Cruise on the Thames

After Caen Hills, we were given another treat; this time we were on an actual cruise not on the Avon but on the Thames.
All thanks to long time comrades.

Dr. Sandra Scott has been a family friend from the 70s. In those days, we become friends not only to a particular member in the home but to the whole family. So Sandra is friend to my siblings and my parents. On her annual trips back to Malaysia she makes it a point to visit good old Muar where some of her next of kin are still residing.

On a previous trip a couple of years ago, we took a cruise down the good old Muar river.

But on this trip to the UK, dad, Sara and I saw them in Surrey; outside London. Sandra and Tony have been our guests some years ago and it was such a pleasure to see them hale and hearty in their lovely abode.
Both of them felt we ought to have a quiet cruise and not be taken up by the busy London air and so there we went !

Dad loves to see the Thames as it brings back wonderful memories of his student days. River Thames lives up to its reputation and it gives us tremendous pleasure to be on it.

The daily cruise allows passengers to view the scenic landscape along the banks of River Thames and the gentle breeze adds further pleasure to the ride.

Look at the apartments along the banks. Isn't it thrilling to have the Thames at your window space? When you dream to have an apartment here; you may just have it. All inspirations start with a dream. But it is really lovely to live along the River Thames.


Privately owned boats and yachts are a common sight. We were informed that the owners pay an annual fee for parking privilege. What a lifestyle. In Summer you row your boats; in winter they sleep along the Thames. When you see how people treasure leisure, it makes me wonder why I am waking up in the wee hours of the morning for more than a quarter of a century and trudge to school. I don't want to go back to school.

The rippling waters calm the soul.

What are they looking at so eagerly?

Yes we arrived at Teddington to have a live experience with locks ! We saw how the locks were opened after we have been 'dropped' from a certain height and then to cruise through it.

It is indeed exciting to watch how the system works.

Notice the beautifully created houses along its banks. Really, where else is a better place to retire? But they come in the millions.

Even the ducks took the liberty to relax and enjoy; the holiday mood is so apparent.

The cruise saw us arriving at Richmond where it parked itself for a short interval outside White Cross.

At White Cross, we had a simple meal and savour in the scenic atmosphere. So nice to watch people eat in leisure.

We are a happy family. We are more than friends. My children are like theirs too. Sandra and Tony make a handsome couple and my girls love to be in the company of Aunt Sandra; they say she is fun and looks at life creatively. At...ahem...guess her age. You can't get it right . She's groovy!

On an earlier day just before Grace and Esther left for home, we met up at Leicester Square in good old China town.

The Chinese look for China Towns all over the world. They must go there for a meal somehow whether it be in Petaling Street, Melbourne or London.

We had a sumptuous tim sum and ate as though we had missed the meal all our lives. The girls had an interesting time catching up with the Scotts and said their reluctant goodbyes eventually.

But it was indeed good that we could meet up with old friends although on holidays and we hope to meet one another on another occasion... let good things happen again !