I am Irene C.: iGlobalFootPrint: London Calling (Chapter 1)~

“Just another one champion sound
Yeah Estelle we 'bout to get down
Who the hottest in the world right now
Just touched down in London town…”

-Estelle, American Boy-

Somehow this song always plays in my head when I thought about London. Earlier in May, I did a one week trip to London. Primarily for an integrated care conference at King’s Fund but also to take some time catching up with some friend in London. Boy, I have to say I really enjoy myself during this trip.

People keep asking me “Did you go to London eye?”, “Did you visit the Buckingham Palace?” or “Visited St Paul Cathedral/Hyde Park/St James Palace [fill in the blanks]?” Well… To disappoint all, no, I did not visit any of the above. Perhaps walked pass them, but not quite consider a visit. There was no tourist-y things done, okay perhaps one or two touristy visits to the attractions, but 80% of my time were spent with my friends. With that said, this trip is nothing short of plenty of traveling, fun, laughter and great company.

So trip technically started on Day 2, cause day 1 is trying to get over the freaking jet lag.

Day 2: At King's Fund,

11 - 13 Cavendish Square, London W1G0AN

I have attended to sign up The Integrated Care Summit 2013 held in London. It's a one day affair. Many must be thinking i am crazy to travel half way around the world for one conference. But it's money well spent. Integrated care is such a "new" concept in Singapore, i suppose any new exposure, new knowledge or new experiences is good. I have learnt a lot from our UK counterpart. Well, will leave the details of the conference to another post.

Link to Integrated care summit 2013. Find the highlights and some fantastic articles here on Integrated Care.

Welcome package from The King's Fund

Some snapshots before the plenary sessions

Tea time, look at the crowd

After Day 2 of the conference, it's the actual R&R coming up. Pampered i know, 1 week trip, only 1 day of work and 6 days of fun. Not complaining either... Some highlights from this trip.

Day 3: The Hampton Court Palace,

East Molesey, Surrey KT8 9AU

House of The Tudors

Decided to take it easy on Day 3 and do a visit to Hampton Court Palace on my own. Taking it easy is really to take my time, chill, walk around, breathe in the air, and have coffee. Literally smell the roses. It's pretty easy to navigate London to Hampton Court. Just take a tube from London Waterloo straight to Hampton Court station. The South west train service runs directly to Hampton court and takes around 45 minutes or so? Just ask around! I am sure you won't get lost.

**Oh oh, do check the train schedule before going to the station! Plan your day early to avoid wasting time**

Hampton Court Station

Signage near the exit of the station. Really you can't miss it!

This is the bridge to Hampton Court

Hampton Court Palace on the right

Hampton Court Palace straight ahead

Introduction wall at the visitor centre

Maps and Materials to Hampton Court Palace

Welcome to Hampton Court Palace

Tudor play going on inside the palace

The famous clock tower.

The epic clock tower. The astronomical clock was constructed between 1540 and 1542. The tower that houses the clock overlooks clock court which is in the centre of the palace. The clock tells lots of stuff! (Hour, month, day, position of the sun in the ecliptic, twelve signs of the zodiac, phases of the moon etc.)

One of the many huge gardens in the palace.

Gorgeous isn't it?

Well this is Hampton Court Palace.

Hampton Court is really historical, interesting and fun. It will take half the day to explore the humongous Hampton Court, visit the different exhibitions, explore the beautiful gardens and enjoy a cuppa or so at one of the quaint cafes. The rest of the day was definitely spent doing this and hence no more pictures! Everything is in my memory, do visit Hampton Court Palace if interested!

Day 3: Dinner with Daniel

The day ended off with a nice dinner at a Persian restaurant along Edgware Road with my junior, Daniel. Big thanks for lending me a roof over my head when i was in London.

My spices chicken. Taste surprisingly not too bad!