busy as a bee: UK Trip Day #7

Wednesday 6 June 2012

Day 7 was when we go separate ways. The boys went to Manchester to visit the Old Trafford while the girls went out what else for some shopping :-D

The boys day out

Left the apartment at 9.15am and walked to Leicester Sq tube station which only took then 3 minutes. We took Northern line and arrived at Euston rail station at 9.45am. Walked around the station and waited outdoor as the weather was nice, finally the sun came out.

We took a 10.40am Virgin train from Euston rail station. Our seats were in coach B. The train was the Pendelino type, can travel up to 125mph. It made short stops at Crewe and 2 other stations, before arriving at Manchester Piccadilly station at 12.55pm. Our tickets were bought way earlier in March. Tickets are sold 3 months in advance and the price is way cheaper.

Saw bargains at Tie Rack, bought 3 ties. We also bought some sandwiches and snacks for lunch. Took the Manchester Metrolink from Manchester Piccadilly station to Old Trafford. This was a tram, so it went through the Manchester city centre (above the ground).

After 25 minutes, we reached Old Trafford train station. Walked to Old Trafford stadium. Somehow this stadium looked different from the one Ayah went to 12 years ago. Later on we realized that it was the Old Trafford cricket stadium! Asked for direction, then walked further before we finally saw the real thing – Manchester United Old Trafford stadium. It looked majestic from a distance, and even more amazing up close. Muazzam had pre booked their tickets via Manchester United - Museum and Tour eBookings. 15pounds for adult and 10pounds for junior plus 1pound booking fee.

Afiq in front of Old Trafford

Afiq & Ayah in front of Old Trafford 12 yrs ago

Searched the entrance to the tour, and joined a long queue. As we already had a confirmed booking, the steward asked us to proceed straightaway to the meeting point for stadium tour. This took us inside the museum, but as the tour was starting in less than 10 minutes, we decided to tour the museum after the stadium tour.

Tour began at 2.30pm. Tour guide was Bill, who could be in his late 50s or early 60s. It took 1 hour. We were taken to the North stand (now known as Sir Alex Furgeson stand), then to the Stretford End stand. Bill also took us to the players’ lounge, the players’ dressing room, Munich tunnel and the dugout. We sat at where the players sat on match games. Took lots of photos.

Afiq & Bill

After stadium tour, we made our way to the museum to have our lunch (at 4pm!). we then toured the museum. After that, we did some shopping at the Megastore. Afiq bought key chains for him and Faiq.

We walked back to Old Trafford stadium, during which time it was already raining. From there, took the Metrolink to Manchester Piccadilly station. We took the 7.15pm train back and reached the Euston rail station at 9.30pm. We straightaway took the Northern line to Leicester Square and reached the apartment just before 10pm.

The Girls day out

We went out a bit later than the boys. Our first stop was Oxford St. and to be exact Primark. Bought jeans for the girls because they are cheaper than back home. Sarah's jeans cost 6 pound while Hannah's 5 pound. Found a London tshirts for Afiq and a cute London tote as souvenirs. We went to M&S foodhall for lunch and head back to the apartment.

Photo from Google--M&M's World London

Our next stop was the M&M's World which is a walking distance from the apartment. We had fun taking photos and looking...looking ok at the merchandise. We came back with a pack of M&M's. You can choose the colour/flavours that you want and they will weigh it for you. The sale person politely upon seeing me in tudung told us the colours which are non Halal. One of it was the Red colour. This is also the place where we lost Sarah for a few seconds but it seems like ages. Luckily she didn't went upstairs to look for us. She just stand near the stairs. I guess she got panic when she can't see us and thought that we had went up. *sigh ...without the 2 boys along, mau meraung mamanya kalau hilang!

Some of the colours available in M&M's World London

Our purchase

Saw this clock on our way back to the apt

Now its mama time to choose our next stop which is also a walking distance from the apartment. Here we come .....Cath Kidston the 2 girls had no choice but to follow their mama looking for the shop which unfortunately not so easy to find. It's around Covent Garden area. Oh...we saw Drury lane on our way there.