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| I did not plan to go to anywhere accept Oxford. I really did not have any specific plan either on what to do while in the United Kingdom. Things just happen as it was and I'm very glad that it turns out to be such a memorable experience. I arrive in Heathrow airport, London at about 8.00am local time. I scrutinize the airport architecture. Hmmm. Nothing special to note. It's definitely very big. I had to walk quite a bit before finally arriving at the immigration check point. I was very calm and compose as if I know where to go, what to expect etc. I even surprise myself sometimes! |
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I do encounter small problem when I was at the immigration counter. The
officer seems eager to spoil my trip. He begins by asking a lot of provocative
questions. Initially I though it was routine questions. On the other hand,
when he left his table with my passport to confide with the other officers
while showing my passport around, I began to feel intimidated. He ask me
details about my planned trip and keep repeating the same question (maybe
to check on the consistency of my answer!). With whom I planned to stay
and for how long. I showed him my returned ticket. I show him the travellers
cheque that I had brought along. I gave him Muzammil's address. He seems
not convinced when I explain to him that I'm a student, visiting a friend
during school holiday and definitely not interested in overstaying. Finally
(after about half an hour) he let me go.
After picking up my luggage I met with Muzammil who was waiting for me at the arrival hall. When I mention to him about the small problem I encounter at the immigration counter, he offer me an explanation. At that particular time, Malaysia was having a diplomatic row with The United Kingdom and the issue were played out in the media. It was about a policy of 'buy British last' announced by the Prime Minister when Malaysia was accused of accepting bribes from British firms in order for them to secure military contracts. That might influence some of the officer to take certain action on Malaysian as a whole. We
talk about it on the bus. I sometimes become a bit emotional when Muzammil
mention of some incidents (like letter not delivered to them) that happened
to them because of the diplomatic rows.. Few times Muzammil had to cautious
me to low my voice because it might offended the other passengers!
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went to London from Oxford with Ida on a bus. We took the tube and stop
at Marble Arch station. From there, we just walk. We visited London Natural
History museum, The Trafalgar Square, walk along the river Thames until
we reach the Parliament Building and The Big Ben. We took the tube to go
to Bond Street, so I can confirm my ticket. After that we walk to the Piccadilly
Circus, Trafalgar Square and the Royal Albert Hall. Then we went to The
Waterloo Station to take a train to Steadford to visit Ida's sister.
I was a bit disappointed with London actually. It did not appeal to me as I had expected. The streets are dirty (at least to me). The architecture is nothing to shout about. The classical building become monotonous sometimes. The people are un friendly (well, I did expect this though) However I do like The Natural History museum. The interior of the building surprises me. I attributed this to the fact that I went to Oxford first before visiting London and I tend to compare both cities. Oxford is of course very beautiful. Clean, fresh, and really what I had anticipated ... and more. |
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arrived in Oxford at about 11.00am. It is beautiful. Oxford did not deviate
so much from the way I imagine it should be. From the bus station, we walk
to take a bus to The Slade where Muzammil stays. Muzammil share the house
with Ida, Zaidi and a Malaysian couple and their daughter (don't ask me
their names; I don't remember!). Zaidi was out so I spend my afternoon
talking to Ida and Lili. I still had not adjusted to the cold English weather.
All of them laugh at me when they saw me wearing thick sweater (it was
summer) even in the house!
Muzammil's room. Lili myself and Muzammil (just
woke up) The other people in the room were Zaidi and Obli sitting in front
of the computer.
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saw Embong and Zaidi from the bus on the way to The Slade. I did not know
them well when they were studying in ITM. However after just a short meeting,
we become very close. In fact I spend most of my time with Embong and Zaidi
rather than Muzammil. He was busy with his final project. Words get around
fast that someone from Malaysia come for a visit. Soon, almost every Malaysian
in Oxford come to see me and ask me about Malaysia and ITM. Oxford had
a large community of ex ITM student doing their Diploma (equivalent to
1st degree) and Masters . Sometimes we fondly refers Oxford Brooks University
as ITM Oxford Branch.
Since Muzammil was busy with his project, the other Malaysian took turns to show me around Oxford. First Mastura, Ida and Lili took me shopping. The next day, Zaidi shows me around the city's colleges. After that, Embong brought me to the river and country side. |
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| I went to Bristol with Zaidi. I don't know why we choose to visit this
town. There is nothing special here. However, we went there on a day trip
by bus. The drive there were pretty interesting. We passed through beautiful
country sides and town like Bath.
We walk around, took photograph and talk(?). The highlight of the trip is the suspension bridge (I can't remember the name of the bridge though) and the light house on a hill overlooking the city and a deep valley. The view from the bridge is breathtaking. We did had an adventure though. Several time we took the wrong city bus. The bus drivers were very helpful to the extend of calling their colleague on the... phone? walkie-talkie? Whatever you call those communication devices on the bus..., to make sure the next bus will pick us up and bring us back to the city centre. Bristol town centre, Bristol University, A monument in the suburb and The Bridge. |
| Besides the Architecture School, the other department in Oxford Brooks had already closed for the Summer holiday. The University organized trips and excursions for the foreign students (who stays around). One of the trip was to the Isle of White. Muzammil's friend (the one that I don't remember his name) had a ticket but change his mind about going. So he gave it to me. |
| I don't know anybody on the bus (obviously). However, it's very easy
for me to get to know the other Malaysians, Singaporean and Indonesians
on the bus (about 9 of them). The ferry ride across the English channel
were interesting. The island itself is not. One of the stop is the beach
area where a lot of people were sun bathing. For me, I did not consider
it as a beach at all. It's just sea water... meets land!
Of course the other foreign students seems to enjoy themselves (especially the Europeans). They also enjoy the stop to a bowling alley (?). Well, maybe because there was no bowling alley in Oxford. I like the traditional English village we visited with it's narrow streets, cottages and church tower. There is also a 'miniature' versions of it (see photo). So cute. |
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