When I was wondering in the train station, trying to figure out which platform it was, a girl approached me. "Is this the train to this place? I need to go there to catch my train to Berlin"
"I have no idea, I am looking for my train too"
I found a man that looked like local, and bingo, he was from Frankfurt. He told me I was at the right platform and which train to take. The girl overheard that, and quickly jumped in to ask him, and of course, she got her answer too. So 3 of us boarded the train when it was here, and I even helped her with her luggage. I believe in helping fellow travellers :-)
I got to know that she was also one of the victim because of this Heatrow drama. She was on Lufthansa, and was going to Berlin via Frankfurt. However, Frankfurt airport was seriously affected by the closure of Heatrow, many flights were cancelled. She waited for 3 days and have decided to take a train instead. A brave decision as she was carrying 2 luggages, one big one and one hand luggage.
I arrived in city after 15 minutes, and shopped around. It was not snowing so heavily today, so it was easier to walk around. I managed to find G Star Raw in one of the shopping mall, so happy! I made my way back and reached the hotel past noon, in anticipation of good news. There was quite a number of the passengers surrounding the counter, so I thought that there was good news. The update was SIA has arranged land transportation for us, which will take 13 hours from Frankfurt to London. There was a lot of questions, such as "How's the traffic?" "Which route are we taking?""if we do not take this coach, when is the next one?"
I hestiated because the idea of 13 hours bus ride in the dark, snowy and slippery road was scary. It was like another Singapore to London flight. Finally I decided to go ahead after one of the Singaporean girl said that at the our luggages were with us, and need not go through the airport. I felt so relieved after making the decision, and went to the city again, this time with Joel and Robin. We had mull wine and Robin bought us sausages at the Christmas Market. This was in preparation for the long bus ride.
The bus departed from the hotel at 9pm. Many of the passengers were waiting at the lobby before 9pm, all were anxious to go to London. I told Joel that I wanted to sleep throughout the journey, and I really did. The bus made a toilet stop in Belgium, and w through France, then finally reached Heatrow at 10am the next day. 13 hours indeed! I was really tired, but was happy to reach London.
Strand Palace Hotel: Where I stayed in London, near the theatres.
The bad news was that I could not check in as the room was not ready. I went to the theatre, hoping to change my Lion King ticket. I explaine my situation to the lady, and she did not seem too concern. Thank God that the man who was seated at the corner, who seemed to be the manager turned around to ask me more details. He said he will try to help, and told me to wait. After 10 minutes, he came out from the room to ask if I could make it for the matinee that afternoon. Yeah!
Lion King was a great production! It was held at the Lyceum Theatre, which could sit approx 2000 people. The opening was great, with the production crew marching along the isle. It was interactive, great performance and great songs! Definitely worth the money.
