I was a victim of my fickle-mindedness recently. Perhaps that happens when you have way too much time in your hands. The days seem to blur and the future becomes distant. The original plan was to go to Tokyo in October but pivotal circumstances led me to a different course. The idea of going back to Europe then presented itself. It was timely. I thought: "This would be the best time to rekindle my love affair with Europe". (FYI, this blog came to be because of my crazy stories in Europe. Click this LINK to read more). A couple of months ago, while studying for my board exams in Starbucks, a random and unassuming fortune teller did tell me that I would be in Europe again this year. Yes, I believe in such "gifts". You see, she was right.
I started with the UK visa first since I was not able to include that during my last Euro trip. I found myself fixing all my requirements for this visa - a process I considered as unpleasant. You have to force yourself to do it. We hurriedly submitted the application and after a few days, we finally got our UK VISAs! Our passports were delivered to our condo in 3 days. Fast, eh? The British Embassy was also generous to give a multiple entry valid for 6 months.
The process was not as complicated as I expected (I'll write a more detailed description on How to Get a UK Visa later). All you have to do is fill up their application form online and you can book your appointment after (via call center or online). On your appointment date, go to their Visa Application Center where you would submit your printed application form, passport and supporting documents. The only problem is that you'll find out if your visa has been approved when you get your passport. A text message or email will say: A decision on your visa has been made by the British Embassy. The waiting game unfortunately commences. Patient is not my strong suit.
I'm grateful that all my travel plans are taking shape. I still have to get another VISA but I'm hoping we'll have no problems with that. For now, I'm ecstatic knowing that my UK Trip will push through. I have personal reasons for going there.
If you have been there, can you suggest something new to do or see? Ill probably be visiting places outside London too. Looking forward to hearing from you. One thing is certain though. I want to see Stonehenge!
Now, where can I find another fortune teller? Teehee!
Shengen visa, you're next.
For more information about UK VISA, click this link
21 comments:
Grandeur is here again! Love!
You're going to London? Wow!
Yes I am! Planning more trips...Ill reveal everything soon.
Let's see if I can suggest something. It depends how long you plan to stay...
In London:
- Brick Lane (always amazing, but crazy during the Sunday market)
- Columbia Road Flower Market (every Sunday)
- Visit St. Paul inside
- Saatchi Gallery
- Borough Market (for lunch - check in which days it's on)
- Regent's park
- Old Spitafield Market (near Liverpool Street station)
- Thames path from Tower Bridge to Westminster (especially at night if it's not too cold)
- Degas exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts (should be still on, but you might want to check to be sure)
- V&A
- Lunch sitting in a park
And there's still so much to say, but let's think of something outside London:
- Oxford! BEAUTIFUL!
- If you go to Stonehenge, you'll go to Salisbury as well (that's the town where the train goes and then you can take a bus that goes to S and another historical place). This town is super nice!
- Hampton Court Palace - STUNNING!
- If you have time, plan some days in Cornwall - I've been to Penzance and from there you can take a bus tour that takes you in wonderful places. The water is so blue! It's a paradise!
- York is supposed to be really nice.
- Canterbury as well.
- DO NOT go to Nottingham - it's horrible.
This is what I can say from experience :D
Hope you'll enjoy.
xx
Dida! Thank you for all your suggestions. I trust you completely. lol. I think im going to be there for at least 10 days. then maybe I can be back next year. I just wish you were still in London.
Hope to see you in Milan!
xoxo
London is one of my favorite destination, been there siguro 9 times since 2004 and naexperience ko lahat ng season,last trip ko was November 10-28, 2010.
Being a tourist,mas gusto ko pumunta pag summer kasi madaming mapupuntahan lalo na beaches, Paignton Beach in Devon, is really beautiful, tawag nga nila English Riviera...its 7-8 hrs travel by bus from Victoria Bus Station.
If u love bargain hunting, I suggest Sunday Market in East London..or kung may budget nman sa Oxford St na.
About eating nman, like most of the people mas prefer ko take away (Take-out)para walang tax...
Pag 1st timer, i suggest to take the London Bus Tour para makita mo lahat ng Tourist Spots around London.
I will be there next year for the London Olympics 2012.
Have a safe trip! enjoy!
~~~ sissy pearl
I love all the recommendations sissy! Ill definitely take them all into account when Im planning my trip already.
Thanks again!
btw, if u are planning na bumalik sa London,for your transportation, i suggest you to buy Oyster Card, tapos top up ka n lang ng top up everytime nasa London ka,wala nman expiry, mas makakamura k kc than buying a day trip ticket, pede sya sa underground station & bus na.
~~ sissy pearl
Alright Ill do that. Im probably going to be back for the Olympics too.
Thanks again sissy!
have a nice trip! :)
jam
http://diaryofamodernmariaclara.blogspot.com/
Thanks Jam!
Pasalubong !!!
My pasalubong will be stories for all of you. :)
congrats and good job! Sa Olympics ka ba punta? If ever makakuha ka ng Shengen visa,kindly blog about the details. We're planning to visit the 21 european countries in span of 2 months:)
hi killerfillers! No im not going to the olympics. that's next year pa. haha. I already got a Shengen Visa before.I can probably blog about it when I find the time. 21 countries in 2 months can be overwhelming! haha. Enjoy!
congrats! wish that could be in my 'places to go to next year' list!
Hi Gladys! Thank You! Always believe in the saying. If there's a will, there's a way.
Congratulations! I'm glad to hear that you're embarking a trip to the UK na. I need to blog about my adventure within the week since three PTB members are going and i MIGHT go this November or December. *fingerscrossed*
Here's what i have so far http://www.senyorita.net/tag/united-kingdom/ Happy Trip!
I know Mica! It's about time. Im making the most out of my vacation. haha. Hopefully your trip pushes through in Nov/Dec. Cge, I'll check your blog.
try vancouver!!
Im sure I will. Soon, Hansel. :)
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