THE JOURNEY TO RUSSIA, FRANCE & ENGLAND

Transcription

1 THE JOURNEY TO RUSSIA, FRANCE & ENGLAND

2 Day 1 Domodeovo Airport The plane came to a sudden halt. I was currently in Moscow, Russia, fulfilling my dream to explore different cultures around the globe. Walking through the airport was fantastic, many colours filled my eyes and many shops were surrounding me. The sentence, Dobro pozhalovatʹ v Moskvu -meaning welcome to Moscow in Russianfilled my ears as I walked out of the exit of the airport. The airport staff smiled and he pointed to where my transport was. I cheerfully said spasibo -meaning thank you-. The driver got out and he opened the door for me, I sat inside and he closed the door before he went back to the driver s seat. He turned around to face me and he asked where I wanted to go. I told him that I wanted to go to the Red Square, he nodded and he stepped on the accelerator. I had planned to go to France after Moscow, and then I would finally visit London. The car stopped after minutes and I got out of the car. The view had startled me. It was such a beautiful sight. I could see the St. Basil s Cathedral in the far distance and The Kremlin Wall was somewhat close to it. I did not realise I was standing right in front of the Baltschug Kempinski Moscow Hotel. While entering the hotel, I quickly made my way through to the counter and I told the staff, that I had reserved a presidential suite for myself. The staff nodded and he gave me my key and I took it with a smile on my face. The Kremlin was constructed by Prince Ivan III and he invited a number of architects from Renaissance Italy, Petrus Antonius Solarius, who designed the new Kremlin wall and its towers, and Marcus Ruffus who also designed the new palace for the prince.

3 St. Basil s Cathedral was ordered by Ivan to mark the capture of Kazan from Mongol forces in 1552 and it was completed in I couldn t wait to visit those two buildings. From all the rumours I had heard, it had to be my first stop in Moscow, but the thing is... I had to wait until Wednesday for the St. Basil s Cathedral to open, since it was closed on Tuesdays and only opened between 11am and 5pm. Baltschug Kempinski Mozcow.

4 Day 2 I was in the St. Basil s Cathedral an hour before the closing time. While I walked through the corridors, I thought to myself that walking in there was easier said than done. I couldn t find where the doors were and the only light source I had, was my torch. It was hard to breathe in the tight hallway, because the dust was so thick, I could see it very clearly with my torch. The twisted corridor made my fear of confined places worst. As I ventured further in, I unexpectedly heard something behind me. I snapped around and I shone my torchlight onto where I heard the sudden noise. Nothing was there except for two rats, scuttling around the cold floor. I felt sweat running down my neck, and my knuckles were turning white from gripping my torch too tight with terror. The noise was like a wolf, howling under a full moon or a quiet wind brushing against the leaves on the trees, but other than that, it was too frightening to explain. I turned around again, only to see a figure rush across my vision. I shrieked. I happened to trip on my own shoelace when I scampered to where I assumed the exit was. I collapsed onto the freezing floor front-first, skinning my knees and elbows at one fell swoop. After the pain subsided, (which took three minutes or so?) I felt an icy hand on my shoulder. A shiver went down my spine. I thought it was that thing I had seen a few minutes ago, until I heard a male s voice. Are you ok? I nodded, I think I am... I couldn t see his face quite well in the darkness, but I could feel that he was smiling, strike that. I think he was smirking. I m sorry for running in front of you like that. It must ve petrified you, huh? I nodded again. It took a long time for him to stop laughing at, who know what he was laughing at. When he actually stopped cackling like a mad man minding his own business, we paced towards the exit and we walked out of the Cathedral. He promised me lunch the next day to repay me, somewhat. I had to accept, because he gave me those weird puppy eyes which I do NOT find cute at all. If any of you, readers are asking: Why did you accept? I had to accept because if I didn t, he ll continue giving me those puppy eyes.

5 I still couldn t believe what had happened in the Cathedral. I kept on thinking to myself, what if it wasn t him who terrified me. What if that noise was somehow related to the figure I saw, and what if, something that was living in the St. Basil s Cathedral didn t want to be seen? I will never find out. St. Basil s Cathedral

6 Day 3. Early in the morning, at about 8am, I was already in Red Square, and I was busy taking pictures of the beautiful scenery. I saw a little girl run up to the pigeons and when they flew away she laughed. I think she was about six or seven, according to the pink dress she was wearing. I turned to my left to face the girl, I fumbled for my camera and I took a picture of her, while she was flapping her arms around like a bird. She ran to me like I was one giant fluffy teddy bear and she jumped on top of me. While she stared at her photo, her eyes were gleaming with passion, somewhat. She asked me if I could take another picture of her. She began posing in front of a building as if I was her personal photographer and she was a model (kids these days). Her mum scooped her up and I quickly took a picture when the two looked at each other with so much love. Her mother apologised, but I said that it was a pleasure taking photos of her daughter. We said our goodbyes and I returned back to taking my own pictures. While I took pictures, a bird had the worst coordination I have ever seen, it started flying in random circles in front of me, and then all of a sudden, it hit my face. The forced was strong enough to make me lose my balance, and I fell to the ground painfully. Hey, you ok? I looked up. The man from yesterday was looking down at me. I can t believe a bird flew into your face. He smirked. Shut up, and help me you idiot. He helped me up and I inspected my camera. I glared at him, and then another bird surprisingly flew into his face. I laughed hysterically. Shut up!! He growled. At least I didn t fall like you did a few minutes ago! After five minutes of arguing, we settled down at a restaurant called Badamzar. I have heard that the staffs, who work there, treat you as if you are royalty. I find that amazing though. I had ordered Saucy Lagmans, and the famous Salad Tashkent. I could see my food being prepared by the chefs clearly through the open kitchen. It smelled heavenly. After ten minutes or so, our food was served. His food looked so delicious. I took a fork and I ate one piece. It was scrumptious! I asked him what it was made out of and he scanned through the menu. Though I think I heard him gulped when he found the page, with the food that he was eating.

7 Ah... it s horse meat. I looked at him as if he was crazy. He sighed and he turned the menu around. I looked at the information given: Made by the finest horse meat in Moscow. I ran to the toilet and I vomited. After 50 seconds, I went out and I sat back down groggily. How was my food? Was it horrible or really tasty? He asked me, while he cocked his eyebrow. Horrible. I stuck out my tongue. He nodded while shoving his plate away from him. It was the worst day imaginable.

8 Day 4 Walking through the airport was like the toughest (it isn t really tough, I was just exaggerating) maze ever. I was getting a headache from trying to find the boarding hall. I could see someone familiar off in the distance. I froze. It was him. He ran up to me and he explained his whole I-heard-from-the-others-about-you-and-you-are-sointeresting story. After about two minutes or so, we both sat down opposite each other, staring out of the huge window on my left (it would be on his right). The plane had just arrived from wherever it came from and after it parked or whatever you called it for planes, many people rushed opposite us waiting-to-board-the-plane people. The staff called out my name and asked me to board. I grabbed my luggage and I rushed towards the plane through the terminal alley. The airplane staff greeted me as I walked to my seat in the business class. Not long after I sat down, Sam passed me with a frown on his face. He had to sit at the first row in the economy, which was just behind me. An hour before the plane needed to land; I heard lots of screaming behind me. I unbuckled my seatbelt and I bravely step foot into the economy. Goodness, it was noisy. Lots of kids were running around, chasing each other, and the adults I don t even want to start on them. I saw Sam sitting there, covering his ears from all the noise. I was really glad that I was sitting in the business class. After the noisy one hour, everyone rushed to collect their bags from the overhead compartment and waited in line to exit the plane. I looked over a lady s shoulder in front of me and I saw the cabin crew quickly said their popular we hope you enjoyed your flight quote to us passengers. While walking through the terminal alley, Sam ran past me with a scared look on his face. Kids were running after him. When I reached the end, I felt my mouth hanging. It was huge. I haven t realised that it was huge airport. It wasn t as packed as the airport in Moscow, but it still was packed. I rushed to the Luggage Claim area and I waited for my bag. When I took my bag, it felt two kilograms heavier! I felt like it was something to do with my shopping spree back in Moscow. I dragged my luggage and

9 stood at the exit/entrance of the Charles de Gaulle Airport. I waited for ten long minutes. He ran past me, again. I groaned as I walked to our transport and while listening to his pleads. Charles du Gaulle

10 Day 5 While I was peacefully sipping my afternoon tea in Paris (after I settled in the hotel), I heard a high-pitch scream. After jumping out of my skin, I nearly choked on my tea. It was them. I have no idea how they found us, but it was shocking to see them again. I felt someone grab my arm. A split-second later, I was pulled out of my seat. I grabbed my bag, purse and I left some cash on the table and a waiter came running outside to collect it. I saw about seven figures. They were tiny until they were about five metres away from us. Kids, why kids? Why must I be the one who gets chased by kids? Wait. I slipped out of Sam s grasp and the kids ran right past me. I heard him shout at me, if I am not mistaken, I hate you When he came back (it took him ten long minutes), a kid was hanging off his arm and the kid was busy biting it. Kids these days, they re so into cannibalism. I didn t say that out loud though. The thing that surprised me is that Sam was crying like a five year old. I stood there in absolute silence while staring at him as if he had gone mad whatnot. I groaned as I picked the kid up and I tiredly walked to the mother. Whilst they walked away, the mother was busy scolding her son. I walked back to Sam, who jumped right at me and held my leg. I gazed over to where his ghostly eyes were staring at we bolted. More kids. We both walked to the Eiffel Tower when everything calmed down. My camera was nearly dead. I cursed while I fumbled for extra batteries and that s when I realised, I left them in my hotel room. I turned off my camera while I used my phone. To my surprise (not), my phone had to be charged. Why didn t I charge my phone and camera last night? I kept asking myself that question, until I got hit on the head, before I wanted to kill whoever hit me, I froze. The sight was amazing. The Eiffel Tower was lit up many diverse colours and the river next door was gleaming with the reflection. About 10 minutes away from where we were standing, Hotel Du Louvre stands tall. When Sam was completely vulnerable, I ran. I ran towards the hotel as fast as I could. I accidently flung my arm into his torso and he snapped into reality to just realise that I ran away from him. It s turned into a game of cat and mouse, now this has made my day. Not.

11 I poured myself a cup of tea while standing on the balcony, above Sam s room. I heard a shout from below me. I saw his face, winking up at me. Where are we going tomorrow? I think he shouted at me. I shrugged while I was busy staring at the Arc du Triomphe, all lighted up with golden colour lighting. Hotel du Louvre Eiffel Tower

12 Day 6 It was huge. The Arc de Triomphe was huge. I took at about 75 pictures of the Arc de Triomphe on my camera and about 15 pictures on my phone. A large amount of tourists were crowding around a large, gigantic pillar. I didn t care what was going on, so I continued taking pictures. The sun was rising from its sleep and luckily, it was behind me. I was getting curious by the second. I tucked my camera in my pocket and walked to the large crowd. I peered over a lady s shoulder, and what surprised me was a girl. It was the same girl I met the other day. She was crying while biting her hand to keep her from screaming. I squeezed through the people and I get down to her. I lost my mum She cried. Where did you lose her? I tried to keep my calm. She pointed to the Eiffel Tower and I saw a lady shouting a name in the distance. I took her in my arms and I walked back to the Eiffel Tower, with Sam right behind me. Once I reached the tower, her mother was shouting and running towards me. I set her down and she went running towards her mother. I still love to see those two. They are so adorable. I gazed upon the tower towards my left; it still looked as beautiful as I saw it last night. While walking around the tower, my heart fluttered with awe. The tower stood tall at about 324 metres. You readers have probably heard that the Eiffel Tower grows taller during the day and it not exactly shrinks in height in the evening. I didn t really mind about that fact. All I cared about was this magnificent tower. While I was in a trance somewhat, I heard a scream. Someone ran away with a bag whatnot, and that bag belonged to a lady who was busy crying. No one wanted to help her, I wandered why. When I was about to shout at everybody, someone took off, chasing after that man. In the end, the police cuffed the man for theft and the lady was busy hugging her bag as if it was a teddy bear. All of a sudden, in my suite, it went cold. The marble flooring made it worst. My feet were freezing! I rushed to the window and I looked outside, and it was noisy. Well, I expected it to be noisy. Many people were shouting madly for some odd reason, so I felt safe in my room.

13 Arc de Triomphe

14 Day 7 It was time to go to London. The flight was at night and I had to wait for another hour, and yes, I am currently in the airport, waiting for my name to be called. Sam was talking to his sister on his phone while I was listening to my songs on my own phone. Glancing out of the window, I wandered if I should visit Moscow again. I miss the cathedral, even if it scared me. I was so busy thinking, I didn t even realise Sam clapped right in front of my face. After remembering where I was, I dragged my luggage bag to the terminal alley. I thought thoroughly of where I should stay. I looked over the map all over again. I thought that it would be nice to stay at Four Seasons Hotel, since it was close to London. Sitting in the plane, was painful. During the take off, my back was hitting on the chair simultaneously. I hoped that I didn t turn out old when I get out of the plane in the next one hour and a half. When it was 10 minutes before landing, I scanned through the map once again, so I could remember how to travel from hotel to town. While I was mumbling to myself where all the streets were, I could see out of the corner of my eye, the infamous clock tower, Big Ben. I nearly slammed my nose on the window when I tried to get a clear look of the clock tower. What also caught my eye was the Buckingham Palace. I was in a trance for a good 60 seconds before I got hit on the head. I couldn t wait until I step foot in the London Heathrow airport. Why is it that in every airport I step foot in is so packed? Everywhere I looked, people were standing, sitting, chatting, singing. Wait. There s someone singing? Never mind. While I walked through the airport, many people were cueing in front of where people get their boarding passes. As I walked out of the airport, a driver asked where I was going with the man next to me (it was Sam). I told the driver all the details, and he said that he would take me to my destination. To all of the readers out there, I highly recommend you to stay at Four Seasons hotel. As I got out of the car, I stood there with my mouth open. Sam s expression was the same while he uttered a thank you before he dropped his bag onto the cold ground. A hotel staff picked up the bag while clicking his

15 fingers in front of Sam. I was the first to snap out of my trance. I helped the staff by shaking Sam really hard. It took us around 60 seconds to finally get him back into reality. I found it hard to believe the place. Firstly, it was huge. Secondly, a strange rumour had said that actors and actresses actually stay here, if they are shooting in London, but I m not too sure. I might be mistaken for Mexico. I told the receptionist that I had booked two suites next to each other. She nodded while typing in the details. She told us both our room numbers and Sam took our keys from her with a smile. I sat on my bed with a cup of tea in my hand. It was a tiring day, if I say so myself, due to my jetlag. I still needed to get used to the time difference, since London is on the other side of the world. Replaying the memories of Moscow and France made me wonder. Should I go back to those countries? I really think I should. Travelling to those countries made me into a different person. Before, I wasn t the type to travel, but now I am. Travelling sets my heart free, somewhat. I kept nodding to myself, until I yawned. Tomorrow is a busy day. I smiled while I tucked myself into bed, I couldn t wait until tomorrow. Four Seasons Hotel at Park Lane

16 Day 8 At ten in the morning, I was eating breakfast on the balcony. I stared at the scene in front of me while I was eating my scones. I had my map beside me, my camera on my lap and my phone in my pocket. I had planned to walk to Hyde Park, the Big Ben, London Eye and the Buckingham Palace. Even if I didn t go to all of my destinations today, there is always a tomorrow, but I had already planned to leave England tomorrow. As I locked my door five minutes later, Sam was locking his door too. He grabbed his camera and map and we walked to the lift. Walking to Hyde Park was easy. It wasn t that far. I kept taking pictures of the scenery, and luckily I charged my camera last night. After ten minutes, we walked to the London Eye. It was about three kilometers away, but it was fine for me. I could hear Sam wheezing behind me. I chuckled to myself. I managed to stop myself by staring at the London in front of my eyes. It was bigger than I expected. I fumbled for my ticket in my pocket while I was cueing behind lots of people. I heard that it took 30 minutes until you could reach the bottom, but I really didn t mind the wait. All I wanted was to see the Buckingham Palace from where whichever pod I land into. The line went quite fast, aside from the people getting out of their pod. It was nasty. People kept pushing against each other just to get out of the cramp space and into the open. After five to seven minutes of waiting, I finally went inside with Sam right behind me. The pod was spacious, there was more room than I expected. I got ready with camera, and I took a 360 degree turn, so I could capture a lot of -I am not joking- photos. My legs were dying. I stood in the pod for 30 minutes straight! I felt like I could collapse in a heap sooner or later. Sam was worst. He felt like-- no. I should not tell any of you what exactly happened. I do not recommend anyone who is afraid of heights. That s all I need to say. After everything was normal, we walked to the Buckingham palace. It took us less than ten minutes to actually reach the palace (by taxi). The palace was beautiful. I took around 15(?) pictures of the castle, and what amazed me was the guards. They actually scared me. They just stood there, not blinking, actually they were but not like the rapid blinking, it s just like once in a while.

17 Sam bravely waved in front of one of the men and nothing happened. He lightly stepped onto the guard s shoe, and that s when I pulled him back. I apologized to the guard and he just blinked. I reckoned it was a no problem or an I m fine, it doesn t even hurt sign. I managed to go to all my destinations in one day. I still wanted to see more of London, but sadly, I had to leave tomorrow morning. Hyde Park London Heathrow Buckingham Palace London Eye & Big Ben

18 Day 9 I am currently in the plane, flying back to Brunei and this will be my last entry for the week. Travelling to Russia, France and England had changed the person I used to be. I used to hate travelling, but after visiting those three countries, I love travelling. The main reason of me travelling was that a friend told me to stop being a couch potato and visit the world, but now, I had a totally new reason. It was to change the person I was back then. I am planning to go for another trip to three different countries with my travel friend, Sam (he has lived in Brunei for two years). I was thinking if I should go to Kenya, Italy and Mauritius. This experience had made me eager to visit the whole world, even the South Pole and the North Pole. It has also made me the adventurous type, which was nowhere near my previous personality. I would love to visit the three countries that I had visited in the last week to meet new people. Looking outside the window in the plane, made me want to cry of mixed feelings, it was either, sadness or joy, but I do think it was sadness. I strongly recommend you all to visit those countries and see, if it changes you, as it changed me.