Our trip to UCL- open day 2012 - Part 2

The next morning, we checked out at 9.30 a.m. and had our breakfast at Mcdonald's  then we went to Euston Station to store our hand carry bag and per bag cost us £8.00 per day. From here we went to Camden Market, then Emily had her to go to visit the open day at the university where Alexandra McQueen  graduated. I am not sure whether the University Saint Marins college of Art & Design as we were not invite to go along.

We went to Harrods instead. Shopping for half an hour we decided to take a break at a cafe to wait for them. While waiting for them I took some street photos. Then Emily text Trixiebella to meet her at Oxford Street - Top Shop. In Oxford all the high street stores are having July grand Sales and even Harrods also having the sales on.

Instead of shopping, we waited for them outside the Top shop while waiting for them, I took this opportunity to took some street photos as I have never attempt to do so. After an hour been told they were still trying the clothing we went to Leicester to have our lunch and dinner. It was easy to go to the China Town but unfortunately, we were lost when getting back to the underground station,

Asked for directions,  due some problems with the trains and also rush hours. Our train leave at 6.25 p.m. and Emily and her mum already at Euston Station. Unfortunately for us, we reached the station at 6.35 p.m. and rushed to the platform but the train just closed the doors and we missed the train. Emily and her mum were on the 6.35 p.m. train but we were not.

We been told there will be another train departed at 6.45 p.m. and asked for which platform then went to catch this train. This train reached New Street, Birmingham, then we had to change another train from there to Lichfield which there was no extra charges on the ticket.

Lucky all end well, we reached the Lichfield Trent Valley at 10.45 p.m.  which 3 hours later and my husband came and fetch us back home. Oh! what at night but I have never enjoyed myself so more that if I have to go again then I will be happy to do so again.

Places of Interest: Euston, University College London, Victoria & Albert Museum, Harrods, Camden Market, Oxford, King Cross, Leicester Square - China Town.
Photos: Supplied by Catherine Tan
Dated: 3rd and 4th July 2012

Our trip to UCL- open day 2012 - Part 1

My girl, Trixiebella, had booked an open day appointment with UCL, University College London. on the 3rd July 2012, the opening day.

As her friend Emily and her mum were be going together with us. So we booked the train tickets to Euston, for  a family ticket of 4 at £60.00. Also staying a night in London at Travel Lodge Hotel in King Cross per room at £76.00 per night without internet service which is extra we must pay for this service and breakfast not included either.

As our appointment at 12.00 p.m., we left our house at 8.00 a.m. to catch the 8.45 a.m. train to Euston station which took 2 hours to reach the station. Reached the station in time and we went to Nando's Restaurant for our breakfast and lunch.  It was quite a rush for us before we were able to finish our food, we need to rush to the UCL for the open day. The university about 10 minutes away from the station, so when we arrived there, one of the students from the university lead us to the College of Fine Arts.

We missed the 12.00 p.m. tutorial session, so been told at 12.45 p.m. there will be another session on. With forty minutes to wait, so walk around the surroundings around these university. Love the  surroundings here and the areas not so run down due to it near to the city centre. About ten minutes walk there is the British Museum and another park near these campus.

Unfortunately, we been told that there was some upgrading works on this fine art college and were unable to view the surrounding.  So attend the tutorial session, been told they will accept 200 students portfolios and 40 students will be selected for the next year intake. Then when the students start their studies. There will be 2 choices which 3 years course and 4 year courses. These 3 years course will be more harder than a 4 year courses but I don't really understand why.

The lecturer explained quite in details. Student will be given a studio of their own and they have to produce their ideas and imagination works within  3 days without any guidance by artists or lecturers.  I had nearly fall asleep, lucky before I do, then it was questions and answers times. It was times for us to leave the university.  Then we met our friends at Victoria & Albert Museum.

As we only able to check into the hotel at 3.00 p.m. so we had to carry our overnight  bag with us.  Reached the Museum, Emily and her mum, Mei  were at the jewellery section. We visited the fashions section then Emily visited the night gowns section which cost £10.00 per entrance. That is too much for me especially you are not allow to take any photo. So 3 of us will go round to the museum and Emily will visit the ball-gowns section.

Around 5.00 p.m., we went to King Cross to check in but unfortunately, going the wrong directions and it took us about half an hours to reach the hotel which normally 15 to 20 minutes walk will reach this hotel. There is one nearest to the station which is about 10 minutes walk but ours is the oldest hotel in King Cross so it is further away from the station. The receptionist given us 2 different rooms at 2 different levels. One on the 2nd level and another on the 3rd level. When we check the room at the 2nd floor, we have a shock,  the bedroom windows was opened and the ventilator was directly at the opened window. The room was filled with odour scent from the restaurant at the ground floor.

Went to check the room at the 3rd floor, this one was alright and let my friend and her daughter take this room. I went to the receptionist to make a complaint on the room at the 2nd floor. As been told they don't have any spare rooms so given us two rooms at two different levels. Check me in another room on 3rd floor and also must accompanied the receptionist to the room at 2nd levels to prove it was too smelly to stay for a night.

We rest for half and hours and went to Leicester Square, China Town to get our dinner. After dinner have a walk around China Town but we already been here so we went to London Towers to take the night view. Reached the station and asked for directions to the Pier so that we don't have to walk too far away as all our foots were killing us.

After our walk at around 11.30 p.m., we went to take the underground train and back to the hotel. Emily and my daughter were totally knackered and they walk back to the hotel first. So Mei and me went to get some bottles of drink and fruits for our breakfast the next morning.

To be continued on Part 2.