bennyong.comRoyal Self Worshipper

That is what I saw scribbled in snow on the front of a car. When I woke up this morning, I could see the owner warming up the engine. After breakfast, I took a peak at the balcony and saw that he has abandone his effort. Apparently the driver has given up as the snow became heavier. Oh Well. Am attempting to head to work as normal but am hoping the snow fall will be lighter before I head off.

Well, only less than 5 weeks before I return to sunny Malaysia. Can’t wait!

After hearing the people in the office talking about severe weather warnings, it came in full force after I got home. Will try and take a picture while walking to work tomorrow to show the full scale of the weather impact! Below are pics from my apartment window.

I am freezing here!

I attended this years parade anticipating to see huge balloons like the below but not even one made an appearance. Where have they all deflated to?

However, this year’s event was no short of a crowd, marching bands and cheerleaders. Here is a taster of what is was like (apologies for the single repeating picture from 2004, unsure how to get rid of it from the embedded gallery feature)

Despite the crowd, it was still cold and we left towards the end of the 3 hour long parade that started at noon.

Click here to view the pictures that I have uploaded on my facebook account.

If you want to get a copy of the event on DVD or further details of the upcoming ones, visit the official website.

My third time enjoying this and the crowd is growing year on year, the past countdowns were to welcome in 2004 (I found embarassing videos) and 2005 if I am not mistaken.

I felt as if I just attended the countdown in Hamburg yesterday or even waiting at Taman Titiwangsa for my first Hot Air Balloon ride before it got cancelled due to bad weather (thanks got we got our ride, sorry Angie and JS if you are reading this!)

Here are the crowds building up towards the event. It was absolutely packed during the countdown.

The countdown was by the river thames and the Shell building next to the London Eye acted as a screen where digital numbers appear to start the countdown at from 60 seconds to midnight. The fireworks display was nothing short of amazing. Here is a video of the event as shown to the world by BBC.

It was quite magical in London when it started snowing a bit after the countdown.

Here is crowd control for you! Green Park station jam packed!

We walked all the way from the river banks to the station to head back to Earls Court where our Hotel was.

Will attend the London New Year Parade in a couple of hours. Can’t wait!

Boxing day in London and after a busy day of shopping, what a way to end the evening by watching one of the many theatre shows available. For this evening, we have selected Queen’s We Will Rock You!

Freddie Mercury At The Back

Don’t expect too much from the plot but if you like sing a longs, this is a good show. It tells the tale of a lad named Galileo during an age in the future whereby Music via instruments was banned and all that is available are electronically produced tracks controlled by a giant corporation headed by Killer Queen. Galileo had the gift of singing old tunes (a majority of Queen tracks) which made him a target. Join Galileo in his adventures combined with Queen’s greatest hits on one of the longest running shows in London’s West End. More information is available at their official website.

Christmas day in London and nowhere to go as most stores and attractions are shut. Well, thank god that one tourist attraction in the middle of London City that is open. It is Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum in Piccadilly. It is funny that I am visiting the one in London when there is one back home in Malaysia (One World Plaza in Genting Highlands if you are wondering where!!)

Here are some of the exhibits on display.

One quick fact I got from this is that Ripley’s has a love for oriental stuff that he had a Chinese girlfriend at one time! And a huge sum of the display are from the far east.

It was indeed a fun day but I would probably not return here again as I think it is quite expensive. There is currently a 2 for 1 promotion if you travel by train which is available at daysoutguide.co.uk. For more information about Ripley’s and ticket prices, please visit the official website.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Hyde Park is lighted up at night this year with a large Christmas Fair and Market.

The German Christmas market rivals the ones that I have blogged about in Berlin and also Hamburg. However, the prices are slightly more expensive but you could expect Gluhwein (Mulled Wine) and German Sausages. The fair also featured some rides that I have seem in Hamburg’s Dom. I wonder whether it was the same one that travelled all the way or could it just be another set?

It is a must visit for the festive season!

If you haven’t had a chance to visit, better hurry as it won’t last any longer as it ends on 3rd January! More information is available at their official website!

A designer gathering of outlet stores that usually would not be my cup of tea but I indeed enjoyed my day trip there! There were designer goods from past seasons and collections with massive discounts. As I am not that brand concious (well to a certain extend I have to admit), the trip was more of an eye opener than anything else. To view the stores that are available, it is best to visit their official website.

Bicester Village

You can reach here by train from London Marylebone and the station to look out for is Bicester North. There are frequent Taxi/Bus transfers between the station to the Village. Remember to purchase it as an add on to your train tickets to save time when you reach Bicester North

Shopping is now more of a bargain with the weak currency that gives us the advantage. I would highly recommend people to visit here to get their dose of designer brands without breaking the bank! We were also told by one of the sales person that items goes up to 80% discount on boxing day but unfortunately we were not planning to return but good to be noted by fellow shoppers!

If you are a true bargain hunter like me and would like a value for money lunch, there is a large Tesco nearby whereby you can buy your lunch!

Remember to ask for your Global VAT refund if you are here for holidays as it can turn out to be additional savings.

My first UK Company Christmas Party! I missed the last two due to different reasons. The theme of the event was Hollywood Glamour if you could remember the invite I blogged about previously. It was optional to appear in fancy dress whereby the lot below were much less adventurous.

With some of the more elaborate costumes of the night. Trevor dressing up as a character from Clockwork Orange which happened to be filmed in Aylesbury and of course Tony as Shrek!

All and all, it was a blast and enjoyable evening! Am now ready to usher in 2010!

Btw, There are tons of pictures of the event floating around on facebook. If you have access to my facebook account, you will have the chance to catch some of the action!

We gathered anxiously upstairs of the office near the break out area awaiting our gifts. The GM were singing tunes while passing us our presents and guess what did I get? A microphone as below. The budget of the gift was GBP 5.00 each and it was very thoughtful of the person since I worked in IT. Now I can use this for my voice over recordings for my sites. Should come in handy.

It is the company christmas party tomorrow and I can’t wait. Will be dressing up as a Chinatown Mafia (Actually, a poor excuse for a costume) ; )