam engine train.

All passengers sit facing one side of the coach.

Family photo.

We passed a few attractions that are only specific to the train passangers.

Back to Frontierland. There was a dance troupe performing on the street.

As planned. We went on the Columbia sailing ship attraction.

This is my first time on an old sailing ship.

In the lower decks, saw how cramp the space available for the sailors. Note the very low ceiling.
 

My son peeping through the grating.

The Captain's quarters is always at the back of sailing ships.

Loads of antiques such as muskets and swords were displayed.

A couple of guide dogs were also on board.

As the ship moves, there is a commentary being played.

Very peaceful and quiet. Now I see the attraction in sailing!

Check out the large crows nest at the top of the main mast.

Some animatronics.
  

My daughter.

Back on dry land. A Rhythm & Blues band.

To be continued.