Sister number 3 and I did a two-night stay in London. The idea was to spend ‘we’ time together. Leisurely do or don’t do stuff. Maybe, revisit places that we visited when I first came to London over 40 years ago. That long ago, yes. Hmm.

This was after a day trip to sister number 1 and family in Ipswich, which took a lot longer than the usual under two-hour journey from Kent because of accidents and flooding on the roads, a one week holiday in Great Yarmouth, meeting up with friends, and attending my husband’s niece’s wedding over the weekend. Plus, squeezing in my niece number 1 on the Monday morning before our train ride to London. Phew. Sounds like a lot. Yes, it probably was.

Anyways, sister number 3 booked us into a two-room apartment in the heart of the city. It was walking distance from Charring Cross station, which made it walking distance to Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden, Leicester Square and Chinatown. Facing our first floor apartment was another hotel and a police station. Below us was a pub, which my husband informed us later, was a meeting place for his friends and him when he worked in London. There were many other pubs, retail shops, restaurants, cafes, and bakeries. Also close by were theatres, galleries, and museums.

It was a hive of activities. There were people everywhere including workers doing something with scaffolding. Vehicles – cars, delivery trucks, waste/bin collectors, police cars –  plying, parking, reversing, and waiting along the narrow streets/lanes. Sister number 3 and I, when we were not out exploring, sat in our living room and kitchen, and watched the goings-on with our cups of tea. We commented that my mum would have loved it. When she was well, she used to look out of her condominium at the Light Rail Trains (LRTs) and offered commentaries on whatever that was happening at street level. She stood on her balcony, tended to her aloe-vera plants, and watched the traffic along Jalan Tun Razak.

For me, it was like being at home. One of the downsides of living in KL city is the incessant noise. Noise that is less noticeable during the day mainly because I’m awake but bothersome at night because I want to sleep. Sister number 3, who generously offered me the on-suite bedroom, slept on a sofa bed in the living room, which was closer/faced the streets. She was kept awake mostly by waste/bin collectors, who seemed to work all night. The continuous sounds of beeping, wheeling, and clanging of glass/waste/rubbish as they were collected and tossed into the cavity of the trucks, were too disruptive for sister number 3. She lives in a quiet suburb.

That was the main negative. Admittedly, sleep deprivation pretty much dampens mood and stamina for most things. Thankfully, we had only one definite touristy plan in place. So, kudos to sister number 3, who was ready to push on. Having lived and worked in London for many years, she knew the workings and geography of the city.  

My highlights with sister number 3 were her company, the Sky Garden, and discovering and rediscovering different parts of London. She and I have travelled together to other countries and have been up to London on day trips but never stayed in the city. That made it extra special. We could go anywhere and return at any time. No rush. No travelling involved.  

Our first stop was the Sky Garden. Sister number 3 had made us a reservation as it was required for entry, albeit free. I enjoyed the lush three-storey glass encased garden, located on the 43^rd floor of the modern looking Walkie Talkie building. The garden even had banana trees and presented panoramic views of London’s iconic skyline. We managed to identify a few landmarks. Yay. And, the nicest bit was that top of the world feeling from such a stratospheric vantage point.

Next was the rediscovery of the wrought iron and glass roof/structure of the Leadenhall Market. I’ve been to this covered market years ago. It was worth the walk just to re-gawk, and marvel at its ceiling/roof and cobbled floors. Wow.

Our aimless meander, which was a huge, fun part of the getaway, resulted in my/our discovery of Threadneedle Street. Home to financial institutions like the Royal Exchange and The Bank of England, the buildings and architecture in the area were distinguished. Even the ‘Cat and Mouse’ pub looked grand.

Of course, no trip or stay in London is complete without going to the theatre. We watched, ‘I wish you well: The Gwyneth Paltrow Ski-Trial Musical.’  A fast-paced, funny show about a ski accident between Gwyneth Paltrow (the actress) and Terry Sanderson (a retired optometrist). Terry sued Gwyneth US$300,000 and she countersued for US$1, and won. Okay’ish.

Thank you, Sinnavan. I will long remember this holiday.